Build Your Wardrobe! Here Are Essential Pieces You Need For Exercising
Old Shirts and Sweat Pants Won't Cut It
You’ve got walking shoes, yoga pants, and an old ratty t-shirt from college. That’s all you need to start exercising, right? Think again!
The clothes and gear you wear can make a profound difference in the success of your workout. If you feel uncomfortable, you’ll be less likely to go the distance.
Luckily, I’ve curated this list of essential clothing items that every fitness buff should add to their wardrobe.
Thick Non-Slip Socks
While it may be gross, our feet can get super sweaty and slippery when we’re in the heat of an intense workout. If your socks are too thin, they’ll rub against the bottom of your shoes and cause blisters.
The best socks for working out are thick and won’t slide around in your shoes. They should be comfortable and offer plenty of ventilation so you don’t trap in sweat. You’ll be thanking yourself later when you don’t have smelly feet.
Shorts With Built-in Underwear
Running outside in the summer feels more tolerable if you’re wearing loose clothing like shorts and tank tops. However, don’t make the mistake of getting shorts that don’t give you the support that you need.
Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and many other athletic brands offer workout shorts that have built-in underwear. You should still wear underwear with the shorts, but they’ll prevent your thighs from running together when you’re on the move.
Headlamp
Do you like to exercise outside at night or before the sun rises? Invest in a headlamp that you can wear to increase visibility.
It may seem uncomfortable at first to have this extra weight on your head, but you’ll eventually get used to it. Just make sure that the band doesn’t itch or rub against your head in an uncomfortable way. You may even want to wear a sweatband underneath.
Reflective or Colorful Windbreaker
Let’s go back to the idea of exercising outside. Whether you like to run or hop on your bike, it’s important that you wear clothes that allow other drivers to see you. For this reason, a colorful or reflective windbreaker is a must.
A windbreaker is much better than a jacket because you will need that wind resistance when you’re moving at a faster rate. It’s also a lifesaver on a breezy day since you’ll feel more stable battling the elements.
Fitted Baseball Cap
A fitted baseball cap is an essential workout item for indoor and outdoor use. When indoors, your hair can get frizzy and the pieces can fall into your face, interrupting your concentration. Meanwhile, the brim will block out the sun when you’re outside and protect your scalp from potential sun damage.
Baseball caps are easier than sunglasses which tend to slide and bounce around on your face. Since the inside of the hat will get sweaty, try to find one that’s as budget-friendly as possible. You can clean it out using baking soda, soap, and hot water.
Waist Phone Carrier
The armbands for phones are fine, but when you get sweaty, they can end up slipping or becoming itchy. For that reason, it’s much better to invest in a phone carrier that fits around your waist instead.
Another option is to use a fanny pack. These days fanny packs come in all kinds of cool prints and colors, so you don’t have to worry about looking like a geek!
Stretchy Pants With Pockets
Women everywhere know all too well that yoga pants often don’t have pockets. That makes it difficult to have a place to put your car or house key when you’re working out.
Avoid that conundrum by buying only stretchy pants that have pockets. The pocket should be deep and close to your leg so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out when you’re on the move.
Form Fitting Sports Bra
Sports bras come in all styles and sizes. There are some that pull over the head and some that zip in the back. The straps can crisscross in the back or be super thick or thin.
Before choosing one, first take the time to find the right fit for the cups. The last thing you want is to be sweaty and for the bra to chafe against your arms. Next, look for a bra made with a thick, moisture-wicking material like nylon, spandex, or polyester. Cotton is an okay option as well since it’s lightweight and breathable.
Set a budget for your workout clothes and then look for garments that actually help you rather than hurt you. Form fitting clothes are always better than baggy or loose clothes since they’re less likely to get in the way.
Happy shopping!
What’s your favorite piece of workout gear? Brag about it in the comments below!
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