Clothes for strength training

Short answer: Strength training is short efforts with breaks in between. You warm up during a set and cool down in the rest, and your clothes need to keep up with those changes. That means room across the shoulders and back, an inner layer that moves moisture and a dry layer for the trip home.

Why strength training is different

When running or cycling, the effort is steady and your body holds a stable temperature. In strength training it changes all the time. A heavy set warms you up in under a minute, and then you stand still for two. Your clothes need to let heat out and hold on to it as well.

Room across the shoulders and back

Every lift needs the fabric to give across your back. A top that is tight over the shoulder blades rides up when you raise your arms, or holds you back at the bottom of a movement. Choose a fit with room across the back and shoulders, and a soft fabric that moves with you instead of pulling. See men's bamboo joggers.

The rest between sets cools you

Two minutes standing still in a wet layer feels cool, even in a warm gym. Your body is still giving off heat while evaporation from the wet fabric cools your skin. Trousers that sit comfortably and do not get heavy with sweat make the rests more pleasant. See bamboo sweatpants for men.

Trousers that move when you bend

Squats, deadlifts and lunges need trousers that give over the knees and hips. Trousers that are too tight pull down at the waist when you go deep, and trousers that are too loose can get in the way of the bar. A waistband that stays put without squeezing keeps them in place through the whole movement.

The inner layer should move moisture

The layer closest to your skin decides how wet you feel between sets. A fabric that absorbs moisture and releases it again feels more comfortable than one that stays wet. That applies to both your top and your underwear. Choose something close fitting but not tight, so it does not shift when you lie on a bench.

A layer for the warm up

At the start of a session your muscles are cold, and an extra layer helps you warm up. Take it off when the heavy sets begin, and keep it close by so you can pull it on again during a long rest. A soft layer that is easy to take on and off gets used more than one that is awkward.

A dry layer for the trip home

After training your body is warm and your clothes are wet. If you head straight out into cold air in the same clothes, you soon get cold. A dry layer straight away is the difference between getting home warm or cold. Change your inner layer and pull a dry top over it. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.

Wash after every session

Training clothes should be washed after every session, because sweat settles in the fabric. Take them out of your bag as soon as you get home, and hang them up if you cannot wash them straight away. Air drying is gentle on the fabric and keeps the fit, so they sit just as well next time.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear for strength training

Something with room across the shoulders and back, and an inner layer that moves moisture between sets, so you do not get cold during the rests.

Why do you get cold during the rests

Because your body keeps giving off heat while evaporation from the wet fabric cools your skin. You notice it most when a rest lasts a few minutes.

Should you change after training

Yes. A dry layer straight away is the difference between getting home warm or cold, especially when it is cold outside.