Women

How To Rock Alternative Fashion At The Gym

How To Rock Alternative Fashion At The Gym

Gym-goers often have to balance fashion and function, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort. With the right alternative fashion pieces, you can stand out while still feeling comfortable and ready to rock your workout. In this article, we'll explore how to rock alternative fashion at the gym and look stylish while you sweat.

No one likes working out. Well, that's not strictly true. Most people like the process of working out but actually getting yourself motivated to go to the gym or out for that morning run can sometimes be a fairly painful and emotionally draining process.

Getting yourself up and out of bed to force yourself into your (possibly cold) car to then go to a place where you will sweat and put yourself in pain is a shitty process. Finding motivation is crucial to actually get yourself to go and workout, and believe it or not - clothing can be a great way to get inspired to go and exercise.

The only problem is a lot of workout clothes come in bright pink or neon colors, and while that's great if you're into cyberpunk clothing, wearing a lot of bright colors isn't an option for some of us who like to wear alternative styles.

Fashion can be a great tool to help us to feel good even when working out, and it's important to feel good as a way to force yourself into doing things that aren't always the most fun to do. There are a few style tricks you can employ when styling an alternative outfit for the gym - and it doesn't mean going full Health Goth. From choosing witty-sloganed tank tops to figuring out how to stay warm to and from the gym, looking cute and staying alternative in your activewear is easier than you might think. 

A fitness model wearing dark leggings and a tank top as part of a gym outfit with and alternative style

Image Source: Pinterest

Cool Tank Tops For The Gym

Tank tops are a staple in any gymrats' wardrobe, and there is a good reason why. They keep you cool, look good, and can show off your sports bra (if you're into that sort of thing). On top of that they don't get in your way while you're working out, and if you manage to find cute tank tops then you have that need for function and fashion settled quickly.

To keep your alternative style, try faded tank tops with skulls and other prints in black and white, and you can decide if you want something form-fitting or looser. Layer them up with a long sleeved tee shirt underneath to keep you warm, or opt to show a little more skin - it's your choice.

A fitness model doing squats wearing alternative style gymwear, with dark leggings and a slogan tank top

Image Source: CelebMafia

Leggings For Fitness and Alternative Style

Leggings styles are becoming more and more vibrant and interesting as time goes on. You only have to look a the cool prints and interesting designs available to see how this basic staple has evolved. You can find leggings that have cutouts, awesome patterns, and cool colors.

If you're a fan of geek fashion, try leggings with nerdy patterns and prints, like comic-book strips and superhero styles. If you're goth, opt for dark colors or try some with skull prints. The key thing to remember is to shop around and find something that works for your own alternative style. Because leggings are so popular, it's easy for everyone to find something they like.

A tattooed fitness model does sprints wearing edgy, printed leggings and a white crop top

Image Source: BrazilActiv

Alternative Hoodies for Outdoor Exercise

It's winter right now so hoodies are in style, but hoodies and sweatshirts are also great for working out, as well as for everyday wear. If you are doing a lot of jumping in your workout routines, try a sweatshirt without a hood so that you don't choke to death, but if you're running outside you should definitely opt for something with a hood to keep warm.

Hoodies are great because you can pick how thick or thin they are, and hoodies normally come with some really awesome graphics so they are amazingly customizable. You can pick a hoodie or sweatshirt with a funny quote, a character you like, or just some cool patterns. 

A fitness moel poses wearing alternative women's active wear, with a hooded top and some graphic leggings

Image Source: Pinterest

Sweat It out in a Cool Vest

If you're someone like me who sweats a lot, vests are great because they keep you warm but don't cause extra armpit sweat. It can feel a little bit difficult to navigate vests in day to day life, but working out in them is perfect because you know you'll start out cold but end up hot.

If you feel like a sweatshirt would be too much you should definitely try a vest. Try black or grey to keep your dark clothing style strong, and feel free to add patches to make your vest look extra grunge. 

A tattooed fitness model wearing a grey vest, sitting in the gym after a workout

Image Source: Pinterest

Pairing Alternative Fitness Gear

Putting all these items together it a pretty simple process, and the great thing about rocking an alternative style at the gym is that you don't have to go all out with your style. Let's face it, you're going to be working up a sweat - so looking extra crisp and on point with your style isn't going to be number one on your agenda. This being said, it's still an idea to build an alternative gym outfit with a little thought, just so that you can keep your style fresh even when working out.

The main thing to remember is to just wear what makes you want to go workout, whether it's a gothic tank top or some badass leggings; build your alternative gym look and go burn some calories!

How do you dress for the gym? Tell us in the comments!

JS

About the Author

Jessinta Smith