Your choice of gym wear should empower you to perform at your best – combining comfort, functionality, and confidence. Precision-engineered sportswear ensures you’re equipped for every session, no matter how intense. Here’s what to consider and avoid when building your gym wardrobe.
What should I avoid wearing for the gym?
The key to gym wear is ensuring every piece supports your movement and enhances your performance. Avoid the following:
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Heavy Cotton Clothing: Cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly, leaving you uncomfortable and distracted. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics designed to keep you cool and focused.
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Everyday Underwired Bras: Regular bras can cause discomfort and even bruising during workouts. Instead, choose a well-fitted sports bra that provides the support you need for every session.
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Ill-fitting footwear – it is important to tailor your footwear to the type of training you are doing. Wearing shoes that don’t provide the right support, or cushioning can lead to discomfort and injury.
What to wear for the gym as a woman – 5 essentials
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Choose high-performing gym bottoms
When it comes to gym bottoms, your goal is freedom of movement and durability. Sweat-wicking, lightweight, and stretch fabrics are non-negotiable. Whether you prefer shorts or leggings, Castore’s range are precision-engineered from AerTek sweat-wicking technology to keep you cool and comfortable across activities. From HIIT classes to reformer Pilates, these pieces are designed to adapt to your training needs, offering breathable and moisture-wicking performance.
Styling Tip: Pair with a matching sports bra, tank top, or quarter-zip for a seamless, tonal gym look.
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Invest in a supportive sports bra
A high-quality sports bra is essential to both comfort and performance. It minimises distractions and prevents long-term damage to breast tissue caused by inadequate support.
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High-Impact Activities: For running, HIIT, or aerobics, opt for a sports bra with maximum support to reduce breast movement and keep you fully focused.
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Low-Impact Activities: For yoga, Pilates, or barre, a medium or low-support bra offers flexibility while maintaining comfort.
Tip: Ensure you’re measured to find your correct size. A sports bra tailored to your activity level and body provides the confidence to push your limits without hesitation.
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Sweat-wicking tops
Sweat-wicking t-shirts, vests and long sleeve tops help to regulate your temperature and wick away sweat so you can focus solely on your performance. Look for materials like technical mesh or lightweight blends that enhance breathability.
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Tank tops and short-sleeve styles are perfect for intense sessions.
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Even on cooler days, reach for a sweat-wicking garment. Long sleeves with technical fabrics offer coverage and warmth during cooler workouts.
Tip: Features like laser-cut ventilation and ergonomic seams ensure optimal airflow and zero distractions so you can focus on your form.
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Layer up
Opt for quarter-zips or training jackets that offer flexibility without restricting movement. Not only our training layers water-resistant for unpredictable gym commutes, but they are also crafted from high stretch fabrics, ideal for workout warm-ups.
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Prioritise water-resistant finishes for unpredictable weather conditions.
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On cooler days or lighter workout sessions, consider wearing a training gilet or lightweight jacket.
Layering Tip: Castore's hybrid designs blend style and functionality, ensuring a smooth transition between warm-ups and your main workout.
5. Functional accessories
Accessories are often overlooked but can elevate your workout experience. Consider:
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Gym Gloves: Prevent calluses during weight training.
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Headbands or Caps: Keep sweat and hair out of your face.
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Performance Socks: Cushioning and moisture control for maximum comfort.
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Gym towels: a gym bag staple
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Water bottle: staying hydrated during all form of workouts is key
Bonus: A durable gym bag keeps your kit organised and ready for every session.
What to wear for your workout?
Cardio workouts
For high-energy cardio sessions like running or HIIT classes, opt for sweat-wicking fabrics that keep you dry and focused. A supportive sports bra and fitted bottoms ensure maximum freedom of movement, letting you push through every stride, sprint, or jump with confidence.
Weightlifting
When weightlifting, choose clothing that prioritises a full range of motion without excess fabric. Streamlined tops and bottoms are ideal to avoid distractions or interference with equipment, allowing you to focus on your form and performance.
Yoga and Pilates
Flexibility and comfort are at the heart of yoga and Pilates. Opt for stretchy, second-skin workout wear that moves seamlessly with your body. Leggings or cycling shorts work particularly well for these low-impact sessions, ensuring nothing holds you back from perfecting your flow.