How To Organise Workout Clothes Without The Dream Closet

As much as I want to nail my evening routine where I get everything ready for the next day, it just doesn’t happen that often. The best way I can make like easier is to keep my workout wardrobe super organised, so it’s easy to access my kit and pull something out each morning to wear. Because, lets be honest, 80% of my wardrobe is made up of lycra! 

You can also keep your workout outfits in good condition, to make them last longer if you wash them properly and store them well. I’m gonna share with you my simple method for how to organise your workout clothes along with more tips and effective strategies which include incorporating the KonMari method, drawer dividers, and more.

How To Organise Workout Clothes

With a move on the cards for me soon, now is the perfect time for me personally to think about organising kit as I’m going from built in wardrobes to… well, no wardrobes when we initially move in. 

Step One: Declutter and Categorise

If like me you’ve got ALOT of activewear, the first step and best place to start is by decluttering. Pull all your workout clothes from drawers, shelves, closet space or wherever else you keep it all. Create separate piles for different types of clothing, but keep it simple. 

My categories are: tops, sports bras, ‘sweaty’ bottoms (leggings, shorts etc made for activities like running, indoor cycling) and ‘non sweaty’ bottoms (i.e yoga pants types of fabrics). 

Assess Each Piece

Marie Kondo, the expert behind the KonMari method, suggests evaluating each piece of workout clothing for its utility and joy it brings you. Ask yourself if the item is still in good condition, if it fits well, and if you feel great wearing it. This is a great way to decide what to keep.

Put each piece into a pile depending on whether you’re gonna keep it, donate it, sell it (Depop is great) or recycle it. You could also create a not sure pile. If you want more tips on how to make your fitness routine more sustainable and ethical, have a read of this piece. 

I recently ordered a charity donation bag (Oxfam / Marks & Spencers), where they accept donations and clothes that need to recycled. It’s such an easy way to donate, reduce landfill and help power positive change worldwide.

Storage Solutions for Different Types of Clothing

Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to find the best storage solutions for your workout clothes so you can have easy access to your entire closet, of workout items, obviously. 

My Personal Storage Method

I’m currently in a one bedroom flat so I don’t have a lot of space for the dream colour coded closet (….not yet, one day soon) so I came up with the simplest storage solution for all my exercise gear, using IKEA DRONA boxes. 

They’re literally the best things for creating storage space on shelves or under/inside things and were a good fit for my built in wardrobes. However, having seen these images I took for the post, I can see I should stick to darker colours for fabric storage so they look better / cleaner for longer. 

I’ve separated all my exercise clothing into the following: 

• tops (long sleeves, short sleeves and everything in between)
• sports bras 
• ‘sweaty’ bottoms 
• ‘non sweaty’ bottoms 
• bonus (for me) is cycling kit 

Use Bins and Baskets

Bins and baskets like I’ve used are a good option for bulkier items like yoga pants, leggings and long sleeves. Place them in deep drawers, under your bed or on closet shelves for easy access.

I’ve got some plastic bins / drawers from Muji which I use for shoes and trainers under my bed. These kind of boxes / drawers can also be useful for storing accessories – water bottles, headbands, gym towels or bigger stuff like foam rollers, yoga mats, and gym bags. 

Drawer Dividers and Organisers

For smaller items like sports bras, tank tops, and workout tops, you can use drawers for storage, with drawer dividers or a drawer organiser can be the best method. This helps to keep everything in its designated space, preventing a big mess. 

I have limited storage in drawers which I use for socks and underwear, pyjamas, period pants and bed linen. 

The Folding Process: KonMari Method

The KonMari method emphasises folding clothes in a way that they can stand upright.I actually learnt a similar folding technique while working at lululemon.

I’m not gonna lie, it can feel labour intensive when you have to fold all the fresh laundry but you’ll thank yourself later when everything looks organised and you easily see everything in your wardrobe. This folding process also saves space, which means, you can have more kit, right?! 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay the item flat.
2. Fold in the sides.
3. Fold in half lengthwise.
4. Fold into thirds or quarters, depending on the size.

Tips for Maintaining an Organised Workout Wardrobe

There are a few other things you can do to maintain an organised workout wardrobe, depending on how committed you are and if you have time. For example, you can colour code all your items like they do in the dream walk in wardrobe style setups. Grouping similar colour items together makes the space look more aesthetic too! 

Personally with more space, I would separate and rotate seasonal items so the most relevant items are always easily accessible. Bigger items like sweaters and joggers I typically keep on hangers but during the summer, those along with other items for colder weather can be store in vacuum bags and put away in the loft or in your ottoman bed. 

Never put sweaty kit in with your clean kit too! Make sure you store sweaty kit in a mesh bag or somewhere where it can get air, before washing. Clothes moths looooove sweat I’ve heard and trust me, you don’t want a moth problem as they’ll eat your expensive regular clothes. 

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As I prepare for my move, I’m slowly working my way through these steps again so I’m ready to hit the ground running after the move. There’s no point using energy to pack things I don’t need or paying for them to be moved so they can just sit gathering dust in my new home. 

​Getting your workout kit organised doesn’t have to be a daunting task, not an expensive one to be honest. the key is to find what works best for you and your space! 

Got any tips or hacks for how to organise workout clothes to share?! 

Elle