Standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what to wear to the gym? You're not alone. The right gym outfit can help you feel comfortable, confident and ready to perform, whether you're heading to a treadmill workout, a weightlifting session or a yoga class.
If only there was one easy answer. In reality, what works for a treadmill run probably won't be your best option for a lifting session, and a yoga class comes with a completely different set of requirements again.
As activewear specialists, we spend our days testing, wearing and recommending gym kit from some of the industry's leading brands. One thing we've learnt? The best gym outfit is one that supports the way you train, not just the way you want to look.
In short, what to wear to the gym comes down to four essentials: a sports bra suited to your activity level, sweat-wicking leggings or shorts, a top you can move comfortably in and footwear designed for your chosen workout. Get those right and everything else is personal preference.
What to Wear to the Gym
After years of testing activewear across running, training and yoga, we've learnt one thing: the best gym outfits are built around the workout, not the trend. The best outfit depends on how you're training, whether that's lifting weights, running intervals, flowing through yoga or tackling a circuit class.
At The Sports Edit, we've spent years curating the best activewear from the worlds best performance brands, helping women find pieces that work for their training, lifestyle and personal style. Our edit draws on favourites from our leading brands to help you find the right kit for every workout.
Explore our collection of Women's Gym Clothes to build your ideal gym wardrobe.
What to Wear on the Treadmill
Running puts more demand on your sports bra than almost any other gym workout. For treadmill sessions, a high-support style is a must. The NB Essential Run Bra provides the support you need without compromising on comfort.
For bottoms, opt for lightweight running shorts rather than leggings. The Sweaty Betty - Runners High Loose Short or the Nike Swift Dri-FIT 2-in-1 Running Shorts offer breathable outer layers with built-in briefs or shorts to help prevent chafing.
Complete the look with a lightweight Women's Gym & Sports T-Shirt that helps keep you cool and comfortable from warm-up to cool-down.
For shoes, we'd always opt for a running-specific style. The ON Running - Cloudrunner 3 offers the cushioning and support you want underfoot when you're clocking up the kilometres.
One final detail: pockets. Whether it's a playlist, podcast or interval tracker, having somewhere secure for your phone makes treadmill sessions much easier.
What to Wear for Weightlifting
A gym outfit for weightlifting should prioritise support, stability and confidence.
Start with a medium-support sports bra such as the Nike - Swoosh Medium Support Bra. Weight training involves less impact than running, but you still want everything to stay comfortably in place through presses, pulls and overhead work.
For bottoms, squat-proof leggings are key. The Sweaty Betty - Power 7/8 Gym Leggings combine supportive compression with opaque fabric and a secure waistband that won't move during squats, lunges or deadlifts.
A fitted vest such as the Sweaty Betty - Athlete Crop Seamless Vest works well for keeping an eye on form, although a seamless t-shirt is equally effective if you prefer more coverage.
Think of it this way: if today's workout is mostly strength work, your footwear should reflect that. Running trainers are brilliant for the treadmill, but when it comes to squats, lunges and deadlifts, something like the adidas - Adizero Dropset Pro Training Shoes often feels like the better tool for the job.
If you're serious about both running and strength training, having separate trainers for each is often the better option.
What to Wear to a Yoga Class
Yoga follows a different set of rules. Nothing needs to be compressed heavily, but everything needs to move with you and stay in place.
When it comes to yoga, comfort is king. A pair of soft, stretchy Yoga Leggings & Pants that move with you, not against you, will quickly become your most-worn piece of kit. High-waisted styles are particularly popular as they stay put through forward folds and flows, while 7/8 and flared fits come down to personal preference.
You don't need heavy-duty support for most yoga classes, which is why the Varley FreeSoft Cori Light Support Bra works so well. It's soft, comfortable and easy to wear for longer sessions.
A common mistake is assuming looser equals more comfortable. In reality, oversized tops can become surprisingly annoying during downward dog or inversions. A fitted layer tends to stay exactly where you want it.
As for footwear, skip trainers altogether. Most yoga classes are practised barefoot, although some studios may require grip socks.
What to Wear for Circuit Training
Circuit training combines jumping, lifting, sprinting and bodyweight exercises, sometimes all within a few minutes. Your outfit needs to stay exactly where it is.
A high-support style such as the Puma Pwrmode High Support Sports Bra is a smart starting point, especially if your session includes burpees, skipping or box jumps.
When burpees, box jumps and mountain climbers are on the agenda, you'll want bottoms that move with you. A pair of Women's Gym & Workout Shorts are often the easiest option, offering comfort, coverage and freedom to move in equal measure.
A fitted crop top or one of our Gym Vests & Tank Tops keeps things streamlined when moving between planks, overhead presses and floor work.
This is one session where your footwear really earns its keep. The Nike - Free Metcon 7 Shoes is designed for mixed training days, whether that's kettlebells, box jumps or a quick sprint on the assault bike.
Cycling shorts are another great option, offering a streamlined fit that stays comfortable through every squat, sprint and burpee.
What to Wear to a PT Session
Personal training sessions are unpredictable by design. You might lift weights, complete circuits, run intervals and work on mobility all in the same hour.
Because of that, versatility is everything.
Because no two PT sessions are ever quite the same, an adaptable sports bra like the Sweaty Betty Empower Sports Bra is a worthwhile addition to your gym wardrobe..
For bottoms, stick with a pair of Women's Gym Leggings you already know and trust. A PT session isn't the place to discover that your leggings roll down or become see-through.
A simple, breathable tee like the Nike - One Relaxed Short-Sleeve Top is often all you need, easy to throw on at the start and just as easy to remove once you're fully warmed up.
This is where an all-round training shoe comes into its own. The ON Running - Cloudpulse 2 works well whether you're lifting weights, doing conditioning work or moving through functional exercises.
Don't forget the practical side of things. A water bottle, towel and one of our Womens Gym Bags will help you stay organised.
Ultimately, your PT is focused on how you move, not what you're wearing.
What Not to Wear to the Gym
Knowing what not to wear at the gym is just as useful as knowing what to wear.
Open-Toed Shoes
Flip-flops, sliders and sandals leave your feet exposed to dropped weights and shared gym floors. They're a safety concern, not a style issue.
Jeans
Denim lacks the flexibility needed for squats, lunges and most gym movements. Once you add sweat into the equation, seams can quickly become uncomfortable.
Crocs
We get asked about Crocs surprisingly often. Think of Crocs as a great gym commute shoe rather than a gym training shoe. Could you wear Crocs to the gym? Sure. Would we choose them for a workout? No.
Casual Trainers
Lifestyle trainers such as adidas Sambas may feel stable for strength work, but they're not designed for repeated running impact. If you're wondering what shoes to wear to the gym, the answer depends on your workout. Our guide to the The Best Women’s Gym Shoes can help.
Cotton-Heavy Fabrics
Cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly. Technical fabrics are generally more breathable, moisture-wicking and comfortable during exercise.
Brand-New Trainers
Trust us on this one: don't save your first wear for a 10K on the treadmill. Give new trainers a couple of shorter runs first.
FAQs
What should I wear to the gym?
Most gym outfits come down to the same foundations: a supportive sports bra, comfortable, non-restrictive layers and footwear that works for your training style.
What shoes should I wear to the gym?
The shoes you choose for the gym depends on the type of workout you’re planning - For running, you'll usually want plenty of cushioning underfoot. If you're lifting, most people prefer something with a flatter, firmer feel underfoot and if you’re doing a hybrid workout, you’ll need a hybrid shoe that can handle movement without losing balance for your strength work.
Can I wear Crocs to the gym?
We wouldn’t recommend wearing Crocs to the gym. Your workout and your feet deserve more support, so while you can wear them to the gym, we’d recommend changing into a more suitable performance shoe for when you start your workout.
Can I wear sweatpants to the gym?
Yes, sweatpants are becoming a popular choice for the gym, particularly for strength training. However, lighter-weight moisture-wicking leggings or shorts are usually the better option for cardio and high-intensity sessions.
Conclusion
The best gym outfits aren't about following a strict formula. They're about matching your kit to the session in front of you. A treadmill run, yoga class and strength workout all place different demands on your clothing, and choosing accordingly will help you get more from your training.
Looking to complete your gym wardrobe? Explore our guides to The Best Women’s Gym Shoes and How to Choose a Sports Bra: Your Complete Sports Bra Guide for more expert advice.
