The HIIT fitness trend is here to stay, and for good reason. HIIT is founded on the principle that quick and intense workouts lead to real results. Instead of leisuring through an hour-long cardio or lifting routine, go all-out for just 20 minutes—and see your gains increase like never before.

HIIT makes the most of your time, but to really make the most of your workout, you need the right activewear. Comfortable, supportive, and stylish outfits are the key to unlocking your confidence and performing at your personal best.

Fortunately, P.E Nation has everything you need to make your go-to HIIT outfit an absolute hit.

To describe this supercharged fitness style as “intense” is an understatement. You only need a few minutes to make any HIIT workout count. It involves repeated reps of high-intensity exercises, broken up by short periods of rest. Basically, you’re packing a full-length cardio and strength routine into half or even a third of the time.

The enhanced health benefits of HIIT are thanks to the killer combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise:

• Aerobic – Moderate exercise that requires lots of oxygen, like jogging; builds endurance

• Anaerobic – Bursts of intense exercise, like sprints or resistance training; builds muscle and strength

HIIT has been proven to have dramatic effects on your body and mind. Here are just some of the positive changes you can expect to see, both on and off the mat:

• Improved blood pressure and heart health

• Higher oxygen consumption

• Elevated mood

• Enhanced metabolism and weight loss

• Healthy habit formation

HIIT is a uniquely accessible, personalised, and beginner-friendly fitness model. You choose the workout duration, you do the exercises you enjoy most, and you don’t even need any equipment—except, of course, a legendary HIIT outfit.

There are three key components that every HIIT outfit needs to, well, hit:

• Breathability

• Flexibility

• Maximum Support

When it comes to HIIT, safety is no joke. When you’re working that hard, that fast, the proper attire is essential to preventing injury and performing your best.

You’d be surprised how much you can sweat during a lightning-speed 20-minute HIIT workout. Even five minutes of alternating sprints and rest is enough to have you panting and wiping your brow. To keep moisture at bay, your HIIT outfit needs to breathe.

One fabric on the “definitely avoid” list is cotton. Cotton absorbs your sweat and doesn’t let go, making you feel damp and weighed down. It’s not the vibe you want for an intense HIIT session.

Instead, here are the best fabrics to incorporate into a high-performing HIIT outfit:

• Polyester – If you only consider one high-performance material, let it be polyester. It’s light, yet durable; insulating, yet breathable. It’ll wick moisture away before you even notice you’re sweating. You won’t have to worry about creases, either.

• Nylon – For activewear with the perfect stretch that never loses shape, choose nylon. It has similar moisture-wicking abilities as polyester, with anti-mould and -mildew properties that will keep clothing fresh after you sweat it out on the mat.

• Spandex – Spandex doesn’t breathe as well as polyester and nylon, but it’s exceptionally good at stretching and accommodating intense movements like bending, jumping, and weightlifting—all important components of HIIT.

• Bamboo – Take all the great qualities of the materials above and make them environmentally-friendly—that’s what bamboo has to offer. While it may sometimes be on the pricier side, bamboo is highly desirable for its odour resistance and super-soft quality.

Remember to wash your workout garments frequently to keep them in peak condition, just like you.

The fitted vs. loose debate usually comes down to your personal preferences, but there is something to be said for clothing style and safety.

Go with what makes you feel most comfortable, as long as your outfit isn’t too tight, or too baggy. Excessively tight clothing can restrict comfort and range of motion, while baggy clothing can feel cumbersome and may get caught on workout equipment.

Some core elements of HIIT that get worked into most sessions: jumping, squats, and burpees - a lot of movement, jam-packed into just a few minutes. To maintain speed and intensity, you need the right support.  

Proper support can look like: 

• Wearing the right size sports bra

• Using compression gear that increases blood flow and fast-tracks recovery 

How can you ensure your outfit provides maximum support, while also making a personal statement? Find the clothes that speak to you—clothes that can match your intensity both on and off the mat. Then, can you access your full potential. To fully understand how the right compression gear can enhance your HIIT performance and aid in faster recovery, explore our detailed guide on the benefits of wearing compression.

HIIT pushes you to your personal limits so you can exceed them. Push your style to the limits, too, with a little help from P.E Nation. P.E Nation is committed to designing activewear that does more. After all, your lifestyle is multi-faceted, taking you from the gym, to work, to a night on the town. Why shouldn’t your outfit do the same? Explore our guides on putting together gym outfits and versatile workout sets that blend function with fashion to look and feel your best during your next workout.

Browse the full P.E Nation collection, including our women’s leggings, workout tops, sports bras, and bike shorts now. Shop by activity, fabrication, and more to find the HIIT fit that works for you.

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Sources:  

Women’s Health. 22 best HIIT workouts for all levels, from 5 to 45 minutes long.

CNET. Polyester, nylon, wool and more: The fabrics to look for in your workout clothes.

Healthline. Tight Clothes: Fashion-Friendly, but Not Always Health-Friendly.

Muscle and Fitness. Compression Gear Works — If You’re Using It Correctly.