Gym clothes for everyone who, like me, isn’t a fan of tight sets

After spending the past decade getting closest to the gym by watching motivational videos on social media, I finally decided to take the big step and applied for a membership card at a nearby fitness club. It’s as if all those encouraging quotes I’d been absorbing over the years somehow built themselves into my subconscious, so I started off ambitiously. Waking up early and working out before work, I happily ran toward every sore muscle that would soon reveal muscles I never even knew existed!

But before I began my first sweat session (where I would quickly realize I have zero stamina), I meticulously researched the clothing and footwear I’d need for this kind of workout. Some essentials, like leggings and quick-dry shirts, were already in my arsenal — but that didn’t stop me from concluding that I needed a fresh supply. After all, it’s much harder to quit when you’ve bought the outfit!

LUNILOU “Good Citizens” tracksuit made from 100% organic cotton

What should you pay attention to when choosing gym clothes?

While you’ll quickly notice that women’s gym outfits are often dominated by matching sets of leggings and sports bras (ideally in some pastel shade), the most important factor when choosing workout clothes is comfort. At this stage, I can’t imagine feeling comfortable or at ease in such a set, so I wear sports bras only under sweatshirts or lightweight tops that absorb moisture well. What I do know is that anything that pinches, slips, or restricts movement in any way should be automatically disqualified. Leggings that are too tight or tops with overly firm bands can restrict circulation, while overly loose pieces can get in the way or snag on equipment. The best options are garments that gently hug the body and move with you, without feeling like armor. The best workout clothes are the ones you forget you’re even wearing, as people far more experienced than me like to say. For me, that’s sometimes leggings, sometimes sweatpants — depending on my mood

What about materials?

Besides the cut, the material you choose makes a big difference when it comes to gym clothes. Cotton is natural, but it’s not the best workout ally — it absorbs sweat, traps moisture, and quickly becomes heavy and cold. Instead, it’s better to opt for functional, technical fabrics like polyester or elastane, which wick moisture away from the skin, allow airflow, and dry quickly. Many newer materials even have antibacterial properties, which help prevent unpleasant odors. In addition to keeping you dry and light, such fabrics also tend to last longer, even with frequent washing.

How to choose the right shoes?

Unlike most other pieces of gym gear that differ mainly in how comfortable they feel, sneakers are a truly crucial part of your workout outfit. The right pair can prevent injuries and improve performance. For treadmill running, it’s best to go for a model with good cushioning that absorbs impact and protects your joints, while for strength training or weightlifting, firmer, more stable soles provide better balance. Since no one really brings two pairs of sneakers to the gym (at least not that I know of), it’s best to choose based on the type of exercise you do most often. And because everything — shoes included — has an expiration date, it’s recommended to replace them after about a year of regular use, as worn-out shoes can lose performance and increase the risk of injury.

Below, you’ll find my selection of gym wear: