Getting yourself to the gym is hard enough on a good day. Then the sun sets at 4pm, it’s 30 degrees out, and you’re still supposed to venture outside?! You know what makes all things more manageable? A cute gym outfit. I’m sorry, but it does. So to make getting to the gym in winter and tackling seasonal depression feel a bit easier (and chicer), I’ve put together some of my favorite winter gym clothes and accessories for your workout.
Here are the best pieces out there right now for your winter workout wardrobe. (say that five times fast!)
WINTER WORKOUT CLOTHES
BASE LAYER
For colder weather, I like to have a baselayer next to my body to get my temperature up quicker on my way to the gym, but especially for outdoor workouts. These long sleeves from Lululemon are a staple for me, and I like these from Half Days for skiing or outdoor winter runs. The sweat-wicking material keeps you warm and dry throughout your whole workout. Whether you opt for a sleek long sleeve t-shirt or a turtleneck style for more coverage, all of these styles will keep you insulated and looking stylish throughout the winter season and into early spring.
LEGGINGS
Next, a good legging. Some of my favorite leggings are from Nike, Alo, Adidas x Stella McCartney and The Upside for their innovative fabrics and sleek styling. They look great paired back to soft layers to and from the gym. For outdoor winter workouts, coldgear leggings are essential to help keep your body temperature up. I love Lululemon Align Leggings for their buttery softness and warmth.
SPORTS BRAS
No matter what your workout routine or exercise of choice is, a good sports bra is a non-negotiable! I like a supportive but not restrictive bra – everyone’s needs are different! I find that these Set Active sports bras are great for gym workouts, they hold up on the treadmill or stair stepper and are comfortable for yoga and pilates as well. Other brands I love are Adidas x Stella McCartney for their support and innovative designs, Girlfriend Collective for their comfort and eco-friendly fabrics and Alo and The Upside for their sleek cuts and styles.
TANK TOPS
Whether it’s your first layer or your only layer, a tank top is a must for gym wear. Black is normally my go-to in winter, but I’ve found that a cheery pop of color has a mood boosting power. I love to wear these form fitting tanks for an indoor workout or taking a class. And they always feel great under other layers of clothing when commuting to and from the gym too for extra warmth outdoors.
Shop Tank Tops:
FLEECE AND SWEATSHIRTS
Sweatshirts may be on permanent rotation in my wardrobe these days, but they’ve always been a great extra layer for working out. A gym hoodie, zip-up jacket or pullover style are all great options for turning up that body heat. Whether worn as a top layer or a middle layer, they provide that necessary extra warmth in cold temperatures on winter days.
Shop Fleece and Sweatshirts:
JACKETS
An outer layer is important whether you are walking to the gym or gearing up for some outdoor exercise. And when the wind chill dips below freezing, the extra warmth is essential. You can never go wrong with a classic North Face Puffer or a high shine padded jacket from Adidas x Stella McCartney when an insulation layer is key. Both will keep you warm and ensure you remain stylish. A teddy jacket is another great choice to warm up on your way to work out. A light weight zip up blends fashion with function, and is great to throw on if you live in a warmer climate, or as an additional inner layer.
Related: The Best Ski Outfits to Hit the Slopes in Style this Year
SNEAKERS
The right clothes can make it easier to get to the gym in the winter months, but so can a pair of super cool sneakers. There is something for everyone with these picks from futuristic designs to fun pops of color to the most comfortable fit ever. I’ve trained and run a half marathon in these Cloudsurfer sneakers from On Running and they’ve been my favorite over the past two years. They’re tried and true for high-intensity workouts and I also love them for long walks or athleisure outfits.
WINTER ACCESSORIES
HATS, SOCKS + GLOVES
Accessories are key to complete your winter workout wear. In cold weather, it’s essential to keep your extremities covered which is where these pieces come in. A warm hat helps trap heat and keeps you infinitely warmer than you would be without one when you’re heading to the gym in winter. And a pair of tall socks is critical for staying warm and comfortable during winter workouts (say goodbye to that ankle gap). Alo Yoga socks combine warmth with underfoot cushioning in breathable, moisture-wicking materials. And Bogner’s “Touch” gloves keep your hands warm while allowing you to use your mobile device because you need to control your playlists, obviously.
GYM BAGS
The final touch? Whether you need a roomy bag to tote your gym gear around with you or a belt bag for only your essentials, these bags are the ultimate accessory to accompany your winter workouts.
