Working out in the best clothing possible is crucial for many reasons. Besides boosting your confidence and motivating you to stick to your fitness routine, the ideal activewear also offers maximum comfort, protection against strain and impact, and additional support to your muscles. All these can help you train harder and for longer periods. Indeed, it’s wise to invest in high-quality workout clothes if you exercise regularly.
Sadly, they don’t last forever and have to be replaced every once in a while. After all, wearing old sports bras, ratty fitness tops, or other exercise clothes past their prime can be counterproductive. Instead of motivating you and helping you perform better, wearing them can demoralize you or even make your workout uncomfortable and unsafe. As such, you should take the time to scrutinize your activewear to know whether they’re still good to go or if they should be tossed out. Here are some telltale signs that you need to start shopping for new ones:
If Your Leggings Keep Sliding Down
Most workout clothes are made of highly stretchable materials for better mobility, support, and comfort. Unfortunately, even if you strictly follow their care instructions, normal wear and tear as well as frequent washing can make activewear lose their elasticity over time.
This loss of elasticity is often easy to notice with workout leggings, in particular. If you’re repeatedly pulling up the waistband or readjusting the hem as you exercise, your leggings are most likely stretched out. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to retire them and buy leggings that will stay in place. Otherwise, you’ll have trouble carrying out your workout routine if your leggings keep sliding down.
If Your Sports Bra Stops Minimizing Breast Bouncing
A high-quality sports bra is a worthy investment if you work out a lot. It can offer you optimal breast support, especially when doing intense physical movements such as running or jumping. Indeed, the right sports bra can prevent pain and discomfort, making exercise more enjoyable as a result.
That said, the lifespan of a sports bra depends on several factors, such as how frequently you use it as well as how intense your exercise routine is. If you use the same workout bra several times a week for strenuous activities, it’s best to get a new one after six months.
Do you find it hard to remember when you bought your sports bra? There’s another way to know if it’s time to replace it: if you notice your breasts bouncing during a workout despite having the sports bra on. If this happens, this means the cups have become too big, and the fabric has lost its stretchiness, making the bra too loose. As a result, you’re no longer getting the necessary breast support, which can lead to a lot of discomfort. The moment you notice this happening, shop for a new sports bra immediately and save yourself from the pain.
If Your Clothes Start to Smell Unpleasant (Despite Frequent Washing)
Have you noticed an unpleasant musty smell coming from your fitness top, leggings, or other gym clothing, even though you’ve already washed them? The stink is a sign that bacteria, sweat, and body oils have penetrated and accumulated deep in the material of your activewear. In some cases, airing them out can help get rid of the smell. But if you’ve tried everything you can think of to eliminate the odor without any success, your best bet is to replace them.
If the Fabric of Your Activewear Looks Faded or See-through
One of the easiest ways to know if you should retire your workout clothes is to check the quality of the fabric. Has the color faded too much? Has its once-thick material become thin and see-through? If so, these are signs that it’s time to invest in new pieces.
If you’re tempted to hang onto these old and ratty pieces, you may want to think twice. Remember: you become what you wear. If you insist on wearing old and faded gym clothes, you’ll look and feel less than stellar. As a result, you’ll likely become unmotivated to exercise. Don’t think of buying new clothes as a waste of money. Rather, think of it as an investment in your wellbeing.
What you wear can be just as essential as what you do when it comes to working out. Indeed, the right activewear can boost your motivation and confidence, keep you comfortable, and make exercising pleasurable.
In addition to purchasing the right exercise clothes, make it a habit to regularly inspect your current activewear to see if they’re still in good condition. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t think twice about buying new ones. After all, your choice of activewear can have a significant impact on your safety, comfort, and self-esteem, so treat yourself to something that looks and feels nice and is sure to last you a long time.
