Shopping for the right activewear isn’t as straightforward as just clicking ‘add to cart’ and waiting for the magic to happen. Take it from someone who learned the hard way.
I still remember saving up for my first pair of Lululemon leggings, poring over reviews, and finally making that purchase—only to realize I’d picked the wrong size! To add to the frustration, they started pilling after just a few sessions. Turns out, the fabric I chose was more suited for lounging than for my high-intensity workouts. Size and fabric type are crucial, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
In this blog, I’m going to share all the insights I’ve gained from my own journey to build a workout wardrobe that’s practically taken over my closet. Trust me, you don’t want to make the same mistakes I did, and waste your hard-earned money!
But First, Some Basics To Build Your Activewear Wardrobe
When it comes to activewear, the foundation of your wardrobe should consist of versatile, durable pieces that can withstand the rigors of daily workouts. Here’s how I’ve dialed in my activewear essentials, keeping it practical, stylish, and, yes, budget-friendly.
Seamless Underwear
The foundation of any great workout outfit is the underwear. I love the seamless designs because they’re so good at staying invisible under form-fitting leggings or shorts—if you hate the awful panty lines, this one is a must-have.
Nude or skin-matching colors are ideal, as they remain invisible under any shade of fabric. Make sure that these are lightweight yet durable, capable of maintaining their shape and elasticity after multiple washes. Invest in multiple pairs so you’re never short on essentials if you’re a daily gym-goer like me!
Quality Socks
Don’t skimp here! Good socks can be the difference between a focused session and one distracted by blisters. I’ve got a drawer full of thick, cushy socks for running and thinner ones for weight training. And when I find a brand I like, I buy in bulk—it’s a total game-changer.
Black Leggings (Must-Have for Me)
If I could marry a pair of leggings, I would. A great pair of black leggings is your wardrobe workhorse. I look for pairs that don’t pill, stay opaque no matter how much I’m stretching, and have that snug high-waist to keep everything tucked in nicely. They need to be tough enough to take what I throw at them and sleek enough to wear out to coffee after.
Supportive Sports Bras
Your sports bra needs to hold up its end of the deal. For high-impact workouts, I need something that feels like armor but is still comfortable enough to breathe. For yoga or those days when I’m mostly stretching, I need something softer and more forgiving. I love a pop of color, but black and white are my staples—they just go with everything.
Shorts That Fit Just Right
Shorts and I have a love-hate relationship. They need to fit perfectly, or it’s a no-go. High-rise all the way, whether it’s shorts for running or those cute tennis skirts. They need to stay put—no rolling or riding up when I’m mid-workout. And when I find that perfect pair, I buy multiple. Because when something works, why change it?
Layering Options
Layering is key, especially if you’re running outside or hitting a class that starts chilly and then heats up. I’ve got a stack of tanks and tees that are light enough to not feel bulky but can keep the early morning cold at bay. They’re also great for throwing on over a sports bra if I’m feeling a bit more modest.
Finding the Right Size in Activewear
The first rule of activewear shopping? Know your measurements. It’s tempting to just grab your usual size and go, but trust me, taking a few minutes to measure yourself can save you a lot of hassle. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Get Your Measurements
Grab a soft measuring tape. For the most accurate waist measurement, wrap it around your waist just above your belly button. Stand relaxed, breathe normally, and resist the urge to suck in your stomach. If you’re diving into men’s activewear, you’ll also need the inseam. Measure from your groin down to the ground—this one’s easier with a friend’s help to keep the tape straight and accurate.
Step 2: Check the Size Chart
Every brand is a little different, so I always check the size chart on the company’s website before I buy. Activewear can be tricky because the fit often depends on the fabric’s stretch and design. I’ve learned the hard way that what works in one brand doesn’t always work in another.
Step 3: Read the Reviews
Reviews are gold when shopping for new activewear. I look for comments on whether to size up or down, especially from buyers who have a similar body type to mine. Bestsellers usually have plenty of feedback, giving you a better picture of how true to size the clothing is.
Choosing the Right Fit for Men and Women
If you’re picking men’s pants, and you’re torn between sizes, think about how you want them to fit. For a closer, body-hugging fit, you might want to size up to avoid feeling squeezed. If it’s a looser fit you’re after, sizing down could give you that perfect slouch.
For women, it’s mostly about the waist size. But don’t forget to consider the length of the pants. Whether you prefer capris that hit below the knee, 7/8 lengths that brush just above the ankle, or you’re all about full-length glamour, make sure to check where they’ll fall. If you’re on the petite side like me and under 5’4”, you might find that “petite” lengths fit best without needing alterations.
Pick the Right Activewear Fabric
Choosing the right fabric is important because it directly affects your comfort and performance during workouts. Here’s a breakdown of the most common activewear fabrics:
Polyester is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking, which means it pulls sweat away from your skin to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates. This keeps you dry and comfortable during intense sessions. But, it can retain odors, so it’s important to wash your gear promptly.
Polypropylene is ideal for those who don’t let weather stop their routine. It is essentially waterproof, making it perfect for wet or snowy conditions. It’s commonly used for base layers to keep you dry and warm by not absorbing moisture but instead, using your body heat to evaporate moisture.
Nylon is another popular choice. It’s highly stretchable, making it perfect for activities that require a full range of motion like yoga or pilates.
Spandex is the go-to fabric for workouts that involve a lot of stretching, such as yoga or dance. It can stretch up to eight times its original size, offering an exceptional range of movement. To maintain its elasticity, avoid high heat in washing and drying.
Merino wool and bamboo are your premium fabrics. Merino wool is excellent for temperature regulation—warm in winter and cool in summer—while bamboo is soft, anti-bacterial, and moisture-wicking. Both are generally blended with other fabrics to enhance durability and decrease cost.
Activewear for Your Body Type
Getting your activewear to feel just right can totally transform your workout vibe. It’s about more than just picking pieces that catch your eye—it’s about finding clothes that hug your unique shape in all the right places, making you feel strong and unstoppable from warm-up to cool-down.
Tops
Scouting the perfect top means paying attention to your body’s unique layout and how different cuts play up your best features.
Narrow Necklines: These are a godsend for anyone with broad shoulders like me. They draw the eye down and help balance out my proportions, making my torso look just right.
Asymmetric Necklines: I love these for adding a little edge and curve to my upper body. It’s all about creating that visual intrigue that keeps things interesting.
Wide Necklines: If you’re more petite up top, a wide neckline can be your best friend by visually widening your upper body to match a stronger lower half.
Color and print-wise, I say go bold if you want to! But if you’re like me and want to keep the focus off your upper body, sticking to darker, simpler tops can really streamline your look.
Don’t underestimate the power of the right straps. Thicker straps help tone down the width of my shoulders, while sleek, thin straps are great for days when I feel like flaunting a bit more.
Bottoms
Picking the right bottoms is crucial for looking and feeling good. Here’s what works for me:
High Rise: These are non-negotiable for my curvy friends and anyone who loves that snug, held-in feeling around the midsection. They’re perfect for keeping everything in place, no matter how intense the workout.
Mid Rise: These are my go-to for a comfy fit that sits just right, not too high, not too low.
Low Rise: Best for those who are slimmer around the hips and want to elongate their torso. I skip these since they don’t jive with my body type.
Leggings are a whole world unto themselves:
Skinny Leggings: These highlight the legs and are my pick when I want to show off my running gains.
Boot Cut and Flared: A lifesaver for balancing out my broader upper body. They add just the right amount of flare to keep everything in proportion.
And when it comes to shorts, fit is everything. I opt for fitted styles when I’m feeling good about my legs and want a closer fit, but loose shorts are fantastic for general comfort and a bit more coverage.
Dresses and Skirts
Not just for tennis courts, athletic dresses and skirts are chic and functional. Fitted options accentuate the hips beautifully if that’s your vibe, while flared styles add a playful bounce that can balance out broader shoulders or a more muscular upper body.
Outerwear
Even my jackets are chosen with body type in mind:
Slim Fit: These are sleek and outline my figure without adding bulk, perfect for showing off my shape.
Bulky Fit: Cozy and warm, these are great unless you’re like me and don’t want to add extra volume up top.
