Activewear for training
A training kit has one job: to disappear. Nothing rides up, nothing rubs, nothing distracts you between sets. Here is how HAY thinks about the pieces you train in.
The base kit
- High-rise leggings with a dense knit and moderate compression.
- A supportive top matched to the intensity of the session.
- A t-shirt or long sleeve you can pull on for warm-up and cool-down.
- Shorts or a set for warmer studios and summer sessions.
What to check before the first session
Do a deep squat in front of a mirror: the knit should stay opaque under stretch. Raise your arms overhead: the top should not lift above the ribcage.
Flatlock seams and a gusset make long sessions noticeably more comfortable, especially in high-friction movements.
Layers for the gym floor
Between sets your body cools quickly. A hoodie or long sleeve over the base layer keeps muscles warm and makes the walk home part of the same outfit — which is exactly what HAY designs for.
Related reading
How to choose workout leggings: fit, fabric and squat-proof test
Rise, fabric, seams and the one test that tells you everything before you buy.
Activewear fabrics explained: nylon, polyester, elastane and blends
Read a composition label in ten seconds and know how the piece will behave.
Activewear sizing and fit: how to get it right online
Three measurements and one rule solve most sizing mistakes.
Questions on this topic
What should I wear to my first gym session?
High-rise leggings or shorts, a supportive top, a t-shirt you can layer over it and trainers with a stable sole. Comfort and coverage matter more than anything technical at the start.
How many training sets do I actually need?
Two or three. That covers a normal weekly rhythm with laundry in between, and it is enough to see which fit you reach for first.