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There’s something of a debate over how to dress for exercise. Some people argue that there’s no point in getting all dressed up for your workout. Others say that wearing better clothes for a workout keeps them motivated and helps them to exercise more effectively. Some of the rules for choosing workout clothes are the rules that apply to choosing any clothes. For example, dressing for your body type is as important at gym as it ever is, if not more so. Clothes that are too tight for you are always going to be unflattering, but wearing them during your workouts will make you uncomfortable and might cause you to stop the workout early because of how unpleasant they feel.

Black clothes aren’t always good

Something to keep in mind is that black clothes, although they’re usually better clothes than others to flatter your figure and make you look slimmer, aren’t always the best idea for a workout because they’re likely to cause you to get hotter faster.

The long and short of it

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What few people seem to realise is that the most flattering clothes to wear during your workouts don’t have to be the shortest. Longer track pants that suit you will make you feel better about yourself than skimpy shorts that reveal legs that you aren’t very confident about. If you do want to wear short clothes, there’s nothing wrong with that, but be sure that it’s at least long enough to keep you covered during stretches, and secure enough to not slip off during the more active parts of your workouts.

Fabric

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Choose fabrics that breathe well. Workout clothing is now available in a number of high-tech fabrics, so check out the properties of what you’re buying. Remember that better clothes for your workout are those that aren’t scratchy and won’t chafe on your skin. Also choose a fabric that is flattering on you.

Be specific

Base some of your clothing choices on what it is that you’re doing when you work out. If you’re jogging, better clothes for you are the ones that won’t flap and annoy you while you run, while clothes chosen for yoga should be very stretchable ones. You probably don’t need to be reminded that your choice of workout shoe is vitally important in keeping you safe, motivated and energetic during an exercise session, but remember to choose the right shoe for the right activity.

If it doesn’t work, lose it

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If you’re using gym equipment, dress for safety, too – don’t wear clothes with bits that could easily get caught in the treadmill or exercise bike. You’re working out for yourself, so make sure that your clothing makes you feel good about yourself and protects you. If any piece of clothing hurts or annoys you during a workout, it’s time to get rid of it for the sake of your health, your comfort, and your exercise routine.