According to a 2021 study, 85% of regular gym-goers surveyed say that having “cool-looking” activewear gave them more confidence in the gym. For many powerlifters and bodybuilders, having confidence is already considered as winning half the battle. 

Having the right clothes can help motivate you to work harder and push yourself further. However, simply putting on men’s bodybuilding clothes isn’t enough. There are quite a few things men need to consider to use workout clothes properly. 

In this article, we’ll talk about the most common workout clothing mistakes that you should avoid.

Mistake #1: Wearing Clothes That Are Too Tight or Too Loose

When it comes to working out, what you wear matters.  One common mistake beginners and novices make is showing up in the gym wearing very loose or very tight clothing. 

Men who plan on showing off their chiseled muscles tend to wear extremely tight clothes. It does help you look good, but it can limit movement and blood flow during certain routines.

Loose clothes, on the other hand, increase the risk of slipping and could lead to accidents. Loose clothing also restricts movement and makes it difficult to correct postures when in front of the mirror.

Invest instead in workout clothes that fit you perfectly. Compression clothes are a popular choice because they lessen muscle spasms and fit most body types.

Mistake #2: Wearing the Wrong Fabric 

When you’re working out at the gym or home, you must be wearing the right clothes with the right fabric. One of the common mistakes of gym-goers is wearing cotton.

When it comes to working out, cotton must be avoided. Cotton can hold on to moisture and sweat, which often ends up as a very uncomfortable workout session. 

Consider using moisture-wicking clothing instead, like polyester and Lycra fabric blends. They may cost a little more than cotton shirts, but they can absorb sweat, dry up faster and last significantly longer.

Mistake #3: Wear The Right Shoes

You might be surprised at how many people show up in the gym wearing open-toed sandals or flip-flops. You usually see them on the treadmill or at the squat machine.  Wearing these kinds of footwear is uncomfortable at best and an accident waiting to happen at worst. 

The footwear you are wearing must be designed to provide proper support and protection. Wearing shoes gives you the right amount of traction to prevent you from slipping. They can also help protect your feet in the case that weights are dropped on them.

The only time you should wear flip-flops in the gym is after your workout and inside the locker room.

 Mistake #4: Not Changing or Washing Gym Clothes  

Lounging around right after a heavy workout is something we’re all guilty of. Unfortunately, leaving your sweat-soaked shirt on can lead to body odor and cause bacteria to proliferate. Make this mistake often, and the fabric of your favorite workout clothes can weaken.

Make it a habit to immediately change your clothes right after your workout routine and throw your dirty gear into the laundry to be washed as soon as possible.

Working out is all about staying committed to your overall health and gym goals. Avoiding the mistakes mentioned in this article should be part of that commitment. Not only are they easy to avoid, but doing so makes you an informed and responsible gym enthusiast.

Iron Rebel offers top-of-the-line men’s bodybuilding clothes made from the best materials available. If you’re looking for a new set of gym gear, shop our full line of men's and women's powerlifting apparel & gear. Our team would be happy to help you choose the right gear that will fit your fitness needs and goals.