HOW MEN SHOULD DRESS FOR THE GYM

HOW MEN SHOULD DRESS FOR THE GYM

It always amazes me how so many guys at the gym do not wear the proper work out attire. How often have you seen some guy on the bench press wearing jeans or cargo pants? Worse yet, have you ever had the displeasure of witnessing a man doing squats in spandex shorts?

The gym is perhaps the most important setting to wear the proper clothing because sporting baggy clothes, long track pants or ill-fitting shoes may result in injury. And since you're trying to dress well to avoid getting hurt, you might as well be fashionable doing it. Many men take their gym clothing for granted, throwing on an old shirt and some sweatpants. They figure that they'll just sweat all over it anyway, so why wear something nice?

This attitude, however, will get you nowhere; the gym is just like any other setting in your life where it is important to look clean and stylish. Like a shopping mall, you never know who you might meet at the gym, such as a potential girlfriend, a boss or a useful business contact. So why look good in one setting and not in another?
CLOTHES AND SHOES – DOS AND DON’TSTops

The easiest and most acceptable fashion choice for top wear is a T-shirt. However, this does not mean your stained and tattered tourist T-shirt you bought five years ago. You're going to have to be a little pickier than that. To ensure that you choose a functional and fashionable tee, you should look for a few particular characteristics.
T-shirts should be made of light, breathable material, such as cotton. Avoid polyester. Your shirt should also fit properly; T-shirts that are too large or too tight should be avoided. Wear T-shirts that are light and made with microfiber material, as these will help to keep you cool and dry.
Don't: This is not the 80s so do not even think about wearing a mesh T-shirt!
Though tempting, you should also stay away from the basic white t-shirt for three reasons: White does not radiate heat as well as darker colors, making it harder to stay cool, it picks up dirt and stains easily (especially under armpits...yuk), and when you sweat through it, everyone will know what your body looks like as it becomes see-through.
Avoid wearing skimpy tank tops, but if you insist on showing your “guns” then sleeveless shirts can be a better option. For everybody's sake, even if you can bench press 350 pounds, do not wear one of those ridiculous tank tops that have spaghetti like straps.

Bottoms

Your best bet here is simple cotton gym shorts that don't extend more than an inch or two below the knees. These shorts should be worn at or slightly below your waist, not hanging off your butt -- you aren't in a rap video. Stylish sweatpants are a good alternative, especially for those are self-conscious about their chicken like legs.

Don't: Leave spandex to women, for men it is never a good idea to wear them. If you have some reason to wear form-fitting spandex shorts, wear longer shorts to cover them up.

Short shorts are fine for jogging in the park, but they look unattractive in the gym even if you have great legs.
Shoes and Socks

With so many versatile and stylish athletic shoes on the market, it shouldn't be hard to find a pair that is functional and that also appeals to your personal taste.
Never wear any kind of shoe other than a sneaker because you won't get the appropriate type of arch support you need during a rigorous workout.
Wear cushiony socks that are either black or white or a variation on white.

Don't: Colored and patterned socks do not mix with the gym. Also, don't wear dress socks at the gym or any sort that come up much past your ankle.

Head

Hats are ok once in a while when you are having a bad hair day. However, generally they are a bad idea. They can get in the way of your weightlifting. They also trap heat coming off your head, making it harder for you to stay cool. Also, most people do not wash their hats as often as they wash their other clothes, so they develop a less-than-savory odor rather quickly.
Don't: Headbands are generally ridiculous unless you're playing basketball and want to look silly.

GENERAL TIPSGloves

Weight gloves are a good idea if you do a fair amount of weight training because callused hands aren't attractive. Find a very breathable pair or they will start to smell like your hat.

Jewelry

Only wear a watch if you must. In that case, make sure it is a plastic, lightweight sports watch. Other than the watch, you should leave your jewelry at home, as it will only get in your way. Besides, the gym isn't the place for bling.

Extra ClothesIf you do intense cardio before weights, you will sweat all over the gym. As a courtesy to fellow gym members, avoid this problem by bringing a change of clothes for the rest of your workout.

Matching Colors

Many guys who manage to wear functional clothing still don't look as stylish as they could at the gym. You would never wear a maroon shirt with orange pants on a date, so why would you wear it at the gym? It isn't necessary to purchase ready-to-wear exercise ensembles -- that's going a little far. It's never that hard to put in the extra effort to match your workout clothes.IN SUMMARY

Wearing functional clothing at the gym is important for practical reasons, but keeping fashion in mind is also a good idea. So even if your clothes are still relatively functional, but beginning to look a little dingy and/or worn out, it's time to purchase some replacements. With your gym attire in control, you can now focus on more important things at the gym -- like watching your form or getting rid of that extra pound around your tummy.