Choosing Proper Fitness Apparel for Your Workout

If you've ever visited a sports apparel specialty store you may have felt overwhelmed with the wide range of clothing plus accessories that are available in the market. Specific sporting apparels like golf, fitness exercise, equestrian and yoga are everywhere - in fact, for many sports, you don't even need to go to a specialty store anymore. Apparel for sports like surfing or rafting and even mountaineering are now easy to find. Even wetsuits for surfing are abundant if you are in pretty much any ocean-side location. Sports apparel also include caps, batting gloves and rafting vests.

It can be a little confusing to choose what you need from all the available options. But having the right apparel can really help your workout go smoothly and comfortably, and in some cases, even minimize instances of injury.

Here's a short list on how to choose your sports and fitness apparel for several popular sports and fitness activities (click on the header of each category to view some examples, or shop for clothing):

Image by BEST PHOTO via Flickr1. Golf Apparel

Golf apparel can be found in any specialty sport or sporting goods store. Golf apparel is pretty simple, and usually includes a trouser with a t-shirt. In golf apparel, comfort is the most important factor. Chinos are also very popular golf wear. Hats and caps of varying designs and makes are also available. Of course you can also find more outlandish gear worn by some professional golfers.

2. Running / General Fitness Wear

Running apparel is best made with cotton to retain moisture that causes friction and might lead to possible chafing. Running shorts and tights including cotton socks are the basic running gear.  When running apparel is being chosen, try to select a base layer top which keeps you dry for an extended run. Comfortable and well-fitting running shoes are a MUST.

General fitness gear pertains to all kinds of apparel including aerobics and gymnastics. Multi-colored tights and leotards are often the best and most comfortable during a workout, and very easy to find. It should be quite elastic and also able to wick away moisture, so usually mixed fibers work best. This fitness gear must be selected with care. Choosing the proper material and correct size when selecting the apparel is a must.

Image by lululemon athletica via Flickr3. Yoga Apparel

Yoga apparel should be very comfortable and loose for easy movement. A t-shirt and a loose-fit short are basic yoga apparel which will keep you fresh and comfortable - and they're inexpensive. Designer yoga apparel is also available at special yoga stores. Yoga Capri pants and unitards are available at yoga apparel stores, and yoga pants have become quite popular and easy to find these days at many stores. Special Asana clothing can be found at very exclusive yoga outlets.

4. Athletic Apparel

Athletic apparel must be chosen with the climate and weather in thought. An apparel that is not suited for the weather will hinder the performance of an athlete. A very popular type of athletic wear is running or jogging pants with a drawstring waist. This type of athletic apparel can be purchased at many discount stores, and seeking out a specialty store is not necessary. All-weather gear is designed to keep most of the elements out, and should be used when performing outdoors in wet or cold conditions. An athlete depends on good athletic gear to perform at his best.

5. Equestrian Apparel

Equestrian gear is mainly about breeches and boots. There are specialty equestrian stores that stock clothing and other equipment for riding. Casual equestrian gear could be riding breeches matched with a plain shirt. The paddock boots available also at equestrian apparel stores complete the set for an equestrian. A pair of riding pants and a jersey can be bought at an equestrian apparel store. When having lessons on riding, you may want to look online for equestrian stores to see and choose an outfit which lets you ride with style and comfort. It can be a little pricey in some cases but if it's good quality it can last quite a long time, and will be well worth the price. Western-style gear is also available in specialty shops.