The Best Weightlifting Clothes, According to Trainers

Lululemon's Free to Be Bra is a fitting option for low-impact exercises like bench presses and squats, and is available in sizes 2 to 14. Built with sweat-wicking and friction-free fabric, it helps you avoid chest chafe while busting out your reps.

"This bra fits very well for someone who has a smaller chest. It is breathable, stretchy, yet provides good coverage and support," says New York-based physical therapist and strength coach Melissa Garcia, DPT, CSCS. "It's not too tight and looks cute with the strap back."

LIVESTRONG.com has already named Nike's Swoosh Bra as one of the best sports bras for running on the market, and we'd be remiss to not mention it here. Ideal for low- and medium-impact strength exercises, it comes with sewn-in padding to give you more shape, support and coverage (and no annoying pads that fold over and get lost in the wash).

"This sports bra is a classic," Garcia says. "I’m still wearing the same one I got more than five years ago and the quality speaks for itself. It's lightweight and dries quickly."

Check it out in sizes XS to 2XL, and heads up: This one runs big, so size down.

Training in a tank gives you extra ventilation, but if you're hitting the squat rack, you might want to wear a short-sleeve shirt to protect your skin from unforgiving barbell ridges.

Available in an array of colors, this lightweight Nike T-shirt deserves a spot in any gym-goers closet (Garcia owns several). Made with Nike's signature Dri-FIT fabric, this tee keeps sweat at bay, no matter how intense your workouts get. Plus, it has a relaxed fit, giving you freedom of movement.

"It should be a staple for anyone in strength training," says California-based physical therapist Jereme Schumacher, DPT. "It’s super lightweight and the material is great to wick away moisture to help keep you cool during tough workouts."

This top is available in a men's cut in sizes XS to 4XL tall and in a women's cut in sizes XS to 3X.

Garcia loves a looser-fitting tank when she strength trains because it allows her to move more freely and with better form.

Available in sizes 0 to 20, this flowy training tank stops right below your hip, upping airflow and providing a little more coverage than tight-fitting workout tanks do. The shoulders also have mesh panels for extra breathability.

LIVESTRONG.com Senior Fitness Editor Jessica Campbell-Salley calls this her top-pick tank for warm weight workouts. "I have the version with a back vent and it's so comfortable for training — I can focus on my form and not worry about my clothes," she says. It's also held up for years and doesn't show any signs of rips or fraying.

Finding your Goldilocks pair of weightlifting shorts depends a lot on length. You don't want a pair that's too long because it might snag on equipment. And a pair that's too short can feel revealing.

For Schumacher, the perfect medium is Vuori's Banks shorts. These shorts sit right above the knees, letting you move easily and comfortably during lower-body exercises.

Unlike most exercise shorts, this pair has a drawstring that allows you to adjust the fit easily and gives you greater flexibility while training. Bonus: It has a zipper pocket to keep your small essentials safe.

You can buy them in sizes XS through XXL.

Although these Athleta Run With It 3.5-inch shorts are built for running, Garcia loves to wear this pair for strength training.

"Personally — again, just my preference — I like squatting in shorts," she says. "The shorts need to be stretchy and roomy enough so that there are no surprises at the bottom of the squat. I recently purchased these and wear them so much more than just running I’m considering buying more."

These bottoms are made with Athleta's Featherweight Stretch fabric, which guarantees a light feel and plenty of ventilation. This fabric is even snag-resistant, so you don't have to worry about tears if a barbell brushes them.

You can buy these shorts in sizes XXS through 3X.

Compression? Check. Flexibility? Check. If you're looking for the perfect tights for lower-body weight lifting, these Virus Bioceramic Compression Tech tights definitely take the protein-powder cake, according to Schumacher.

The compression fit helps promote workout recovery by boosting blood flow and circulation.

You can buy these tights in sizes XS to XXL.

If you prefer a shorter pair of tights that also has ample coverage, Garcia suggests Lululemon's 25-inch Wunder Train Tights. Designed specifically for training, their breathable, second-skin feel is perfect for any workout, especially strength sessions.

"My favorite leggings for weightlifting right now are an old classic from Lululemon," Garcia says. "The Everlux fabric is breathable, stretchy, no pills and, best of all, not see-through. The high-rise fit feels nice and supportive so I don’t worry about them falling down."

The 25-inch tights are available in sizes 0 to 20.