How to Choose Activewear for Your Workout

Running: Choose Activewear That Stays in Place

The best activewear for your workout isn't necessarily the most expensive set or the brand everyone is wearing. It should work with the way you actually move. For Toni, choosing workout clothes comes down to two things first: flexibility and control. From there, the entire outfit should feel good and look put together. If fit itself is what you're struggling with, our guide on how to choose activewear that actually fits covers that separately.

Different workouts place different demands on your clothing. What works for a yoga class may not be the best choice for CrossFit, weight lifting, or running. And while some activewear pieces are versatile enough to work across several activities, choosing the right fit and construction can make your workout much more comfortable.

After years of wearing activewear for different workouts, Toni has developed a simple approach: choose your activewear based on what you're doing, how you move, and what makes you feel confident.

When you're running, one of the biggest problems your activewear can cause is movement in all the wrong places.

For Toni, the most important thing when choosing running leggings or shorts is making sure they stay in place. There is nothing more distracting than constantly pulling your waistband back up while you're trying to run.

Look for bottoms with a secure waistband and a fit that stays close to your body without feeling restrictive.

• Choose leggings or shorts that stay securely around your waist.
• Look for a supportive, comfortable waistband.
• Choose fabrics that allow you to move without constantly adjusting your clothing.
• Consider sweat-friendly fabrics if you tend to run hot.
• Make sure the fit feels secure before you take them on a longer run.

The goal is simple: once you start running, you shouldn't have to think about your leggings or shorts again.

Yoga and Pilates: Prioritize Flexibility and Comfort

Yoga and Pilates require a different type of activewear than high-intensity workouts. You're bending, stretching, twisting, and moving through a wide range of positions, so flexibility and comfort become especially important.

For yoga and Pilates, Toni personally prefers a non-seamless workout set. In her experience, a basic legging and sports bra combination works well because she doesn't necessarily need the additional compression or contouring that she prefers for lifting. If you're headed to a heated class specifically, we cover what changes in what to wear to hot yoga.

A non-seamless set can also give you the flexibility you need without making your outfit feel overly structured.

What to Look For in Yoga and Pilates Activewear

• Flexible leggings that move with your body.
• A comfortable sports bra with enough support for your activity level.
• A waistband that stays in place through stretches and movement.
• Soft, comfortable fabrics that don't distract you during your workout.
• A fit that provides enough coverage when you're bending and stretching.

For lower-impact workouts, Toni would rather have an outfit that feels comfortable and flexible than one designed primarily for maximum compression. If Pilates is your main focus, our guide on choosing the right Pilates accessories goes beyond just the clothing.

CrossFit and Weight Lifting: Look for Compression and Control

CrossFit and weight lifting are where Toni changes her approach to activewear.

For these workouts, she personally prefers seamless workout sets. Seamless activewear often provides more compression and can offer contouring that makes the outfit feel more supportive during strength-focused workouts.

When Toni is lifting, for example, she likes wearing seamless shorts with contouring through the back. For CrossFit and weight lifting, she also prefers more compressive sports bras and workout tops.

When you're lifting or moving through high-intensity exercises, having your clothing stay close to your body can make a difference. You don't want to constantly adjust your top, pull up your shorts, or worry about excess fabric getting in the way.

What to Look For in CrossFit and Lifting Activewear

• More compressive fabrics.
• Secure waistbands that won't move during squats, deadlifts, or other exercises.
• Supportive sports bras and workout tops.
• Seamless construction if you prefer a more sculpted, compressive fit.
• Contouring if you want additional shaping through the leggings or shorts.
• Coverage that allows you to move confidently through your workout.

The biggest difference from yoga and Pilates is that Toni wants more control from her activewear when she's lifting or doing CrossFit.

Workout Dresses: Best for Light Activity

Workout dresses have become a popular activewear option, and Toni loves them for the right activities. But she doesn't consider them a replacement for traditional workout sets.

In her opinion, workout dresses are best suited for light workouts and activities where you want something comfortable, easy, and versatile.

Some of Toni's favorite uses for a workout dress include:

• Walking outdoors.
• Pickleball.
• Tennis.
• Golf.
• Light recreational activities.

She personally wouldn't choose a workout dress for a high-intensity workout, running, or weight lifting.

That doesn't mean workout dresses aren't functional. It simply means that the best activewear depends on the activity you're doing. A dress can be an excellent choice when you want to move comfortably without needing the compression and support of a traditional workout set.

Choose Activewear by Your Fitness Level and Goal

Your fitness level and workout goals should also influence what you buy.

You don't need a closet full of specialized activewear when you're starting out. In fact, Toni recommends building your collection around the workouts you actually do instead of buying something for every possible activity.

If You're Just Starting to Work Out

If you're new to the gym, focus on comfort, coverage, and confidence.

You don't need the most technical outfit available. You need something that allows you to move comfortably and makes you feel good walking into the gym.

If Your Goal Is Strength Training

If you're primarily lifting weights, look for activewear with more compression and control. Seamless leggings or shorts can be a great option, particularly if you like contouring.

A supportive sports bra or compressive workout top can also help you feel more secure throughout your workout.

If Your Goal Is Running

For runners, staying in place should be one of your biggest priorities. Your leggings or shorts shouldn't slide down as you move.

Choose a secure waistband and a fabric that allows you to move comfortably without constantly adjusting your outfit.

If Your Workouts Are Mostly Low Impact

If you're primarily doing yoga, Pilates, walking, or similar activities, you can prioritize flexibility and comfort over heavy compression.

This is where a simple, comfortable workout set can become one of the most versatile pieces in your activewear wardrobe.

First Gym Session Basics: What Do You Actually Need?

If you're walking into the gym for the first time, don't overthink your outfit.

You don't need a huge activewear collection or a complicated combination of pieces. Toni's go-to beginner outfit is simple: leggings, a sports bra, and a cap-sleeved workout top worn over the sports bra.

This combination gives you coverage while still allowing you to move comfortably. It also provides an extra layer if you're not quite comfortable wearing just a sports bra yet.

A Simple First-Gym Outfit

• One comfortable pair of leggings.
• One supportive sports bra.
• One cap-sleeved workout top.
• Comfortable athletic shoes appropriate for your workout.

That's enough to get started.

As you figure out what types of workouts you enjoy, you can start adding pieces that make sense for your routine.

Don't Assume the Most Expensive Activewear Is the Best

One of Toni's biggest opinions when it comes to activewear is that price and brand name don't automatically equal quality.

There is a trend toward wearing certain high-priced activewear brands simply because they're recognizable. But Toni doesn't believe that wearing an expensive brand automatically means you're wearing better leggings, a better sports bra, or better-performing activewear.

Instead of choosing activewear based solely on the name on the waistband, pay attention to how the garment actually performs.

Ask yourself:

• Does it stay in place?
• Can you move comfortably?
• Does it provide the support you need?
• Does the fabric feel good against your skin?
• Does it work for the type of workout you're doing?
• Do you feel confident wearing it?

Those things matter more than the logo.

Choose Activewear That Makes You Feel Good

Performance isn't the only consideration when choosing activewear. Toni also believes the way your entire outfit looks matters.

If you feel good in what you're wearing, you're more likely to feel confident walking into the gym or showing up for your workout.

That's why Toni considers both function and appearance when building an outfit. The leggings need to stay in place. The sports bra needs to provide the right amount of support. The top needs to work with the activity. But the pieces should also look good together.

You don't have to sacrifice style for performance.

Build Your Activewear Collection Around Your Real Life

The best activewear wardrobe is the one that matches the workouts you actually do.

If you run three times a week, invest in running leggings or shorts that stay in place. If you lift weights, prioritize compression and support. If you do Pilates, focus on flexibility and comfort. If you're playing pickleball or golfing, a workout dress might be one of your most useful pieces.

Start with the essentials and build from there.

Once you know what works for your body, your workouts, and your personal style, shopping for activewear becomes much easier.

Find Activewear That Works for Your Workout

Choosing activewear doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the activity, think about how your body moves during that workout, and then choose pieces that give you the flexibility, control, support, and confidence you need.

Whether you're looking for leggings for your next run, a seamless set for lifting, a comfortable set for Pilates, or a workout dress for your next pickleball game, the right activewear should work with you, not against you.

Ready to find your next workout outfit? Explore the MAKAI activewear collection and find pieces that fit your workout, your style, and your goals.

If you're curious about the science behind why compression works for strength-focused training specifically, there's a published study on how compression clothing affects an athlete's physiological response worth a look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Activewear

What should I wear for my first gym session?

A simple combination of leggings, a supportive sports bra, and a cap-sleeved workout top is a great place to start. Choose comfortable pieces that allow you to move freely and give you the coverage and confidence you need.

What should I wear for running?

Choose leggings or shorts with a secure waistband that stays in place while you run. The most important thing is finding bottoms that don't slide down or require constant adjustment.

What should I wear for yoga or Pilates?

Toni prefers a comfortable, non-seamless workout set for yoga and Pilates. Look for flexible leggings and a sports bra that allow you to move freely without unnecessary compression.

What should I wear for CrossFit or weight lifting?

Toni prefers seamless workout sets for CrossFit and weight lifting because they typically provide more compression and can offer contouring. A supportive, compressive sports bra or workout top can also provide additional control.

Are workout dresses good for working out?

Workout dresses can be excellent for light activities such as walking, pickleball, tennis, and golf. Toni wouldn't personally choose one for high-intensity workouts, running, or weight lifting.

Does expensive activewear mean better quality?

Not necessarily. Toni believes that a high price or recognizable brand doesn't automatically mean an activewear piece performs better. Fit, comfort, support, durability, and how well the garment works for your specific workout are more important factors.