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WHAT TO WEAR TO THE GYM
Published: 22/05/2023, updated: 13/11/2025, by: Jasmin Bodman
New to the gym? We get it – starting out can feel a little intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to move. From choosing the right gear to finding what works best for your workouts, here’s everything you need to know to look and feel great from day one.
The gym can feel like a daunting place if you’ve never been before – but once you’re there, we’re sure you’ll love it. The right outfit doesn’t just help you look good – it can boost your confidence and performance too. That’s why we’re strong advocates for having a sleek gymwear wardrobe ready for whenever you want to work out.
Whether you’re going for a simple monochrome base, or love mixing and matching your favourite pieces to make a statement while exercising – we’ve got the right kit for you at Sports Direct. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to discover exactly what to wear to the gym.
FIRSTLY, THE BASICS
When choosing your gym clothing, there are a couple of things to consider. Breathable fabrics are key when it comes to working out, especially if you’re doing an extra-sweaty session or the temperature outside is on the higher end of the scale.
Moisture-wicking properties are ideal for your gymwear. This means that the materials draw away the moisture from your skin, helping it to evaporate rapidly and keep you cool. What more could you want when working out?
Generally, a lot of synthetic fabrics are moisture-wicking, so these are the ones to look out for when shopping for gym clothing. Think: Lycra, polyester and nylon as some examples!
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WEARING WHEN GOING TO THE GYM?
There are some clothing items that aren’t so gym-friendly. You want to be cool, comfortable, flexible and completely focused when at the gym, so the gear needs to fit the vibe. Leave the jeans at home, leave the heels and open-toed shoes at home and forget about the heavy cotton. We know a good cotton t-shirt is comfortable, but it soaks up sweat easily and isn’t as breathable as other fabrics, so it’s best to stick with the proper gym kit instead of your casual attire.
LAYERING UP AND DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER
Depending on the activity you’re doing (thanks to the gym being so versatile, it can be anything from a dance class to a weights session) you’ll want to consider the season outside.
For winter, with a drop in temperatures, opt for your favourite tracksuit bottoms, a trusty hoodie and thick socks to go over your regular gym leggings, shorts and vests. The beauty of layering? You can always strip them off if you get too hot.
For summer or warmer weather, think loose fitting vests, shorts or lightweight leggings. You may even want to just wear your sports bra with an optional coverup if it’s too hot. If any of your gym activities take place outdoors or in different places (if your gym is in a leisure centre, for example) remember to dress appropriately!
DIFFERENT OUTFITS FOR DIFFERENT WORKOUTS
As mentioned above, the gym can be a versatile place that allows you to tailor your outfits to your fitness goals. Cardio, strength, flexibility, you can work different parts of your body in many different ways. While most gymwear is adaptable and can be worn for plenty of different workouts, there’s a few different things to consider.
CARDIO WORKOUTS
Quick, high-impact and one of our favourites, cardio is all about building up a sweat. When crafting an outfit for a sweaty gym session involving some form of cardio, think about:
- Breathability: your outfit should offer optimal breathability and sweat-wicking properties to keep you cool and focused
- A good quality sports bra: if you need a sports bra when working out, consider one specifically for high-impact sports or activities to get maximum support
- Supportive, lightweight footwear: trainers that have good shock-absorption will help you stay comfortable without worrying about your shoes, providing a stable base for your outfit
STRENGTH TRAINING AND WEIGHTLIFTING
Heavy lifters and strength enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Whether you’re a beginner with the barbell or a regular trainer, the right outfit can help you reach for new PBs and stay focused.
- If you want to check progress and work on that bicep definition, a form-fitting top or vest is an essential
- Flexible clothing will offer the support you need to move freely and easily when lifting heavy weights
- Stable, sturdy shoes are essential, as you need a strong base when lifting
- Optional extras that you may benefit from include things like wrist wraps and lifting straps. You may want to experiment with a few different options to see which you prefer best
YOGA AND PILATES
If flexibility and muscle toning are your thing, soft, supple clothing should help you get the most out of your yoga or pilates class.
Leggings, soft t-shirts or vests and shorts will become your best friend, offering flexibility while not being too roomy – clothing that gets in the way of you performing yoga or pilates moves will not only be an annoying distraction but could also prevent you from performing the move properly
A low impact sports bra: a great investment, you can have the right amount of support for the activity and still feel comfortable
Depending on the studio and class, barefoot is usually best, however you may want to think about grippy socks, providing some support underfoot
CROSSFIT, CIRCUITS AND OTHER FUNCTIONAL OR HYBRID TRAINING
Similar to cardio, you’ll want to keep cool with breathable clothing. Thanks to the variety of movements in crossfit training or circuits, flexible clothing and accessories are key.
Sweat-wicking clothing is essential, such as tank tops and vests, with breathable bottoms like shorts or leggings - ideal for high-intensity parts of the workout
Footwear that’s going to allow for jumping and quick movements should be in your kit bag, such as supportive trainers with secure fastenings
You’ll probably want to consider gloves or other hand grips that’ll aid in the parts of the workout that use equipment and weights
BOXING AND OTHER MARTIAL ARTS
Depending on your gym or class, you may have a designated uniform when performing certain martial arts, so always check with the instructor if you’re participating in a class. Otherwise, keep the clothing lightweight and breathable.
Loose clothing, like vests, shorts and t-shirts that’ll allow moisture to be wicked away from your body
Shoes that move with you, including boxing boots. You’ll be making quick or lateral movements in boxing, so supportive footwear is essential
You may need special gloves or handwraps to protect your hands
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE GYM 101
Ok, so you’re heading to the gym for the first time and you’re not sure about what to wear? Don’t sweat it. Keep that for your workout. This is the easy part – comfort, practicality, and a dash of confidence are what you’re aiming for. If we boil it all down, ultimately, it comes down to this:
Tops: Breathable t-shirts, vests, or long-sleeved layers are your go-to. Bonus points if it’s a colour that makes you feel like you own the treadmill.
Bottoms: Leggings, joggers, or shorts – whatever lets you bend, stretch, and squat without a wardrobe malfunction.
Footwear: Trainers are a must. Cushioned soles and good grip save your feet (and pride) when hopping between machines or sprinting for the last treadmill. Comfort over style – your toes will thank you later.
AND WHAT ABOUT ACCESSORIES?
Never – ever – sleep on the accessories. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune or carry around a suitcase. A few smart accessories can make your workout smoother, more comfortable, and way more enjoyable.
Supportive aids – think joint supports, lifting belts, and gloves – can be absolute game-changers once you start pushing heavier weights. But if you’re new to the gym, don’t stress. You don’t need to show up looking like you’re about to compete in a powerlifting meet. Ease in, learn the basics, and upgrade your gear as your confidence (and the weights!) go up.
A gym towel is one of those unsung heroes of the gym world. Not only does it save you from that post-workout forehead waterfall, but it also signals to your fellow gym-goers that you’re a considerate human being. Sweat happens – just be ready for it.
Reusable water bottles are non-negotiable. Hydration is the difference between powering through your session or wondering why the treadmill feels like a desert trek. Find one you like, keep it close, and actually drink from it – hydration is a lifestyle, not a prop.
Breathable underwear. Yes, really! The right pair can be the difference between feeling fresh or feeling… not. Look for fabrics that wick sweat, keep you cool, and don’t try to migrate into places they don’t belong. Bonus points for packing a spare pair for after your workout. Same goes for socks – your feet deserve better than a swampy post-session situation.
A cap. It’s more than a fashion choice (though, yes, it does look good). A cap keeps your hair out of your face mid-burpee and helps shield you from the sun if you’re training outdoors. Plus, let’s be honest, it can be a lifesaver on those “I don’t feel like doing my hair today” days.
NEW TO THE GYM? YOU'RE GOOD TO GO
We hope you’ve got the hang of what to wear to the gym now; it’s all about comfort and flexibility. If it’s your first time in the gym, you don’t need to spend loads of money – stick to breathable leggings, a comfy t-shirt and sturdy trainers. When you become more accustomed to the gym and what activities you enjoy doing, you can invest in specialist kit and clothing. It’s important to remember your comfort and confidence are crucial to your success in the gym - you don’t need top of the range gear to do well.
Here at Sports Direct, we’re all about making everyone feel included when it comes to sport - we believe everyone can succeed if they put their mind to it, and we want you to enjoy the gym without worrying about your clothing and accessories. We have a huge range of gymwear for men, women and kids, so everyone can improve their fitness with ease.
QUICK HELP HUB
Do I need to buy brand new clothes or can I wear normal clothes to the gym?
You can definitely wear normal clothes to the gym - as long as they’re sweat-wicking, breathable, flexible and fit well, why not? We’d say avoid jeans and open-toed shoes though, and opt for leggings, t-shirts, vests, shorts and sturdy trainers.
What materials should I look for in my gym clothes?
Stick to materials like Lycra, nylon and polyester when looking for the best materials in your gym clothes.
Will my gym outfit affect my performance?
Of course - your gym clothing can certainly affect your performance. Being able to complete your movements fully, whether it’s a weight lift, a dance class or a run, is key, so look for clothing that’ll allow for full flexibility and comfort. When your clothing fits well too, you can feel more confident - who else loves a matching set? We definitely do!
Should I wear leggings or shorts when it's leg day?
This depends on what you're comfortable in! Leggings offer more coverage with lightweight materials, whereas shorts allow for more range of motion. Check out the temperature on the day too, as this could influence your decision (no one want to be too cold or too hot at the gym).
Should I wear my favourite cotton t-shirts to the gym?
We probably wouldn't recommend wearing cotton to the gym as it doesn't tend to be moisture-wicking. While comfortable, you could soon become hot and sweaty. Consider synthetic fabrics when choosing your gym 'fit.
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