Stay Cool: The Best Hot-Weather Workout Apparel

Jump to: What to Look For | Men’s Summer Gym Apparel | Women’s Summer Gym Apparel | FAQs Summer training is great until your shirt is stuck to your torso like a wet paper towel and your shorts feel like they weigh six pounds. The right lifting clothes make a real difference when things get hot and sweaty. You want fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin so you can keep grinding through your sets without turning into a human puddle. Moisture-wicking clothing, athletic fits that keep you cool, and odor-resistance are core tenants of any hot weather gym wardrobe. Synthetic polyester-spandex blends keep core temperature lower than cotton during exercise in the heat, and breathable, lightweight fabrics help sweat evaporate, which is your body's natural way of keeping you cool. Not dripping with sweat is always a plus when you're trying to hit PRs or chase gains. Here are the best summer workout outfits for men and women who take their training seriously. What to Look For in Summer Lifting Clothes Not all workout clothes are created equal, especially in the summer. The best breathable exercise clothes for lifting will have specific features that make lifting in the heat more bearable. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics (polyester-spandex blends are the gold standard) that move sweat from skin to fabric surface where it evaporates fast. Four-way stretch is ideal, too, because it lets you squat, press, and pull without your clothes fighting against you. One less common but super useful secret weapon are anti-odor treatments that keep things civilized when the AC is losing the battle (the entire gym will thank you). Lastly, a flat, non-scrunch waistband is key for keeping your shorts up so no one complains about an unnecessary peep show while you're deadlifting. For more on dialing in fit and fabric, check out our guides on how to pick the best gym clothes and choosing the best workout clothes for women. Best Men's Lifting Clothes for Summer Here are the standouts from REP's men's workout apparel lineup, from shorts and tees to base layers. Best Men's Lightweight Summer Shorts: Men's Motus Shorts When the gym feels like a sauna, the Men's Motus Shorts are your first line of defense with their 92% recycled polyester and 8% spandex quick-drying, moisture wicking fabric. You also get high-hip zipper pockets that keep your phone and keys locked down, lay flat drawstrings, and anti-odor tech so you can run errands after training without clearing a room. Available in 7 and 9-inch inseams, these are built for lifting, HIIT, running, and any hot weather activity you can think of. Best Premium Men's Lifting Shorts: Men's Pinnacle Shorts If you want a step up in fit and finish, it's gotta be the Men's Pinnacle Shorts. The 91% polyester and 9% spandex fabric is quick-drying with anti-odor treatment, and stretch-knit panels in the back and pocket areas let you move around more freely. These guys also have the high-hip zipper pockets, a non-scrunch waistband, and inside and outside drawstrings that keep everything where it belongs. Available in 7- and 9-inch inseams with a 4.9-star rating from some smart customers. Best Men's Sleeveless Lifting Top: Men's Solis Muscle Tee Sleeves are optional in summer, and the Men's Solis Muscle Tee makes a strong case for ditching them entirely. This lifting shirt is quick drying, breathable, and moisture wicking with four-way stretch and that all important anti-odor treatment. It's made with recycled PET polyester and spandex, so it's doing a small favor for the planet while you press, pull, and stay cool. Best Base Layer for Squats and Deadlifts: Men's Virtus Light Compression Shorts The Men's Virtus Light Compression Shorts are the G.O.A.T if you need shorts that won't budge. The 90% polyester and 10% spandex build hugs your legs just right, and the waistband won't roll up annoyingly while you train. Those same pockets high on the hips keep your phone from swinging around, and the breathable, four-way stretch fabric wicks sweat and fights odor. Layer these under your favorite training shorts to put a stop to chaffing and slippery thighs. Best Everyday Lifting Tee: Men's Daily Driver 2.0 Tri-Blend Crew If you're one of those minimalist types that wants clothes that work at the grocery store or the gym, the Men's Daily Driver 2.0 Tri-Blend Crew is it. It's a polyester, cotton, and rayon blend that's super soft, breathable, and durable. It comes in a bunch of colorways, it's tag-free, and it was designed by lifters for lifters. This is the casual option on the list, and it earns its spot because you'll want to wear it outside the gym too. Check out more of our men's performance apparel. Best Women's Lifting Clothes for Summer REP's women's gym shorts and tops are built for performance. Here are the best picks for summer lifting. Best Women's Summer Training Shorts: Women's Artemis Shorts If you're a woman who trains hard in the heat, you'll want to snag a pair of Women's Artemis Shorts. The 88% polyester and 12% spandex fabric is lightweight, quick drying, and treated with anti-odor tech. Four-way stretch keeps up with your range of motion through squats, cleans, lunges, and whatever else you throw at them. Other details that make these shorts worth it are a mesh liner, internal drawstring, and high-hip zipper pocket for your goods. We built these shorts for strength training, powerlifting, functional fitness, and HIIT, so your covered whatever your training sesh is. Best Women's Open-Back Tank: Women's Clio Tank Top The Women's Clio Tank Top has an open back to let heat escape when your workout is cooking. It's made from 92% recycled polyester and 8% elastane with moisture wicking fabric, four-way stretch, and anti-odor treatment. So yeah, this lifting shirt breathes, moves, and stays fresh even after you sweat your glutes off (or on). Great for max airflow without sacrificing coverage up front. Best Women's Supportive Cropped Tank: Women's Rhea Cropped Tank Top If you need a little more support than the Clio, try the Rhea Cropped Tank Top which has a double layer that cuts out the need for removable pads. The 84% polyester and 16% spandex fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly, plus it has that handy dandy four-way stretch. A crisscross open back gives you some extra breathability and mobility, so this top is perfect for compound lifts and conditioning circuits when you need a combo of ventilation support. See more of our awesome women's lifting line-up. FAQs What should I wear to lift in the summer? Summer workout outfits made from moisture wicking polyester-spandex blends with four-way stretch and anti-odor treatment are the cream of the crop. Lightweight shorts, sleeveless tops, and compression base layers are all solid choices that let sweat evaporate fast and stay out of your way during lifts. Is moisture wicking clothing better than cotton for the gym? For training in hot weather, moisture wicking clothing athletic fabrics pull sweat to the surface where it evaporates, while cotton absorbs moisture and holds onto it. You'll stay drier, cooler, and more comfortable when your clothes aren't soggy with sweat. What are the best lifting shirts for summer? The best lifting shirts for summer are sleeveless or lightweight and have fabric that breathes and wicks moisture away from your skin. Look for polyester-spandex blends, and if you want the best of the best, look for shirts with anti-odor tech. Tanks with open backs are also extra cooling. Do I need different workout outfits for summer vs. winter? Men's lifting clothes and women's lifting apparel for summer should be breathable, quick-drying, and have some ventilation. During the winter, you'll want more layering and insulation. Swapping in lighter, more breathable workout outfits for summer helps you regulate your body temperature much better. Rachel MacPherson is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and health writer with over a decade of experience helping people build strength and confidence through evidence-based training. This article was reviewed by Rosie Borchert, NASM-CPT, for accuracy.

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