Best Gear to Wear for Peloton Workouts: What Actually Makes a Difference

Let’s cut straight to it: the right workout gear won’t magically add 50 points to your output, but the wrong gear will absolutely hold you back. After thousands of rides, runs, and strength sessions on the Peloton platform, we’ve learned that what you wear directly impacts your comfort, performance, and willingness to clip in day after day. Here’s everything you need to know about suiting up for your best Peloton workouts.

Cycling Shoes: The Single Most Important Investment

If you’re still riding in regular sneakers with toe cages, you’re leaving serious performance on the table. Cycling shoes with cleats create a rigid connection to the pedals that transforms your pedal stroke. You’re not just pushing down — you’re pulling up, engaging your hamstrings and hip flexors through the full rotation. That translates directly to higher output with less wasted energy.

The Peloton Bike uses a three-bolt cleat system compatible with LOOK Delta cleats, while the Bike+ is also compatible with LOOK Delta. If you’re using a non-Peloton bike with SPD pedals, you’ll need a two-bolt shoe instead. Know your pedal system before you buy.

What to look for in cycling shoes:

• A stiff carbon or nylon sole — the stiffer the sole, the more efficient your power transfer
• A secure closure system (BOA dials are the gold standard for micro-adjustability mid-ride)
• Proper ventilation to manage heat during 45- and 60-minute rides
• A snug but not painful fit — your feet will swell slightly during longer efforts

Bottoms: Padded Shorts Are Non-Negotiable for Cycling

There’s a reason every serious cyclist wears chamois-lined shorts, and it has nothing to do with aesthetics. A quality pair of padded cycling shorts eliminates friction, reduces pressure on your sit bones, and lets you focus on the workout instead of counting down the minutes until you can stand up.

For Peloton cycling specifically, you have two solid options:

• Cycling shorts or bibs: Traditional form-fitting shorts with a built-in chamois pad. Bibs eliminate the waistband entirely, which means no digging into your midsection during heavy efforts in the saddle.
• Padded liner shorts: Wear these under your favorite regular workout shorts if you prefer a more relaxed look. You still get the saddle comfort without committing to the full lycra experience.

For Peloton strength, yoga, stretching, and floor-based classes, ditch the padding and opt for moisture-wicking shorts or leggings with four-way stretch. You need full range of motion, and a bulky chamois pad will only get in the way during lunges, squats, and floor work.

Tops: Moisture Management Is Everything

Cotton is the enemy. We cannot stress this enough. Cotton absorbs sweat, gets heavy, clings to your body, and creates chafing in places you don’t want to think about. Every top you wear for Peloton workouts should be made from synthetic moisture-wicking fabric or merino wool.

For cycling sessions, a fitted top reduces fabric bunching and flapping, which becomes distracting during high-cadence intervals. For strength and bootcamp classes, you might prefer a slightly looser fit that allows for overhead movements and dynamic exercises without restriction.

Key features to prioritize:

• Moisture-wicking polyester or nylon blends
• Flatlock seams to prevent chafing during repetitive movements
• Mesh ventilation panels for high-sweat zones (back, underarms)
• Lightweight construction — anything over 6 ounces is too heavy for intense indoor training

Sports Bras: Support Matched to Your Workout

Not all Peloton workouts demand the same level of support. Cycling is relatively low-impact, so a medium-support bra often works well. But if you’re stacking a ride with a Jess Sims bootcamp or an Andy Speer full-body strength class, you’ll want high-impact support that locks everything in place during jumping, running, and plyometric movements.

Look for adjustable straps, breathable fabrics, and encapsulated designs for larger cup sizes. The goal is zero distraction so you can chase that PR without constantly adjusting.

Socks: The Overlooked Game-Changer

Yes, socks matter. Cycling-specific socks are typically thin, moisture-wicking, and hit mid-calf or just above the ankle. They reduce bunching inside your cycling shoes and keep your feet dry across long rides. Avoid thick cotton athletic socks — they trap moisture and create hot spots that lead to blisters.

For Tread and running workouts, step up to cushioned running socks with arch support and reinforced heel tabs. Your feet take a beating during interval runs, and quality socks provide a crucial layer of protection.

Accessories That Earn Their Place

Beyond the core apparel, a few accessories consistently prove their worth during Peloton sessions:

• Sweatbands or headbands: Indoor cycling generates a staggering amount of sweat. A moisture-wicking headband keeps it out of your eyes and off your handlebars.
• Heart rate monitor: Peloton integrates with Bluetooth heart rate monitors, and wearing one gives you access to Strive Score and real-time heart rate zone data. A chest strap provides the most accurate reading; wrist-based monitors are more convenient but less precise.
• Workout gloves or grip pads: Optional for cycling, but useful during strength sessions if grip fatigue limits your heavy lifting sets.

What to Avoid Wearing

Knowing what not to wear is just as important as knowing what to buy. Steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Loose or wide-leg pants that can catch in the pedals or crank arms
• Cotton anything for high-intensity sessions
• Running shoes on the bike (they waste energy and compress under pedal pressure)
• Jewelry that can snag, swing, or distract during movement
• Worn-out shoes with compressed cushioning for Tread or bootcamp workouts

The Bottom Line

Your Peloton is a serious piece of training equipment, and it deserves serious workout gear to match. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you do need to be intentional. Start with proper cycling shoes — that’s where the biggest performance jump lives. Add quality padded shorts and moisture-wicking tops. Then build out from there based on which classes dominate your weekly schedule.

The best gear is the gear that disappears once you start riding. When you’re chasing Cody’s countdown or grinding through Robin’s climb, the last thing on your mind should be what you’re wearing. Get the gear right, and all that’s left is the work.