You've decided to embark on the grand adventure of sculpting your muscles and convincing your abs to come out of hiding. But before you hit the gym floor and give away the fact that you're a newbie, decipher what to wear for your first gym session.
Our fitness experts are on hand to guide you through leggings, tank tops and the occasional confusion over which way your gym shirt is supposed to face. This gym wear will make you look like you know what you're doing (even if you're not). And, perhaps most importantly, keep everything in place while you're feeling the burn.
Why are gym clothes important?
Gym clothes aren't just about looking great (although, who doesn't want to flex a little in trendy activewear?). They play a key role in enhancing your overall workout experience. First off, they're designed with performance in mind. Ever tried reaping the benefits of yoga in jeans or running in cargo pants? Take it from us: it's not a good or comfortable look. Specialised gym clothes provide the flexibility and freedom of movement necessary for various exercises, ensuring you can bend, stretch and jump without feeling restricted.
Moreover, the fabrics used in gym clothes will be able to wick sweat away quicker than, let's say, cotton. This will keep you dry and prevent that uncomfortable, clingy feeling.
Beyond the practical benefits, there's a psychological aspect. Putting on your gym gear can be a powerful ritual to signal that it's time to work out. Also, let's not underestimate the confidence boost that comes with a great set of gym clothes. As cliché as it sounds, when you look good, you feel good, and feeling good often transpires into a more motivated and effective workout.
Ultimately, gym clothes are important for more than just aesthetics. They're a functional, psychological, and confidence-boosting essential for anyone ready to conquer the gym in 2024.
What do men wear to the gym for the first time?
The best gym clothes for men are often a mix of fashion, function, and a dash of "I woke up like this." But what do our fitness experts suggest is a good idea to don for your first gym session?
Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor Will Lobley is very much an advocate for putting comfort first.
"For me, that means a loose cotton tee and joggers (shorts in the summer). Footwear is a pair of classic Vans, as I enjoy the flat sole for weightlifting and a pair of cotton socks that are low fuss. I enjoy cotton as it's natural and breathable, and it doesn’t cling when I sweat, a problem I have with technical material gym wear. It’s also easy to clean and holds its shape.
"I have a carabiner that attaches my locker key, liquid chalk and wedding ring to my water bottle. Other than that, it's headphones in and Spotify on."
Meanwhile, Tech & Fitness Writer Jack Barrell is keen on gym wear that empowers and inspires.
“I opt for a reliable pair of joggers/sweatpants from Gymshark, and a nicely fitting training top or vest. My go-tos are from Myprotein or Nike. You might’ve heard the term “pump cover” thrown around; it’s a playful way of saying you’re layered up. A classic route is an oversized tee over a training top or vest. Another popular choice is just simply to add a hoodie to the existing fit.
"As long as you feel like yourself in your gym kit, little else matters. If you can go in there and exercise effectively and comfortably, and you like the way you look, you’re already a champion.”
What do women wear to the gym for the first time?
What women wear to the gym expresses personal style, an ode to functionality, and a celebration of the confidence that comes from looking good while breaking a sweat.
Gemma Lavers, our resident Health & Fitness Writer suggests you should wear whatever you feel great in.
"Confidence and comfort are key. Remember that confidence often begins with feeling good in what you wear. So, choose colours and styles that make you feel empowered even before you've entered the gym. Comfort is also important. The best materials you can choose for your gym gear are breathable fabrics, like moisture-wicking materials.
"The basics are: a good pair of seamless gym leggings from Gymshark and a well-fitting sports bra, I like Nike's or ColorfulKoala's. Layering is also a smart choice for the gym. This is so you can adapt to changing temperatures and easily transition between different workout activities. A lightweight top paired with a zip-up jacket makes for a versatile combination.
"Above everything, embracing your personal style within the bounds of practicality is the most important thing. Feeling confident and comfortable in your gym attire will not only help you focus better but will also help you to make the most of your gym experience. Happy gymming."
Meanwhile, Editor Natalie Corner advises taking advantage of a trial week or personal training session. This is so you get a feel for the layout of the gym. If this isn't available, you can always check the website or Google for videos to see where all the equipment is. She reiterates how important this is to boost your confidence for walking in on your first session.
"For clothing, if you're cross-training in the gym - i.e. lifting weights and doing circuits - I swear by Under Armour's TriBase Reign trainers. They are flat enough for lifting but supportive and flexible for different movement styles. They are sturdy, and the sole doesn't wear out in five minutes like Nike shoes do!
"I have long worn Gymshark clothing for the gym. Something about dressing up in matching leggings and tops makes me feel more motivated about going when I'm in a nice fit. It gives me an extra confidence boost, and I like the colourways the brand releases. However, if we're talking about longevity over style, I vote to buy a few pairs of USA Pro gym leggings as they come out way ahead of Gymshark for me.
"But do not, I repeat, do not sacrifice style over support, though, when it comes to a sports bra! The tops with tiny straps do nothing if you're doing jump squats or running on the treadmill. Anything above medium to high support for mid to large-chested people. Unless you're doing yoga or Pilates, then it's not too bad."
How often do I need to wash gym clothes?
The eternal dilemma: to wash or not to wash? In an ideal world, you'd wash your gym clothes after every workout. But daily laundry for every plank and yoga session might not be the most sustainable option. So, if your gym clothes are particularly dirty from an intense workout, it's time for a spin. Moisture-wicking fabrics are great at keeping you dry, but they also trap odour-causing bacteria, making a wash often necessary.
However, if your workout was a gentle stroll or a 12-3-30, you might get away with a couple of wears. The key is to trust your nose. And if you're clothes are giving off Eau de Gym Bag, it's time for a wash.
Ultimately, washing frequency is a personal choice, guided by scent and your laundry schedule. Just make sure you're turning your gym clothes inside out before washing to ensure the soapy-water can get to all those nooks and crannies that have been collecting sweat and bacteria.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation – she enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends. All while staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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