What to wear to the gym: Outfits for every workout

“The gym is my runway,” says Bianca Bustamante, the Filipino racing driver. “Gym clothes are my fashion statement. I always try to mix and match.” She gravitates toward a neutral palette – beige, black and white – and picks pieces that make her feel confident in the weight room. “It’s empowering to feel pretty in what you’re wearing while lifting heavy.” 

The gym might feel like a runway, but your outfit should do more than look good. “It needs to be functional too,” Bustamante adds. A well-chosen kit supports movement, sharpens your mindset and helps you stay focused from warm-up to cool-down. 

Today’s gym aesthetic spans skin-tight silhouettes in technical fabrics to looser, laid-back cotton fits. Bustamante looks for “fabrics that really hug me and make me feel secure.” Ultimately, what matters most isn’t trends, it’s what feels right for you.  

In this guide, we’ll break down the key pieces of a curated gym wardrobe so you can train with comfort, confidence and purpose.  

When it comes to gym outfits, less can really be more. A few smart, high-performing staples are all you need – whether you’re squeezing in a 7 a.m. run or powering through a post-work high-intensity interval training session. 

Look for pieces that do three things well: breathe, wick moisture and move with you.  

Moisture-wicking t-shirts and tops

High-tech fabrics keep you cool, dry and focused. Our DryTec™ material pulls moisture away from the skin to regulate temperature and eliminate distractions – so moisture doesn’t slow you down.  

Cover your bases with a mix of long sleeve, short sleeve and tank styles for different training conditions.

What to look for: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or technical blends. 

Breathable bottoms

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bottoms. Whether you prefer streamlined leggings or looser shorts, the right pair should offer support without weighing you down. 

Lightweight polyester blends provide full freedom of movement and help regulate temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable through your toughest sets. Stick to versatile cuts and neutral tones for easy mix-and-match potential. 

What to look for: Stretchy, breathable materials with flat seams and secure waistbands.

Moisture-wicking socks

Small but essential. Technical socks are easy to overlook – until discomfort kicks in. Designed to wick moisture and reduce friction, they keep your feet dry, supported and blister-free.

What to look for: Breathable, moisture-wicking blends like synthetic fibres or merino wool.

Supportive athletic shoes

Shoes can make or break your workout. The right pair helps protect your joints, sharpen your form and keep you focused while the wrong ones can throw everything off. What you need depends on how you move:  

- For lifting, choose shoes with a flat, firm sole, wide toe box, and minimal arch support to create a stable, grounded base.

- For cardio, especially running, go for shoes with ample cushioning, arch support, and flexibility to absorb impact and support repetitive motion.

- For stretching and mobility, try minimalist shoes or go barefoot, for better ground feel and unrestricted foot movement.

What to look for: A roomy toe box, secure heel fit and the right level of arch support for your activity.

Proper-fitting sports bra

A great sports bra should support, not squeeze. “I love my On sports bras, especially in white,” says Bustamante. “I wear it every chance I get.” For low-impact movement like yoga or mobility work, go for softer, lighter support. For strength training or running, structure is key.  

What to look for: A snug band that stays put, supportive cups and straps that don’t shift.  

Lightweight hoodies

Perfect for warm-ups, cool-downs or just getting to and from the gym. A lightweight hoodie adds warmth without the risk of overheating on the way in or out. 

What to look for: Flexible knits or technical blends, plus bonus points for pockets. 

Accessories

Your fit goes beyond clothes. From water bottles to headphones, these everyday extras keep you ready for anything.  Consider packing: 

- Reusable water bottle

- Secure headphones or earbuds

- Extra hair ties or a brush 

- Spacious gym bag to carry it all  

What to look for: Durable pieces that hold up under pressure.  

Different movements ask different things of your gear – breathability, support, stretch or structure. Here’s how to dress for the way you train:  

For cardio and HIIT

When intensity spikes, your kit needs to keep you cool, dry and distraction-free.

Reach for breathable tops like the Train-T Crop made with DryTec™ and pair with lightweight bottoms like the Court Shorts – they stay put through every lunge, leap and rep. 

For cross-training and hybrid workouts 

Cross-training demands versatility. Whether you’re pushing through a HYROX heat, rotating between stations, or mixing sprints with strength work, you need pieces that adapt.  

Layer a moisture-wicking top like the Performance Tank with flexible bottoms that hold their shape under pressure. Prioritize structure, stretch and airflow. Shorts like the Performance Shorts are built to handle deep squats, box jumps and everything in between.  

On your feet, try cross-trainers like the Cloudstratus 3 for lateral stability and impact-ready cushioning. 

 For indoor cycling

Long, sweaty sessions call for comfort and ventilation. Start with a moisture-wicking top like the Train T, then add padded bib shorts or Train Tights for second-skin comfort and less chafing. Finish with thin, mid-calf socks to keep your feet cool, dry and blister-free.  

For group fitness

From bootcamps to bodyweight circuits, group fitness is all about versatility. Opt for breathable, stay-put pieces like the Focus Shorts – ideal for burpees, circuits or however the instructor decides to surprise you.

For running

When it comes to running, comfort is king. Breathable tops, anti-chafe bottoms and cushioned shoes should all be at the top of your list. Add a lightweight layer like the Climate Zip Hoodie when the weather cools. And don’t forget thinner socks – they help prevent friction and blisters on the move.  

For strength training

Form matters – and so does clothing that lets you move cleanly through every lift. Choose fitted tops like the Studio Knit Crop to help you track alignment and bottoms that stay put during deep squats or deadlifts. Shoes with a flat, zero drop sole help you stay stable and grounded. Top it off with moisture-wicking socks for comfort from warm-up to final set.   

For yoga and pilates

Soft. Stretchy. Secure. That’s the formula for proper yoga and pilates gear. Choose tops like the Studio Tank that give room to move without shifting around, while high-waisted leggings or shorts stay in place without squeezing.  

“Often, I’ve picked stuff out, tried it on, went to the gym and realised it didn’t actually work for me,” says Bustamante. Save yourself the trial-and-error with a quick fit check before heading out:  

- Moisture-wicking fabric? Staying dry helps you focus.  

- Weather-appropriate? Consider both gym temperature and outdoor conditions.  

- Feel supported? From your sports bra to your shoes, structure matters.  

- Workout-ready? You should be able to move with a full range of motion and with confidence.  

- Comfortable? If it feels good, it works better.  

If you’ve ticked every box, you’re good to go. 

Ready to upgrade your gym wardrobe? Think of it like any outfit – built by feed, refined over time. “You find what works best for you,” says Bustamante. “It’s testing and trying again until it suits you.” Explore our curated collection of training apparel. Gear that works so you can train your best.