Have you re-evaluated your health and fitness habits over the past year? Do you have plans for getting fitter and healthier during 2022? Personally, I always feel much more motivated if I look the part! That’s why this article has all the best workout clothes for women, no matter what your exercise of choice is.
If you’re making a resolution to dedicate some time to yourself, to getting fitter and healthier even in these unprecedented times, I’m sure the stylish workout outfits below could help you to achieve your goals.
Reasons to choose workout clothes you love
You’ve definitely heard the phrase “dress for success” before. And, it’s a saying which doesn’t only apply to the business world.
The clothing we wear affects the way we behave because it carries a symbolic meaning.
If you’re wearing workout gear that you love, you are mentally prepared for the task at hand. So, you are more enthusiastic about exercising, and you get better results.
I definitely agree that I feel better about exercising if I’m dressed well.
As I get older, it has become even more important to me to make sure that I stay fitter, stronger and healthier. I want to be around for as long as possible, being able to do what I want to for as long as possible!
If feeling great in my workout clothes can help with that, it’s definitely worth the extra investment.
How to choose the best workout clothes for women
Just as with the rest of your closet, your choice of workout gear is important. Here is what to consider when choosing a workout outfit.
The right color for your workout clothes
Is there a particular color that makes you feel motivated?
As well as soft muted tones, you could also think about brights like the shirt from Mippo (below) which comes in a vast choice of colors and has an interesting crossover back.
Red is often associated with action, strength and determination so it could be the perfect choice if you need some motivation.
Mippo Long Sleeve Workout Shirt
The right fit for your workout outfits
While you may want workout gear which is close-fitting, particularly if you are opting for yoga or pilates wear, it’s important that it fits correctly and isn’t too tight. You need to be able to move freely.
Catherine @catherinegraceo above (read her style interview here) chooses a print you wouldn’t necessarily expect on fitness wear, and she looks fantastic.
She is wearing a printed sports bra and leggings from Terez. Check out this similar jacket, headband and kettlebell to complete the look.
For a little extra confidence if you aren’t so keen on your tummy area, you could choose tummy control pants like the high waist yoga pants (below). Reviewers say they are fantastic for hiding some pandemic weight gain.
THE GYM PEOPLE High Waist Tummy Control Yoga Pants
The best workout clothes need the right fabric
You may favor natural fabrics such as cotton for everyday wear but you will find that fabrics made especially for working out are more comfortable as they are designed to wick moisture away from your body and dry quickly.
The Under Armour shirt (below) is made from quick-drying tech fabric.
Under Armour Tech Short Sleeve V-neck
The best workout clothes for women
Now that you are thinking about workout clothes that could work for you, below are some of the best workout outfits and the best brands of workout clothes to look out for.
If you’re rather bewildered by the array of workout clothes available, and who can blame you, a great place to start is with our picks and the brand recommendations from the women of the 40+ Style community:
Best sports bras for women
Let’s start from the inside out.
In order to be comfortable working out, you will need to make sure that your bust is supported. Not only that, but you won’t want underwiring digging into you while trying to exercise.
Claudia @beafitmom.nl above opts for a zip up sports bra. You can, of course, add a top if you prefer additional coverage while working out.
Recreate her look with this similar zip sports bra and leggings.
If you’ve made a resolution to work out more during 2022, a pack of sports bras like the AKAMC bras (below) could be perfect. They have more than 30,000, largely postive, reviews from women who say they’re a great everyday bra.
AKAMC 3 Pack Cross Back Sports Bra
Best workout tops for your gym outfits
Your work out top should fit well, wick away moisture and allow you to move. You can wear alone, or layer up with a extra layer or two if you’ll be exercising outside in cold weather.
Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor above (read her style interview here) chooses a workout top and matches the colors to the stripe in her leggings.
Check out this similar tank top (another option here), sports bra, cropped leggings, sneakers and water bottle.
Zella Run In Long Sleeve T-Shirt – Zella Cozy Baselayer Print Sweatshirt – Zella Restore Soft Wrap T-Shirt – Zella Print Racerback Tank
Workout sweaters
The best workout sweaters should look stylish and keep you warm while making sure moisture is still drawn away from your skin. If you’ll be lounging in your workout wear after your exercise, or running errands, you could also try a long cardigan.
Zella Mia Twist Rib Sweatshirt – Zella Live-In Hoodie – Zella Peaceful Fleece Open Front Cardigan – Zella Peaceful Funnel Neck Tie Waist Sweatshirt
workout jackets
Of course, if it’s really cold or rainy, or you want to stay warm while getting to your fitness venue, you might also want to consider a jacket.
A shorter style will still give your legs freedom of movement while you’re running! Think about puffer and fleece styles for warmth.
Psyche @economyofstyle above chooses a water resistant option with her running gear.
Get her look with this similar sports bra, jacket, leggings and running shoes.
Sweaty Betty Fast Track Jacket – Zella Quilted Short Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur Trim – Blanc Noir Maitri Traveler Jacket – Zella Longline Quilted Bomber Jacket
best workout leggings
When considering what to wear on your bottom half you have a number of choices open to you, but leggings are often one of the best ones as they’re suitable for any exercise from yoga to running.
Leggings are also some of the best gym clothes for women if you like to exercise indoors.
Sandra @lapecosapreciosa matches her sports bra to her leggings.
Steal her look with this similar sports bra, leggings, jacket, running shoes, headband and water bottle.
Beyond Yoga Beyond Space Dye High Waist Pocket Leggings – Hue Hold It Wide Waistband Leggings – Zella Cozy Patterned Baselayer Leggings – Zella Studio Lite Flex High Waist 7/8 Leggings
best workout pants for women
When thinking about workout outfits for women, you could also consider a pair of tracksuit bottoms, which could be particularly appropriate for running in cooler weather.
Zella Barely Flare Live in High Waist Pants – Sweaty Betty Essential Pocket Joggers – Zella Renew High Waist Pocket Flare Ankle Leggings – Zella Cara Ankle Sweatpants
best workout shorts for women
If you’ll be exercising indoors where it is warm or it’s summer where you live, then a pair of shorts might be better for you to go with the rest of your fitness outfit.
You could consider tight bike shorts for any exercise from yoga to running and cycling, or you might prefer a looser fit.
Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of running shorts to give her freedom of movement.
Recreate her outfit with this similar long sleeve top (another option here), shorts (another option here), sneakers and earbuds.
Zella Live In High Waist Pocket Bike Shorts – Nike ACG Nylon Shorts – Zella Camp Shorts – Zella Suns Out Skort
Workout shoes to go with your workout attire
Of course, your choice of shoes is super important when putting together an exercise outfit. You can’t possibly workout effectively if your feet are uncomfortable.
Look for a sneaker specifically for the type of exercise you are doing, whether that is running or tennis, for example. And, don’t forget to make sure your feet are supported in the same way as you would your everyday shoes. Choose sneakers with arch support if you need them.
You’ll find more stylish and supportive footwear ideas in these articles on arch support shoes and sneakers for plantar fasciitis.
Shauna @chicover50 above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of black sneakers with on-trend white soles.
Get her look with this similar sports bra, leggings, sneakers, bandana and earphones.
Zella Running Shoe – Zella Lifestyle Sneaker – New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V3 Running Shoe – Nike Flex Trainer 9 Sneaker
Workout accessories
No outfit is complete without your accessories and the same holds true for your workout clothes.
You may need a gym bag to pop your outfit in if you’re heading to exercise straight after work, for example. Or a hat or gloves if you’re running in winter.
A special fitness watch could also be a good idea for motivation so you can see how many steps you’re taking and the progress you’re making.
Stash Stash Backpack – Bluboon Sport Gym Duffle Bag – Zella Assorted 3-Pack No-Show Sneaker Socks – David Young Zena Water Resistant PONYFLO Cap – Zella Reflective Print Run Gloves – Fitbit Luxe Fitness and Wellness Tracker
Workout equipment
As well as accessories, you may want to think about treating yourself to some simple equipment so that you can workout anytime and anywhere, such as a yoga mat, resistance bands, weights or a skipping rope.
A water bottle is, of course, essential for hydration. And, to warm up and cool down your muscles, you may want to consider a roller.
Dorrie @seniorstylebible above (read her style interview here) opts for a purple yoga mat for her exercise session.
Check out this similar hoodie, printed leggings (plus size option here), sneakers and yoga mat.
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat – 321 STRONG Foam Roller – Renoj Resistance Bands – Bala Weight Bangles – Gaoykai Weighted Jump Rope – Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds – Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle
More of my favorite workout gadgets are here including a deep tissue massager I bought recently: TheraGun Elite.
Your workout outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see how you could put some of the workout clothes, shoes and accessories together to form outfits.
You can always switch the tops and bottoms around to create new looks. Plus, many of the tops and jackets would look great with jeans for weekend wear too.
shop some of the items above here:
More workout inspiration for you
The outfits below are from a previous capsul but should still give you plenty of workout ideas.
What are your favorite workout clothes for women?
Continue reading:
- The best workout gifts for her
- How To Wear Leggings Over 40 – A Complete Guide With The Best Leggings And Tops And Shoes To Wear With Them
- 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
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Feature image by Beth @styleatacertainage
The post The best workout clothes for women: How to look stylish while getting fit and healthy in 2022 appeared first on 40+ Style.