Staying Stylish Through the Hot Months: Summer Workout Clothes

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• • Choose sweat-wicking materials like polyester, spandex, and nylon to stay dry and comfortable during summer workouts.
• • Dress in lightweight layers and opt for light-colored activewear to reflect heat and avoid overheating.
• • Protect yourself from the sun with a breathable cap, sunscreen, and sweat-proof makeup for outdoor workouts.
• • Stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks and time workouts for early morning or evening to beat the heat.
• • For comfort and performance, wear activity-appropriate gear, like flat-soled shoes for weightlifting or biker shorts for cycling.

Sweat can get you down when you’re on the move during the dog days of summer. Glisten with pride (and look fab doing it) with these tips for staying stylish while exercising in the summer.

CHOOSE SWEAT-WICKING MATERIALS

Cotton is not sweat-proof and instead absorbs and retains moisture. Look for summer activewear tops, pants, and shorts with sweat-wicking materials, like polyester, elastane (spandex), and nylon.

EASE ON THE LAYERS

Unless you’re chilling in the Arctic somewhere, don’t layer up. In the case of rain, yes, put on your breathable rain shell. Otherwise, keep things lightweight. Wear a breezy tank top with a sports bra underneath (or a sports bra only), and pair it with quick-drying shorts or leggings.

OPT FOR LIGHTER COLORS

It’s a well-known fact that darker colors absorb sunlight. This means when you exercise when it’s sunny, you’ll get hotter quickly. On the contrary, lighter colors reflect sunlight. Choose activewear that is lighter in color to avoid heating up when exercising.

POP ON A CAP

Spending extra time in the sun? Protect your scalp with a baseball or trucker cap—this will prevent it from getting sunburned. Plus, when you’re dealing with unruly flyaways and frizz, a hat will keep things in place while adding a stylish touch to your workout gear.

WEAR THE PROPER SHOES

Pick the shoes that are best suited for your activity. If you’re going for a jog, it’s a good idea to ditch your regular sneakers in favor of comfortable shoes designed specifically for running to avoid blisters. Running shoes for compound exercises like deadlifts? Flat soles are your answer instead.

MORE TIPS FOR OWNING THE HEAT

• • Wear sweat-proof makeup. Just because you’re sweating it out doesn’t mean you can’t polish up with makeup. If you do, prevent your face from melting off by choosing a sweat-proof foundation, waterproof mascara, and a setting spray or powder to extend your makeup.
• • Drink plenty of fluids. You lose fluids when you work out, and summer humidity only exacerbates the problem. Plain water is not enough. Opt for an electrolyte supplement or electrolyte-based drink, but not sugary sports drinks.
• • Apply sunscreen. A must every day, even if you’re not spending time outside. Apply a lightweight, waterproof sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Same for your body—put on a sunscreen with the same SPF or higher. Your skin will thank you down the road (trust us on this one).
• • Time your workout. If the weather calls for simmering temps and high humidity, plan your workouts early in the morning or the evening once things cool down.
• • Avoid chafing. For the thick-thigh girlies, chafing is a buzzkill. It’s painful, caused by excess moisture (hello, wear sweat-wicking clothes) and good ol’ friction. Get yourself an anti-chafing product. There are sticks you can use, and even some deodorants work well.

SUMMER WORKOUT FITS FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES

What you should wear depends on your activity; certain fits are more suitable for others:

Activity	What to Wear
Running	• Cushiony running shoes • Spandex or running shorts • Breezy tank top • Supportive sports bra • Place your hair up in a cap.
Hiking	• Breathable tank top • Biker shorts or lightweight leggings • Hiking shoes • Hat • Bring a backpack.
Yoga	• Throw on your favorite yogi set • Leggings or yoga shorts • Comfortable sports bra or a form-fitting tank.
Weightlifting	• Compression shorts or training leggings • Sweat-wicking tee • Your favorite athleisure set • Shoes with a flat sole suitable for weightlifting.
Biking	• Biker shorts • Sunglasses • Sweat-wicking top • Secure helmet to protect yourself as you ride along.

Put the hot in hottie (literally). True Religion goes beyond designer denim—crank up the style as you move all summer long when you shop women’s activewear at True Religion.