Why Your Gym Clothes Should Have a Bit More Personality

There is something about buying new gym clothes that can make you feel like you are suddenly going to become the sort of person who never misses a workout. You know the type. They have their gym bag packed the night before, their water bottle is permanently full and they somehow look organised before they have even had their first coffee.

I am absolutely not that person.

For most of us, getting motivated to exercise is enough of a challenge without worrying about whether our workout clothes look good too. Between work, family life, school runs, housework and the million other things that seem to fill our days, exercise can easily slip further down the list.

But when you find activewear that is comfortable, practical and actually makes you smile when you put it on, it can make getting ready for a workout feel a little more enjoyable.

Gym clothes don’t have to be boring

For years, gym wear seemed to follow a fairly predictable formula. Black leggings, a plain vest top, neutral trainers, and perhaps a hoodie if you were feeling adventurous.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping things simple, of course. If black leggings and a plain top are what make you feel comfortable, go for it.

But activewear has become much more interesting, particularly if you like clothing with a bit of personality.

There are now plenty of gym shirts featuring funny sayings, bold graphics, fitness-related designs and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour. Some are motivational, some are deliberately ridiculous, and others basically say what you are thinking when you realise your workout involves another set of squats.

Why I like printed gym shirts

Personally, I think one of the best things about a printed gym shirt is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Going to the gym can sometimes feel like you are surrounded by people who know exactly what they are doing. Everyone appears to have their carefully planned workout, perfect gym outfit and impressive knowledge of every machine.

Meanwhile, you are standing there wondering whether you have accidentally selected the machine that is going to launch you through the wall.

There is also something to be said for wearing clothes that reflect your personality. You wouldn’t necessarily wear something plain every day if your normal wardrobe is full of colour, patterns or funny slogans, so why should your gym wardrobe be any different?

For women who prefer a bit more character in their workout clothes, women printed gym shirts offer plenty of options to make your gym outfit feel less like a uniform and more like something you have actually chosen because you like it.

And let’s be honest, anything that makes you feel a little happier about putting your trainers on is worth considering.

Comfort still comes first

Of course, looking good is only part of the equation. The funniest gym shirt in the world isn’t going to make you enjoy your workout if you are constantly pulling it down, adjusting the sleeves or feeling uncomfortable.

The same applies to shorts, leggings and other activewear. Your clothes need to allow you to move properly and should feel comfortable throughout your workout.

Think about what type of exercise you actually do rather than buying something simply because it looks good on a model.

If you spend most of your time lifting weights, you may want something different from someone who spends an hour doing yoga or Pilates. If you love running, you will probably have different requirements again. The important thing is finding clothes that work with your routine rather than against it.

Don’t overlook workout shorts

I have always thought that shorts can be one of those pieces of activewear that people have strong opinions about. Some women love them. Others would rather wear leggings every single day, thank you very much.

But if you enjoy wearing shorts for exercise, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Women yoga shorts can work particularly well for activities where you need plenty of freedom of movement.

Yoga shorts aren’t just for yoga either. Depending on the style and fit, they can be useful for gym workouts, stretching, home workouts and other activities where you want something a little lighter than full-length leggings. And if plain black isn’t really your thing, patterned options can add a bit more fun to your outfit.

Printed yoga shorts are definitely a thing

There is something slightly brilliant about discovering that your gym clothes can have as much personality as your everyday clothes.

Women printed yoga shorts can add colour and pattern to an otherwise simple outfit, particularly if you pair them with a plain gym shirt.

You could go for a bold pair of shorts with a relatively simple top, or go all out and combine a printed shirt with patterned shorts if you are feeling particularly brave.

Personally, I think the key is wearing what makes you feel comfortable rather than worrying about whether someone else would choose the same outfit. There is no rule saying that workout clothes have to match perfectly. In fact, sometimes the slightly mismatched outfit is the one that has the most personality.

Your gym wardrobe doesn’t need to cost a fortune

Another thing worth remembering is that you don’t need an entirely new wardrobe every time you decide you are going to get back into exercise.

We’ve all been there. You decide that this time you are definitely going to stick to your fitness routine, buy a load of new clothes, a new water bottle, a new gym bag and probably some sort of gadget that promises to change your life.

Two weeks later, the gym bag is sitting in the corner, and the new leggings are being worn while you watch television.

It is much better to start with a few pieces that you genuinely like and will actually wear. A couple of comfortable tops, a good pair of leggings or shorts, supportive sportswear, and decent trainers can be enough to get started. Then, as you work out what you like, you can add to your collection.

What about seasonal gym clothes?

We tend to think of Halloween clothing as something you wear to a party, take the children trick-or-treating in, or perhaps put on for a Halloween night out. But why should the spooky fun stop there?

If you love Halloween, a Halloween gym shirt is a brilliant way to bring a bit of the season into your workout wardrobe.

There are plenty of Halloween-inspired fitness designs around, from skeletons and ghosts to pumpkins and spooky slogans. IronPandaFit’s current Halloween range includes fitness-themed designs that combine the usual Halloween imagery with gym humour. And let’s face it, October is the perfect excuse to wear something a little ridiculous.

You could even make it a tradition. Halloween gym session? Wear the Halloween shirt. Christmas workout? Dig out the festive activewear. Birthday? Wear something with a ridiculous slogan. It gives you another reason to look forward to getting dressed for your workout.

Finding your own workout style

One of the things I think we sometimes forget is that exercise is supposed to fit into our lives. It doesn’t have to turn us into somebody else.

You don’t suddenly need to become the person who loves running at 5 am because you have decided to exercise. You don’t have to wear matching neutral activewear because that is what everyone else seems to be wearing. And you certainly don’t need to feel uncomfortable because you think there is a particular way you are supposed to look in the gym.

If you prefer oversized tops, wear them. If you love bright colours, embrace them. If you want to wear a ridiculous slogan across your chest, absolutely go for it. If black leggings and a plain T-shirt make you happiest, that’s fine too.

The best gym outfit is really the one that makes you feel comfortable enough to move and confident enough to walk through the gym doors.

I’ve written before about how clothing can play a part in feeling more confident at the gym, particularly when you are worried about how you look or feel self-conscious around other people. The important thing is finding clothes that make you feel comfortable rather than spending your workout worrying about your outfit.

You might even find yourself looking forward to getting dressed

There is a funny little psychological boost that comes from putting on an outfit you actually like. It doesn’t magically make exercise easy. Unfortunately, no T-shirt can make burpees enjoyable. But it can help create that feeling of right, I’m doing this now. And when you have spent most of your day looking after everyone else, getting dressed in something that is just for you can be a nice little change.

It doesn’t have to be about changing your body or chasing a particular number on the scales either. Exercise can be about having some time to yourself, getting stronger, clearing your head, improving your fitness or simply getting out of the house for an hour.

Sometimes the small things make it easier to keep going. A playlist you love. A decent coffee afterwards. A workout you actually enjoy. And, yes, a gym shirt that makes you laugh when you catch yourself in the mirror.

Final thoughts

Gym clothes have come a long way from the days when your only options seemed to be black leggings and a plain vest top.

Whether you prefer simple activewear or love bold designs, there is no reason your workout wardrobe can’t reflect your personality.

Printed gym shirts can add a bit of fun to your outfit, while colourful or patterned shorts can give you an alternative to the usual plain activewear. Seasonal pieces, such as Halloween gym shirts, can make things even more enjoyable when you fancy something a little different.

Most importantly, choose clothes that fit comfortably, allow you to move freely and make you feel good. Because getting yourself motivated to exercise is hard enough without wearing something you don’t even like. And if a slightly ridiculous gym shirt gives you that extra little nudge to get your trainers on and head out the door, I reckon that’s a win.

*This is a collaborative post