What You Wear During A Workout Matters More Than You Think (2024)

“You’re just going to get it all sweaty anyway.” How many of us have thought this about high-priced or on-trend activewear? It’s normal to question the wisdom of purchasing cute gym clothes to exercise in when they’re just going to get sweaty and dirty.

But research studies and human performance experts agree that what we wear to work out actually does make a difference in both our motivation to break a sweat. Here’s why.

5 Ways Choosing The Right Workout Clothing Can Impact Your Training

Color Psychology is a Powerful Force

What You Wear During A Workout Matters More Than You Think (1)

Yes, color psychology is a real thing! Different colors affect our mood, energy level, productivity, motivation, and concentration. For example, seeing the color red can literally increase your heart rate. In fashion terms, this means choosing a red outfit for your workout can help boost performance during boxing and kickboxing, HIIT workouts, cardio, or other high-intensity training sessions.

Psychologically, the color black is often linked to thoughts of power and dominance, and studies on professional football teams have shown that teams wearing black uniforms tend to beat teams in non-black uniforms. Slipping on black leggings or shorts and a black tank can boost your confidence and competitive drive, pushing you to work harder and longer than your opponent.

Neutrals, on the other hand, signal the brain to relax and are perfect for restorative workouts like yoga, post-boxing stretches, or active recovery day routines.

Fashion and Fitness Go Hand-In-Hand

Does what we wear affect how we perform? Yes! ‘Dress for success’ is a common phrase for a reason. When we want to rock the job interview or nail the presentation, we button up our sharpest suits and power pumps to look and feel capable and confident.

The same concept goes for working out – the confidence we get from a fierce workout outfit translates to confidence on the punching bag, in the boxing ring, on a run…everywhere! It’s why athleisure has been having such a moment in fashion; we thrive in what makes us feel the most confident.

Newness is Exciting

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The key to crushing fitness goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is consistency. But the number one killer of consistency is boredom. Shaking up your workout fashion can help beat the boredom and reignite your excitement about hitting the gym or the heavy bag.

Rotating in new items is also a great way to represent your passions and the brands you stand behind. The FightCamp apparel store not only carries boxing & kickboxing appropriate men's and women’s clothing, the stylized logo design is a perfect conversation starter to let people know you train like a fighter.

But in this age of luxury athleisure, a revolving door of new activewear can do heavy damage to a household budget. If you want to shake up your training wardrobe without breaking the bank, scope out some local or online thrift stores, or start an activewear swap with your fitness besties to keep you excited about wearing your amazing workout clothes!

Sharp Looks Boost Confidence

Fitness experts often point to a psychological phenomenon called “enclothed cognition.” This is the idea that what we wear actually triggers mental changes and can impact our performance and confidence. In short, investing in workout clothes that make you feel strong and confident can actually empower you during your training sessions.

But be warned: It’s especially important not to sacrifice style for comfort when it comes to workout clothes. Activewear should feel like a second skin and allow you to focus 100% on your workout – not that itchy material, too-tight sports bra, or see-through leggings.

High-Quality Materials Keep You Safe and Comfortable

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Fitness clothing designers spend millions researching, experimenting, and designing clothes that will not only protect athletes but enhance performance, too. It’s time to reframe our relationship with workout clothes. You wouldn’t buy the cheapest pair of sneakers for a marathon, so why cheat yourself on cheap compression leggings or an irritating sports bra?

In fact, high-quality compression wear will increase circulation and blood flow, which in turn sends more oxygen to your muscles. This means less fatigue and soreness, faster recovery, and improved endurance and power.

From sweat-wicking materials to the most breathable cotton, a good workout outfit will help regulate your temperature and prevent your skin from getting itchy from sweat and pore compression. Investing in well-designed and durable materials will pay off in the gym and help prevent injury.

Looking for a strong, powerful style that will have you feeling confident? Get the knockout look with FightCamp athletic wear and apparel. From at-home training to gym workouts, to errands around town, show the world that bod you’ve been working hard for.

Train Like a Fighter

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What You Wear During A Workout Matters More Than You Think (2024)

FAQs

What You Wear During A Workout Matters More Than You Think? ›

So, does it really matter what you wear in the gym? Well, research say it does, revealing a direct correlation between what we wear and how we perform, as well as our motivation levels and even likelihood of injury.

Does it matter what you wear when you workout? ›

Gym clothes should be made from breathable, quick dry, moisture-wicking fabrics to move trapped sweat and heat from the body to keep you cool and comfortable. Lightweight clothing is also important to prevent overheating. Heavy clothes cause faster fatigue, shorter workouts, and less efficiency throughout.

Why is it important to wear proper clothing when exercising? ›

Appropriate clothing reduces the risk of injury

Compression wears increase blood flow to the heart, delivering much-needed oxygen to working muscles. As a result, it reduces fatigue and soreness by controlling lactic acid accumulation. With the right clothing comes an effortless workout.

Why do people wear lots of clothes at the gym? ›

Gym clothes play a crucial role in enhancing comfort, performance, and safety during physical activity. Engineered with moisture-wicking fabrics, they efficiently manage sweat, keeping the body dry and preventing discomfort or chafing.

Does clothing affect workouts? ›

For instance, you might cut your workout short or underperform if you're not wearing breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics. The same goes if your clothes are too loose or too tight—which can also depend on the type of workout you're doing—or if they facilitate chafing and other hassles.

Do gym clothes make a difference? ›

It's normal to question the wisdom of purchasing cute gym clothes to exercise in when they're just going to get sweaty and dirty. But research studies and human performance experts agree that what we wear to work out actually does make a difference in both our motivation to break a sweat.

Does it really matter what you wear? ›

Clothing can be used to change your mood.

If not, find your best outfit, change, and see how it makes you feel. Or, when you're waking up not feeling so hot and find yourself going straight for drab colors and loose-fitting outfits, challenge yourself to put on colors and something you often get complimented in.

Does wearing more clothes while working out help? ›

While we wish burning more calories was as simple as adding extra layers to your gym fit, sweat rate during exercise has little to no effect on the number of calories you burn during a workout — or the amount of fat you lose as a result. Calories are only burned through the output of energy.

Is it okay to workout in normal clothes? ›

Baggy sweats and cotton T-shirts may be comfortable, but are usually the wrong choice for the gym. Choosing the right workout clothes and accessories, on the other hand, can wick away sweat, smell less, display movements clearly, and protect sensitive skin.

How does clothing affect performance? ›

Clothing plays a crucial role in influencing performance during exercise, workouts, and sports. How performance clothing affects sports and exercise is multifaceted, encompassing factors such as comfort, temperature regulation, moisture management, and overall functionality.

Why do girls wear tight pants at the gym? ›

Improves blood circulation:

The tight fit of yoga pants isn't just to hug your curves, although that is an added bonus. The benefits of compression tights is that it increases circulation and blood flow which reduces tiredness/fatigue. These are the reasons why tights are great options for the gym/working out.

What are the disadvantages of gym clothes? ›

Sweat that stays on the skin doesn't bring your temperature down. And, the more your body is covered up by clothing, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate and for the body to cool down.

Why do gym guys wear baggy clothes? ›

When working out, comfort is a paramount consideration. Loose-fitting clothes offer an uninhibited range of movement, making intense workouts a touch more comfortable. Baggy shirts also shine when it comes to sweat management.

Does it matter what you wear when exercising? ›

When choosing exercise clothing, consider both fabric and fit. You can enjoy longer workouts and avoid overheating or getting too cold by choosing the right fabrics. To help you stay comfortable and dry, choose fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly.

Is it necessary to wear workout clothes? ›

Wearing the right gym wear is very important if you want to make each second worth it at the gym. Improper clothes can restrict you from working out. And it can even cause injuries.

Do workout clothes motivate you? ›

Having the right workout clothes can make a significant difference in your motivation and excitement to exercise. When you put on new workout clothes, you not only look good but also feel good, which can boost your confidence and overall mindset.

Can you wear anything while working out? ›

Your gym clothing should be comfortable and practical. That means no jeans, restrictive clothing, or heavy materials. Opt for a breathable T-shirt or a sports top, and pair it with gym shorts or leggings. Ladies, investing in a supportive sports bra is crucial to ensure comfort while working out.

Can I wear any clothes to the gym? ›

That being said, if you're doing a super-low-impact class or gym session where you're unlikely to sweat much, cotton's a decent enough choice. For anything other type of exercise, you're looking for sweat-wicking and/or breathable fabrics, such as: Nylon. Polyester.

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