Home gym in the garage and clothes that stand up to iron

Short answer: In a cold garage with a bar and weights, clothes should move with you, put up with friction and keep you warm between sets. Choose soft layers with a fit that does not pull across the shoulders and thighs, and that can take frequent washing.

What iron does to clothes

The bar and weights rub against the fabric, especially across the shoulders, on the thighs and along the shins. The clothes are stretched, soaked with sweat and pulled in every direction. Good training clothes are therefore not only about looks, but about fit, softness and seams that do not chafe while you train.

A fit that lets you move

When you squat down, raise your arms or pull the bar up, the clothes must not bind. Choose a fit that gives room across the shoulders and in the back. A slightly loose T-shirt is often better than a very tight one, because you can move freely, but it should not flap into the bar.

Clothes for a cold garage

A garage is rarely heated, and you cool down quickly when you rest between sets. Start with a thin top next to the skin, and put a sweatshirt or hoodie over it that you can take off when you warm up. That way you do not freeze in the breaks or sweat too much in the sets.

Long sleeves against sore spots

Some lift best in a layer with long sleeves, because the bar can rub against the skin of the arms or the neck. See the long sleeve models if you want a soft layer with a little extra protection. Check that the sleeves do not pull at the elbows.

A layer underneath that sits calmly

A thin layer next to the skin can make the top layer rub less. It should fit closely so it does not roll, and be soft without rough seams. Read more about bamboo undershirts for men if you want to try an extra layer you can take off as you warm up.

Sweat for the breaks and after training

When you finish, the body cools down quickly, especially in a cold garage. Put on a soft sweatshirt or hoodie as soon as you are done, so you do not stiffen up. See the whole range of bamboo sweat for men and women if you want something warm for after the sets.

Socks and shoes

The floor of a garage can be cold, and you lift best when your feet have firm footing. Wear socks that do not ripple under the foot and shoes with a stable base. Change into dry socks if the ones on your feet get damp, so you do not freeze.

Washing and care

Training clothes should be washed often, so follow the care label, usually at a low temperature and without fabric softener. Hang them to dry right after training so the smell does not set. Clothes that lie damp in a basket pick up an odour that can be hard to get out again.

Frequently asked questions

Should training clothes be tight or loose?

A fit that gives room across the shoulders and thighs is usually best. It should not flap into the bar, but not bind either, so you can move freely.

How do I stay warm in a cold garage?

Wear several thin layers you can take on and off, and put on a sweatshirt or hoodie between sets. That way you avoid freezing in the breaks and sweating too much during the lifts.

How often should I wash training clothes?

After every session if you have sweated. Hang them to dry right away, and wash according to the care label so they stay fresh and soft.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.