Look Good, Lift Good: How the Right Gym Outfit Can Change Your Workout

Working remotely means I often spend most of the day in pajamas — shirt stained, desk covered in crumbs — did I brush my teeth? I can't remember. But when I need motivation to workout, I pull on my shorts, tank, crew socks, and Converse, and I'm transformed: no longer a cave monster, but a certified baddie ready to workout.

That's the power of the right gym outfit. The clothes you wear set the tone and boost your confidence, but what's more, they can even help your body perform better. From psychology-backed effects of motivational clothing on performance to the science of fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable, we'll cover what you need to know to look good, feel good, and hit your lifts even better.

The Science Behind Comfort, Style, and Performance

Sometimes we agonize over what to wear for a first date, job interview, or a social event — keenly aware of first impressions and how we're percieved. But the science of dressing the part goes deeper than this. Dressing the part actually helps you be the part. In one study, participants who wore doctor's lab coats were able to maintain focus and attention longer than participants who were not dressed like nerds. Demonstrating that the clothes we wear don't just influence how others see us — they can actually shape how we think, feel, and perform.

This phenomenon, known as enclothed cognition, suggests that when we put on clothing associated with a certain role or quality — like professionalism, confidence, or athleticism — we're more likely to embody those traits in our behavior and mindset.

The same principle applies in fitness. Pulling on a sweat-wicking tee, supportive leggings, and lacing up your favorite sneakers can have you looking good and performing better. While the research on this is conflicting — some studies show vast improvements in performance when self-confidence is high and others show no change — sport psychology 101 says that feeling good in what you're wearing can help you show up at your best. 

There's also the practical side: thermoregulation. That's just a fancy way of saying your body's ability to keep its core temperature in a healthy range. When you're working hard, staying too hot for too long can tank your comfort, slow you down, and even put your health at risk. Athletic wear with sweat-wicking fabrics, breathable material, and lightweight construction can help your body shed heat more efficiently as proved in multiple studies. So you stay cooler, move better, and can push yourself further without feeling like you're melting. 

Fabrics That Work as Hard as You Do

Part of what makes REP® Fitness apparel some of the best gym workout clothes is our choice of fabric — often using Polyester, Nylon, and cotton blends for durability, comfort, and breathability. Here's what you can expect from typical gym clothes fabrics:

Polyester: This synthetic fabric is wrinkle resistant, durable, dries quickly, keeps its shape, and wicks moisture away from your body to keep you cool.

Cotton: Soft, breathable, and absorbant, cotton is also a solid hypoallergenic option for people whose skin disagrees with synthetic fabrics.

Nylon: A synthetic fabric that's popular for its resistant to wear and tear, plus is also moisture wicking, quick drying, abrasion resistant, and elastic.

Spandex: Stretchy, durable, and moisture wicking abilities makes this synthetic fiber a popular choice for workout apparel. Plus, it's comfortable.

Merino Wool: Naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, breathable, durable, and aids in temperature regulation.

How To Get Motivated to Workout with REP® Apparel

When you exercise with clothes that move well, support your comfort, and make you feel good, you're dressing for the gym while also dressing for success. Here are some of our favorite pieces from REP®'s apparel line.

Men's Workout Apparel

Motus Shorts: These men's athletic shorts offer a soft and lightweight feel that's suitable for hitting the gym or hanging out. "These shorts are my favorite," says Grant Holmes, powerlifter and Retention Marketing Manager here at REP. "They're great for running and I like that the high hip pocket holds my phone and limits bouncing." 

Felix Pants: These men's pants provide a tapered leg with four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch, ideal for gym sessions, travel, or wherever your day takes you.

Men's Daily Driver 2.0 Tri-Blend Crew T-Shirt: I have this men's tee and I love it. It's super soft, light, cozy, and I appreciate that there isn't an itchy tag on the back. I wear a size small in women's clothing and the men's size medium gives me a nice athletic fit — not too boxy — without hugging tight on my hips.

Unisex Zip Hoodie: Do you recall the chokehold the American Apparel zip-front hoodie had on the United States back in the 2010s? In similar fashion, this REP® zip-up gives you the comfort of a hoodie, with performance aspects to highlight your training. From a fit designed to show off your arms and shoulders to a ring-spun cotton that's durable, soft, and breathable — perfect for training on cool days in the Spring and Fall.

Women's Performance Apparel

Choosing the best workout clothes for women often is a combination of style and function. Here are our favorites in that department:

Forma Shorts: These polyester/spandex blend women's gym shorts provide a 4" inseam (a little more or less depending on your selected size), with a high waist, deep pockets to fit your phone, and a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement and comfort.

Rhea Cropped Tank Top: I'm all about a cropped tee or tank with a pair of high waisted leggings. This compression tank is breathable and moisture-wicking, with a cute little cut out on the back that allows more air flow (who doesn't like a cute workout look). My favorite part? No more stupid removable pads. I don't want them. I don't need them. And if you're offended by the slight notion that I MAY have nipples, that feels like a you problem.

Hera Tights: These workout leggings provide compression and support and can be purchased with a 23-, 25-, or 27-inch inseam depending on your desired fit. They feature side pockets to hold your phone or wallet, plus a hidden waistband pocket that's perfect for your keys.

The Confidence of a Perfect Fit

Does anything feel better than a gym-fit that doesn't just look stylish AF but also performs well? Here's how the right attire can boost your confidence, give you the inspiration to workout, and help you tackle your reps.

Familiarity Limits Anxiety

Have you ever shown up to your workout in a new shirt or pair of pants and spent the entire workout fussing with it? Clothes that fit right provide peace of mind, so you can focus on your workout rather than adjusting your shorts or pulling down your high-riding sports bra. Choosing a gym outfit that you know won't give you any problems can help you totally shift your attention to your work.

Self-Expression and Identity

Your outfit should also be an expression of who you are. Maybe that means you're donned in a bright getup that screams, look at me, or a sleek and minimalist attire might be more your vibe. When your gear reflects your style and identity, it can help you walk in feeling confident in yourself and confident that you belong.

Respect and Belonging

Just like how you might not trust a doctor who's got on rave bracelets or a metal head leather jacket — I mean, cute! But not really the doctor's office vibe I'm looking for — what you wear in the gym and for your workout can help garner respect and a sense of belonging from your peers. It can signal to others that you take your training seriously, which can help you feel like part of the community.

Fit That Lets You Go Full Range

Choosing the right wardrobe for your routine means factoring in the types of exercises you're planning to tackle. If you're deadlifting or tackling some hypertrophy-focused RDLs, opt for leggings or high socks to protect your shins. Doing explosive HIIT training? Go for a high-impact sports bra to keep everything comfortably in place so you can focus on form, not bounce. And when you need total freedom of movement, look for shorts or pants with a gusseted crotch and a well-fitted shirt or tank that won't snag or bunch while you train.

Takeaway

Suit up in some threads that support you, move with you, keep you cool or warm, and make you feel good. You'll be building confidence while also building muscle. Just be sure to wash and care for you gym clothes so you can wear them for years to come.

FAQs

What's the best frabric for my gym clothes?

This depends on your specific needs. Cotton is odor resistant, comfortable, and lightweight, however, it's also absorbant, so if you're working up a sweat your clothing can become heavy. Polyester is stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying, while nylon is stretchy, soft, and durable. Blends of these fabrics often provide you with a mixture of these benefits.

How can a gym outfit change my workout?

As research suggests, dressing for the gym can help you shift your mindset and better tackle the work you're dressed for. Well fitting gym attire can also keep your workout distraction free — no tugging on too-tight shorts or pulling on a shirt that keeps getting caught. Plus, the confidence of feeling good in what you wear can transfer over to confidence in your workout.

Rosie Borchert is NASM-CPT, former Nike Volleyball coach, and fitness writer whose work has appeared on BarBend and Tonal. If anyone would like to hire her to play beach volleyball, snowboard, binge watch TV, or go climbing, please get in touch.

This article was reviewed by Ashley Boyer, ACE-CPT, for accuracy.