Once you decide to start an exercise routine you will want to make sure that

you can optimize your comfort level during your workout. Much of what you

end up choosing will boil down to what feels comfortable to you. Buying a

replica of your friend’s workout wardrobe may become a return headache

unless you know that those pieces are going to work for you first. With this

in mind, there are a few keys to picking out the best pieces for your fitness

apparel.

The fabric of the workout clothes you purchase is going to determine much

of your comfort level. Moisture wicking materials will keep you feeling

comfortable the longest during the sweatiest parts of your workout. For

running and high-impact workouts, material that will pull the moisture away

from your body will keep you the driest. Apparel that advertises moisture

wicking fabric will cost a little more, but will be worth it. If your workout is

going to produce a lower amount of sweat, polyester, cotton and spandex

blends, and velour are recommended. Just remember that the look of

workout apparel can be deceiving and will mean nothing if it is made with

impractical fabric.

Now that you are committed to buying apparel made with appropriate

workout materials, you will want to know which cuts will work best for

specific activities. If you are going to be outside walking, jogging or running

in various weather conditions, comfortable layers that can be removed easily

and tied around your waist, or placed in a pocket, will suit you best. The

layer closest to your skin should be a tank or long-sleeve (depending on the

temperature) made from one of the moisture relieving fabrics like nylon,

Supplex, Coolmax, polypropylene or Thermax. A sweatshirt or fleece vest

can be worn over the first layer, and all of this can be topped with a rain

protective jacket. For your lower half, there are a lot of moisture wicking

pants, which even come in thermal styles for warmth, that can be worn alone

or with a top layer of Cirrus pants, which breathe and repel water. Don’t

forget to bring a knit cap or hat. The least bit of wind chill will leave you cold,

especially when you pick up a little speed.

If you are going to be working out in a gym or in your home, it is also a good

idea to start with layers. A tank with a t-shirt that you can remove once you

get warmed up, along with spandex tights which can have loose fitting shorts

thrown over them, will guarantee your free movement and range of motion.

Wearing a t-shirt throughout a workout will often become cumbersome for

any activity from yoga to lifting weights, so try to use them only for layering.

Yoga and Pilates are comfortable in loose, but stretchy enough to retain their

shape, pants, Capri’s and shorts. Tanks with scoop or slight v-necks are

versatile for the weight room or step-class. For women, a tank should either

leave enough room for a supportive, athletic bra, or should already include a

quality, built-in-bra. Look for nylon, Lycra or spandex blends for your indoor

workout apparel.

A lot of fitness enthusiasts are wearing loose fitting, athletic shorts made of

jersey cotton, or nylon with polyester, over a base of cotton mixed with

Lycra shorts. This provides a base layer to deal with moisture and a top one

to deal with warmth and comfort. Lose fitting shorts can also be worn over

ankle length spandex pants or tights. Another benefit from wearing these

combinations is that you don’t have to feel like you is going skin-tight, yet

you can enjoy the dryness and versatility of your base layer.

Buy a few pieces for outer and inner layers that are of quality fabrics which

will let your skin breathe and keep it from chaffing. A workout should be

done in as comfortable clothes as possible so you can focus on the muscles

you are working and you’re breathing. Your layered pieces, matched with

socks that are not too thin or too thick, and supportive sneakers, will help

you get the most out of your workout.