What to Look For in Workout Clothes

Whether you’re trying to break through a workout plateau or just want to feel comfortable while working up a sweat, the right clothing can make all the difference. No one wants to fuss with a waistband that’s slipping or chafing their leg during a HIIT session, for example, or be saddled with a sports bra that won’t hold up through a set of jumping jacks.

Fortunately, there are plenty of work out clothes that prioritize both function and style (and won’t cost you a fortune). The best exercise apparel tends to have two main features: moisture management and breathability. Moisture-management fabrics wick away sweat to keep your skin cool and dry and can include polyester, nylon or polypropylene. Breathability means that the fabric allows air to move freely through the garment, helping you stay cooler and reducing humidity.

Workout Clothes 101: Your Essential Guide to the Perfect Fitness Attire

The best workout clothes also feature flatlock stitching, which helps to prevent chafing and irritation while you’re breaking a sweat. And, if you’re worried about odor-causing bacteria building up in your gym bag, look for workout clothing with Silverescent technology that inhibits the growth of odor-causing microbes.

Some brands also offer special workout clothing technologies, such as compression qualities that add a slight amount of pressure to the muscles to promote blood flow and circulation. Nike, for example, is an industry leader in this area with its performance-focused workout clothes that include compression technology. In addition, the company offers Nike By You options where you can customize your sneakers to fit your personal workout goals.