Scenario: You've spent thousands of dollars on a wardrobe that name-drops the newest Japanese heritage brand or designer bag. Yet your training gear still looks like this:
Natasha Calzatti for The New York Times
Or this...
There's something very non-chalant about using a Birken as a diaper bag yet it becomes downright counterintuitive to train in those 80's era Nike's that your dad wore to mow the lawn because they're cool. There are so many good options for performance gear out there that if you're at all serious about what you want to accomplish in the gym, you'll take note. And if all you want is to chat up fit members of the opposite sex, then it'll be a lot easier to do so looking the part.
To get you started, here's the basics:
TOPS
- Guys - If you're in the gym, you should be sweating. THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEED A HEADBAND. It does, however, mean that you will stink. Easy equation: sweat = stink. Easy equation #2: sweat + cotton = stinks like shit. Opt for a fabric treated with an antimicrobial construction like Patagonia's Gladiodor® or a sweat wicking material like Nike's Dri-Fit (yes, the Nike x Undercover Guyakusou collab is Dri-Fit). You'll still sweat, but the material on your body won't feel as heavy or hold in the bacteria that causes the stench. Merino wool is also a great option that minimizes the stink and wicks moisture from the body.
And you are not exempt because your singlet consists of two threads over your shoulders and some material leftover to cover your midsection. We still smell you.
- Girls - Same applies as above. Women sweat just like guys and it can stink just as bad. Stick to moisture wicking, quick drying sports bras and tops made of the same materials as described above. Also, choose tops that allow full range on movement for the given activity. Those loose, baggy tops that work for yoga will keep getting in the way when doing sprint intervals.
Remember, just because something is labeled "sportswear" does not mean it is suitable for training.
NIKE DRI-FIT KNIT SHORT-SLEEVE
Pearl Izumi Infinity In-R-Cool Singlet - Women's
Asics ARD Adjust Bra
