With the athletic-chic trend sweeping the country, the variety of workout gear choices available to us has skyrocketed. When you’re shopping for your next sports bra or running leggings, how do you know what to choose? How much of a difference is there between different fabrics and brands? We made you a quick guide to help you navigate the athleticwear universe. Here are the characteristics of your perfect workout collection!
1. Sweat-wicking
If you’ve ever sweated through a cotton t-shirt, you know the importance of working out in clothes that breathe. That’s why you should always stay away from natural fibers when picking out your exercise gear. While natural fibers absorb water, synthetic fibers tend to repel it. This means you should look for spandex, polyester, etc., instead of cotton or wool.
2. Sun-resistant
If you’re running or swimming outside in the summer during the day, you’re risking skin damage from the sun’s powerful rays. Some fabrics—like the Lucy Surrender Pullover Top ($69)—have built-in sun protection, which is a great way to make sure you’re not getting burnt. Also consider wearing a light, sweat-wicking hat to protect your face!
3. Well-fitting
This is most important when it comes to choosing a sports bra. While those with smaller breasts should choose “compression” bras, which restrict movement, those with larger chests should buy “encapsulation” bras, which support each breast individually. Those in the middle (C or D) should wear “compression/encapsulation” bras, which combine the two different features. Check out a full guide to picking a sports bra from REI.
4. How much should I spend?
When you’re trying to decide between new lulu leggings and a year’s worth of groceries, you may be wondering why some workout clothes are so much more expensive than others. For the most part, more expensive workout pieces are noticeably higher in quality. They are often made with those optimal synthetic fibers we talked about earlier, which make working out more comfortable. Similarly, they’ll probably last longer without falling apart or stretching out. Beyond the technical superiority, there’s some scientific evidence to suggest that what we wear directly impacts the way we feel and act. According to an article published in The Atlantic, spending a little extra to get workout clothes that are cute and fit well may not be a bad idea. Long story short: when we look good, we feel good. So to answer the question of whether we should splurge on workout clothes, the answer an unsatisfactory, “it depends.” Though high end athletic brands are usually better made, cheaper versions will often get the job done just as well. Instead of focussing on price tag, choose the clothes that fit best and make you want to get on the elliptical (or at least not totally hate the idea). If you do want some nicer things, consider buying a couple of pricey pieces that you can mix and match with cheaper ones.
Now that you’re an athleticwear expert, there’s no excuse not to pick up some new gear and get to work!