Working out is important—but so is looking good while you do it. If you’re picking soaked tees off your skin or shimmying into leggings that have lost their stretch, it’s time to invest in a new pair. Ahead, we’ve rounded up quality fitness wear that will take your look from gym to errand run.
Look for Breathable Fabric
While you may think that form-fitting workout clothing is purely about style, it’s also about comfort and how well the garment adheres to your specific exercise needs. Wearing the wrong type of pants or a shirt can cause sweat to pool in areas you don’t want it to, while wearing something that is too tight can restrict your circulation and potentially lead to an injury.
When it comes to breathable fabric, cotton is a classic choice—but it’s not exactly ideal for high-intensity workouts. The natural fiber clings to the body and can become heavy when it’s saturated with moisture, making it uncomfortable for long periods of time. To avoid this, look for cotton blends with synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon that are designed to wick away sweat.
Another material you’ll find in a lot of workout clothes is spandex, which is a stretchy, flexible, and soft fabric that provides support and hugs the curves. While many brands use spandex for their tops and bottoms, it’s worth shopping around to find the best fabric for your specific workout needs.
You can also find activewear in more eco-friendly fabrics, such as bamboo. The plant-based textile is a little more pricey than your typical polyester, but it’s also wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, and insanely soft. It’s the perfect blend of functionality and fashion, resulting in sleek leggings that feel amazing on your legs.
One brand that’s bringing both function and fashion to the gym is Alo Yoga, which was mentioned by multiple experts as a go-to for both barre classes and yoga sessions. The brand uses super-soft and stretchy fabric to create flattering tops and pants that are easy to move in. Plus, the brand is known for its super-comfortable and flattering athletic shoes—which are also great for running or weight lifting, so they’ll work with just about any type of workout.
Seamless Fabric
Another trend we’ve noticed is seamless fabrics that eliminate the risk of chafing during intense exercise. You can find seamless tees from brands such as Nike, Lululemon, and Beyond Yoga that come in all types of colors and are priced at an affordable level.
If you’re a fan of the look of seamless leggings, you can even score them for a fraction of the cost when shopping at Target. The retailer has an exclusive line called All in Motion that offers a number of stylish, functional leggings, including these high-waisted biker styles. Plus, the entire line is made with sweat-wicking materials and features flattering seams that will have your fellow gym-goers assuming you spent a ton of money on your look.