How to Dress for the Gym

Co-authored by Hannah Park

Last Updated: July 28, 2022 References Approved

For Women

|

For Men

|

General Advice

|

More Help

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

|

Warnings

|

Things You'll Need

When you go to the gym, it's important to wear clothes that are breathable and flexible. It's good to look good – but remember that fitness and safety are your foremost concerns. Ill-fitting clothing can cause itchy skin, rashes, or more serious injuries. Also, be mindful that your clothes may shift when you're working out. Wear clothing that will facilitate a solid workout.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

For Women

1
Choose a lightweight t-shirt or sweatshirt. Wear a breathable material like cotton or polyester. When you work out, you'll grow hot and sweaty, so you want to make sure that your clothing doesn't trap the heat. If possible, choose a top that is specifically designed for wicking sweat. Consider wearing a tank top or sports bra for a more breathable—if more revealing—outfit.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you have large breasts, then a sports bra may be essential for a comfortable gym experience. No matter your size, a bit of extra support never hurts.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
2
Pick your bottoms. Wear something flexible, with an elastic waistband: gym shorts, sweatpants, track pants, or yoga pants. You should be able to perform a full range of leg workouts while you're wearing the bottoms. The bottoms that you wear also depend on the effect that you're going for: tight and skin-showing clothing can help you show off, and baggier, more flowing garments might help you blend in.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Short shorts may afford you the most flexibility, but they can also show a lot of skin. If you feel shy in shorts: wear sweats or yoga pants.
- If you wear shorts, inspect yourself from all angles in a mirror before you go to the gym. Keep in mind that people may be able to see up the leg of your shorts when you're using certain equipment, like the leg press.
Advertisement
3
Bring appropriate footwear. The shoes you wear will depend upon the sort of exercises that you're doing. If you plan to do any cardio, then bring shoes that will offer plenty of protection for your feet and legs. Keep in mind that a lot of gyms don't allow open-toed shoes.
- If you'll be running on a treadmill, then make sure to bring running shoes. If you will be using an elliptical or exercise bike, then your footwear doesn't matter so much – just wear something comfortable that you can stand in.
- If you'll be training weights, make sure to wear something with ample ankle and arch support. Running shoes are always a good choice.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

For Men

1
Wear shorts or sweats. Make sure that your bottoms give you a full range of motion. Be conscious of how much you will sweat during your workout, and think about how hot you're going to get.
- Try not to wear shorts that extend more than an inch below your knees – especially if they are loose around the legs. The lower your shorts, the shorter your range of motion.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- If you decide to wear shorts, be aware that other people may be able to see up the leg of your shorts when you're using machines like the leg press.
2
Take a breathable, flexible shirt. A cotton t-shirt or tank will suffice. Alternately, choose a breathable, sweat-wicking polyester shirt. Pick something that will absorb sweat and that won't restrict your range of motion.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- A tank will show off your arms, and a t-shirt can be a slightly more modest choice. Decide what you're going for.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
3
Choose appropriate footwear. The shoes you wear will depend upon the sort of exercises that you're doing. If you plan to do any cardio, then bring shoes that will offer plenty of protection for your feet and legs.
- If you'll be running on a treadmill, then make sure to bring running shoes. If you will be using an elliptical or exercise bike, then your footwear doesn't matter so much – just wear something comfortable that you can stand in.
- If you'll be training weights, make sure to wear something with ample ankle and arch support. Running shoes are always a good choice.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

General Advice

1
Wear lightweight, breathable socks. Cotton socks are generally a good choice. Make sure that the socks are neither too tight nor too loose!
- Wear high socks or low socks, to your taste. Short socks will give your legs more space to breathe, but high socks can be useful for wicking away sweat.
- Tight socks can constrict your legs and slow your blood circulation. On the other hand, socks that are too loose might distract you by sliding down your legs.
2
Carry a towel. As you move about the gym, use a soft, clean towel to wipe your sweat away. You don't want to leave your sweat on the seat of a machine! Most gyms provide clean towels for members to use during their workouts. Do not share a towel with anyone, or else you risk sharing germs!^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Clean up any sweat that you do leave on a machine. Use a small, clean towel to wipe down the seat, the bars, and any other part that your sweat has touched. Your sweat carries bacteria that could infect someone else if left to dry on the machine!^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
3
Wash your clothes after the gym. Even your own sweat, when left to dry on fabric, can breed nasty bacteria and then infect you. Odor-making bacteria tend to grow better on polyester than on cotton – but you should wash all gym clothes regardless.^{[9]
X
Research source}

More Help

Gym Outfit Ideas

What Not to Wear to the Gym

Tips for Picking Out Good Gym Shoes

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Do men need to wear underwear to the gym?

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer in British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Underwear helps soak up sweat and keep it off of the benches at the gym. However, only you can choose whether you wear underwear or not. If your underwear chafes, consider baggy, light-weight briefs or light-weight sweat pants instead.
Question

Should I wear sweat shorts at the gym, or do I need to buy gym shorts or sweatpants to wear instead.

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer in British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Wear what feels comfortable and allows your legs to move freely during all your exercises. Remember that when you are lying on a bench, if your shorts are too short or baggy, people can see up the leg. The gym is full of mirrors so be aware of the views you are giving to other gym goers.
Question

Should I take water instead of a protein shake?

Community Answer

Yes, drink the protein shake before or after the work out and take water to the gym.

Warnings

Do not wear anything in polyester or similar material clothing as it does not breathe as natural fibers like cotton do. Heat and sweat trapped by these fabrics can cause rashes if you have sensitive skin; they also tend to retain the smell of sweat.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 74 Not Helpful 27