Oh What to Wear?!

At BeThatBody.com our Customer Service Team advises many of our customers on what clothes to wear for workouts and general training. We asked our Head Buyer and fitness fanatic Louise for her frank and definitive views on how to create the perfect look for first timers and experienced practitioners alike.

This is a summary:

Women's Gym Clothing

So you've chosen your gym and paid your membership but oh what to wear? One thing is for certain in most places you will find women of all shapes and sizes in all sorts of clothing. Many first timers feel a bit self conscious to start with but there is absolutely no need.

Most people exercise to look and more importantly feel better and that starts with what you see in the mirror before you leave. You will certainly not have the look or comfort if you resort to a crumpled baggy t-shirt and your favourite pair of old sweat pants! For a start in only a moderate workout your body will sweat and you will quickly feel damp as a result of poor performing fabrics.

Highly technical fabrics such as those found in our USA PRO, Pure Lime and Casall women's clothing ranges are the ones to go for. These fabrics wick away moisture at least 50% faster than ordinary cotton leaving you feeling dry and comfortable.

Unless you are very lucky, all women have a few pounds in weight that they would rather not be carrying around! But don't be vain select the size that fits you even if it means swallowing your pride and buying large or even extra large after all no one can see the label when you are wearing the garment. Unsightly lumps and lines that occur from wearing clothes that are too small will not make you feel and look better!

Women should go for a sleek, glamorous and understated look that makes you feel fantastic. Probably best to avoid day-glow colours and garish stripes and flashes if you don't want to stand out too much in the crowd!

So the basic rules are:

• Technical Fabrics
• Comfortable but sleek fit
• Understated glamour.

Some more basics for women:

Lank damp hair hanging round your face is not a good look so wear your hair up if it is long. Sweatbands, bandanas and caps also work well.

Heavy make-up is a no - no. It will soon streak, block your pores and cause unsightly spots. Instead create a natural look by wearing a tinted moisturiser, waterproof mascara and some lip gloss.

So now for the upside!

Two Gym Essentials

Comfortable and well fitted women's trainers are a must with a tread pattern to suit your activity. You risk injury for example wearing running shoes which are designed for straight line activity to say an aerobics or dance class. Fashion trainers sold in the High Street should be avoided. Go to a store where you can seek technical advice from a trained fitter.

A proper sports bra is also essential (see our news article on latest research). The only way to avoid breast bounce and the possible resultant sagging is to wear a sports bra. A support tee or gym vest will not give enough support to anyone with a cup size larger than an A.

Start with a good quality compression bra which compresses the breasts against the rib cage. The gym bra should be made from soft technical fabric to avoid chafing, have flat seams and not be so tight that it restricts breathing or movement and digs into your flesh. The BeThatBody Casall bra has been sourced with all of these points in mind and I think it is one of the best sports bras on the market - the one I wear.

So that's the essential stuff, now for the glamour bit:

Generally I prefer to buy a selection of mix and match tops, trousers and jackets.

Always bear in mind that women's fitness clothes don't only have to be worn in the gym. I like nothing better than wearing my jeans and red USA PRO fashion jacket to pop to the shops or to the wine bar for lunch with the girls! Think of purchases in the context of how much use you can make of the garment. Many USA PRO tops also work well as leisure wear.

The rule for tops as workout wear is to layer. In summer a vest top or fashion tee works well but I always wear another layer such as a long sleeve tee to travel to and from the gym and it also serves to keep you warm in the air-conditioning while you warm up.

In winter I find a zip fleece or USA PRO jacket is a practical over garment to keep you warm.

As for trousers there are some very flattering styles around. I particularly like the low waisted wide leg jazz pants from Pure Lime and also the Essentials range from USA PRO Clothing. The only rule is sleek not tight!

Shorts also work well but only you will know if you feel comfortable in them at the gym!

One final thing, don't do cheap socks. You will end up with chafing and blisters. Instead go for one or two pairs of good quality women's sports socks that feature flat stitched seams and two layer construction.

So there you have it, the definitive view!! Happy training………..