Are you tired of seeing your old gym clothes gathering dust in your closet? Instead of throwing them away, consider upcycling them into something new and exciting! Upcycling is a great way to give old clothes a new lease on life, and it's also a great way to be eco-friendly. Here are five DIY tips for upcycling your old gym clothes.
Turn them into cleaning rags
Old gym clothes can make great cleaning rags. Cut them up into small pieces and use them to wipe down surfaces, gym equipment at the gym, clean floors, or even polish silverware. They are more absorbent than traditional paper towels, and you can wash and reuse them over and over again.
Make a workout headband
If you have a favourite old gym shirt or leggings that you just can't bear to part with, turn it into a workout headband! Cut a strip of fabric from the garment, about two inches wide, and long enough to wrap around your head. Fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other, and sew the long edge together. Turn it right side out, and you have a cute and functional headband to wear during your next workout.
Turn regular T-shirts into gym tank tops
Do you have a collection of old t-shirts that you never wear? Instead of letting them take up space in your closet, turn them into workout tanks. All you need is a pair of scissors and some creativity. First, cut off the sleeves and collar of the shirt. Then, cut off the bottom hem of the shirt to create a cropped look. You can also cut the back of the shirt to create a racerback style. This DIY project is perfect for hot summer workouts.
Change the style of old tees & tank tops
With a little bit of cutting and sewing, you can turn your old gym tank tops and t-shirts into new workout tops. Cut off the bottom of the tank top to create a crop top, or cut the sides to create a racerback top. You can also use the fabric from two different tank tops to create a fun and unique workout top.
Make a yoga mat strap
If you have an old gym bag or gym towel lying around, turn it into a yoga mat strap. Cut a long strip of fabric from the bag or towel, about three inches wide, and long enough to wrap around your yoga mat. Fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other, and sew the long edge together. Turn it right side out, and you have a handy yoga mat strap.
Create a gym bag
If you have a few old gym shirts lying around, turn them into a gym bag. Cut the shirts into large rectangles, and sew them together to create a bag. If you're handy with a sewing machine you can also add straps and a drawstring or a zipper to make it more functional. This is a great way to repurpose your old gym clothes and create something useful.
Create a Tote Bag from Old Gym Clothes
If you have a collection of old gym clothes that you no longer wear, turn them into a tote bag. Cut out the fabric from your gym clothes and sew the pieces together to create a bag. You can also add a lining to the bag to make it more durable. This DIY project is perfect for those who want a sustainable way to carry their workout gear.
Transform Your Old Sweatpants into Shorts
Do you have a pair of old sweatpants that are too hot for summer workouts? Instead of buying new shorts, turn your old sweatpants into shorts. First, put on your sweatpants and mark where you want the shorts to end. Take off the sweatpants and cut off the bottom part. Then, hem the shorts to prevent fraying. This DIY project is perfect for those who want a comfortable pair of shorts for outdoor workouts.
Upcycling your old gym clothes is a great way to give them a new life while also being eco-friendly. With these DIY tips, you can turn your old gym clothes into something useful and functional. Give them a try and see what creative ideas you can come up with!
Related topics for the eco-conscious gym goer:
Article - What is Econyl gym clothing?
Brand - Gavelo. Gavelo uses recycled rPET bottles turned into polyester to make many of items.
FAQs
Old gym clothes can make great cleaning rags. Cut them up into small pieces and use them to wipe down surfaces, gym equipment at the gym, clean floors, or even polish silverware. They are more absorbent than traditional paper towels, and you can wash and reuse them over and over again.
What makes a good gym outfit? ›
Your gym clothing should be comfortable and practical. That means no jeans, restrictive clothing, or heavy materials. Opt for a breathable T-shirt or a sports top, and pair it with gym shorts or leggings.
Do workout clothes make a difference and are these helpful for exercise? ›
The fabric used on most workout clothing specialises in keeping the sweat away from your skin. This helps to keep you cooler throughout your workout, due to the breathability of the materials, and also helps to keep prevent chaffing and rashes from sweat being wicked away from your skin.
Do you reuse gym clothes? ›
If your sweaty clothes were left in a bag where bacteria can thrive for a long time after your workout, wash them. If your clothes smell after exercise, wash them. They will still smell even if you hang them out to dry! Avoid re-wearing exercise clothes more than once.
Should you bring a change of clothes to the gym? ›
Change of Clothes
We recommend bringing light weight clothing to change into, because you want to give your body the ability to breathe after a heavy workout.
Which material is best for gym wear? ›
Nylon is stretchy, quick-drying, and mildew resistant. It's also incredibly breathable. The fabric allows cool air to reach the skin and also wicks sweat from your skin to the fabric's surface, where it can evaporate safely – leaving you comfortable and temperature controlled.
What makes good activewear? ›
Natural activewear promotes better airflow, keeping you cool during workouts. Materials like organic cotton and lyocell are moisture-wicking, while Tencel and merino wool regulate body temperature. Breathable activewear prevents sweat buildup and odor, ensuring you stay comfortable and fresh.
Which clothing is better for exercise? ›
You may be more comfortable wearing clothes that are breathable, fits well and will wick the sweat away from your body. Say T-shirts, tank tops, sports bras, yoga pants anything would go well.
Does working out make clothes fit better? ›
The truth is, while fat takes up more volume than muscle, muscle is denser. So, as you lose fat and gain muscle, your body becomes tighter and more compact, but also wider in certain areas. This combination can lead to your regular clothes fitting more snugly than before.
Do gym clothes make a difference? ›
It's normal to question the wisdom of purchasing cute gym clothes to exercise in when they're just going to get sweaty and dirty. But research studies and human performance experts agree that what we wear to work out actually does make a difference in both our motivation to break a sweat.
Here are five signs you should look for:
- You've had them longer than you should.
- Everything starts to feel (too) stretchy.
- You're beginning to notice some wear and tear.
- Your body feels discomfort.
- Your gear isn't doing its job.
Washing after every 3-4 uses is enough to keep them hygienic, according to our experts at the GHI. But, for towels used at the gym, we recommend washing after every use; not only are your gym towels covered in sweat, but they can also come into contact with lots of airborne bacteria.
Should I wash sweaty clothes immediately? ›
Immediately washing your gym clothes is the best way to remove bacteria that creates foul odors, so your clothes will always come out fresh!
Is it okay to work out in cotton? ›
If you're doing low-intensity activities or prefer natural fibers, cotton can be a good choice. However, for high-intensity workouts and activities that involve heavy sweating, polyester or moisture-wicking synthetic blends are often preferred due to their superior moisture management and durability.
Can I wear loose shorts to the gym? ›
Whichever you go with, make sure that, like your top, your bottoms don't get in the way. Avoid shorts that extend more than an inch below your knees—especially if they're loose around the legs. The lower your shorts, the shorter your range of motion.
Why are shirts not allowed in the gym? ›
Extra fabric can easily get caught in machines, or be tripped on. Your trainer or group exercise instructor will have a hard time seeing your body alignment and form when you're draped in a baggy pair of sweats or t-shirt. If your alignment and form is incorrect, you subject yourself to injury.
How do I choose a gym outfit? ›
Gym clothes should be made from breathable, quick dry, moisture-wicking fabrics to move trapped sweat and heat from the body to keep you cool and comfortable. Lightweight clothing is also important to prevent overheating. Heavy clothes cause faster fatigue, shorter workouts, and less efficiency throughout.
What are the best clothes for a workout? ›
Breathability is crucial to keeping you feeling comfortable and motivated while you're exercising. Artificial materials may cause static on your treadmill or elliptical. The best fabrics for your work out clothes include bamboo, cotton, nylon, and polyester.
How can I look attractive in gym? ›
7 Easy Tips and Tricks to Keep You Stylish at the Gym
- Wear Layers. Let's be honest; few people look great in head-to-toe lycra. ...
- Match It. ...
- Keep It Clean. ...
- Accessorize. ...
- Avoid the Mirrors. ...
- Wear the Right Shoes. ...
- Avoid the Stink.
Most gyms have a code of conduct or gym etiquette guidelines. As a general rule, it's best to avoid wearing excessively revealing clothing or vests that could make others uncomfortable. Bringing a small towel to wipe down equipment after use is also a considerate gesture.
