It’s no secret that working out is tough. If you’re not in the mood to work out, it can be even more challenging than usual. And if you’re exercising outdoors on a hot day, it becomes all the more challenging. The key to staying cool and comfortable throughout your workout is wearing the proper clothing for each occasion — but how do you know what clothes are best?
Wear breathable materials like cotton or mesh
Doing so will allow air in and moisture out. When you start to sweat, the fabric will help the moisture evaporate instead of staying on your skin and making you even hotter. These materials can be lifesavers on hot days because they are made for high-heat conditions.
Wear clothes that fit you well
You should always make sure your clothes aren’t too big or small for you. Doing so will cut down on the extra fabric and prevent the clothing from restricting movement or sliding out of place as you work out. It’s also important to wear tight underwear, such as sports bras made for high-impact activities, if you’re a woman, as it will help keep you feeling dry and comfortable.
Consider the length of your workout
For short workouts, you can probably get away with wearing minimal clothing — unless it’s extremely hot out. If you’re participating in long-duration training or are planning on doing some intense exercise, then you should opt for light layers that will keep you cool during your workout and that you can easily remove if you start to sweat.
Layer, layer, layer
You can stay cool and comfortable when working out if you wear various layers. This will allow you to take off or put on as much or little clothing as you want to adjust to the temperature around you. Layers also help keep bugs away from your skin.
Wear a hat or visor
A hat or visor will help keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. This is especially important if you’re working out outdoors. This can also prevent sunburn and keep you from squinting while exercising, which can help your eyes focus on your workout instead of the irritation.
Sock it up
Another critical aspect of staying comfortable when working out is wearing the right socks. The material matters, as does the thickness and length of your sock. You should wear a thicker sock for winter workouts, while a thin one is best for summer. Make sure your socks are long enough to cover your ankles.
Choose the right footwear
If you’re working out outdoors in the summer, then flip-flops aren’t a good idea. They don’t provide much cushioning or protection against scrapes and other injuries. Opt for shoes that are comfortable and give your feet ample support. Running shoes and hiking boots are good for this. If you run on a treadmill, consider wearing sneakers with elevated heels and soft soles.
Don’t dress for an imaginary workout
When choosing what to wear, don’t plan your entire workout; wear roughly the proper attire. For instance, yoga pants are perfect for almost any occasion because they are comfortable and move with you as you work out. Meanwhile, if you aren’t sure what to wear on a given day, it’s better to overdress than underdress.
Avoid what makes you uncomfortable
There are some things you might want to avoid wearing when you work out, such as clothes that are made of wool or other materials that can make you feel itchy or sweaty. You might also want to steer clear of clothes with logos or designs on them, as they can be distracting. If you’re not sure whether a particular piece of clothing is appropriate for a workout, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose something else.
Avoid wearing jewelry, watches, hair accessories, and other items that may irritate your skin or catch on your clothing. It’s important to wear clothes you feel good about when working out. If something causes discomfort or irritation, take it off until you’re done exercising. It helps you focus on what’s important — your workout.
When choosing what to wear when working out, your clothes must be appropriate for the activity at hand. This is because the wrong type of clothing can cause irritation or discomfort — two things no one wants while they work up a sweat.
The ideas mentioned above should help give you some ideas about dressing appropriately and staying comfortable throughout your workout. It may seem like an overwhelming task at first glance, but don’t worry. We hope our advice will make finding the perfect outfit easier than ever before.
