Best Activewear for Different Workout Styles
The right activewear can keep you comfortable during your next workout. However, there are different types of athletic clothing that work for different exercise styles. We’ve put together some tips for optimizing your wardrobe for your particular type of workout.
Activewear for Running
Whether you’re hitting the track, off-road trail, or city sidewalk, women’s joggers help you stay cool and comfortable while walking and running. Depending on the season, joggers can be worn with women's tank tops, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Look for soft cotton and cotton blends with a hint of stretch for fall, winter, and spring. For summer, you can’t go wrong with linen/rayon joggers.
Leggings can also be worn for running and walking. They’re an excellent apparel choice for almost any type of exercise because they fit close to the body and provide full freedom of movement. Plus, they come in an array of fashionable colors and prints to coordinate with all kinds of tops.
Activewear for Yoga
Women’s yoga pants are a must for all types of yoga. When buying this pant style, look for polyester fabrics with a touch of spandex for comfort and stretch. Polyester wicks away moisture to keep you cool through demanding asanas, while UPF 50 sun protection safeguards against UV rays during outdoor yoga classes. Another feature that’s good to have in any type of exercise pant is an antimicrobial finish to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.
It’s a good idea to wear a form-fitting top for yoga, especially if you plan to practice headstands, shoulder stands, or other inverted positions. For more coverage, you can top a sports bra or spandex tank with a T-shirt or sweatshirt.
Activewear for the Gym
The same type of apparel for walking, running, and yoga can be worn to the gym. Whether you prefer a pair of on-trend high-waisted yoga pants and a tank top, or relaxed-fit sweatpants with a T-shirt, you’ll want to finish the look with a pair of athletic trainers. Athletic shoes come in a wide variety of styles, so you can find a pair that coordinates with your gym outfit and keeps your feet comfortable and supported.
Pack your workout essentials in a canvas tote bag, which you can store in a gym locker. You'll want to include a change of clothes, along with any toiletries you want on hand. Deodorant, dry shampoo, and cleansing wipes are also items you may want to toss into your gym bag to use after your workout.
Activewear for Tennis
Stay cool on the tennis court in activewear made from lightweight cotton. A T-shirt dress can be worn for a casual game of tennis, or you can wear capri yoga pants and a polo shirt with tennis shoes. When choosing colors for your tennis apparel, opt for white and pastel hues for a spring-inspired look that also works for summer.
There are plenty of women’s polo shirts from which to choose. For an active game such as tennis, opt for breathable mesh cotton or high-performance polyester. Look polished from the first serve to the last in a polo with a ribbed, curl-proof collar and taped shoulder seams.
Activewear for Golf
Polo shirts are also excellent for playing golf. Pair a women’s polo shirt with capri pants or linen slacks for an outfit that’s comfortable and stylish. When it comes to footwear, choose golf shoes with comfort features such as a cushioned insole. For cool days, you can top a polo shirt with a lightweight cardigan sweater for a layer of warmth.
Golf skirts, women's Bermuda shorts, and skorts are other fashion options to consider when hitting the links. They go well with polos and button-down shirts, or you can wear them with a cotton/modal tee and preppy sweater on top.
Activewear for Aquatic Workouts
If your preferred exercise takes place in a swimming pool or other body of water, you’ll need the right swimsuit. There’s swimwear with shorts for comfort and modesty, along with one-piece and tankini styles with traditional bikini bottoms. You’ll also find short and long cover-ups to wear after your water exercises that provide enough coverage to wear to the juice bar.
No matter what kind of swimwear you prefer for swimming laps or doing water aerobics, you'll want to look for certain features. Chlorine-resistant fabric keeps its shape and stays colorfast even after extended wear, while no-tug bottoms stay in place to keep you covered and comfortable.
More Tips for Choosing Workout Wear
The most important aspect of selecting athletic apparel is to choose what makes you feel most comfortable. In some cases, you don’t need special clothes to exercise. If you’re already wearing something like stretch jeans or leggings with a comfy cotton top, you’re all set for a brisk stroll around the neighborhood or a dance session in your living room.