The Best Workout Shirts

Looking good when you work out is as much about fashion as it is about comfort. With the right workout shirt that fits and allows your skin to breathe, you will get much more out of your workout. It can be counter-productive to wear clothing that hinders movement and makes you feel uncomfortable.

  1. Fabric

    • Consider the fabric when choosing your workout shirt.

      Gone are the days of wearing an old, stretched, cotton T-shirt to work out in. Cotton is a comfortable fabric but it traps moisture and will stick to your skin and leave you feeling uncomfortable as you work out. Clothing manufacturers today use a range of synthetic fabrics to make workout shirts that are both comfortable and practical. Nylon is the best and lightest fabric for a workout shirt, with the added bonus that sweat evaporates off it quickly. Hydrophobic polyester is also popular as it has plenty of stretch and it wicks moisture off your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable as you work out. If you regularly do heavy-duty workouts and weightlifting where you sweat a great deal, look for a shirt that has antibacterial properties that will reduce odor. If your workout takes you outdoors, or you run outdoors, look for a shirt that has UV protection built into it.

    Styles

    • Wear a style of workout shirt that is suited to your workout.

      Choose a style of workout shirt according to the kind of workout you regularly do. A long-sleeved shirt will be your best buy should you do outdoor workouts, or for yoga or Pilates classes. A short-sleeved shirt, made from layered fabric and comprising posture-enhancing panels, is good for a more strenuous workout with a cool-down at the end. Wear a singlet or a vest should your workout include weightlifting or a great deal of running where you sweat profusely. The length of a workout shirt is another important consideration. If you wear low-cut pants to work out in, get a longer shirt that overlaps your pants. A short fitted workout top might be suitable for women who are comfortable to have an open midriff area. Wear a shirt that fits you comfortably and does not get in the way of your workout. This way you will avoid the embarrassment of your shirt falling down over your head when you bend forwards or downwards.

    Special Features

    • Look at the seams and labels before you buy your workout shirt.

      In addition to fabric and style, workout shirts have a variety of features for your comfort and convenience. Women may wish to buy a workout shirt that provides support or has a built-in bra. Some shirts have invisible pockets in them where you can keep your gym card or ID, or where you can put your personal music player. Check that the label is sewn into your shirt, so that it will not scratch against your skin. Look at the seams as well, as ergonomic seams will not chafe your skin as you work out.