She means business

Lululemon addicts, rejoice—your expensive workout clothes really are worth it. You've heard the phrase "dress for success" before, but while it's a good motto to have professionally, does it also apply to the world of fitness? YES!

Of course we want to look cute and have everything held in all the right places but while what you wear to the gym may give you the mental boost needed to push through a tough workout, you can't forget the power a great pair of running shoes can have on your half-marathon training, or how crucial it is to have real-deal bike shorts for long rides. What you wear directly affects your performance. And you wouldn't wear the same running shoes on a hike, right? Proper hiking boots, from brands such as Merrell, offer additional traction and an air cushion within the heel to absorb shock and add stability, allowing you to get the most out of your uphill climb by giving you the grip needed to tackle longer and harder trails.

There's an excellent chance you're not putting the same amount of thought into how to dress for the gym as you do for a job interview, a wedding, even an average day at work. And why would you? You're going to work out to, well, work out. Your primary goal is sweat like a pig and lift as many heavy weights as you can until exhaustion (and the development of swole muscles and six packs, of course).

But consider this: if you're a single woman looking to meet a man, the gym is as good a place as any to do it (do not underestimate how sexy men find a woman working out). And even if you're already attached, a stylish woman should want to be well-dressed no matter where she goes—even while doing lat pulldowns. Unfortunately, gym clothes run the gamut from should-be-thrown-out tees to futuristic performance gear designed for pro athletes but worn with conviction by that woman on the stair climber. So how do you, a regular woman, pick something that'll make you look hot, feel comfortable, and avoid looking like you care more about your lycra than you do about your health?

I’ve selected some workout gear that’s a bit different and you won’t see yourself coming!

Here are the best workout clothes for women:

• Best workout clothes overall: Gym Shark

• Best workout clothes from a fitness company: Nike

• Best affordable workout clothes: Rock Wear

• Best beachy workout clothes: Vuori

• Best comfortable workout clothes: Bandier

• Best workout clothes that you can wear all day: ECHT

• Best high-end workout clothes: Lorna Jane