STYLING

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE GYM

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 15 September 2025

Waltzing into the gym in any old corner-shop combo won’t land you that new PB – or feel very comfortable. Look, we get it – it can be tempting to throw on a scruffy T-shirt or tracksuit (especially on days where going to the gym feels more like a chore than self-care) but don’t let convenience distract you from greatness. Investing in activewear that not only looks good but performs even better is among the most important steps of your gym journey – and thanks to the tips below, you’ll cross that hurdle with ease.

SO WHAT DO I WEAR TO THE GYM?

Everyone’s programme looks different – perhaps you dedicate a full session to HIIT and pivot to weightlifting the next day. Whatever your schedule, we’ve created an outfit guide that accounts for all. Stop plotting ‘gym outfits ideas’ into your search bar an hour before your session – this guide is all you’ll ever need.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR CARDIO

Long cardio sessions require lightweight, breathable running gear if you want to go that extra mile. A failproof starter pack includes baggy shorts and a loose-fitting vest – both take up barely any space in your bag, which is good to know if your idea of a productive evening is going straight from the office and to the gym. Moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon blends are your best bet. Mix and match 4505 and adidas separates to curate a running-ready look you'll reach for on repeat.

GET THE LOOK:
4505 Icon cotton oversized pump training tank with quick dry finish in pine green, £16
4505 Icon cotton stringer vest with quick dry finish in grey marl, £12
The North Face 24/7 5"" logo shorts in dark green, £40
adidas Running essentials cap in white, £15

WHAT TO WEAR FOR WEIGHT TRAINING

The weights section isn’t as overwhelming as you might think – especially when you’re dressed feeling your best. Deadlifts, bench presses, squats and other barbell or dumbbell workouts become much less nightmarish in stretchy fabrics that support a full range of motion. These should be tough enough to not rip or tear during your workouts – think compression tops and leggings underneath loose shorts. If you’re cold-conscious, you could even get away with oversized joggers – a fresher take on styling out the temp drops.

GET THE LOOK:
4505 Icon active quick dry base layer training tight in black, £22
4505 Icon active quick dry muscle fit training long sleeve top in black, £16
4505 Heavy Lifting graphic mesh training shorts in black, £20
4505 Icon heavyweight cotton wide leg joggers in washed brown, £30

WHAT TO WEAR FOR HIIT

High intensity interval training covers a wide range of exercises – from running to burpees – where you consistently alternate between rapid bursts of movement and short active rests. If you’ve already secured your cardio outfit, good news: you don’t need to change much. The same moisture-wicking, breathable tops and shorts can be worn for your HIIT sessions too. The explosive movements can take a toll on your body temperature, so accessorise with a sweatband or cap to keep the sweat in check.

GET THE LOOK:
adidas Training Power t-shirt in graphic grey and black print, £38
ON all day cap in black, £40
New Balance Sport 7 inch short in dark grey, £35
ON 3 pack logo high socks in grey, £22

WHAT TO WEAR FOR CALISTHENICS

If you’re among the nature-defying superhumans who can perform Spiderman-level stunts, we’re jealous. When it comes to calisthenics outfits, look to gymnasts and parkourists who prioritise freedom of movement and soft, stretchy fabrics over anything. That gives you a broad spectrum of style options: seamless vests, loose T-shirts, leggings, and you guessed it – breathable shorts. If you couldn’t already tell, shorts – from above-the-knee to longer styles – are gym essentials. If you’re perfecting your muscle-ups and pistol squats in an outdoor gym, layer up.

GET THE LOOK:
Nike Essential 2.0 training fitness gloves in cool grey, £20
Nike Training Form Dri-FIT 9 inch shorts in red, £39.99
4505 slim fit seamless ribbed training tank in white, £16
adidas Training Tech windbreaker jacket in black, £65

WHAT SHOES TO WEAR TO THE GYM

Canon event: buying a pair of Nike Metcons or adidas Adizero trainers for every and any workout. Every silhouette is designed to fill a different niche – some are better built for running, others to withstand weight from all the KGs you might be lifting. Don't sweat – we’ve recommended specific features and trainers for whatever's on your agenda.

RUNNING TRAINERS

Key features to look out for: a breathable upper to keep your feet cool, a sole with traction (like tread lines or zig-zag patterns) for treadmill stability and most importantly: cushioning. The absolute best running shoes are built with chunky, curved outsoles that rise from toe to heel – designed to maximise that ‘pushing off’ feeling as you run. The Ultrarun 5s do just that.

adidas Running Ultrarun 5 trainers in white, £70

SHOES FOR WEIGHT TRAINING

Don’t be lured into the trap of wearing clogs or sandals for lifting – they’re comfortable, but risk slipping off. Trainers with flat soles, limited cushioning and a wide toe box – like Vans Old Skools – are perfect for the job. While these weren’t designed for the gym, they just so happen to be stable and support an even weight distribution. Say goodbye to bad form.

Vans Old Skool trainers in triple black, £70

TRAINERS FOR HIIT

Shoes that support lateral movements and quick pivots are great for HIIT – you want something that’ll keep you nimble and agile. Most HIIT-appropriate trainers won’t be labelled as such, but ON's Cloud X 4 trainers feature their signature Speedboard for energy return, Helion™ foam for shock absorption and a breathable upper. They also have a snug fit to prevent any mishaps as you push through intense intervals.

ON Cloud X 4 training trainers in grey and red, £140

Pictures: ASOS

TRAINERS FOR CALISTHENICS

Flat, free and flexible are the must-have attributes for your calisthenics trainers. Barefoot shoes – which are training shoes that mimic the foot’s natural behaviours – effortlessly blend all. Other low-profile trainers with a minimal heel-to-toe drop and good grip fit the criteria just as well – case in point: Nike T90. These have the added benefit of being lightweight – meaning they’ll make bodyweight-based exercises even easier.