Is it better to work out in tight or loose fitting clothes? (2024)

When it comes to picking a gym outfit (opens in new tab) - even if you’re just working out at home - do you go for a tight fitting set of leggings and sports bra, or do you prefer baggy sweatpants and a loose old t-shirt?

It’s important to think about breathability, support and comfort when it comes to your workout clothes - but which out of loose fitting clothes and tight fitting clothes offers this the most? After all, loose fitting clothes seem comfier and breathable, but tight fitting clothes are more supportive.

Want some answers? We asked professional trainers to shed light on this sportswear dilemma...

Is it better to workout in tight or loose clothing?

Zac Yeo, a personal trainer for OriGym, says: “The question of whether you should wear tight or loose clothing when working out has been an ongoing debate amongst fitness experts for years.

“When you exercise in tight fitting clothes, you feel more compact and in general and look leaner.

“However, wearing exercise clothes that are too tight could lead to discomfort when you’re working out and potentially cause injury. When you choose your next piece of clothing, you should keep areas like your waist, stomach and hips in mind.”

This is something David Wiener, a training specialist at AI-based fitness and lifestyle coaching appFreeletics, says it’s important to take into account.

David explains: “For many, tight clothing is usually the first choice for exercise, as it makes your body feel compact and fit, but it can have some drawbacks. If your clothes are too tight then this can become a problem and cause issues during and after exercise. For example, wearing clothes that are too tight around the hip and waist area can lead to pain at the hip joints and also cause spine or circulation issues.

“To avoid these problems, make sure you have full range of motion in the clothing you choose and that you don’t feel too restricted.”

Loose fitting clothes can sometimes be a little more pleasant to workout in, as the fabric (and therefore sweat) doesn’t cling to the skin. But it’s important to consider just how loose these clothes are.

Zac adds: “Wearing loose fitting clothing as you work out has no real issues in terms of discomfort. However, there are some things you will need to look out for. If you are wearing workout clothes that are too loose, you could potentially trip or fall and injure yourself, or others around you.”

Extra loose and baggy clothes is therefore a no-go.

Is it better to work out in tight or loose fitting clothes? (1)

(Image credit: Getty)

What activities require tighter workout clothes?

Different activities require a different type of clothing. For example, a HIIT session, which is likely to involve a lot of sweat and physical movement, calls for clothes with more support and compression for the muscles - typically tighter garments. Whereas anyone taking part in a yoga session will want their clothes to be flexible and move with the body (so there’s no issues getting into the various positions) and these are typically looser.

This is something backed up by Zac, who adds: “When you choose your next workout outfit, you should think about the sport or activity that you are wearing it for. If you’re planning on going for a run, for example, wearing tight-fitting clothes that wick away sweat and give you a full range of motion would be ideal. Whereas, if you were heading to a yoga class where the exercise that you are completing is typically low impact, you may prefer looser clothing.”

Are tight fitting clothes better for you in the gym?

Compression sportswear has become an increasingly popular choice over recent years - mainly for its health benefits.

Chloe Twist, a personal trainer and nutrition coach for OriGym, believes tight clothing is a better option for sports for this very reason.

She says: “If you select tight clothing that is the right fit, it can have many benefits such as added support and stability to various areas of the body. This is especially true of compression layers, that have also been found to lift some of the pressure away from muscles during certain exercises, as well as aiding blood circulation. As long as you have a full range of motion, tight clothing is the way to go.”

Experts say that compression clothing can increase blood and lymphatic flow which can boost your performance in the gym - by allowing for oxygen to be delivered more efficiently to your muscles.

David adds: “In addition to improving performance, this can also reduce muscle fatigue and the risk of injury, help to regulate and control your body temperature and also shorten recovery time.”

Is it better to work out in tight or loose fitting clothes? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to work out in tight or loose fitting clothes? ›

Tighter clothing has been found to lift pressure away from muscles, as well as aiding blood circulation. There is research to suggest that compression style clothing can increase blood and lymphatic flow which can boost performance when exercising by allowing oxygen to be delivered more efficiently to the muscles.

Is it better to wear tight or loose clothes when working out? ›

Tight fitting clothing can have all of the sweat wicking materials of looser items, helping to keep you cool and to prevent chaffing when working out. The tighter fitting clothing also has compression qualities, which helps to increase your circulation, making it a better option for working out.

Are oversized clothes good for gym? ›

A: Absolutely! An oversized shirt can be a great workout option. Its loose fit ensures your movements aren't restricted, allowing you to perform at your best during your workout.

Why do people wear tight clothes while exercising? ›

The tight fabric compresses blood vessels to increase blood pressure and blood flow. Compression tights have been shown to improve performance and recovery. A study conducted in Japan and published in Frontiers in Physiology found lower-body compression garments reduced muscle damage after a run to speed up recovery.

Should workout pants be tight? ›

It should feel snug around your butt, calves, and thighs without being so tight that they feel should workout leggings be tight restrictive. The best pair of leggings will move with you no matter how intense your workout and will fit closely enough to your skin to prevent chafing.

Why do bodybuilders wear loose clothes? ›

If you're going to the gym, you are obviously going to want to wear clothes that give you room to move. Restrictive clothes are not going to help you get the job done. The answer then, becomes to hide your body underneath layers of clothes instead.

Do clothes get tighter when you build muscle? ›

As you pack on more muscle, your dimensions change. And while you might be losing fat in the process, the increase in muscle mass, especially in areas like your chest, arms, and shoulders, can indeed make your clothes feel tighter.

Why do bodybuilders wear tight shirts? ›

Lose the Loose Fit

Baggy shirts and pants will not only make you look unkempt, they also hide the hard work you paid for at the gym with blood sweat and tears. Your shirt size should be fit, like your physique, but not tight. Form-fitting tees will enhance your chest, arms, shoulders, and lats.

Why do bodybuilders wear hoodies while working out? ›

When you first get to the gym - muscle is tight and cold. Blood is still sitting in the inner veins of your body. Wearing a hoodie holds in heat which during stretching and warm ups brings more blood to the surface and into muscle.

Why do girls wear big shirts to the gym? ›

Most people going to the gym understand that the body will sweat and heat up during the workout, and at that moment, you should be in breathable clothes so as to not suffocate. Tight clothes block the fresh air from getting through the skin and prevent the absorption of sweat.

Why do girls wear tight pants in gyms? ›

Yoga pants feel like a second skin providing you a wide range of movement with little to no resistance. Not only do they feel good, they look good on everyone. The way yoga pants hug each and every one of your curves in all the right places is one of the reasons why you should wear tights/yoga pants while working out.

Why should you not wear loose clothes when working? ›

It is very important for those who work around heavy machinery to know the safety hazards that come along with wearing loose clothing. It should always be avoided when there is even the slightest risk. The problem is that loose clothing items can often get caught in the machines, potentially causing severe injuries.

Do clothes matter when working out? ›

The answer is a resounding yes. Whether you're working out in a gym or going outside to work through your routine, athletic wear can transform your performance. It can reduce your risk of injury, regulate your body temperature, protect you from the elements and trigger a habit with your workout clothing.

Should leggings be tight or loose? ›

Leggings should also never pinch or pull, whether you're simply walking in them or performing a yoga pose. Leggings should fit you snugly and comfortably, much like a second skin.

Are pants supposed to be tight on thighs? ›

You should be able to sit down comfortably, without the trouser fabric struggling to keep it together. If you notice a lot of fabric stress (wrinkling/pulling) at the upper/inner thigh when you sit, your trousers may be too snug.

Why do my leggings go baggy in the knees? ›

As mentioned earlier, the loose fabric tends to occur at the knees or even the waist area. This usually happens because you bend at these areas the most, creating creases that stretch and weaken the fabric over time.

What are the best clothes to wear when working out? ›

Many quick-drying fabrics are synthetic and made of polyester or polypropylene. Look for terms like moisture-wicking, Dri-fit, Coolmax, or Supplex. Wool is also a good choice to keep you cool, dry, and naturally odor-free. Some workout clothing is made with special antimicrobial solutions to combat odor from sweat.

What should you not wear when exercising? ›

Don't make the mistake of wearing heavy-weight cotton t-shirts; they tend to hold on to moisture, making your workouts an uncomfortable experience. Denim shorts will cause chafing; it's best to avoid them at the gym. Opt for synthetic materials like lycra and polyester, which are more comfortable during workouts.

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