For women who are new to the idea of hiking, it can be confusing to decide what kind of clothes you should wear. There are so many different styles of hiking wear on the market today, and some of it is unfortunately styled for appearance more than function. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options to clothing that will be well suited for the trail and still look the way you want it to.

Footwear Is The Foundation

The footwear you choose is arguably the most important part of your hiking attire. You'll need to have a pair of shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and fully enclosed. Avoid sandals or anything similar because they'll put your feet at risk of injury, not to mention the risk of you slipping.

Waterproof hiking shoes are great for all-purpose use, because you won't have to worry about your feet getting wet if you have to cross a stream or other waterway. However, you should make sure that whatever shoes you buy fit your feet well. Any rubbing is likely to lead to blisters.

In addition to your shoes, your socks are also important. Look for socks that offer absorbency, and choose some that are of a moderate thickness. Sometimes, doubling up your socks is best to avoid blisters, so if you're going to be doing this, try on your hiking shoes with two pairs of socks before you buy.

Pants Shouldn't Be A Problem

When choosing pants to wear while you're hiking, you need to consider the fit carefully. You don't want anything that fits too tight, because it can be irritating to your skin. However, you also don't want them to be too loose, because loose fabric around your legs can get caught in branches and other obstacles along the trail. Breathable fabric that's cool, allows air flow, and fits well is the best option. It will also help you to avoid chafing between your legs and behind your knees.

Shirts Are Simple

Shirts for hiking are fairly simple. The best thing to do, especially if the weather is unpredictable, is to dress in layers. Wear a tank top or very light long-sleeved shirt with another shirt over it. Don't choose anything too baggy around your upper body or your arms, though. Baggy clothing will put you at risk of getting caught up on brush or possibly tearing your clothes. The layers are important, though. Not only will layers keep you warm on cooler days, they also give you options if the weather warms up while you're out there.

For more information about athletic clothing, contact a company like Premier VII.