Workout Dress Code: How the Right Clothing Can Boost Your Performance
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Have you noticed a difference when you were exercising in normal sports clothes and clothing specifically designed for working out? During intense workouts, we tend to sweat a lot. When you’re wearing a traditional tee and shorts combination, the sweat lingers on your skin and creates a sticky, uncomfortable sensation.
Which, in turn, makes it harder to endure through the entire workout session. Therefore, having the right clothes for a workout is a crucial aspect of optimising your fitness routine. Enhance your comfort during your training and find workout clothing that will feel light and soft on your skin.
Do Gym Clothes Matter?
As a matter of fact, they do. First of all, quality workout clothing can boost your performance. How? Since these clothes are made from materials that have moisture-wicking properties, they help keep sweat away from your body, which is crucial during exercise. You’ll be able to focus better on your workout sessions without getting annoyed by the damp, sticky clothing.
Additionally, the right fit and stretch of the gymwear can support a full range of motion. This means that you can move freely and comfortably and be able to do your exercises with proper form and technique. To cut it short, the importance of workout clothes cannot be overstated. It’s about improving your performance and regulating body temperature, so you can feel comfortable and more confident with your fitness journey.
Choose Your Workout Clothes
Material
The gym clothing is made from materials that help draw away moisture from the skin. This feature is crucial and, ultimately, the most important for optimal comfort. The most common materials used in sportswear are polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton or blends with some of these fabrics. As such, these fabrics help regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable throughout your workout. If you prefer natural fabrics, choose clothes made from cotton.
Cotton is a material that has naturally moisture-wicking properties, it’s breathable, soft and hypoallergenic. This brings us to the next question “What are the best clothes to workout in?”. Now, this will depend on whether you have super sensitive skin that tends to react to synthetic fabrics. If this is the case, you should definitely go for cotton gym clothes or any other natural material such as bamboo. If you don’t experience any issues with technical fabrics, then nylon or polyester are great options for sportswear.
Size and Fit
You have chosen the right material, but the fit is simply not fitting. Well, if you want to boost your training performance, how well the clothes fit you is essential. Here is an illustration of how that may affect your mobility during training. If the clothes are too loose, they may get in the way of your exercises or cause distractions and a lot of frustration.
If the clothes are too tight, they will restrict your movements and cause chafing, which is a very uncomfortable feeling, especially when you’re sweating. Choose gymwear that is neither too tight nor too loose. Look for clothes made with spandex, as it allows greater movement comfort. After all, you should feel relaxed in your clothes when exercising.
Colour
When it comes to the colour of your workout clothing, it mostly comes down to personal preferences. Some feel better if their clothes are bright and vibrant, as it makes them feel energised and enthusiastic, while others prefer darker colours because it makes them feel more comfortable.
If you’re an outdoor jogger or runner, it’s better to opt for brighter colours because of safety reasons. They make you more visible to drivers or cyclists so they can see you from afar and know to avoid you. Also, cyclists should wear clothes that make them visible to other participants in the traffic or on the cycling path. On the other hand, dark colours give a more subdued look for indoor workouts or yoga sessions.
Seasonal Consideration
It’s reasonable to choose clothes that are appropriate to the season. In colder months, layer with thermal fabrics to stay warm and dry without looking bulky, and for warmer months choose lightweight and breathable gym clothes. It’s important to adapt your clothes to the weather season so you can get the most out of your workout.
Socks Matter Too
Socks are often overlooked. They seem like not a big deal, but they matter too. Socks made for exercising can make all the difference in how you feel. They can keep your feet dry and comfortable, plus, the right socks can reduce the risk of blisters and fungal infections.
Choose Gym Gloves if You’re Doing Weightlifting
If weightlifting is part of your routine, consider investing in a pair of gym gloves. They provide a better grip, protect your hands from calluses and blisters, and increase your overall lifting performance.