How to Choose Comfortable Workout Clothes

Comfortable Workout Clothes Don't Have to be Frumpy

Ok, this is it.

You've decided on a new exercise regime.

You're going to stick to it. You're going to get skinny.

Yay.

But wait ...

What the hell do you wear?

You don't want to look frumpy, but you don't want your lumps and bumps on display.

And man, you want to be comfortable.

So what should you look for in your workout clothes? What makes them functional, but not frumpy?

Here are my top tips for comfortable workout clothes.

1. Comfortable Workout Clothes: Stretchy Fabric

First and foremost, stretchy fabric.

This is essential for workout clothes.

You are going to be moving around, a lot, and depending on what you are doing, you might be putting yourself in some weird positions.

Stretchy fabric means your clothes will move with you, not against you.

It will make sure your lumps and bumps are covered. And you won't have to worry about our top going over your head when you're in down dog.

Stretchy material is also easy to layer.

A vest, a t-shirt and jumper or jacket.

Because, yes you could move into the gym for winter, but it's not as much fun as being outside. And, let's face it, you can't exactly rely on the British summer.

2. Comfortable Workout Clothes: Technologically Advanced

Technology in clothing. Really?

Yeah.

What your clothing is packing in terms of technology can really impact your comfort throughout your workout.

So what should you look out for?

Your fabric should have wicking ability, which means it literally wicks your sweat away from your skin keeping you nice and dry.

An anti-microbial treatment can combat odour, so people won't be afraid to partner up with you.

Glow in the dark will keep you safer in the dark nights.

And what about insect repellent? A god send in the summer when you're crawling through grass.

3. Comfortable Workout Clothes: Activity Appropriate

A lot of your decisions about workout clothes will be centred around what activity you'll be doing the most.

If you're into running, you'll need something that's a bit more fitted and doesn't flap around in the wind. A bit aerodynamic. That's not just about keeping your times down, but also comfort.

There is nothing more annoying than getting tangled up in loose, baggy clothes when you're running around a field.

If yoga is more your style, you'll want something a bit looser fitting, particularly on the bottom. That will make moving a lot easier.

If you prefer to spin around a pole, you'll need a bit more grip, so shorts would be better.

Bear in mind what you'll be doing the most when you choose your clothes.

4. Comfortable Workout Clothes: Style

I used to wear pretty much the same thing to all of my workouts.

I had a loose(ish) pair of track suit bottoms and an array of baggy t-shirts, topped with a very unflattering hoodie.

The hoodie hasn't gone (I do love a hoodie), but I've learnt that I don't have to look frumpy when I workout.

I don't have to just use my crappy t-shirts that would actually be better off as rags.

I can stay true to my style.

And you can to.

Workout gear now comes in more colours than just back and grey.

There has been a resurgence of funky workout clothing. So whatever your style, you'll probably find something to fit it.

You don't have to blend into the background, unless you want to, of course.

5. Comfortable Workout Clothes: Sports Bra

Sports bras need a special mention, because let's face it ... your girls are special and they need special attention.

They shouldn't be bouncing about.

You see breasts are composed of fatty tissue and are supported mainly by skin and fragile ligaments. These are not elastic. During repetitive or high impact sport your breasts will bounce and pull on the ligaments, forcing them to stretch. And once they have stretched, they stay that way.

And you don't want saggy boobs, do you?

Running without any bra causes the average woman's breasts to move up an down by 8.5cm.

Wearing an ordinary bra reduces this by 32%. A sports bra reduces this by at least another 20%.

What to look for?

Make sure it's the right fit. Lots of department stores offer a free bra fitting service. Make use of it.

Get the right support. This will depend on the type of activity you're doing. The higher the impact of your chosen sport the more support you'll need.

If it's high impact you'll need a full on cup, with padding.

Comfortable Workout Clothes: My Favourite Brand

Personal recommendation:

There are lots of really excellent brands available, but one of my personal favourites is USA Pro.

It's really comfortable and really good quality. Bear in mind that most of my exercise sessions involve crawling through fields, copious amounts of chalk or throwing myself around a pole or through the air.

I've had some of my bottoms for over three years, and yes, they are a little faded, but they're still going strong.

I also really love the choice of designs available with USA Pro.

You can go plain, bright or all out funky.

Personally I go for all three.

My main consideration is cost. They are really reasonable. They regularly have sales and you can often get two pairs of bottoms for under £20.

That's useful for me when I can't decide which colour to go for.

Go get Comfortable Workout Clothes

So there you have it.

The most important thing to consider when choosing your workout clothes is what you'll be doing.

Right, I've told you my favourite brand.

What's yours?

Let me know by commenting below.

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