What I Wear for Workouts: A Guide

Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, I workout. If it’s rainy or drizzly or damp or even snowy, I workout. If it’s hot and sticky or bright and breezy, I workout. See a trend? Fitness and daily exercise are important to me. And not just because I love to indulge in my favorite foods (no shame).

Getting in some form of physical activity every day makes me feel good, proud, strong, and just better overall. I love a lazy afternoon as much as anyone else, but it will almost always have followed a workout (of some form) earlier in the day.

Being active and spending time outside has forever been one of my favorite activities. I love fresh air and a long walk more than most. And I find that completing a walk, a workout, or both, each day is pretty much a must in my opinion. Finishing a workout makes my body and mind feel good. And whether you believe the hype or not, endorphins are very much real. No matter how difficult it is to start a workout, you will most definitely feel better (and happier) after it’s done. Not to mention, quite proud!

My workouts have changed and varied a lot over the years, but right now I find myself alternating between cardio, boxing, strength training, some running, and those always-important long walks, every week. Not only is variety important in workout styles, but also for personal style. Yes, I like to wear an outfit I feel good about while exercising. So while getting the fitness done is most important, looking good is a close second. ;)

Without a doubt, I will work harder during my workout if I like what I’m wearing. Sounds silly, but true. So that’s where this guide comes in. Here are my top picks (from my actual workout-clothes-drawer) for the best clothes to wear while you sweat it out each day.

No matter what form of fitness you choose, I think all of these options would be great. Now, let’s get moving - in style.

Note: I am only providing information for products I personally own and wear frequently. I cannot comment on items or brands I have yet to buy and therefore have not worn. The majority of my workout clothes are from Lululemon. They fit well, wash/dry well, and really do last. The pricing, to me, is worth it. However, I have begun looking into other brands because change is good and the workout wear options these days are immense.

Tops

All Yours Boyfriend Tank - This is a very loose, oversized top that I love for long walks and weight training. It’s great for the super-hot days or when you want to be extra-comfy while exercising. A variety of colors are available, but I just have it in this dark olive style. The fabric is a mix of pima cotton and lyocell, which means it’s super soft. And it has a slight bit of stretch.

Love Tank Pleated - When I learned that my favorite tops from last year weren’t being made again, I waited to see what the replacement would be. Joyfully, this top is just as good as my old favorite, but with a slightly different neckline (the older style is no longer available otherwise I’d include it). I love this tank for any and all workouts, especially during hot weather. I’d also wear it in the winter under a sweater for an extra layer! The pima cotton tops do run slightly big, so I’ve been buying a size 2 in this fabric. If you’d like it slightly less fitted, go up one size.

Personally, I find the pima cotton tops from Lululemon to be the softest, best tops for workouts. Pima cotton is not as “high tech” as some of their other materials, but I like it the most.

Other workout tops I’ve bought in recent years have also been pima cotton. The fit is great and the fabric is just so soft (good for winter-layering too). Plus, the pima cotton shirts wash/dry well and don’t shrink in the dryer. No special care necessary.

Sports Bras

Now, this is a section where I don’t really have brand “allegiance” since I’m always looking for what fits best. I wore sports bras from Lululemon for a while, but then decided to branch out. I found other great ones so I haven’t bothered to try any from LuluLemon recently. For all options below, I own a size small. Here are my current favorites…

Nike Swoosh Medium-Support Non-Padded Sports Bra - I’ve been wearing this style for years and it’s the one I keep coming back to for any and every workout. The style is basic, but classic, and I hope the price point never changes. It’s comfortable (I like the wide straps) and easy to move in, plus it lasts. I’ve had a few of these for many years and they still come out of the wash looking new. Skip the dryer, in my opinion, so it won’t shrink.

Outdoor Voices TechSweat Crop Top - This summer was a hot one so this crop top was perfect for boxing and cardio workouts. Since I’m not very tall, it’s not extremely cropped, but it is shorter than a regular shirt and it fits like a sports bra. It’s comfortable, easy to move in, and I like the higher neckline. It goes in the wash, skips the dryer, and looks like new every time. Strongly considering ordering a second one because it’s possibly the simplest workout “top” I own.

Outdoor Voices Apex Bra - Perfect for high-intensity workouts, or a casual jog, I like this option because it’s comfy and breathable thanks to a mesh panel on the back (as well as a cutout design). The fabric is a little thick for my taste, but it’s functional and good for all exercise. I like the racerback style and appreciate the slightly-wider straps. Another good one for everyday workouts that washes well (skip the dryer) and is well-made.

Outdoor Voices FreeForm Bralette - This is the softest fabric! It’s lightweight and has straps that can easily be criss-crossed to create the racerback style (if you prefer). I like this style for long walks or strength-training workouts. It’s super comfy and washes like a dream (I skip the dryer) I’d also wear it for yoga…if I did such a thing. Who knows? Maybe that will be my next adventure…

Tory Sport High-Neck Chevron Melange Bra - I ordered this one during a sale a few weeks ago and it finally arrived. Even better? It fits well and is perfect for workouts of all kinds. I love the fit, the high-neck, and overall comfort (it reminds me a lot of the Nike Swoosh above). This was my first foray into the Tory Burch Sport line and I’m happy to report (or is this dangerous?) that it won’t be my last. I’m hooked. The styles are too good!

Shorts

Speed Up Short 4’’ Updated Fit - I don’t know why this is now called an “updated” fit because they seem the same to me, but I can say that these are my preferred shorts for hot weather workouts and just general comfy shorts for walks and summer activities. Again, I have been wearing this style for several years and the only noticeable change I saw this summer was that the waist-band is now a little longer. They don’t fit any differently on me than previous versions.

For reference, I do think the shorts run smaller than the pants below - I wear a size 6 in these shorts so that they aren’t too tight on my legs (muscle exists, you know?). Hands-down, my favorite workout shorts that wash and dry well and do last for years.

Fast and Free Short 10’’ Non-Reflective - I must have forgotten my height when I ordered these because this length almost entirely covers my knee. Whoops! I wanted “short leggings” AKA bike shorts which is what these turned out to be. I do like them a lot for high-intensity workouts and running; however I wish I had ordered the 6’’ length instead since I definitely am not as tall as the models. I do recommend these shorts (no matter your height) for indoor or outdoor workouts. And if you buy them for biking, all the better! Per usual, they wash well and I anticipate wearing them for years to come.

Pants

Pace Rival High-Rise Crop 22’’ - Despite the pairs I own not being high-rise (not that I’ve noticed?) I am happy to report that this is my favorite pair of workout pants/leggings. They are designed for running, according to Lululemon, but I’ve worn them for every type of workout and been very pleased. I’m only 5 feet tall so the “cropped” 22’’ length is almost full-length on me, which is perfect. I like them to hit just above my ankle and these fit exactly that way. I wear a size 4 in Lululemon leggings.

Pretty sure the fit and length is why I haven’t tried another style of workout pant in many, many years. They wash well and are flattering with every type of top. I rotate between my black, navy, and grey pairs for cold(er)-weather workouts.

Socks

I must admit that I’m a stickler for what works. As soon as I discovered these ultra-thin, low-visibility, sweat-wicking running socks I never looked back. They are pricey (for socks), but they last (I’ve had some of mine for close to 10 years) and they are absurdly comfortable for workouts. I buy a few pairs each year because eventually those originals will wear out. ;)

Light Speed Tab Sock - Ultra-comfy, very-thin socks that I wear for all of my workouts. No matter the activity, I love these socks. Barely-there feeling and they wick the sweat. Win!

Speed Tab Sock - Same as above, but these have slightly more cushioning. I prefer the light option. :)

Shoes

These days I stick to York Athletics Mfg. sneakers for workouts, long walks, and everything in between. It’s a local company that’s making excellent sneakers that are beyond comfortable and fit well. They offer all styles for men and women. I wear my usual size in these sneakers.

The Frank - my choice for cardio, boxing, and extra-long walks.

The Henry Half and Half - perfect for leisurely walks and strength-training workouts. However, you may like them for cardio (I find that the Frank has more support) as well.

Gear

Hydrate!

I always drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep a large glass nearby when I do an at-home workout class.

Yoga Mat

I ordered this reversible 5mm yoga mat at the start of quarantine and it’s probably my most-used item of 2020. Never realized how much of a difference it would make; I strongly recommend using a mat for at-home workouts. This is pretty obvious, but nevertheless, it’s a good purchase.

Weights

If you’re looking to do some strength-training at home, it may be a good idea to invest in a few pairs of free weights. We currently have a very light pair and a medium weight pair. I need to get one that’s in between!

Hair Ties

Keeping my hair completely off my face during workouts is essential. Lately I’ve been using these slip silk hair ties, which work wonderfully.

Did I miss anything? Have a question? Drop me a comment. I’m here to help! Have a happy workout.

Mollie

PS: Now that I’m home more than ever before, I’m pretty sure I’m wearing way more “comfy clothes” than I ever anticipated. My next style guide will be to the ever-present “athleisure” that has percolated into my wardrobe. Athleisure. I guess that’s a word? Let’s call it what it is: comfy pants. And shirts.