What to Wear for Three Types of Workouts

HIIT

With a heavy focus on endurance and strength, high-intensity interval training (or HIIT) is a full-body workout that keeps your heart rate up with vigorous bursts of exercise. These workouts feature a lot of varied movement—usually a combination of running, rowing, and bodyweight exercises—so you’ll want to be sure that your outfit moves with you. “For the most support and comfort during my classes, I recommend Nike sports bras,” says Ashley Vennetti, an instructor at the popular HIIT studio Orangetheory Fitness. She specifically likes moisture-wicking sports bras that keep your core cool.

Since you’re bound to break a sweat, Ashley suggests steering clear of light-colored tees and tanks that’ll show perspiration. “I generally stay away from long sleeves since I find them too restricting,” she adds. On the bottom, Ashley wears full-length or cropped leggings to keep her legs covered as she zips from station to station. When it comes to shoes, there are a few important features to look for. “It’s best to have a cross-training shoe that is lightweight, provides support and flexion without being too stiff,” she says. “I own a few pairs of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 because they’re the perfect shoe.”

Spinning

Arguably one of the most well-known forms of exercise, spinning is a lot more than just cycling on a stationary bike. This high-intensity, low-impact resistance workout gets your heart pumping as it works your back, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Though spin classes are usually set in a fun and fast-paced atmosphere complete with upbeat music and dim lights, don’t let that fool you—this workout is actually very intense.

Candy Morales, a spinning instructor and personal trainer to celebrities such as Sophia Bush and Troy Aikman, has an ideal spin outfit. “There are a lot of movements that are done out of the saddle, so tight long pants and a tight-fitting sleeveless top are essential,” she says. She prefers high-waisted pants to catch sweat and to avoid exposing your undergarments as you move on and off the bike seat.

Spin classes can really heat up, so tight crop tops or sports bras made from breathable, antimicrobial materials that stay cool and fresh are the best option. “I wouldn’t recommend wearing free-flowing materials because they can get in the way and potentially cause distractions, making the experience not as enjoyable,” says Candy, who is particularly fond of Nike, Adidas, and Puma activewear. 

Barre

When it comes to getting fit, some may feel motivated by a serious trainer who yells like a drill sergeant. Others, however, may find themselves drawn to a more upbeat atmosphere. If the latter is more your speed, you might want to think about enrolling in a barre class. This low-impact, high-intensity workout combines elements of dance, pilates, and yoga, and works to sculpt, tone, and stretch your entire body. Because the repetitive movements are choreographed to music, classes are generally fun and full of energy.

So what should you wear to barre class? “You’ll want to make sure your outfit provides full mobility in both arms and legs,” says Megan Bernier, an instructor at Pure Barre. “Leggings that hit below the knee are great because some movements entail elevating your legs and you’ll want to feel covered and comfortable,” she says. “Generally, you don’t sweat a lot doing barre, but because there are a lot of upper body exercises, you’ll want a top that is fitted.” She names Alo and Beyond Yoga as some of her favorite brands. And the most important accessory? “Sticky socks. They help provide stability while you’re planking or doing push-ups.”