What to wear to the gym in summer
Smash your fitness goals with our functional and fashionable new collection.
Summer session? Let’s talk workout outfits. Being active in the heat is the best way to boost your mood, maintain health and make the most of the long days. If your trusty winter tracksuit has been packed away and you’re not sure what to wear, our new sportswear collection features the summer-ready styles you need to keep your fitness levels high (and the sweat rate low).
Shop the range in-store or online via our Click & Collect service. Use our handy C&C store list to find your local Primark store.
How to decide on what workout clothes to wear
Choose the right fabric
The right fabric technicality will help support your performance. Be sure to look out for the following functionalities below on our labels in-store and online.
Moisture-wicking: Fabrics such as polyester, nylon and spandex blends can pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense workouts.
Breathability: Mesh panels or perforated materials allow airflow, preventing overheating during intense cardiovascular exercises or outdoor runs.
Shower resistant: These fabrics include quick-dry features, ideal for outdoor training in light-rain forecasts.
Four-way stretch: Fabric that can stretch in all directions, both lengthwise and crosswise, while still returning to its original shape.
Reflective: These items include reflective strips on the sleeves, legs or back to help improve your visibility when working out in dim environments.
Dress for the activity
For running exercises, lightweight, reflective pieces that include moisture-wicking features are key for keeping your temperature at bay as you rack up the miles. For footwear, mesh running trainers with cushioned insoles offer maximum comfort, support, and durability to keep your feet feeling fresh, stride after stride. When it comes to hitting the weights, durability and flexibility are non-negotiable. Invest in 4-way stretch fabrics that allow unrestricted movement while maintaining their shape through heavy lifting sessions. High-waisted leggings or shorts with built-in grip ensure barbells and weights stay in place during complex movements.
Prioritise comfort
Chafe-free designs: Wearing seamless (or flat seam) T-shirts, shorts or leggings can help reduce skin irritation and inflammation while exercising. For more information, read our guide on how to eliminate chafing.
Secure waistbands: High-rise leggings or shorts with an elasticated waistband can provide extra support and comfort during movement — not to mention it’ll help prevent them from falling down!
What should you wear to the gym in summer?
The performance T-shirt
If there’s one item you need in your workout wardrobe, it’s a performance T-shirt. An essential for keeping your temperature regulated, our moisture-wicking, lightweight T-shirts will help you smash your personal best. Not to mention they’re available in a variety of colourways too. With prices starting at just £4, we’ll be picking one up in every colour.
The workout shorts
The versatility of our gym shorts is unmatched. Are they going to help keep you cool as you workout? Yes. Will they become a top contender to wear on laid-back days too? Most definitely. Our mesh shorts are a breathable, quick-drying option for intense outdoor activities, but if you’re looking for shorts with extra coverage, reach for our new 2-in-1 options instead. The sleek outer layer features roomy pockets to hold your essentials in, while the fitted inner shorts provide compression to support muscle movement.
The running trainers
Arguably the most important item to wear to the gym, investing in a reliable pair of trainers will help step up your fitness game, no matter the activity. Striking the perfect balance between comfort and support, our new FoamFlex options have got you covered for all activities. Cushioned heel? Tick. Foam outer sole? Check. Plus, the easy slip-on functionality allows you to wear and remove them with ease. Add them into your Click & Collect basket ASAP.
The rest day T-shirt
Meet your new post-workout essential. The ultimate blend of comfort and style, our new rest day T-shirts are designed to keep you feeling fresh after a tough gym session or high-intense training class. Crafted with a relaxed silhouette and sleek crew neck design, this versatile throw-on staple is a must-have for wearing at home or on-the-go.
