The right workout cloth can make or break your workout. That’s why many fitness brands focus on high-performance fabrics that are both sweat-wicking and breathable to keep you cool, dry and comfortable throughout your workout. Sweat-wicking fabrics pull moisture away from your skin and move it towards the outside of the fabric, where it can evaporate more easily. This prevents your body from overheating, which can lead to muscle cramps and dizziness.

Breathable fabrics allow air to effortlessly flow in and out, which helps your sweat dry quickly and reduces the growth of bacteria on your clothes. This can also help your clothing feel fresh and clean when you wear it again after a workout session.

Sweat in Style: The Latest Workout Clothing for an Active Lifestyle

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to find workout apparel made from fabrics that block UV rays, too. These types of fabrics have a tighter weave that helps limit gaps where sun can seep in. Look for workout shirts that are labeled UPF 50+ to ensure you’ll have enough sun protection while you’re working up a sweat.

You’ll probably find a lot of workout clothing made from polyester, which is the workhorse fabric for many fitness outfits. It’s durable, wrinkle-resistant and incredibly lightweight. However, it’s not as breathable as some other fabric options, so you’ll need to be careful when choosing the type of polyester you buy for your activewear. Look for a blend of polyester with other materials such as cotton or nylon for the best results.