The best activewear is the activewear that makes you feel good.
The simplest way to test?
Jump up and down, do a few jumping jacks, twist side to side, run in place.
Vanessa Granda. Set Design Mat Cullen
For some people with larger breasts, bras with low-impact support may not be sufficient for even yoga.
High-support sports bras usually have a very tight fit, Vesco adds.
A good sports bra should always fit you well and be comfortable during your workouts.
You may need to try a few different sizes to find the right fit, Staples adds.
Some sports bra styles may fit some people well, while they dont work great for others.
And some styles may work for you for one key in of workout but not another.
But depending on your body shape, this style may feel fine.
You may find that some strap styles fit your body better and feel more comfortable during a workout.
For example, Taylor says she avoids racerback bras because they tend to bother her neck and shoulders.
In addition to style, the thickness of a bras straps can help make it more supportive.
Wider, thicker straps will tend to provide more support in higher-intensity activities, says Staples.
Also, adjustable straps tend to increase the support factor.
That is misery, Vesco says.
Did the fabric get wet and stay wet?
Did it cling to the skin?
Did it cause chafing once wet?
Or did the fabric stay somewhat dry and feel breathable despite an intense workout?
The feel of the material is also important, Taylor notes.
Is it soft and comfortable or scratchy and stiff?
The most subjective item here is feel.
When we put on a sports bra, we take note of how it makes us feel.
Do we like the style?
Does it make us feel confident and ready to crush a workout?
However, everyoneregardless of your preferencesshould pay attention to how the arm sleeves fit.
Another flag on the fabric front?
ensure the material isnt see-through in areas where you want to stay covered, DeRienzo notes.
It can also help to film yourself or ask a trusted friend to check you out.
A lot of people feel uncomfortable with their shirts riding up, Leavell says.
Think twisting, jumping, lifting your hands overhead.
What feels supportive will depend on your chest size and body key in.
The same fabric guidelines mentioned for tank tops apply here.
If youre doing a lower-intensity activity that wont make you sweat much, cotton can be an okay option.
Pay attention to how the sleeves fit.
If theres friction or they otherwise feel constricting, opt for a roomier fit.
When shopping for long-sleeve shirts, also note whether the sleeves have a thumb hole at the end.
And, Leavell adds, it can prevent your sleeves from riding up your wrists.
Clothing made of these materials can help regulate your core temperature and keep you dry as long as possible.
In very extreme conditions, you may even want outerwear that is waterproof for optimal protection.
Just keep in mind that waterproof items arent as breathable, Ruiz caveats.
Leavell loves outerwear with hoods.
When trying on hooded items, check that the hood actually fits your head.
Jog in place to see if the hood feels comfortable and stays on as you move.
To that end, it can help to find a hood with an adjustable drawstring, says Green.
Those toggles are really nice to be able to control the position of the hood, she explains.
Outerwear should have a slightly roomier fit than shirts and tank tops.
check that the item is big enough so that your layers feel comfortable underneath, DeRienzo advises.
If adding the outerwear makes it difficult to breathe or otherwise feels constricting, grab a size up.
When shopping for outerwear, dont gloss over the details.
Zippers underneath the arms, Green says.
These can help you regulate your body temperature as you break a sweat.
Portability is a key component of outerwear.
Bodysuit Evaluation and Testing Criteria
confirm the bodysuit fitsallthe way down your torso, DeRienzo says.
It should feel form-fitting, but not so tight that your breathing or movement is restricted.
Everybody is allowed to sweat when they workout, but just be mindful of what youre comfortable with.
As with all other types of athletic apparel, breathability is key for bodysuits, DeRienzo says.
Look for fabric that is specifically labeled breathable to increase your chances of staying cool as you sweat.
Its also important that the fabric simply feel nice against your skin.
If you notice any scratchiness or discomfort, find an alternative.
So high-rise is way more ideal, but only if it stays in place!
Taylor says she also prefers a high waist on leggings because they feel more secure.
Its important to test if your leggings stay in place during high-impact workouts.
I dont want my leggings falling down while Im teaching or filming a workout, Mason says.
I perform mostly high-impact exercises so this is super important to me.
Its important to try leggings on to see where they fall on your body, Staples tells SELF.
Depending on your height, certain lengths of leggings may cut off at different spots and be uncomfortable.
For example, Vesco notes that crops are too short for her and always bunch up behind her knees.
She finds that for her, full-length leggings are just too long, but 7/8-lengths are just right.
You shouldnt hear ripping seams every time you pull on a pair of leggings.
First, its uncomfortable and annoying to have to struggle to put on any pair of pants.
Avoid choosing colors and fabrics that will put every bit of your sweat on display, Staples says.
Fabric can also make a huge difference here.
Those leggings need to dry quickly and without odor so I can wear them all day.
Certain types of workouts may warrant special added features.
For example, Staples notes that pockets on leggings can be clutch for carrying small items on a run.
A built-in drawstring can sometimes be helpful to keep leggings in place during high-impact workouts, Mason says.
Choose what makes you feel good, Staples says.
Others, however, feel more comfortable in shorter shorts with minimal fabric.
Your ideal length of shorts may also depend on what activity youre doing.
So be sure to test your shorts while doing movements that mimic your planned workout.
If the shorts feel comfortable and dont cause any chafing as you move, youve found a good match.
As with leggings, the waistband fit and comfort of your shorts is key.
You want something that feels appropriately snug against your hips, Ruiz says.
Getting shorts with a drawstring can help your shorts stay in position as you exercise.
Moisture-wicking material is also important, Leavell says.
That will keep you as cool and dry as possible as you perspire.
And, as with any other athletic apparel, the fabric should feel comfortable against your skin.
Ruiz is a big fan of shorts with at least one pocket, and so is Leavell.
If it doesnt have a pocket, Im gonna be extremely disappointed, Leavell says.
Consider whether your shorts have built-in underwear and whether thats a style you prefer.
Green, for instance, specifically seeks out shorts with this feature.
I find that that built-in piece is very breathable and thin, she explains.
Something that will snap to your body is important, Leavell says.
As with shorts, you want the waistband to feel snug against your hips without being constrictive.
The ideal fabric of your pants will depend on the activity youre doing.
Instead, prioritize fabric that will keep you warm.
Leavell likes pants that err on the side of being more fitted, akin to leggings.
Thinking about what activity youre going to wear your pants for can help you determine the right fit.
