What to wear to the gym for better performance

Gym wear should keep you both comfortable and supported during your workouts, but with so many options from loose shirts to compressed shorts, it can be difficult to know which is the best for your exercise. 

Gym gear can make all the difference in pushing you towards your goals and keeping you at the right temperature so you can fully focus on your exercises without uncomfortable clothes holding you back. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’re a seasoned gym enthusiast looking for your next favourite outfit, keep reading as we guide you through the best clothes for gym workouts so you can enjoy an outfit that supports your exercise. 

Why is wearing the right clothes to the gym important?

Having a premium kit for your workouts will keep you comfortable even during intense exercises. With sweat-wicking fabrics and good ventilation, supportive gym clothes will allow you to work out longer without overheating. They can also provide added support by allowing a full range of motion so you can get the most out of your workouts.

What should a beginner wear to the gym

As a beginner, the biggest priority is finding clothes that are both comfortable and flexible. Cotton is a popular option for a lot of beginners. Especially as a lot of first-timers use old shirts or joggers for their workouts, however, cotton tends to hold moisture and can become heavy and uncomfortable as they hold the moisture when you sweat. 

A great place to start when finding excellent kit for the gym is to look for synthetic materials such as nylon. Synthetic materials are both flexible and moisture-wicking, making them a great option for gym-goers, and they often help to improve ventilation through increased breathability.

It’s also important to have a good pair of shoes, whether you plan to hit the treadmills or the weights, you’ll need something sturdy that is both comfortable and has a good grip. For cardio-based exercises, you’ll also likely want something that is lightweight and breathable, or even tailored to your specific gait if you plan on running often. A sports shop will be able to help you pick a suitable pair, however, if you’re more into weights than running, a sturdy pair of athletic trainers will be suitable. 

Women's gym clothes

Gym clothes are frequently gendered to provide better support for the different anatomy of men and women. As such, men and women will have different outfit requirements for the gym that can best suit their needs and comfort. For women, we’d recommend the following items.

Sports bras

Sports bras are a very important item in women's gym clothes. Not only do they provide support, but they reduce the risk of injury and discomfort by acting as a shock absorber and reducing breast movement. A lot of women choose to wear their sports bras with leggings or shorts and forgo shirts completely to enjoy a free range of motion and plenty of ventilation during intense workouts, and some choose to wear them under sports t-shirts for improved comfort or confidence. 

Women’s gym leggings

Leggings are another popular option for women as they provide support where needed but also offer stretch and flexibility that won’t hold you back. They’re also often made with those must-have synthetic materials that will wick away sweat for optimal comfort. 

For example, take these women's tech leggings, they’re crafted from lightweight stretchy materials, a mid-rise waistband and an ultra-skinny fit - making them a versatile option for weight lifting, yoga and running alike. They also offer a snug fit at the ankles so you don’t need to worry about loose fabric getting in the way of your exercise.

WOMEN’S TECH LEGGINGS - BLACK £14.95

Women's gym shirts

There are many kinds of gym shirts to choose from, from tight long sleeves to light and airy vests, it all depends on the type of workout you’re doing (and also the time of year). We would recommend fitted shirts as they can prevent chafing, but ultimately, you should wear what you feel comfortable in. 

If you’re looking for something more loose and breezy for your workouts then our women’s classic jersey in red is a great choice, with its quick-drying fabric and quality loose fit. If you prefer something that’s a little more form-fitting, our navy tech overlay shirts are a long-sleeve option for your workouts - made with a lightweight stretch fabric that provides a comfortable feel and thumb loops to keep your sleeves in place. They’re a great option for those who still want to experience the full range of motion while keeping at a comfortable temperature.

WOMENS CLASSIC JERSEY - RED £9.95

WOMEN’S TECH OVERLAY - NAVY £19.95

Men’s gym clothes

As mentioned before, men’s gym clothes will vary from women's gym clothes to best support their different needs. Many men prefer a looser fit, opting for shorts or cuffed joggers. However, compression clothing can be used to increase blood circulation and oxygen to the muscles.

Men’s gym shorts

Men’s gym shorts should allow for ease of movement and ventilation which makes them suitable for more exercises from cycling to weight lifting as this will help prevent chafing from excessive sweating. We would recommend shorts with elastic waistbands for the most support during your workouts.

A prime example of some superior gym shorts for men is these Evolve Tech shorts, crafted from soft, flexible fabric to provide maximum comfort and maximum movement. The elasticated waistband promises a secure fit while doing anything from jumping to running and the breeze design ensures a comfortable temperature no matter the intensity of your workout.

EVOLVE TECH SHORT - BLACK £17.95

Men’s gym sweatpants

If shorts don’t suit your fancy and you want something a little warmer for those colder months then men’s sweatpants are another popular choice. They’re the perfect balance between men’s shorts and leggings, while some may find shorts too breezy and leggings too tight, sweatpants strike the optimal in-between. Take these Evolve Tech pants, Offering a stylish slim fit, and crafted from sweat-wicking materials, they’re the perfect mixture of loose, breathable and comfortable. They also come with zip pockets so you have somewhere to keep your keys and phone so you can focus on your workout completely stress-free.

EVOLVE TECH PANTS - NAVY £17.95

Men's gym shirts

It’s a good idea to stock up on a wide range of gym shirts for different exercises and seasons. It’s recommended to have both loose and fitted shirts. However, as long as the material is breathable and able to keep moisture at bay, the fit is up to you. One of our personal favourites for the gym is this Focus classic jersey, striking the perfect balance between fitted and loose, these jerseys are perfect for enhancing performance and enjoying a full range of motion.

FOCUS CLASSIC JERSEY - WHITE £9.95

Unisex items and other gym accessories

Of course, regardless of gender, there are some things everyone should think about when heading for a workout at the gym. You’ll need some accessories and other smaller items that can make a huge difference when it comes to an effective workout.

Gym bags

Gym bags are one of the most useful items for when you’re heading out for a training session. If you’re bringing towels and clothes, water bottles or maybe even your own weights, a gym bag will keep all your stuff together so you can enhance your workout with ease. 

This player's holdall bag is the perfect touch to your outfit. Keeping your items organised and secure, this bag is designed with a hard case for complete peace of mind when carrying your more delicate items. It includes wet and dry compartments for those who prefer to shower at the gym.

PLAYERS HOLDALL (LARGE) - NAVY £22.95

Gym Socks

Gym socks are often a forgotten part of people's gym gear - but they can make all the difference in avoiding sores and blisters. These black ankle socks with a reinforced heel and toe that stop your feet from sliding in your shoes for premium support no matter if you’re lifting weights or hitting the treadmills.

ANKLE SOCKS (3 PACK) - BLACK £9.95

Get premium gym clothes for your next workout with Avec Sport.

Whether you’re a beginner gym enthusiast or you’ve been going for years, if you want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your workouts while enjoying premium comfort then you need to make sure you have the best gear for the job.

Here at Avec Sport, we know how much of a difference the right kit can make, which is why we stock a wide range of gym wear made from performing-enhancing materials to help provide you with a comfortable and effective workout.