What To Wear To the Gym: The Best Women’s Guide

With the coming of the new year, many people find themselves motivated to start hitting the gym more often. Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or are finding yourself new to gym life, I’ve got the perfect guide for you.

I went ahead and put together a guide on what to wear to the gym along with all my favorite gym outfit ideas because, after all, what you wear to the gym does matter. 

Gym Day Essentials

Along with the essential articles of clothing needed for the gym, other non-clothing-related items are pretty essential for any gym trip.

Let’s talk about what those items are so you can feel prepared when you head to the gym:

Reusable Water Bottle

Arguably, the most important item you need when you head to the gym is your water bottle. 

I recommend a reusable water bottle so you can always have it on you when you’re on the go. A reusable bottle with a sleeve and strap is even better; super convenient to tote around and a great way to stay hydrated on the go.

Water bottles come in a variety of sizes — grab a few! While you might want to take the jumbo bottle to the half-marathon, a smaller bottle can slip in your fav purse, for hydrated days at the nail salon or at work. 

Protein

Many gym junkies like to have protein during the day when they work out. This helps repair muscles and help them grow. I definitely recommend incorporating a protein shake into your workout routine.

Headphones

Headphones help me enjoy my favorite music or podcasts while working out.

It’s no secret that working out is not easy, and perhaps you’re not the biggest fan of working out, but you want to improve your health. Headphones provide a welcome distraction from that difficult routine.

Gym Bag

A gym bag is necessary to tote all of these items to and from the gym. It’s an easy way to ensure all your items are together and an easy way to store your items in a gym locker. Opt for a sturdy gym bag so that you can also store your everyday clothing for after you work out.

Shower Essentials

Speaking of everyday clothing, many gym-goers like to go before or after work. If that’s the case, you’ll need to bring some shower essentials for when you change back into your daily clothing.

Shower essentials include shampoo (or dry shampoo), soap, a washcloth or sponge, and conditioner as well.

Key Items for Motivation

While there are gym essentials, there are many other gym items that are optional, but I find them helpful when it comes to motivation to work out. For example, a pair of good quality and sturdy tennis shoes that match much of my workout attire is a must-have for me.

I enjoy a watch to monitor my vitals while I work out. This helps me to keep myself on track as well as to see where I have improved. A smartwatch is a great way to listen to your music through Bluetooth headphones.

Of course, having cute gym clothes is also a top priority for me. I love to look good wherever I’m headed. A flawless set of workout clothing always boosts my confidence and leaves me feeling motivated to put in some reps.

Outfit Ideas Based on Workout

Not all workout clothing is ideal for every workout. I’ll talk a bit about my must-have outfits based on the exercise I’m looking to accomplish that day, as there are many different types of workouts.

Outfits for Endurance Training

For endurance training, you’ll want an outfit that is durable and sturdy. I like to wear running shorts with tight lining built in, along with a tightly-fitted t-shirt and sports bra. This will ensure that all my clothing is secure and in place.

Outfits for Strength Training

When focusing on strength training, I like to wear a pair of bike shorts with a sports bra and a flowing crop top. I find this combination is the best for intensive workouts like strength training. It allows me to have secure clothing and some breathability from the crop top.

Outfits for Balance Training.

Balance training is a lesser-thought-of exercise that is actually pretty crucial. Balance affects everything in your daily life, from standing and walking to more complex movements. Yoga is an amazing way to practice training your balance. 

I like to wear your typical yoga gear when balance training. Leggings, sports bras, and matching sets are all my favorites of mine when it comes to yoga.

Outfits for Flexibility Training

Flexibility training is another essential exercise. You can achieve this through yoga as well, but also other exercises such as dance or barre.

I like to wear similar outfits to balance training when doing flexibility training. Leggings with sports bras and cropped tops, and even tennis skirts with sports bras, are among my favorites.

7 Gym Outfit Ideas

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite outfit ideas for when I head to the gym. Come along with me as I delve into all things athletic wear. 

Breezy Athletic Shorts With a Crop Top

Breezy athletic shorts look fantastic paired with a crop top. You can pair them with a flowing crop top or a tight-fitted crop top; either way, it’ll look stunning. 

Matching Sets: Leggings and Sports Bras

Finding that hottest matching set of leggings and a sports bra always feels great. It’s a simple way to pick out an outfit and look stunning nonetheless. I like to wear an athletic coat over my leggings and a sports bra when I head to the gym in the cooler months of the year.

Then, all I need to do when heading out to coffee after a light workout is slip on a blazer for a runway-ready athleisure chic ensemble. 

Bike Shorts With a Sports Bra

Bike shorts paired with a sports bra is an easy and simple look for the gym. It’s my go-to when I’ll be doing more intensive training or if it is hot out. It’s the best outfit for jogging and cycling as well. It makes me feel like I could truly do anything. 

Breezy Tank Tops

Breezy tank tops are some of my favorite tops when it comes to working out. They’re an easy top to pop on over your leggings and a sports bra if you’re looking for a little more coverage.

Match Your Top With Your Shoes

You can pull an outfit together if you match your top with your shoes. When shopping for athletic shoes, keep in mind what kind of tops you already have at home and what you’re looking for in the future.

Athletic Dresses and Skirts

Two items that have been soaring in popularity are athletic dresses and skirts. These items are functional yet cute and allow you to add feminine flairs to your workout regimen. I love to pair an athletic dress with an athletic sweatshirt or a tennis skirt with a sports bra and crop top. 

The Perfect Gym Outfit

Whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or new to the game, you can always benefit from a wardrobe update. From simple outfits to complex layers, the options for outfits for the gym are pretty limitless. I hope this guide has inspired and motivated you for your next visit to the gym.

Sources:

Should You Have a Protein Shake Before or After Your Workout? | Healthline

7 reasons why what you wear in the gym really matters | Harper's Bazaar

10 tips for staying hydrated this summer | University Health Center by Nebraska Medicine