If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to exercise more regularly, congratulations! But before you start splurging on pricey fitness apparel, experts say it’s not a necessity to achieve your fitness goals. While specialized workout gear can offer benefits, it’s not a requirement—especially for casual exercisers.
“If your goal is simply to stay active or have fun, you don’t need to rush out and buy high-end athletic wear,” says Dr. Joel Hardwick, a clinical exercise physiologist at the University of Illinois Chicago. “The key is ensuring your clothes aren’t too tight or too loose, and that they’re comfortable.”
Kaylee Johnson, a lead performance coach with the fitness app Future, agrees. “If buying specific workout clothes would discourage you from going to the gym, just wear whatever feels comfortable,” she advises. “It doesn’t have to be perfect.”
However, experts recommend giving a bit more thought to your clothing if you plan to exercise outdoors. Comfort is important, but so is considering the weather.
Dressing for the Elements
When exercising outside, climate-appropriate clothing is essential. Dr. Hardwick warns against cotton for outdoor workouts. “Cotton traps moisture, which can be problematic,” he explains. “In hot weather, it can lead to overheating, and in cold weather, it can increase the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.”
Synthetics are a better option. Materials like polyester and nylon allow air to circulate and wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold.
For colder climates, layering is crucial. Johnson recommends starting with a light base layer, which you can remove as your body heats up, and adding layers back as you cool down.
Ultimately, the experts agree: Your fitness journey is about consistency and comfort, not about investing in the priciest gear. Focus on functionality and wear what feels good—whether it’s from the latest fitness brand or a simple, budget-friendly option.
Choosing the right shoes for exercise
Lace up with the right running shoes if you decide to run for exercise. Proper ones can help prevent injuries and improve your performance.
Shoes are also an important consideration, whether exercising indoors or outside. Ideally, you should select a shoe specific to your chosen activity (running, basketball, tennis, and so on). But an all-purpose sports shoe can work, too.
“As long as your shoes are broken in, not too worn, not too tight or loose, and allow space for toe movement, it’s generally fine,” Hardwick said.
Good, supportive shoes are key, Johnson added, although there are some exceptions, namely when it comes to strength training.
“Wearing running shoes to strength train is bad, because they have so much cushion,” Johnson said. “You want flat-soled shoes for stability.”
If you elect to run, however, opt for running shoes. Proper running shoes can prevent injuries and improve performance, according to a 2024 review published in the Journal of the Foot & Ankle.
Benefits of workout clothes
Investing in at least one complete fitness outfit is a good way to improve performance, comfort and confidence, according to experts.
Once you have found a form of exercise you enjoy, consider investing in at least one complete fitness outfit, Johnson advised. Doing so can improve performance, comfort and even confidence.
“I’ve had clients come in with baggy sweats, which got in their way when running,” Johnson said. “Once they switched to formfitting leggings, it changed everything. They were cooler and more comfy.”
The same holds for baggy T-shirts if your favorite activity requires arm movement, such as playing tennis or pickleball. Opt for more fitted shirts, Johnson said, and you’ll likely be happier.
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