As an avid exerciser I spend most of my waking hours in exercise clothing. I have come to learn what I like and don’t like from trial and error as well as a bit of knowledge acquisition. There are several features that one must consider when choosing clothing for the activity you will be participating in. Before you go and buy your new exercise top here are some things to consider. What color do you like? Length? Type of back? Type of neckline? Is the fabric light and breathable? Form-fitting or loose?
Color
Color is not just important aesthetically and physically but also from a psychological perspective. When exercising outdoors you may find that your body absorbs too much heat from the suns rays and make you too hot. I prefer lighter colors in the summer but expand my color choices for the the fall and winter, especially to combat the cold and darkness that these seasons can bring. To increase my adrenaline and motivation to work out I prefer brighter colors in the blue and pink hues. However when I am participating in calming activities like yoga my preference is always the neutral shades like grey, navy, or beige.
Fabric
Breath-ability and comfort are at the top of my list. It is always a good idea to check the label to see what the fabric is made of. Ideally you will want a combination of cotton, bamboo, nylon and polyester. The synthetic fibers will wick moisture away from your skin so it can evaporate and keep you cool. This is really important for high intensity workouts. So if you like cotton remember this item may be best for your low impact activities or non sweat-producing work outs. Cotton does not do a good job of pulling the moisture away from your skin and can actually be extremely uncomfortable if your top is heavy and wet. The plus side to cotton is it stinks less with a workout vs. synthetic fibers which tend to hold onto bacteria and cause that after-workout smell. The more natural fibers enhance the comfort and feel. The quality of the fabric is an important feature to consider as well. I prefer a fabric that is durable and will stand the test of time with washes. However, we must consider the impact washing has on our environment. Whether you wash by hand or machine those synthetic fibers are dislodged into the water and spread into our environment. Remember these are non-biodegradable. Don’t be surprised if you have to spend a bit more on your item than planned – it will be worth it in the long run for you and the environment.
Style
Style is not just about what features can enhance our beauty but also what features can add to your comfort and mobility. I am not a fan of sleeves for most of my workouts regardless of activity because I don’t like the feeling of being restricted. I tend to go for sleeveless tops for my workouts but you might like short sleeves or even long sleeves.
My favorite back style is the racer back. I believe this style enhances most woman’s bodies and is comfortable for movement. When I was younger I tended to prefer the form fitting work out tops but now that I am older I am not a fan of the tightness but also I have to admit too much exposure. I prefer the loose fitting tops now. In terms of length you can choose from a variety from the crop style showing off your midriff and keeping you cool to waist-length or longer. I prefer mid hip as this provides me with the coverage that I want but also does not interfere with movement.
Whatever your movement and clothing choice, do it wisely and carefully consider all options. Have a look at my store at d2style.com for my latest design for a workout top. I used lightweight, breathable fabric with beautiful rich colors and a style that suits all body types. Not to mention, I’m sure the style will enhance your workout!
