Believe it or not, your outfit matters! Wearing the right clothing can make the difference between an enjoyable workout and an hour of misery. Investing in some appropriate, stylish, yet comfortable workout clothing can be the motivation you need to get you moving, whether you’re hitting a CrossFit WOD, playing sports, or getting active outdoors. Many of you already have enough excuses not to exercise. Don’t let your workout clothing be one more of them!
A big mistake you can make is wearing a cotton T-shirt for your workout. Instead, you should wear a shirt designed to draw sweat away from the body and move it to the outer surface. These “wicking” clothes (also called technical or performance fabrics) are usually made of polyester and/or Lycra blends. They may cost more than your average cotton T-shirt, but they’ll also last longer and keep you comfortable.
Cotton is indeed comfortable, but the more you sweat during exercise, the more perspiration it traps, weighing down your garment and clinging to your skin. (I think we know that WODs have a knack for drawing out a LOT of sweat!) In summer, that can prevent your body from cooling properly. In winter, wearing those damp clothes for a workout keeps you cold. Add a cold wind to the equation during a run around the block, and you’ll be chilled to the bone.
Proper workout attire doesn’t stop with your shirt. Cotton socks can also trap moisture and cause blisters, while a polyester-blend sock may help prevent them. Shorts, gloves, hats, running tights, sports bras, workout pants—even underwear—are also available in performance fabrics.
Here is what to look for when purchasing new exercise clothing.
Comfort
Avoid any rough fabrics that could chafe or irritate your skin during repetitive movement. Choose materials that let you move and don’t constrict you. Pay closer attention to fit than size, as some workout clothes tend to be smaller and more form fitting than regular clothes. Look for items that have a small percentage of spandex listed on the label. This allows for a greater range of motion during exercise and can provide a very comfortable fit without being skin-tight.
Wicking ability
If you’re going to be perspiring a lot, make sure your base layer will keep you dry and comfortable. Look for a polyester/ Lycra blend or another synthetic material. These materials keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer—even when wet—and dry quickly. If you prefer natural materials, wool and bamboo exercise shirts naturally wick away moisture, too.
Perfect fit
You may think this one sounds silly, but it’s not. While you might be tempted to hide beneath baggy layers, you will feel more confident and sure of yourself if you wear an outfit that looks good on you and plays up your assets. If you feel good about yourself, you’ll be inclined to exercise more often. That’s the most important part!
Layerable
Your workout wardrobe should be versatile, carrying you from the hottest months to the coldest months (if you’ll be exercising outdoors, or in our gym without any heat!!). To avoid overspending during the changes of the seasons, keep this in mind when shopping, looking for items that can easily layer during cold months. Start with a moisture-wicking dry layer, such as a wicking T-shirt or tank top, then add a warmer layer such as a fleece pullover. Finish with a protective outer layer (for waterproofing and wind proofing) such as a windbreaker or a nylon shell. Shop during the off-season for the best deals.
Technologically advanced
Many new workout pieces feature anti-microbial treatments to combat odor, while others have built-in ultra-violet protection to fight the sun’s harmful rays. You can also buy glow-in-the-dark or luminescent jackets and running pants to help keep you visible if you exercise after dark. If you are a hiker concerned about Lyme disease, look for clothing that contains permethrin, a synthetic version of the natural insect repellent found in chrysanthemums. (Cool.)
Activity appropriate
Loose, baggy pants aren’t feasible for box jumps, double unders or running, and flowing tops won’t keep you covered when you do Handstand Pushups and cartwheels. Consider the activities you do most in your WODs, and make sure the clothes you buy are comfortable and appropriate for those activities. Most people can’t go wrong with fitted workout Capri pants and a fitted performance top, but always try on clothes before you buy—and try a few of your signature CrossFit workout moves in the dressing room to be sure. 
The more frequently you exercise, the more important it is to wear the right kind of clothes. Aside from keeping you comfortable, dry and cool, the right outfit also makes you feel like a million bucks, and most importantly, won’t impede your performance. Happy shopping!
Today’s Workout:
Buy In - 5 x 100M sprints (rest 2 minutes between sprints)
WOD - “Lynne”
5 rounds for max reps:
- Bodyweight bench press (e.g., same amount on bar as you weigh)
- Pull-ups
There is NO time component to this WOD
Zone 3 - Scale to 75% body weight on bench press, scale pullups (use a challenging rubber band)
Zone 2 - Scale to 50% body weight on bench press, scale pullups (use a challenging rubber band)
Zone 1 - Scale as needed
Cash Out - Stretch & rollout: shoulders, upper back & chest
GYMNASTICS CLASS TONIGHT!!
Skills: 
Upper Arm Swings on P-bars, Handstands, Skin the cat
WOD: Ring pushups, 20 ball press, Candle Box Jump!
