How To Shop And Care For Your Workout Clothes

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You put your workout clothes through a lot. They can’t just be cute like your regular clothes – they have a job to do. You push your body to the limits in your workout clothes. You sweat and bend and jump and run. And, if you haven’t noticed, not all of your workout clothes can handle it. Some become tattered rather quickly – they looked good on the hanger but they were no match for a dozen burpees and a boxing session and the bench press. They were affordable, but only kind of, because now you have to throw them out. So that’s just a waste of money.

Having quality workout clothes is an important part of sticking to your workout routine. If you feel unattractive or unsupported in your clothes, then you probably won’t feel very motivated about going to the gym. If you are committed to hitting the gym harder this year and reaching some aggressive fitness goals, it probably is an excuse to do a little shopping spree. Consider your workout clothes part of your gear – and you need good gear to get any job done. We spoke with Nofisat Almaroof MD, Holistic Fitness Coach and Board Certified Family Physician, about how to pick out and care for workout clothes. Find Almaroof on Instagram @lovenafimd.

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Goodbye cotton

Cotton may be a nice light material for brunching or hitting the beach in the summer but it isn’t ready to handle your workouts. “I would not go for plain cotton gear,” says Almaroof who recommends moisture-wicking fabric, “That’s not going to cause you that big wet spot.”

Light grey is another culprit in causing visible sweat stains, says Almaroof. Which color workout clothing does she stick to? “With black, you can never go wrong. It never really messes up or exposes you.”

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Look good to work on looking better

Wearing flattering workout clothes isn’t just about vanity – it’s about boosting confidence, which fuels your goals. “It’s so important to feel confident and sexy when you’re working out. Wearing really nice workout gear is important, especially in the gym. It’s something I’ve made a big investment in,” says Almaroof.

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Just enough compression

It’s all about compression, says Almaroof. “Not so tight that you’re suffocating…but you do want it to have nice firm compression. Especially over that bulge that most people have. You want extra support there. Generally, the more compression, the more it contours your body, and you feel more confident wearing it.” She specifically notes clothes that outline your legs.

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Sexy and supportive

“There are a lot of workout brands that are trying to be sexier, which is okay, but make sure it’s sexy and functional,” advises Almaroof. “Like the zig-zag bras. Make sure your boobs won’t pop out. When you’re working out, you’re jumping…you’re doing high-intensity things. Make sure you don’t have a Janet Jackson moment.”

Who does she like?

Almaroof says she likes Do You Even, Maye Williams Active, and Bombshell Sportswear for sexy workout clothes that make her feel confident. Gym Shark is another brand she says has a reputation for making sexy, supportive workout gear – though she hasn’t worn it herself yet. She also likes the classics like Adidas and Nike. “The big brands actually do a good job. They really do look into a lot of their engineering.”

Black-owned fitness brands

MadameNoire highlighted a handful of Black-owned companies that create fitness apparel here. There’s a good mix of structured and sexy as well as more comfy and playful. If you like to stick to what you know, there’s been a steady increase of non-active wear companies creating affordable fitness apparel to compete with the big-name fitness brands.

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Long-lasting features to look for

“You don’t want something that is going to tear, rip, or have holes,” says Almaroof. She likes to have her gear last a couple of years, so she looks for thick layers and a high thread count. And “Not a lot of seams. Seams are the areas that tear.” Breathability is another feature Almaroof says is important in your workout apparel.

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Doing Spandex right

Compression in the right places is important, “Especially with spandex,” says Almaroof. “If you’re going to wear shorts, you want spandex that hugs at the cutoff line so that way you’re not having it rise up. You don’t want to be adjusting things every five minutes.” Shorts that hug you at the cutoff line will also compliment your shape, she says.

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Washing tips

“I don’t wash workout clothes after every workout if the clothes aren’t smelly,” says Almaroof. “Washing causes wear and tear. If you’re someone who works out a lot, you’re going to have a lot of wear and tear if you wash after every workout…Stay away from hand wash items. They’re probably not durable enough.”

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Turn down the heat

We did a bit of our own research for more tips on cleaning your workout clothes. It’s important to know that heat makes odors smell worse, which can cause a problem for already stinky workout clothes. This is particularly true for elastic (which is in most exercise garments), so stick to cold water, and air dry your exercise clothing when possible.