Gym attire has come a long way over the past couple years; pretty much anything is acceptable now. The biggest advice we can give you is simple and you will probably laugh when you read it… are you ready… don’t overthink it!

There are no specific guidelines or parameters when it comes to wearing clothes in the gym. Wear something that you think is comfortable and allows you to move freely and does not restrict you. Whether that is shorts, capris, pants, t-shirt, tank top, or a long sleeve – all of these items are acceptable and there is no “right” or “wrong” answer. Patterns and prints, bold colours and soft colours, it’s all the same, and will not directly impact your workout. Don’t worry about colours clashing or not matching, your outfit is not the reason you went to the gym. You went to the gym to improve your health, not win best dressed – remember that.

If you are coming to the gym and want to be comfortable, we suggest patrons wear clothing that has some spandex material or sweat wicking properties. The spandex material helps to keep body parts in place when you’re moving and results in you being less distracted or worried about things shifting. Sweat wicking properties like vents or mesh on material will help you stay cooler as your body temperature increases with your activity.  Try to avoid thick, heavy, cotton clothes when you’re working out. This material is made to keep you warm, so when your body temperature starts to rise it will lock in all your body heat. When people get hot they tend to not want to move because getting sweaty can be an uncomfortable feeling. Using clothing that helps wick the sweat away from your body when it surfaces helps you to feel comfortable longer, ensuring that you can work out as long as you like.

Lastly, we want you to know that you don’t need to spend a fortune to buy workout clothes. There are lots of stores that you can go to and get items for less than $20 (i.e. Old Navy, Winners, Simon’s, or Marshalls). Don’t get us wrong, we love the big-name brands to, but sometimes those big names are associated with big price tags; and while splurging is totally fine every now and then, keep in mind that working out regularly and frequently will help you look good in regular clothes too. So ask yourself, where would you rather spend money on clothes, gym clothes that you wear for one hour a day or a nice outfit you wear for seven hours a day when you’re at work? Prioritize and conquer!

by Sandra Veikle

Sandra holds a degree in Sport, Health and Physical Education; specializing in Organizational Management.  Sandra played for the Vancouver Island University Mariners Women’s Volleyball team, winning the CCAA National championship in 2012. She has a lifelong passion for sports and a desire to share that with university students.