Winter workouts in New York City bring their own challenges. Between freezing walks to the gym and the blast of heat that hits once you're inside, most of us end up peeling off steamed-up layers before we’ve even started stretching. If you’ve ever walked into your class feeling like you’re already too warm, you’re not alone. Finding gym clothes in NYC that keep you warm outside but cool once you're in motion is trickier than it sounds.
This time of year, it's all about smart layering and fabric that handles temperature swings without turning your workout into a sweat fest. Whether you’re lifting weights in Brooklyn, doing hot yoga on the Upper West Side, or rushing from work downtown to a late evening Pilates class, the right gear makes all the difference. We’re sharing lightweight, functional pieces we love that feel good in the cold but don’t trap heat once you’re moving.
Staying Cool Starts With the Right Top Layers
Layering doesn’t have to mean sweating through your warm-up. What you wear on top can either trap heat or help you breathe through a session. We’ve all thrown on an oversized hoodie to beat the chill, only to strip it off halfway through the first set. That’s why it’s smart to start with breathable base layers that help your body manage its temperature naturally.
• Our Classic Fitted Tee offers great coverage with fabric that doesn’t cling when you start sweating. It feels soft and light and works just as well during your workout as it does on your way there.
• The Ribbed Crop Top is another favorite, especially for workouts where you build up heat fast, like spin or strength intervals. Its cropped fit and airy fabric help avoid that damp, trapped feeling some thicker tops can cause indoors.
• For those workouts where you do want just a bit of show, the Signature Halter Top lets your skin breathe without sacrificing style. It’s gym-strong but cute enough to wear straight to brunch.
The Classic Fitted Tee and Signature Halter Top are made from performance stretch fabric, which is lightweight, quick-drying, and designed for a barely-there feel according to Beks Athletics' product page.
When you choose the right top layer, you’ll sweat less, feel lighter, and avoid that overheated feeling that stops a workout short.
Choose Supportive Bras That Don’t Add Bulk
Winter layering very often starts with what’s underneath. And a heavy or tight sports bra can mean double heat and zero breathability. Support doesn’t need to come with bulk or stiffness. We’ve tested that balance closely.
• Our Classic Sports Bra gives the structure and shaping you want during movement but without feeling restrictive. The ruching in front allows it to flex with your body so you're not stuck in a stiff shape. Adjustable cross-back straps are helpful when you’re dressing in layers, no extra pulling or pinching under a tee or long sleeve.
• The Core Sports Bra is deceptively simple but solid when it comes to daily support. With a ribbed waistband and removable padding, it gives options based on how sweaty or active your day looks. It sits flat under almost any top, so when you’re dressing for warmth outside but movement inside, it won’t overheat or overcompress.
Both the Classic Sports Bra and Core Sports Bra are tagless, seamless, and made to provide a soft, comfortable feel all day long, an important detail highlighted by Beks Athletics about their bras.
When it comes to layering in NYC, it’s easy to overdo it. But starting with the wrong base bra can throw everything off. These light, adaptable options help us land that middle ground.
Leggings That Cool You Down While Keeping You Moving
Leggings are a winter gym staple in New York, but too many thick pairs leave you sweating before the treadmill warms up. Choosing the right fit and fabric goes a long way in helping your legs breathe while still feeling supported. The good news is, cooler leggings don’t have to mean thin or unsupportive.
• Our Classic Leggings hit that sweet spot. They’re soft and flexible, and the subtle butt scrunch gives just enough shaping without adding friction. Since there’s no front seam, they stay comfortable during longer classes where movement is nonstop.
• For extra performance and style, the Ombre Seamless High-Waisted Leggings are made from a knit fabric that feels light but holds its shape. With thigh and booty contouring and a stretch waistband, these move with you instead of clinging as you heat up. The seamless finish helps reduce rubbing when you’re doing repeated drills or squats.
• Ribbed Leggings are a quiet favorite. They compress lightly but release heat well, so even after high-intensity cardio, you won’t feel sticky or locked-in. They hug in all the right places without making it feel like your legs are wrapped in a blanket.
Beks Athletics leggings feature soft, four-way stretch fabric that provides breathability and compression. Many of these are designed with no front seam for increased comfort and a smoother silhouette.
Your legs are always in motion during workouts, and they deserve gear that cools and supports at the same time.
Keep Extras Breathable and Functional
The finishing layers on your outfit play a bigger role than you might think. Yes, they keep you warm on your way to the gym, but they also set up your sweat response once you start working hard. Smart extras help your body stay on track.
• A long sleeve fitted piece like our Classic Long Sleeve Fitted Shirt bridges that gap between warmth and breathability. It holds shape without trapping too much heat. Wear it into the gym and you might not have to peel it off right away.
• Try bringing pieces that are easy to toss in your gym bag. Layers that pull off quickly let your skin cool faster, especially if you're running late or walking into a hot studio after a cold commute.
• Color may not sound like it matters, but it can help you get dressed easier. Greys, blues, or wash tones like Fog or Indigo work in the moodiness of winter without feeling heavy. When your clothes match your season, layering becomes quicker and less stressful.
Having flexible outer layers means you’ll sweat less and spend more time focused on your moves instead of your outfit.
Comfort That Moves With You
We’ve all been there, showing up bundled up, only to feel overheated before the workout begins. Gym clothes in NYC shouldn’t work against the weather or your workout. With well-chosen, lightweight gear that layers easily from street to set, you’ll keep cool, confident, and focused no matter how unpredictable winter feels.
By choosing smart layers, breathable bras, and responsive leggings made for comfort and all-day wear, staying comfortable this season becomes simpler. The right activewear shouldn’t distract or hold you back, it should support your momentum wherever your schedule takes you next.
No matter where your workouts take you this season, the right layering can make your routine feel smoother and more comfortable. We build our gear to hold up in both the freezing morning wind and the heated gym air so you never feel distracted by what you’re wearing. You’ll find gym clothes in NYC designed to help you stay cool and move freely, with plenty of options to get you started. At Beks Athletics, we design each piece to handle whatever your day throws at you. Reach out to us with any questions, we’re here to help.