The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (2024)

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (1)

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Let's level with each other here: If your body is a temple, it's one of those creepy decrepit ones the wily adventurer has to escape in the climax of the movie. In other words, you need to exercise. Bad. Yes, it's winter, the weather's sh*tty, your bed's warm, yadda yadda yadda. I've heard it all before (read: I made the exact same excuses earlier today).

But excuses are for lesser men. The past two years has been stressful on every front imaginable—along with a few fresh hells you couldn't have possibly imagined a mere twelve months ago. But guess what? The year's (almost) over, baby! And now a fresh start awaits. So if your primary New Year's resolution (yet again) is to finally whip yourself into tip-top shape, you've come to the right place. What better way to guarantee you get in those steps than by investing in some of the best workout gear money can buy and then feeling so guilty about it all that you have no choice but to put it to good use?

Don't let your body become a deserted shrine to gods long forgotten. If copping gear you're genuinely excited to wear is the only way to ensure you actually stick to those pesky resolutions this upcoming year, so be it. Regardless of the type of workout you go in for, I rounded up some of the best gym clothes on the market—and put together a little inspiration on how to wear 'em—so you can get your sweat on in style come 2022.

New year, new me...right?

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (2)

Nike NRG ACG Cinder Cone Printed Recycled Nylon Jacket

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (3)

Nike NRG ACG Cinder Cone Printed Recycled Nylon Jacket

Now 60% Off

Look, man, we're not reinventing the wheel here: Nike's a giant in the game for a reason, and you could do way worse than buying the entirety of your workout wardrobe from the brand—and from its All Conditions Gear line, in particular.

Lululemon Drysense Mesh LS Tee

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Lululemon Drysense Mesh LS Tee

Now 42% Off

Lululemon might be most famous for its wardrobe-disrupting take on the plain black legging, but don't sleep on the brand's tees: there's a reason so many stylish guys and galsswear by 'em. (For leggings, keep reading).

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Ten Thousand Interval Short

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Ten Thousand Interval Short

A pair of meticulously cut shortsare the ideal way to hide the fact that you haven't hit legs in a few too many months (we all see you, G). Cover those matchstick thighs up and keep telling yourself you'll deadliftthis comingweekfor sure!

When the weather drops below a certain degree, compression pants are definitely the play. Protect your gams at all costs, gentlemen.

Nike City Rep TR Training Shoes

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Nike City Rep TR Training Shoes

The ideal all-purpose training shoe, now in a slightly sleekersilhouetteand with Nike's most comfortable cushioning yet.

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The North Face Etip Recycled Glove

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The North Face Etip Recycled Glove

Now that we've got the rest of your body covered (literally!), it's time to focus on the parts that usually freeze first.

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (9)

Huckberry Beanie

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (10)

Huckberry Beanie

Become the star of the dramatic, Rocky-like training montage you were always meant to be.

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Adidas Essentials Light Down Vest

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Adidas Essentials Light Down Vest

Now 30% Off

From thehigh-performance recycled materials to thewater-repellent finish, this quilted vestsuddenly skipped to the top of our winter workout wish list.

Uniqlo +J Dry Sweat Half-Zip Pullover Hoodie

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Uniqlo +J Dry Sweat Half-Zip Pullover Hoodie

Assuming noneof the sportswear giants included here arecompensating you in the form of a fat sponsorship bag, hold off on dressing like a walking billboard and diversify your options with this streamlined, logo-lesshoodie. No free promo, baby!

Amazon Essentials 2-Pack Performance Tech T-Shirt

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Amazon Essentials 2-Pack Performance Tech T-Shirt

Now 20% Off

The reviews are in, and this tech shirt from Amazon Essentials gets gold stars across the board.

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Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim Sweatpant

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (14)

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim Sweatpant

In terms of sheer throwback appeal, very little contends with a pair of classic gray cotton sweatpants, especially when they come from Reigning Champ.

Converse Chuck 70 High-Top Sneaker

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Converse Chuck 70 High-Top Sneaker

For hardcore, heavy-duty lifters, it's hard to beat the timeless versatility of a classic Chuck. If you'rethe type ofdude whoordered himself a full home gymthe first week of lockdown, these are the trusty standbys you turn to every time youstruggle to overhead press your body weight in the middle of theliving room. And man, I never thought I'd say this:You've got a point.

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (16)

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Salomon Escape Beanie

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Salomon Escape Beanie

Not only is this cap warm and cozy, it's also moisture-absorbing, leaving you nice and dry as you start sweating.

Under Armour UA Sportsmask

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Under Armour UA Sportsmask

The face mask that always manages to sell out is temporarily back in stock—and still one of the best options on the market for any upcoming training sessions.

Rhone Bolinas Beach Crewneck

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Rhone Bolinas Beach Crewneck

Rhone's a relatively new entrant to the already-crowded activewear arena, butif styles like the beach crewneckare any indication,the brand will be around for a while.

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Fourlaps Advance Shorts

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Speaking of new entrants, Fourlaps is a relative baby compared to some of its bigger-name sportswear competitors, but—as evidenced by the sheer handsomeness of thesebreathable, highly mobileshorts—the brand is alreadywise beyond its years.

Smartwool IntraKnit Merino 200 Baselayer Bottoms

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (21)

Smartwool IntraKnit Merino 200 Baselayer Bottoms

Now 25% Off

As promised, more of the aforementioned leggings—a scourge of casual work environments (read: living rooms)the world over, and a slightly more appropriate mainstay in as many gyms (read: also living rooms).

The Gym Clothes That'll Make Getting in Shape This Year Suck Slightly Less (2024)

FAQs

What is the best type of gym clothing? ›

Gym clothes should be made from breathable, quick dry, moisture-wicking fabrics to move trapped sweat and heat from the body to keep you cool and comfortable. Lightweight clothing is also important to prevent overheating. Heavy clothes cause faster fatigue, shorter workouts, and less efficiency throughout.

Why is it important to change clothes for gym? ›

Wearing the right clothes can be highly motivating and help you achieve your goals. 79% of people owning good gym clothes have been successful in achieving their fitness goals.

Do workout clothes make a difference and are these helpful for exercise? ›

Yes, sportswear is helpful with exercise moves and workouts for several reasons: Comfort and Flexibility: Sportswear is designed with moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics that keep you comfortable during workouts. It allows for easy movement and flexibility, enabling you to perform exercise moves with ease.

How does clothing affect exercise? ›

For instance, you might cut your workout short or underperform if you're not wearing breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics. The same goes if your clothes are too loose or too tight—which can also depend on the type of workout you're doing—or if they facilitate chafing and other hassles.

Why are gym clothes so popular? ›

As more people prioritize exercise, mindfulness, and overall well-being, the demand for clothing that supports these activities has risen. Clothing brands cater to this demand by offering attire suitable for a yoga class and a casual day out. Beyond its practicality, athleisure has also become a fashion statement.

How does clothing affect performance? ›

It should be lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which helps regulate body temperature and keep athletes dry. Comfortable clothing reduces distractions, enhances focus, and allows athletes to perform at their best.

Do gym clothes matter? ›

Improving Performance

Proper gym clothes are high-quality fabrics designed for performance. They work with your body to keep your temperature regulated, as well as helping you deal with the rigorous strain of a workout.

Do you need gym clothes? ›

Wear gym wear that's made of moisture wicking fabric. Because this fabric ensures to absorb all the sweat and keeps you cool throughout the workout. Choose clothes – underwear, inners, tank tops and T-shirts that are made of moisture wicking fabric that will absorb all your sweat quickly. Comfort: Comfort is the key.

How many times should you wear workout clothes? ›

Unlike jeans, which can withstand a few wears before being washed, athletic clothes should be cleaned much more frequently. Patric Richardson of The Laundry Evangelist says exercise garments should be cleaned after every workout. When running errands, like going to grab a coffee, they can be worn twice before washing.

What should a beginner wear to the gym? ›

You don't want tight clothing or anything that will restrict your movement or make you feel distracted. In addition, you'll want to make sure that your clothes fit well - too loose or too tight can both be a problem. Also, you want to remain dry, which is why you should consider breathable materials, such as cotton.

How many workout outfits should I have? ›

However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to have at least two or three sets of gym clothes that can be rotated and washed regularly. For example, if you exercise three times per week, having three sets of gym clothes would allow you to have a fresh set for each workout while the others are being washed.

How does clothing affect learning? ›

Some students may find school clothes uncomfortable. It can distract them from learning and can hurt their grade. For example, in Catholic schools, girls are often required to wear skirts, even in the wintertime, leaving them too cold to concentrate on school work.

How does activewear make you feel? ›

First, activewear is designed to be more comfortable and breathable than casual wear, which is important when you're working up a sweat. Second, activewear is often more form-fitting than casual wear, which can help you feel more supported and motivated to push yourself during your workout.

How do I choose a gym outfit? ›

It's most important to choose what you feel comfortable in. Weight-training: t-shirt, racerback vest, hoodie, joggers, loose shorts. A light, breathable top, and either shorts, leggings, or sweatpants, whatever you feel happiest in. A helpful tip is to wear layers to keep your muscles warm during your warm-up.

Is polyester or cotton better for gym clothes? ›

If you're doing low-intensity activities or prefer natural fibers, cotton can be a good choice. However, for high-intensity workouts and activities that involve heavy sweating, polyester or moisture-wicking synthetic blends are often preferred due to their superior moisture management and durability.

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