Best Gear to Wear for Peloton Workouts

Your Peloton doesn’t care what you’re wearing. But your body does. The difference between a PR-crushing ride and a sluggish, distracted session often comes down to what you put on before you clip in. The right gear eliminates friction — literally and figuratively — so you can focus entirely on the effort.

After thousands of collective rides, runs, and strength sessions across the Output Nation community, we’ve dialed in exactly what works and what doesn’t. Here’s your definitive guide to dressing for performance on the Peloton.

The Non-Negotiable: Cycling Shoes

If you’re still riding in sneakers with toe cages, you’re leaving watts on the table. Clipping in with proper cycling shoes transforms the pedal stroke from a downward push into a full 360-degree motion. You recruit more muscle, generate more power, and reduce knee strain. It’s the single biggest equipment upgrade you can make.

The Peloton Bike uses a three-bolt Look Delta cleat system, while the Bike+ is compatible with both Delta and SPD-SL cleats. Make sure you match your shoes and cleats to your specific bike model. Look for shoes with a stiff carbon or composite sole — the less flex, the more efficient your power transfer. Comfort matters too, so prioritize a secure fit without pressure points. You’ll be in these shoes for 30 to 60 minutes at a time, and numb toes kill motivation fast.

Bottoms: Padded vs. Unpadded

This is where personal preference meets hard-earned experience. For rides under 30 minutes, many riders do fine in standard athletic shorts or leggings. But once you start stacking 45-minute Power Zone sessions or 60-minute endurance rides, a quality chamois changes everything.

Padded cycling shorts or bib shorts reduce saddle pressure, wick moisture, and prevent chafing in the exact areas where you need it most. You don’t need to go full roadie — there are plenty of options that look and feel like regular workout shorts but have a thin, strategically placed pad built in. Key features to look for:

• A multi-density chamois pad that cushions without bunching
• Flatlock seams to prevent irritation on longer rides
• Four-way stretch fabric that moves with your body through standing climbs and sprints
• A high waistband that stays put when you’re in and out of the saddle
• Moisture-wicking material — cotton is the enemy here

For strength, yoga, and floor work, swap the padded shorts for standard training tights or shorts with a secure fit. You need full range of motion without worrying about fabric riding up during burpees or deadlifts.

Tops: Keep It Simple, Keep It Dry

There’s one rule for your upper body: no cotton. Ever. Cotton absorbs sweat, holds it against your skin, and turns into a cold, heavy mess halfway through an interval series. Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics or merino wool blends pull sweat away from your body and dry fast.

Beyond material, fit matters more than you think. A top that’s too loose flaps around during out-of-saddle efforts and gets in the way during core work. Something too tight restricts your breathing when you’re gasping at the top of a climb. Aim for a fit that’s close to the body but not compressive — unless you specifically prefer compression gear for muscle support.

Tank tops and sleeveless options work well for high-output rides since your arms are in constant motion on the handlebars. For strength and bootcamp classes, a fitted short-sleeve tee gives you a bit more coverage without sacrificing mobility.

Sports Bras: Support That Matches the Effort

Cycling is lower impact than running, but Peloton workouts aren’t just cycling. If you’re doing Jess Sims bootcamps, Robin’s HIIT rides with out-of-saddle surges, or any of the tread content, you need a sports bra that delivers high-impact support without digging into your shoulders or ribcage.

Look for wide, adjustable straps, an encapsulation design for larger cup sizes, and — once again — moisture-wicking fabric. A racerback style works well for rides since it keeps straps out of the way, but make sure it doesn’t restrict your shoulder mobility for strength movements. Many riders keep two options on hand: a medium-support bra for pure cycling days and a high-support bra for bootcamp and tread sessions.

Socks: The Overlooked Detail

Don’t underestimate what’s on your feet inside those cycling shoes. Thin, moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters, reduce heat buildup, and improve your connection with the shoe. Avoid thick cushioned socks — they change the fit of your shoe and can cause your foot to slide. Cycling-specific socks with light compression around the arch and a seamless toe box are ideal. They’re a small investment that prevents surprisingly big problems.

Accessories That Actually Matter

Beyond the core clothing, a few accessories can meaningfully improve your workout experience:

• Sweat towel: Peloton workouts generate serious sweat, especially in a home environment without commercial gym ventilation. A microfiber towel draped over the handlebars is essential.
• Heart rate monitor: A chest strap or armband heart rate monitor gives you accurate zone data that the Peloton’s built-in metrics can’t fully capture. It changes how you train.
• Headband or sweatband: When sweat hits your eyes mid-interval, you lose focus and break form. A thin, non-slip headband solves this instantly.
• Grip gloves: Optional but useful for riders who find their hands slipping during heavy resistance climbs or for anyone doing kettlebell and dumbbell work in strength classes.

What to Avoid

A quick list of gear mistakes we see constantly in the community:

• Cotton anything — it holds moisture, causes chafing, and weighs you down
• Loose shorts that catch on the saddle during transitions
• Running shoes on the bike — they flex too much and waste energy
• Jewelry that swings, pinches, or distracts during movement
• Brand-new gear on a milestone ride — break everything in during regular sessions first

The Bottom Line

Performance gear doesn’t have to be expensive, but it has to be intentional. Every piece of clothing you wear should serve a purpose: manage moisture, reduce friction, support your body, and stay out of your way. When your gear works, you forget about it entirely — and that’s exactly the point. You clip in, the playlist starts, and the only thing on your mind is output.

Dial in your gear once, and you remove one more barrier between you and your best ride. That’s what Output Nation is about — eliminating excuses and stacking advantages, one detail at a time.