Clothes -
Make sure they fit well. They should be comfortable and loose but not get in your way. Exceptions are some activities like yoga and pilates where stretchy, fitted fabrics that wick away sweat are a favourite choice. and are not too tight or lose. Pants that are too tight or lose may cause scuffing around the groin area which is extremely uncomfortable. Ladies may wish to consider getting exercise bras or yoga bras for comfort and easier movement. Do some stretches in your new outfit to verify its functionality before you head off outdoors or to the gym.
Wear clothes of the right material. You don't have to run out to the sports shops and buy pricey jerseys and sportswear, but if you're going to grab t-shirts from home, make sure they are suitable. In hot weather, the right clothing will help prevent the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and fatigue. Go for light colours like white and pastels instead of black to reflect the sun rays from your body.
Avoid fabrics that are not airy, such as rubber-based and plastic-based materials. These prevent your perspiration from evaporating, which can cause heat-related problems.
If you love exercising outdoors, don't let winter stop you. I've seen people jog around topless when I was in the States during the winter. While it is true that one heats up during physical activity, it's also not really encouraged, especially if you're just starting to exercise in cold weather and you're not so accustomed to the cold. Go for layered outfits, which you can remove layer by layer if it does get hot. Go for polypropylene thermal underwear, which absorbs sweat so you don't become chilled to the bone when the sweat evaporates.
One tends to breathe harder during exercise and in cold weather, so wear a face mask or wrap a scarf over your mouth to protect your lungs from the rush of cold air. Your hands, feet and head tend to experience the cold first, so gloves, wool socks and a wool beanie will help to provide insulation.
Footwear -
Never scrimp on quality footwear as you can incur serious injuries if you don't wear the right type of shoes. Running and walking shoes are generally fine for weight training and low impact activities like aerobics and jogging. If you're training for marathons, definitely get running shoes with plenty of support. If you're playing specific sports like tennis, basketball, football etc, get sport-specific shoes.
Wear a pair of good socks too which helps absorb the perspiration, while providing added comfort by preventing blisters and scuffing.
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