Sportswear Buying Guide

Whether looking to exercize at the gym, at home, by joining a sports team, or with friends, it's important to dress the part. Everyone wants to look good all the time, but don't get your hopes up too high: real exercise causes bad hair and lots of sweat.

The Head

Long hair should be tied back in a high pony tail that keeps the hair off the back of the neck for comfort. Shorter hair can be pinned back or a headband can be used to keep it out of the eyes. Headbands are, of course, also good for keeping forehead sweat off your face.

Jewelry is a definite no-no. It can get in the way, impeding your movement, and can also get caught on things - not just exercise equipment, but other sports players, which can lead to injury or breakage of the jewelry.

Makeup should be avoided too. Scrub your face clean before and after exercize, sinced colored makeup can run and smudge, and cover-up can clog pores - which you don't need when you'll be sweating!

Tops

Choose a bra that fits snugly and isn't tight (see our bra guide), preferrably a sports bra. Sports bras don't usually give abundant cleavage, and that's okay: you want snugness around the chest to avoid pain when moving quickly. Wearing a snug, supportive sports bra will also help keep things perky for longer.

Loose-fitting tees work well, but so does tight workout gear. Either way, wear something comfortable and not terribly loved, since sweat stains are a likely result.

Bottoms

Underwear should be breathable to avoid yeast infections and general discomfort, so choose cotton. Although underwear may feel comfortable now it will be a whole different story when you're on the move. Unless you're willing to sacrifice a lot of comfort to impress the hottie across the gym with your rear, avoid thong underwear! If you're one of those special girls who swears by the comfort of the thong, ignore this advice. The bottom line: try a thong in everyday life before exercising in one.

As with tops, you could wear tight leggings, short shorts, or baggier shorts for more air flow. It's up to you, but go with something comfortable and not super-loved, because exercizing and sports can cause damage.

Feet

Choose absorpbent socks that can wick away moisture, and if you know you might end up with a foot odor problem, add charcoal insoles to your trainers. Your trainers should be running shoes, nothing less - not trendy designer trainers or skater shoes; you want real, supportive  running shoes.

Your feet are where you should drop the most cash when buying your sportswear. You'll be on your feet most of the time, so your well being depends on good trainers. Without them, you could suffer pain not only in your feet, but in your legs and back.

Take your time when shopping for running shoes, trying them on until you find, by jogging in place a little, a pair that really suits your feet. If you can find a pair that suits your sense of style too, congratulations, but don't make fashion your priority! It can often be a good idea to get your runnning style assesed by an expert too. Staff are often trained to spot things like 'over-pronation'.

Sporty clothing is about function over form, but if you make really good choices, you might get both.