What you wear for exercise isn’t nearly as important as the actual activity, but it can make you more comfortable and dictate whether you finish a workout. Different activities require different types of clothing. Some points to keep in mind:

• Layering. It’s common to start your workout feeling cold, then get warmer as the intensity increases, and feel cold again as your muscles cool down. Layering is a great solution.

• Technical fabrics. These specialized items wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry. Some names, like Nike Dri-FIT® or Champion Double Dry®, indicate exactly what the fabric has been manufactured to do. (A warning about technical fabrics though — don’t use fabric softener in your wash; it can diminish the wicking ability.)

• Proper fit. While baggy sweats and oversized T-shirts might be comfy, depending on your activity they can be unsafe (for example, the excess fabric could get caught while biking or using gym equipment). You don’t have to wear skin-tight spandex, either — just opt for clothes that fit you properly.

You don’t need 20 different shirts or shorts to get a good workout. A few well-cared-for basics should keep you looking forward to your next exercise session.