Buying gym clothes that are trendy need not cause a dent in your savings.
Brand new gym clothing is expensive. However, they’re essential if you’re taking your fitness journey to a new level. The good news is that thrift stores will save you from spending loads of money. You can now get high-quality, lightly used, and upcycled activewear at a reasonable price.
Choosing secondhand gym clothes also brings you one step closer to sustainability. Since you’re choosing pre-owned clothing pieces, you give them new life instead of them ending up in landfills sooner than intended. If this is your first time, here are all the things you need to know to make thrift shopping easier.
How Safe Is It to Buy Used Sportswear?
One of the reasons someone might hesitate to go to the thrift store for gym clothes is safety. As the clothes had previous owners, one might think that it is unsafe to wear. It’s no secret that the things you’ll stumble upon in thrift shops are pre-owned and pre-loved. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use them for yourself.
The safety concerns you have for used athletic clothing, — sweat, yeast, and fungus — are usually solved by proper washing. The right temperature will also kill any bacteria clinging onto the fabric. If you think of it, even clothes in malls have been worn by other shoppers.
What to Look For When Buying Second Hand Sports Clothes?
In the sea of clothing and items in thrift shops, it’s easy to get sidetracked. It will be helpful to have a shopping list to make sure you’re gym-ready.
Here are some gym essentials to look for in a thrift store:
1. Cotton Shirts
Cotton shirts are comfortable to wear. They absorb sweat effectively and help regulate your body temperature. Have one or two cotton shirts in your gym bag. Apart from that, they’re also breathable, non-clingy, and gentle on your skin.
When looking for second hand sports clothing, check the tag. Opt for ones that are made with 100% cotton.
2. Sweatpants
Sweatpants are also ideal second hand sports clothing. Thrift shops may have good-quality sweatpants that fit you. They’re great for warming up your muscles, getting your body temperature up, and they allow you to sweat more.
So, be sure to add sweatpants to your thrift shopping list. Of course, check for tears, holes, and stains.
3. Sports Bra
Brand new sports bras cost a lot. The good thing is that thrift stores have a wide range of sports bras available, waiting to be part of your gym wardrobe. Their design makes them comfortable to wear no matter how active your workout gets.
Check the padding and the straps to see if they’re still in good shape. If you can, try fitting them before making a purchase.
4. Leggings
Another thing to look for is used yoga clothes. A pair or two of leggings will save you from the hassle of an uncomfortable workout. However, new leggings are pricey.
Make your purchase from a thrift store. If possible, check how it fits before you buy it. Also examine the fabric carefully for thinning, stains, and torn stitches. If you’re lucky, you may even score brand new ones.
5. Bike Shorts
Aside from leggings, bike shorts are also convenient and comfortable to wear. Look for one with good quality padding and fabric. Even though you’re not going biking, having a few bike shorts is great for intense workout sessions.
6. Shoes
Yep, you might even get your hands on some good-quality gym shoes. When buying second hand gym clothes, it doesn’t hurt to check on shoes. Inspect the soles to see if they’re worn out or in any way damaged.
You might even end up with name brand shoes for only a fraction of the cost of new ones. Wear it over your socks to see if they fit well.
7. Gym Bag
Aside from buying gym clothes, you’ll also need something for all your gym essentials. Gym bags are different from usual bags as they’re designed to resist odor. Before you head straight to the cashier, examine the zippers, straps, and pockets. Also, check for holes and loose threads.
How Do You Disinfect Used Sportswear?
Once you’ve brought your thrift shopping haul home, give them a good cleaning before sporting them to the gym. There might be stains and odors that you need to get rid of first.
Here’s how to disinfect secondhand clothes:
- Sort the used workout clothes according to types of fabric and color.
- Put the first batch of laundry in the washing machine. Use the right amount of detergent along with 1/2 cup vinegar and dish soap. Vinegar works wonders in removing smells.
- For items with stains, pre-treat them with detergent and vinegar.
- Wash them as you would your other clothes. If it’s possible, use hot water to eliminate germs and bacteria.
- Hang them outside to dry or put them in the dryer.
For “dry clean only” items, your best bet is to bring them straight to the dry cleaners. You can also run them on a gentle cycle in your washing machine using a small amount of detergent.
For shoes, wash them with warm water and detergent. Rinse with clean water until there’s no soapy residue. You may also use disinfectant wipes or alcohol. Do a spot test first to avoid damaging the item.
Aside from vinegar, you may also sprinkle baking soda on clothing items with an unpleasant smell. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing.
With these tips, have peace of mind knowing you’re wearing used athletic clothing that is good as new. Save loads of money by visiting a thrift store in your area before heading to the mall.
Buy Used Workout Clothes at Haven House
If you’re looking for a nearby thrift store in Destin, FL, visit Haven House.
We have everything you’ll need to complete your activewear wardrobe. Aside from clothing pieces, we also have jewelry, kitchenware, and decor. Any purchase you make will help us continue our efforts in helping men with addiction recovery. Visit us today!
