10 reasons to wear gym clothing every day

Is it OK to wear gym clothing to the grocery store? How about to lunch at a restaurant? The movies?

Today, you can wear your gym clothing everywhere, and you should! Instead of splitting your wardrobe budget between gym clothes and casual wear, combine the two to save money and reap big benefits. Here are 10 reasons to wear gym clothing every day:

1. You can exercise in it

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it probably is the most important reason to wear gym clothing every day.

Fitness isn’t restricted to the gym. Taking the stairs, parking farther from the store or even having some fun in a playground all can be split-second decisions.

When you’re wearing fitness apparel, you don’t need a change of clothes to get active. You’re already dressed for exercise. And if you happen to be passing by a fitness center, wearing gym clothing means you can drop in for an unexpected 15 minutes on a treadmill or quick full-body workout.

2. It’s easy to wash

Exercising leads to sweat, and sweat leads to laundry. So of course, gym clothing is designed to be easy to wash and dry. Wear workout gear every day, and your laundry gets a whole lot easier.

In particular, moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from the body dry much faster than other materials. They’re nearly dry immediately after washing and don’t need any time in the dryer.

3. It’s in style

Years ago, sweatpants were a fashion faux pas. But now fitness apparel is in style. Yoga pants, running shorts, track suits and baseball caps actually look cool, and more top-notch designers are putting their stylish spin on gym clothes.

Classic brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Puma are producing sharp clothing in competition with stylish new companies like UnderArmour, Lululemon and Athleta. The result is colors, cuts and patterns that cater to a variety of tastes. If you haven’t shopped for athletic wear in a while, you might be surprised at how good it looks these days.

4. It reminds you to exercise

Put on gym clothing the minute you wake, and it can serve as an all-day reminder to fit exercise into you day. The fit, feel and look of workout gear is different from other clothing, so your mind will focus on finding time to walk, run, lift and play.

Who wants to end a full day wearing gym clothing without actually exercising? Wearing gym clothes every day will help you exercise every day, and consistency is key to a healthier lifestyle.

5. It’s safer

Whether the threat is traffic or crime, workout gear can help you live safer. Often, the clothes we wear restrict our movement and visibility. Wearing gym clothing can help solve those problems.

Bright colors that might seem obnoxious on normal street clothes look perfectly normal on athletic apparel. Neon colors, reflective strips and loud patterns can help motorists and cyclists see you during outdoor workouts.

And athletic shoes and comfortable clothing mean you have a better chance of avoiding dangerous situations, whether its evading street thugs or navigating uneven pavement.

6. It’s comfortable

If you’re an older adult, you likely have spent decades working either in a uniform or business attire. It’s time to be comfortable, and gym clothes are as comfortable as it gets.

Athletic gear is designed to accommodate the body in its full range of motion and not distract the athlete from his or her sport. That makes it terrific for lounging and everyday living. So go ahead: Treat your body to some gym clothing.

7. It’s perfect for travel

My mother has a plush track suit she calls her “flight suit.” That’s because she wears it anytime she’s going to the airport. All U.S. flights require passengers to walk through a metal detector — no belts, shoes off. That can be a pain in normal street clothes.

When you’re wearing gym clothes, there’s no need for a belt. And athletic shoes are easy to remove. Imagine flying in comfortable, breathable clothes instead of rough fabrics, restrictive outfits and leather shoes. Gym clothing is the only way to go.

8. It’s durable

Gym clothing is designed for running, jumping, tumbling and stretching. So manufacturers of quality athletic apparel create durable products that often last much longer than typical casual clothing.

Workout gear generally is simple in design, so there are fewer bits that can fall apart — such as buttons or hooks. Who doesn’t want clothes that last longer?

9. It’s portable climate control

Warm-weather gym clothing helps the wearer stay cool by allowing the body to breathe while wicking moisture. Cold-weather gym clothes insulate the body, keeping it warm without adding bulk.

By wearing athletic gear, you can better control the temperature of your body in ways typical street clothing just can’t do. No matter where you live or what season it is, there’s a type of gym clothing that works.

10. It’s flattering

Athletic wear makes the wearer look more athletic. It’s roomy enough to mask an extra few pounds and structured enough to make a scrawny person look a little more muscular. Gym clothing sends a message to the world that you’re fitness-focused, and fitness looks great on anyone.

As with any type of clothing, more expensive and prominent brands tend to deliver the most flattering cuts and materials, so find the brand that’s right for you and try on different styles to see what suits you best.