Whether it's your first time at the gym or you're getting back into a routine, working out what to wear can bring up a few questions. Which leggings will stay in place? Do you need a sports bra and a top, or will one do? And what should you wear when it's cold outside but warm once you get going?

The good news is that you don't need a specialist wardrobe to feel comfortable at the gym. A few pieces that fit well, stay where they should and let you move freely will cover almost every session, from weights to classes to a run on the treadmill.

In this guide, we'll cover what to wear to the gym, from leggings, tops and sports bras to the warm layers that make winter sessions easier, plus a few answers for your first visit.

What should you wear to the gym?

For most sessions, a simple outfit works best: leggings or shorts, a sports bra, a top and a pair of trainers.

What matters most is that your clothes let you move through squats, lunges, stretches and cardio without riding up, slipping down or needing to be pulled back into place. When you feel comfortable and supported, it makes you feel confident and it's much easier to settle into your workout and get the most out of it.

Which leggings work best for the gym?

The best gym leggings combine a confident fit with comfort and coverage throughout your workout. Look for squat-proof fabric that maintains its opacity as you move, alongside a high-waisted design that offers a flattering silhouette. A well-designed waistband helps provide a secure, comfortable fit, allowing you to move freely through every part of your session.

Our Rise Leggings in Plum are made from SilkSculpt, our 78% nylon and 22% elastane fabric at 250gsm, which has a silky-soft feel with a close, supportive fit. They're high-waisted and full length, with powermesh interlining and reinforced waistband designed to prevent rolling, so they stay where you want them through a full session.

If you prefer shorts for your workouts, fitted or cycling-style designs offer a streamlined fit that feels comfortable through every movement. Their closer fit makes them a practical choice for everything from lunges to cycling, allowing you to focus on your session while feeling confident and comfortable.

You can browse all of our leggings and shorts in our bottoms collection.

What kind of top should you wear to the gym?

Choosing between a fitted top and a more relaxed T-shirt comes down to your personal style and preferred fit. Fitted styles offer a streamlined silhouette that sits close to the body, while relaxed-fit tees provide a little more room for comfort. Whichever you choose, look for a design that allows you to move comfortably and confidently throughout your workout.

A vest with a built-in bra is a simple option if you'd like one piece rather than two. The Renew Built-In-Bra Vest in Plum is made in the same SilkSculpt fabric as the Rise Leggings, with a square neckline, ruched side detailing and a fitted shape that finishes at the hip. For higher-impact training, you may prefer to wear a separate sports bra underneath a top.

You can find fitted tees, vests and long sleeves in our tops collection.

How supportive should your sports bra be?

The right sports bra depends on the type of workout and the level of support you prefer. High-impact activities, such as running and jumping, typically call for a more supportive design, while lower-impact sessions like yoga, Pilates and stretching may suit a lighter-support style. If your routine combines different types of exercise, consider a medium-support sports bra that balances comfort, support and a flattering fit.

A good sports bra should feel supportive without restricting your breathing, and the band should stay in place without digging in. Our Breathe Sports Bra in Wine is designed to be supportive for medium to high-impact training, with a racerback for ease of movement, a soft brushed under-bust band and a longline hem. It's designed for a close fit and runs small, so if you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up.

Explore the full range in our sports bras collection.

What to wear to the gym in winter

In colder months, layering makes the biggest difference. You'll want to stay warm on the way to the gym and during your warm-up, then be able to take a layer off once you've got going.

A fitted long-sleeve top is a useful first layer. The Horizon Long Sleeve Top in Deep Forest is a lightweight, breathable layer that sits close to the body, so it works under a jacket on the way to the gym and on its own once you've warmed up. Thumbholes keep the sleeves in place so they don't ride up as you lift or stretch, and a mesh panel at the back lets heat escape as your session builds.

For something warm that's easy to take on and off, the Empower Hood Jacket in Plum Purple is a cotton-rich 350gsm jacket with a fitted silhouette, a full-length zip, a stand-up collar, an integrated hood and front pockets. If you'd prefer a looser layer for the journey there and back, the Momentum Track Jacket in Black has a loose fit and a high neck, and can be worn with the matching Momentum Track Pants.

You'll find more warm layers, long sleeves and full-length leggings in our winter gym wear edit.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to the gym for the first time?

Keep it simple. Leggings or shorts you already feel comfortable in, a supportive sports bra, a top you can move freely in and a pair of trainers are all you need. Wearing something you know works for you means you can focus on finding your way around the gym rather than adjusting your clothes.

What shoes should I wear to the gym?

A comfortable pair of trainers with a supportive sole will suit most gym sessions. If you mainly lift weights, some people prefer a flat trainer, while running on the treadmill is usually more comfortable in cushioned running shoes. Many gyms ask that you wear closed trainers on the gym floor.

Is it better to wear leggings or shorts to the gym?

Both work well. Leggings give you more coverage and warmth, which many people prefer in winter, while shorts can feel cooler for cardio and warmer months. Whichever you choose, look for a fabric that's opaque and stays in place as you move.

Can I wear my Pilates kit to the gym?

Yes. Fitted leggings, supportive bras and close-fitting tops work well for both, so you don't need a separate outfit for each. The main differences are footwear and support: you'll need trainers at the gym, and you may want a more supportive bra for higher-impact sessions. Our guide to what to wear for Pilates covers studio classes in more detail.

How should I care for my gym clothes?

Wash cold, inside out, and avoid the tumble dryer. This helps your activewear keep its shape and hold over time. Please refer to the instructions inside each garment for the best care guidance.

Once you've found pieces that stay in place and feel comfortable, getting ready for the gym becomes one less thing to think about. Start with the basics, add a warm layer for the colder months, and build from there as you find what works for you.

Explore our training edit for leggings, sports bras and tops for your next session, or see what's new in for the season.