When it comes to dressing up for workouts, there’s nothing wrong to prioritize both form and function. If your on-point sports gear can be a great motivation for you to hit your local gym, then why shouldn’t you choose the nicest workout pieces, right?
As has been shown in recent years, the price of gym memberships has grown exponentially, and if we’re paying so much for it, why would we not spend a little more money on making sure we’re dressed for it, right? But that does not mean you have to go crazy with spending. You can make smart decisions and only buy the things that are going to help you work out more effectively.
However, shopping for exercise clothes is not necessarily cheap. While others tend to just buy the cheapest items they can find since they’ll only sweat on them anyway, it’s also not an ideal technique if you want to get the best results from your efforts. There are items that you really shouldn’t skimp on and there are items that you can definitely choose not to splurge on.
What are these pieces? Here are our lists of the active wear items that you should splurge and save on so that you know the best areas to focus on.
The Splurge List
Sports bras
For women, sports bras are some of the biggest costs when outfitting themselves for the gym. These things come in a wide price range that most folks find themselves in a pickle between which ones to go for.
When it comes to sports bras, however, the price should only be a secondary factor in your choice. As the breast can move from 4cm to 15 cm while exercising, your breasts will need ample support to help you stay comfortable and prevent pains while you workout. This means that you should only go for a tight and comfortable fitting sports bra.
While cheap ones can be tight and comfy at first, they also tend to lose their shape after a few washes. High-quality ones, on the other hand, tend to stay in their original shape for much longer. This makes them better options even with the high initial cost. Buying a one high quality sport bra could be more economical than buying 3 cheaper ones in the same period of time.
Running jackets
If you also like to exercise outdoors, running jackets will prove to be very useful to you. They can help to regulate your body temperature which can then ensure the quality of your workout.
However, running jackets tend to be big-ticket buys so not everyone is too fond of buying them from name brands. Unfortunately, cheap varieties aren’t really designed the same way as their more expensive and special counterparts. They won’t necessarily wick moisture and let heat escape. This can result in your discomfort, so it’s just better to opt for a pricier and specially made running jacket.
The good news, however, is that you can always find good running jackets marked down during certain times of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for them and you might just also save on these items.
Athletic shoes
Since your feet will take the brunt of your body weight and movements when working out, it just makes perfect sense that you should also only go for the best pairs out there. They are made for enhanced performance and injury prevention but not all of them are guaranteed to provide the support you need as you move.
By splurging on athletic footwear, however, you can be better guaranteed of the pair’s quality construction and design. Sports brands tend to take the time to craft their products according to the needs of the game they’re catering to. This makes them more reliable when it comes to providing ample support and protection to your feet.
On the fence: bottoms
Your lower half will also need some support and protection from the activities that you’ll do while you workout. However, you don’t always need to get a pricey pair. If you were able to find a well-fitting pair that won’t hamper your movements, it can already be a great pick. If you want to splurge on these items, you can do so, too, but it’s not completely necessary.
If you’re doing a lot of squats or exercising than require drastic thigh, knee, and leg movements, then make sure you’re wearing something that’s not restricting that movement.
The Save List
Socks
Socks tend to become the grossest and sweatiest out of all of your gym clothes so it’s best to balance quantity and quality when shopping for them. As long as the insides are not a tangle of threads that can hurt your feet while you exercise, you can opt for a cheap pair.
Another thing that makes cheap socks better than expensive ones is the fact that it’s better to opt for a polyester/synthetic and cotton blend instead of just cotton for socks. The former will have moisture wicking capabilities, making it more comfortable to wear while you sweat out unwanted calories.
Socks are just one of those articles of clothing that you can just toss away when they’re worn out. You probably don’t want to spend a long time trying to get them washed if they’re badly stained already.
Tops
If you already have a good-fitting sports bra, you’re all set for a secure and comfortable workout so you don’t really need an expensive top anymore. As long as it wicks moisture away and is comfortable enough for your choice of exercise, it will be a great top to wear to the gym.
Hopefully, this list gives you a good idea on how to spend wisely for your workout wear. Make sure to prioritize your comfort and safety and you’re sure to make the most out of your chosen exercise.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.