What To Wear To Your First Spin Class

Test-driving any new fitness class is as much a mental exercise as it is physical. What to wear to spin class can be as anxiety-causing as picking up the rhythm, settling into the routine, and pushing past preexisting mental blocks about exactly how many clockwise gear cranks your body can manage. Taking up a physically demanding pastime is no mean feat. And when it comes to the cult culture of workout classes, no regimen is quite as notorious as spinning.

Whether you're a SoulCycle fiend or a Peloton fanatic, the fundamental principles of spinning remain the same, including the workout's wardrobe requirements. A pair of lightweight running shorts isn't optimal (unless you enjoy exposing the expanses of your leg to the rest of the class when your ensemble inevitably rides up), but full-length thermal leggings can prove far too steamy after the warmup portion of your ride is finished. And despite your desire to stay comfortable during the grueling 45 minute ride, sidling up to your bike in grubby, tattered wares is no way to ingratiate yourself to a class full of riders in their finest fitness fashions. So what exactly is the appropriate gear to sport for a spin class? Scroll through to find out.

Shorts Story

Athleta Chi Tank, $32, Athleta | Women's Nike 3 Inch Pro Core Compression Shorts, $28, Finishline | Under Armour Women's Eclipse Printed Bra, $45, Moose Jaw | Z By Zella Nylon Sport Liner Socks (Pack of 3), $10, Nordstrom Rack | Victoria's Secret Pink Duffel Bag, $30, Victoria's Secret | Under Armour Active Multi-Color Headbands Set, $20, Macys | Mario Badescu Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater Facial Spray, $7, Saks Fifth Avenue

If you prefer sporting shorts for your exercise endeavors, make sure that the pair you wear to spin class fits tightly to your frame and is engineered to prevent riding up mid-class. Your ideal pair will provide mobility and stretch without compromising comfort. If you do opt for a looser pair, make sure the length is such that your shorts won't catch on the bike's wheel. Wear a slightly loose-fitting tank or tee to encourage ventilation, and complete the ensemble with a fitted bra that keeps your bust secure for those jumps and hill climbs. Spin classes inevitably result in significant perspiration, and your best recourse is to bring a chicly appointed water bottle to rehydrate. If you're truly committed to the workout, slip on a color-coordinated sweatband to keep sweaty strands off your face and calibrate your fitness tracker before launching into an epic ride.

The Longest Ride

Nike Large Swoosh Prep Tank Top, $20, JC Penney | Dynamic Yoga Leggings, $130, Sweaty Betty | Pineapple Ankle Socks Pack, $6, Forever 21 | HeatGear Armour Printed Sports Bra, $30, Under Armour | REI Balance Gym Bag, $60, Rei | France Luxe Ribbon Pony Ties (Pack of 6), $5, Nordstrom Rack | Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes Pink Grapefruit, $6, Target | Kate Spade Raise A Glass Water Bottle, $30, Kate Spade

Spinning by no means requires a pair of shorts for entry; in fact, sporting a pair of slim, moisture-wicking workout leggings can offer significant mobility without the nuisance of readjusting after every climb. Pair your leggings with a racerback tank, a neon sports bra, and coordinating peds for a look that will glow in the studio's dim lighting. Toss cleansing wipes and a water bottle into your gym bag for post-workout rejuvenation, and enjoy powering through every pedal.

Images: WavebreakMediaMicro/Fotolia; Polyvore