There are a few cardinal rules when it comes to dressing for the gym: no loose clothing that can get caught in machinery, no cotton (it absorbs sweat and makes you feel weighed down), and nothing that’s see-through.
But even beyond those general guidelines, there are some specific items you should avoid wearing to the gym.
17 Things not to wear at the Gym
1. Baggy/Tight Clothes
When you’re getting dressed to go to the gym, you want to make sure you’re putting on clothes that will make you feel good and help you perform your best.
You don’t want to wear clothes that are too tight or too baggy.
If your clothes are too tight, they’ll be uncomfortable and you won’t be able to move around as freely as you need to.
If your clothes are too baggy, they’ll get in the way and you’ll be more likely to trip and fall. Choose clothes that fit you well and allow you to move around easily.
2. Revealing Clothes
You also don’t want to wear clothes that are too revealing.
If your clothes are too short or too tight, they’ll show off your body in a way that may make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Choose clothes that cover your body adequately and make you feel comfortable.
3. Bad Style/ Colors
When you’re choosing clothes for the gym, it’s important to choose colors and styles that you feel good in.
You don’t want to wear clothes that are too bright or too loud.
Choose colors and styles that make you feel confident and comfortable.
4. Skirts or dresses
There are plenty of things you can do to make your gym experience more comfortable, but wearing a skirt or dress definitely isn’t one of them.
In fact, you’re better off avoiding these items of clothing altogether, because they can actually make your workout more difficult and uncomfortable.
Here are four reasons why you should never wear a skirt or dress to the gym:
- They can ride up when you’re working out, which is not only frustrating but also quite distracting.
- They can get caught on equipment, which can cause you to lose your balance or even fall.
- They’re often made from thin, lightweight materials that can get sweaty and clingy when you’re working out.
- They can be quite revealing, which is not appropriate for the gym.
5. Sandals or open-toe shoes
There are a few gym etiquette rules that are often overlooked. One of them is what shoes to wear. It’s best to avoid wearing open-toe shoes or sandals to the gym, as they can become dirty quickly and pose a hygiene risk.
Gym floors can also be slippery, so it’s important to wear shoes that will provide you with good traction.
6. Old Shoes
Do you know that the wrong shoes can actually do more harm than good?
Many people wear old, worn-out shoes to the gym, thinking that they don’t really matter. But this is actually a very bad idea. Old shoes can cause all sorts of problems, like ankle sprains, shin splints, and even stress fractures.
Wearing the wrong shoes can also lead to discomfort and pain, which can seriously detract from your workout. So before you head to the gym, be sure to put on a pair of new, properly-fitting shoes.
7. Lotion, Perfume and Makeup
Working out is hard enough without having to worry about the products you’re wearing.
Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know that wearing lotion, perfume, and makeup to the gym can actually be really bad for your skin and health.
The first thing you should do before you head to the gym is take all of your makeup off. Makeup clogs your pores and can cause breakouts.
It’s also important to avoid wearing lotion, since it can make you sweat more and lead to skin irritation. And if you’re wearing perfume, all that sweat will cause the scent to fade pretty quickly.
If you’re really missing that extra layer of protection, try using an all-natural sunscreen. It won’t clog your pores like traditional sunscreens and it will stay put even when you sweat.
8. Bikini
There are a lot of things you should never do at the gym, but wearing a bikini tops the list.
Sure, it might be comfortable and feel freeing, but it’s not the right choice for the gym.
Here are four reasons why you should never wear a bikini to the gym:
- It’s distracting for other gym-goers.
- If you’re bouncing around and working up a sweat, it can be difficult to focus on your workout.
- You might not be as safe as you think. Bikinis can easily ride up or fall down.
- It can make you sweaty and uncomfortable.
9. Short Shorts
While shorts are a great choice for the gym, it’s important to make sure they’re the right shorts.
Shorts that are too short can be distracting and even make you look like you’re not serious about your workout. Choose shorts that hit about mid-thigh or just above the knee.
This will ensure that you’re comfortable and that you look put together. If you’re not sure what to wear, take a look at what the other people in the gym are wearing.
10. Leggings
While leggings are comfortable and versatile, they’re not always the best choice for a workout.
Here are four reasons why you should avoid wearing leggings to the gym:
- Leggings can be see-through when sweaty, which is not appropriate for the gym.
- Leggings can be too tight and constricting, which can make working out difficult.
- Leggings can ride up when you’re working out, which can be uncomfortable and distracting.
- Leggings can be a target for thieves, since they’re easy to steal and often worth a lot of money.
11. Barely-There Shirts and Vests
While working out in a tank top or vest may be comfortable, it’s not always the best option.
In fact, wearing clothing that’s too revealing can actually do more harm than good. Showing too much skin can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.
It can also lead to unwanted attention from others in the gym, which can be distracting and even unsafe.
12. Ratty Clothing
If you’re going to the gym, make sure your clothing is in good condition. It’s not necessary to wear expensive workout clothes, but it is important that your clothes are clean and free of holes.
Wearing ratty clothing to the gym will only make you look and feel bad, and it may also discourage other people from working out near you.
13. Denim
Don’t wear denim to the gym! Jeans are heavy, and they don’t allow your body to breathe properly. This is because the fabric can trap sweat and bacteria, which can also cause skin irritation and infection.
Denim can also cause a number of other problems, such as overheating, excessive sweating, and even chafing.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and practical choice of clothing to wear to the gym, consider wearing sweatpants or leggings instead of jeans.
You’ll be much more comfortable, and you’ll be able to move around more easily.
14. Vibram 5 Finger Shoes
There are a lot of things you should never do at the gym. But wearing Vibram 5 Finger Shoes might top them all.
In fact, a lot of people argue that they’re not even shoes at all.
Here are four reasons why you should never wear them to the gym:
- They can cause serious injury.
- They don’t provide enough support.
- They make you unstable.
- They’re not allowed in most gyms.
15. Boots
In order to make the best out of your time at the gym, it’s important that you wear the right type of shoes.
Contrary to popular belief, boots are not the right type of shoes to wear to the gym. Boots are heavy and can make it difficult for you to move around.
They can also cause injuries. Instead, wear shoes that are designed for exercise. They will be light and will allow you to move around easily. They will also protect your feet and help you stay safe while you’re working out.
16. Barely there Vests
The barely there vest is a popular workout top for women. It is made of thin, stretchy fabric and is designed to be tight and revealing.
While the vest may be comfortable and flattering, it is not appropriate for the gym. The main problem with wearing a barely there vest to the gym is that it is not practical.
The thin fabric does not provide enough warmth or coverage, which can lead to feeling cold and exposed during a workout. Additionally, the tight fit can make it difficult to move and breathe freely.
If you want to wear a stylish and comfortable workout top, there are better options than a barely there vest.
Try a simple T-shirt or tank top in a breathable fabric like cotton or performance fabric.
17. Neon Clothes
When you’re working up a sweat at the gym, you want to be comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you should wear clothes that clash or make you look like a highlighter.
Stick to neutrals and basic colors when you’re picking out your workout wardrobe. You’ll look put-together and feel more confident.
The colors you wear when you work out have a lot to do with how you perform.
Studies have shown that people who wear black or dark colors while they work out tend to perspire less and see better results.
Bright colors, on the other hand, cause people to work harder and sweat more. This is because your brain is trying to process all of the new information it’s seeing, which can take away from your focus and ability to concentrate on your workout.
Wearing neon clothes is totally fine only if you are cycling or running outdoors at night so other people and vehicles can see you.
Conclusion:
That’s all in what not to wear to the gym. It’s a place to get fit, not to show off your style.
If you want to stay looking your best, leave the high heels and the sequins at home. Share this article with your friends on social media to help them stay looking their best, too.