How to Look Your Best During Gym Class

Last Updated: September 21, 2022 References

Looking your best in gym class is just as much about what you wear as it is about your attitude. If you treat gym class as torture, you’ll have a hard time getting through it. You can do a few things to look your best on the exterior, as well as feel your best inside. You’ll want to fix up your look, plan the perfect outfit, and prepare for gym class.

Part 1

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Fixing up Your Look

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Tie your hair up. If you wear your hair long, it’s going to turn into a bit of a sweaty mess during gym class. Try tying it up in a ponytail, and wearing accessories that match your gym outfit. You can also try tying it back in a braid or a bun for a different look.
- If you have shorter hair, you have a few more options available to you. You can either pin your hair to the side or wear a headband. You might even get away with just leaving it down.
- Avoid using gel or other product in your hair. They’ll lose their effectiveness when mixed with sweat and might even run.^{[1]
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Wipe off the makeup before class. You shouldn’t wear makeup in gym class for several reasons. First, excess sweat will make it run, possibly ruining your look. Second, makeup can clog your pores. Combine clogged pores with sweat and dirt and you’ve got a perfect recipe for breakouts. Use a cleansing wipe to get your makeup off before gym class.
- If you want to wear makeup for your next class, make sure to keep your makeup in your locker.^{[2]
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Have an awesome gym bag. You’re going to have a lot of things to carry to and from gym class: your outfit, your shoes, a towel, maybe even makeup. Not only should your bag be efficient and able to hold all these, but it should look good too. Get something that fits your style and shows off your personality.^{[3]
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Part 2

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Getting the Right Outfit

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Wear a flattering top. You can usually get away with a well fitted t-shirt, but you can go sleeveless if you want to show off your arms. You can be creative with prints and colors; have fun with it. If you’re a bit more self-conscious about your upper body, try wearing a shirt or tank top that reaches your hips. It’ll hide your love handles or your tummy if you want it to.^{[4]
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- Fit is important when choosing a top. If it's too loose, it’ll be in the way. If it's too tight, it’ll be less than flattering. Opt for the happy middle.
EXPERT TIP

Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
Physical Education Teacher
Paige Bowen is a Physical Education Teacher at Oconee County Primary School in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paige has over 20 years of physical education teaching experience. She was awarded the Oconee County Primary School Teacher of the Year for 2002-2003. She received a B.S.Ed. in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia in 1996 and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2003 from the same institution.

Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
Physical Education Teacher

Expert Trick: Wear a light athletic jacket over your top so that you can be ready for any activity or environment. Sometimes gyms can be cold or you might have to go outside. In those cases, having a light jacket that you can take off if it's not needed is really helpful.
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Get something that flatters your legs. If you’re confident that you have nice looking legs, rock a good pair of shorts. They’ll keep you cool and show off what you’ve got. If you think you might get cold, or you’re a bit more self-conscious about your legs, wear a basic pair of black leggings or track pants.
- It’s important to keep a healthy balance between looking good and feeling confident. If you try to wear things that look good but don’t make you feel confident, you might feel embarrassed during gym class and won’t have a good time.^{[5]
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Wear stylish shoes with a good fit. Your first priority with shoes should be the fit. Depending on the arch of your feet and their size, some models won’t make for a good fit. Even if you have the coolest shoes, gym class is going to be a nightmare if they make for a painful fit. Always try a shoe before buying it, and get it in the right size.
- If you want to kick your style up a notch, pair your shoes with some colorful socks.^{[6]
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Bring comfortable underwear. Looking good starts with feeling good. Wear a pair that makes you feel confident, and it’ll translate into your attitude. Even though no one will see them (hopefully), just knowing that you’re wearing them will boost your confidence.
- If you need one, make sure your sports bra fits well.
- If you’re wearing leggings, thongs and boy shorts are best for avoiding panty lines.^{[7]
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Wear clean clothes. Your gym clothes shouldn’t be left in your bag overnight. Anything you’re going to sweat in should be washed after every use. Build up this good habit, and you’ll never have to wear stained or smell clothes to gym class.^{[8]
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Take it easy with the accessories. If you want to wear something on your head, you should keep it simple. Hats with brims tend to get in the way, so only wear them if you’re outside and need to block the sun. Stick to a simple beanie in a flat color that fits the rest of your outfit.
- Wristbands should really only be worn if you’re worried about excess sweat. They’re great for wiping a sweaty brow, but aren’t the most stylish thing around.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Preparing for Gym Class

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Try to learn the basics. If you are worried about playing sports in class, practice at home. You won’t become an all-star player overnight, but you’ll feel more comfortable (and look better) playing basketball in gym class if you’ve dribbled a few times beforehand. The same goes for any other athletic activity. Even jumping jacks can be difficult if you’ve never done one.^{[10]
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Be confident. When you’re thinking of what to wear to look good in gym class, the goal should be to bolster your confidence. Thinking positively and dressing well create a self-confidence loop of sorts that will help you get through gym class more easily. You’ll feel confident because you look good, and you’ll look better because you carry yourself confidently.
- Staying focused on what you’re doing will help you stop worrying about distractions. Your performance will improve, and you’ll feel more confident as a result.
- Talk and bond with your classmates. Gym class is one of the few times you can interact with them outside of a classroom. Take the chance to set a relaxed atmosphere, and you’ll realize people care less about your performance than you think.^{[11]
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Relax and have fun. People are spending a lot less time looking at you than you think they are. Remember that except for the jocks, most of your classmates are nervous about gym class on some level too. Most of them aren’t looking to judge you. Remember that gym class is one of the only chances you get to exercise in the day. Try to have fun with it.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What should I wear to gym class?

Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
Physical Education Teacher
Paige Bowen is a Physical Education Teacher at Oconee County Primary School in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paige has over 20 years of physical education teaching experience. She was awarded the Oconee County Primary School Teacher of the Year for 2002-2003. She received a B.S.Ed. in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia in 1996 and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2003 from the same institution.

Paige Bowen, MA, EdM

Physical Education Teacher

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Loose fitting clothes or short-sleeve shirts most of the time. Layers would be good because sometimes classrooms might be cold, and as you warm up, you can take a layer off. Make sure that your wear something that's comfortable and easy to move in. As for footwear, tennis shoes that tie are the best.
Question

What should you wear for gym class in the winter?

Community Answer

In winter, it's important to dress in layers. It gives you the warmth you need and more to work with stylistically.
Question

Should you wear perfume after or before P.E.?

Community Answer

If you were perfume during gym class, your classmates may not be your biggest fan. No problem with wearing perfume after gym class though.

Warnings

Avoid wearing jewelry to gym class. It can get damaged and cause injury.

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Be mindful of the school rules, some schools do not allow body sprays or perfumes to be used because other students may have allergic reactions.

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Please be sure to follow dress code. Looking stylish won’t do you any good if it gets you in trouble.

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don't forget to bring hand sanitizer

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