What You Need For The Gym: Complete Gym Essentials Guide
Starting something new can feel like a big leap—especially when it seems like everyone else already knows the ropes.
The gym is no exception! Whether it’s your first time stepping into the free weights section or you’re a seasoned gym-goer looking to refresh your gear, it can be a little intimidating.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to gym essentials—to help you feel confident, prepared, and maybe even a little excited for your next workout.
From must-have gear to our favourite picks for leggings and gym bags, we’ve got you covered. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
What To Wear To The Gym
One of the trickiest questions—though it sounds so simple—is, “What do I wear to the gym?”
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems! As long as you’re not rocking a pair of jeans, you’re already off to a great start.
The key is wearing something comfy, breathable, and flexible to keep you moving with ease.
To make things even easier, we’ve rounded up our top recommendations for the perfect workout outfit. Let’s get you gym-ready!
Men's Gym Clothes
Gym Top
Image from Gymshark
Starting with the basics—but packing a punch—a good gym T-shirt is a must-have for every guy’s workout arsenal.
Whether you’re crushing it under a barbell or chasing your cardio goals on the treadmill, a breathable tee keeps you cool, flexible, and feeling your best. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to look great while you’re at it!
This Gymshark t-shirt is a top pick for its comfort and style, so you can focus on the grind without missing a beat.
Gym Shorts
Image from Under Armour
Next up—shorts! A true gym wardrobe essential for staying cool while you crush your workout. If joggers are more your vibe, no judgement—it’s all about what keeps you comfortable and confident.
But if you’re in the market for top-notch gym shorts, we recommend these Under Armour ones. They’re lightweight, breathable, and offer a great range of motion—perfect for squats, sprints, or just looking effortlessly athletic.
Bonus: pockets for your phone, headphones, or that post-workout snack you definitely earned!
Hoodie
Image from Gymshark
A hoodie or sweatshirt is a must-have for the gym—perfect for what the fitness crowd calls a "pump cover" (aka hiding those gains until you’re ready to show them off), or for keeping warm on the way there and back.
They’re also ideal for lighter workout days when staying cosy is key, or for adding a comfy layer while you’re warming up.
Graphic hoodies are all the rage right now, and this oversized Gymshark one with a bold back graphic hits the sweet spot of style and function.
Socks
Image from Pro Direct
Let’s talk socks, gentlemen! Sure, it might seem obvious (because no one’s going barefoot at the gym... we hope?), but the right pair of socks can make or break your workout. Nobody wants to deal with sore, sweaty feet halfway through leg day!
Our top pick? Nike socks. They’re a fan favourite for a reason—breathable, comfortable, and stylish. Slip a pair on and thank us later!
Women's Gym Clothes
Sports Bra
Image from Nike
Ladies, let’s tackle one of the most puzzling gym essentials first: sports bras.
With what feels like a hundred different styles out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t panic—we’ve got you covered with a complete sports bra guide to help you find the one!
A good sports bra is key to a great workout, offering both comfort and support so you can focus on smashing your goals.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend this all-rounder from Nike—it’s versatile, supportive, and perfect for most activities.
Gym Leggings
Image from Gymshark
Let’s talk leggings—arguably the most exciting part of gym gear! This is where you can really have some fun, with endless options in every colour of the rainbow, and with funky patterns too!
The key? Comfort, flexibility, and breathability. You need leggings that move with you, let you squat without a hitch, and keep you cool no matter how intense the workout gets. Trust me, there’s very little you can’t do in a good pair of leggings!
Gymshark’s seamless leggings, for example, tick all the boxes—they’re comfy, breathable, and incredibly flattering, so you’ll feel as confident as you look.
Gym Top
Image from Pro Direct
When it comes to gym essentials, a good top is a game-changer for any workout. Comfort and flexibility are key, so a loose-fitting tank top is always a smart pick.
Look for something breathable and roomy, like this stylish option from adidas—it won’t break the bank but offers plenty of stretch for weightlifting or finding your flow on the yoga mat.
Versatile and functional, a tank top is your go-to for crushing fitness goals with ease!
Hoodie
Image from Gymshark
No gym fit is complete without a trusty hoodie! Whether you’re braving the chill on your way to and from the gym or opting for a more relaxed workout like yoga or Pilates, the right jumper can tie your whole look together.
Our top pick? This Gymshark hoodie—it’s a gorgeous shade of blue, features a trendy cropped fit, and sports a sleek graphic on the back. It’s perfect for keeping cosy while still feeling stylish, even on those lighter workout days.
What To Bring To The Gym
Now that your outfit’s sorted, let’s move on to the next question: What should you take with you to the gym (besides yourself, of course)?
The answer depends on your workout style and how committed you are to your gym game.
We’ll run through a few must-haves to get you started, but hey, don’t feel boxed in—your gym bag can be as unique as your fitness routine!
Gym Bag
Now, a gym bag is perfect for, well, taking everything to the gym! Take, for instance, this trusty Nike duffle bag—it’s spacious enough to pack everything you need (and maybe a little extra), yet compact enough to slide into a gym locker without a struggle.
Whether you’re stashing a change of clothes, a towel, snacks to fuel your session, or your go-to supplements, this bag has got you covered—keeping all your bits and bobs neatly organised for stress-free gym trips.
Gym Water Bottle
It might seem like an obvious choice, but a good water bottle is a gym must-have! Staying hydrated is essential to keep your energy up and your workout on track.
Sure, you could grab a bottle of Buxton from the shop, but a proper gym water bottle can be a great motivator and reminder to drink throughout your session.
This Gymshark bottle is a solid pick—it has a convenient wrist strap and a leak-proof cap, so no worries about spills in your gym bag!
Sliders
Sliders might not be an absolute gym essential, but they sure come in handy! If you’re lucky enough to have access to a sauna at your gym, you'll definitely want a pair to slip into after your workout—trust us on that one!
Even without a sauna, sliders are great for giving your feet a well-deserved break from your trainers.
These adidas sliders are a solid choice—comfortable, stylish, and easy on the wallet. A perfect post-workout treat for your feet!
What Are Good Gym Shoes
Onto the final hurdle—picking the perfect gym shoes! The right pair can make a world of difference, but it all depends on what workout you have in mind.
For example, a pair of cushioned trainers might be perfect for your treadmill session, but not quite what you need for a heavy leg day.
Let’s walk through a few of the key types of shoes you might need to step up your gym game.
Cardio Shoes
Let’s kick things off with cardio-friendly shoes! These bad boys are designed for ultimate support, flexibility, breathability, and cushioning—everything you need for those heart-pumping treadmill sprints or intense HIIT sessions.
They’re also a solid choice for upper body workouts that don't involve too much leg action.
If you're looking for a top pick, the Nike Air Zoom TR1 trainers are a must-try! With fantastic support, cushioning, and their signature Air Zoom technology, they’ll give you that extra bounce in your step while keeping you comfortable and ready to crush your workout.
Flat Shoes
When it comes to gym shoes, flat trainers are a game-changer—especially for leg day! They help you target all the right muscles while keeping things safe and controlled.
While there are plenty of fancy lifting shoes out there, beginners can still get a solid start with more budget-friendly options.
Nike Blazers, for example, offer a flat sole and mid-ankle design that provide great support during lifts. The best part? They’re versatile enough to wear outside the gym too, making them a smart choice for a new shoe that works both on and off the squat rack!
All Round Gym Shoes
For gym-goers who need a shoe that can handle it all, these adidas trainers are the perfect pick! Whether you're crushing weightlifting, cycling, or stretching it out, these shoes are built to keep up.
With a breathable mesh upper and support where you need it most, they offer both comfort and stability.
Ideal for beginners who want a reliable shoe for every workout, these versatile kicks are ready for anything you throw at them!
And there you have it—your complete guide to gym essentials! From finding the perfect pair of leggings to nailing your shoe game, we’ve covered everything you need to walk into the gym feeling confident and prepared.
Remember, starting a new fitness journey is as much about enjoying the process as it is about hitting your goals—so don’t sweat the small stuff (unless it’s on the treadmill!).
With the right gear and a can-do attitude, you’re all set to crush your workouts.
Now go on, pack that gym bag, and show the world what you’re made of!
