Yesterday Rock My Wedding’s Becky and I got talking about workout kit. As Becky said, “I’m at the gym more and more these days and I just came across some images of gym wear which made me think, do I really care what I wear to the gym? No one is looking at me so does it really matter? Or maybe it does? Will what I wear affect my workout? Should I be wearing a top that deals better with sweat and lets my skin breathe or is it ok to continue to wear my Mickey Mouse vest?”
Quite apart from the fact that, for me anyway, cute kit means I’m more likely to get my ass out of the door for a run or to a yoga class there are good reasons for investing in your workout wardrobe and by investing I don’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Whether you’re more high street, high end, or somewhere in the middle, there’s lots of choice at every price point.
Sadly, or perhaps not, it’s probably time to ditch that Mickey Mouse vest Becky. Quick drying synthetic or moisture-wicking fabrics are a better option than 100 per cent cotton fabrics when it comes to workout clothes. When you sweat cotton tops absorb moisture and take time to dry, which could ultimately cause chaffing, chills and skin breakouts. Ew.
Loose fitting clothes are a potential safety hazard in the gym as they could get caught in, whatever all those machines are, (can you tell I’m not much of a gym bunny?!) and downright annoying in yoga classes. It drives me crazy to have to keep tugging up a top that’s constantly falling off my shoulders or pulling down my top when I’m upside down in headstand. But equally your kit shouldn’t be so tight it restricts your movement either, Australian Activewear available from D+K is my go to in these occasions.
Your sports bra should give you enough support for the level of impact of your workout and your body shape. Before you buy a new sports bra jump around in the changing room to check it gives you the support you need. Oh and make sure there’s no danger of you, erm, popping out of it (which did happen to me in a Bikram class once, luckily I think everyone was too focussed on their poses to notice).
In her book Running Like A Girl, Alexandra Heminsley devotes a whole chapter to buying trainers, so it’s not like I could cover everything you need to know here but, suffice to say, trainers should be supportive and fit for the activity you’re using them for. If that’s running get yourself to a specialist trainer retailer and have them help you find the right trainers for your stride.
So, to conclude, yes it does matter what you wear the gym. Reason enough for me to indulge in a little online workout kit window shopping later. Which are your favourite workout brands? Discovered any new ones Becky and I should check out? And what do you think of the trend for high end workout kit? Madness or worth the investment? Do share!
Photographs: Free People Movement
I do zumba and pilates once a week, both of which require different gear. For zumba, I wear running cropped leggings and a quick dry top as its sweaty work leaping around like an idiot! I also have a high impact sports bra (which is in desperate need of replacement!)
For pilates, I wear mostly cotton – cropped bottoms and an old Nike racer back, teamed with a low support bra as most of the class is spent either on my back, front or side (so nothing that’s going to cause anything to ‘escape’!)
However I am in need of a bit of a workout wardrobe re-vamp for winter – perhaps some full length leggings for pilates (the room can get a bit chilly) and maybe similar for zumba, although I’m debating just getting something to keep my legs warm on the walk there and back in the evenings. I’ve been eyeing up H&M’s stuff for a while – my zumba top is from there and it was a bargain at £7! There seems to be a good range of stuff and at a decent price – just without the extra ££ for having Adidas or Nike plastered over it.
Yes, you definitely need some full length leggings for winter Jo, there is nothing worse than being cold in a yoga or Pilates class, I always have socks and a hoodie or cardigan nearby for the warm up and savasana in winter yoga classes. H&M have lots of great designs but they’re never had my sizes in the styles I like so I’ve never tried them out to rate their performance. The prices are brilliant though.
I’m definitely considering getting this bra and seeing how good it is… http://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/pro-fierce-sports-bra/pid-1516600/pgid-10104939
I will let you know how I get on. I do a lot of free weights and so Im thinking medium support is probably the one for me. I will do a light jog at the end of my workout but nothing too strenuous or… bouncy.
Puma also have some cool print leggings. I also love the look of some of their training shoes. I’m desperate to get my hands on something from the collection that Solange Knowles worked on with them but sadly I can’t.
So yes, yay for cute kit and making an effort even at the gym. I heard a saying once… ‘dress every day like you are about to bump into your arch enemy’. I guess she could be waiting in the gym for me as the shopping mall so I promise to ditch Mickey and look and workout better.
Love that Nike sports bra Becky, great colour. I haven’t looked at Puma for ages, will pop into their shop next time I’m in town. Have just ordered a pair of black, pink and fluoro capris from Reebok’s dance collection to add a bit of colour to my workout wardrobe, which is mostly black and grey, so boring. Dress every day like you are about to bump into your worst enemy is an excellent saying to keep in mind when you’re getting ready in the morning, will be living by it from now on…
Hi Becky, I generally go with Nike stuff for the gym and the sports bra is a great colour, however the issue I have with this “crop top” style is trying to get it off after a workout (it can sometimes feel like a workout in itself!). I much prefer a proper “bra” style ones with a fastener at the back as you don’t have to struggle with having to pull them off – it sounds silly, but it can really ache, especially if you’ve just been doing a weights session. Shock absorber does some good, medium impact bras and, as I discovered the other day, so does good ol’ M&S. Reasonable prices and in some funky colours too!
This is a very good point Jessica! Sometimes the tricep pain is pretty bad and lifting my current sports bra over my head does hurt sometimes!
Jo I’d never considered H&M for gym wear. I’m always in there getting bits and pieces for my everyday wardrobe so I will have to have a mooch about the fitness section! Thanks for the tip 🙂
I was guilty of wearing any old thing to the gym when I used to go, usually some very old and somewhat worn out Adidas tracksuit bottoms and whatever T-shirt I had lying around that was clean.
I’m more conscious now – especially with all the pilates moves I do that could indeed show your midriff/bra etc if you are not suitably covered. That said I still desperately need some new gear, I’ve started with new Nike trainers so at least I’ve done something! x
I do like a long tank top for yoga and Pilates Charlotte, you’re right, anything else has the potential to expose more than your bargained for. I invested in nice kit for performance when I’m doing exercise but also because I’m in yoga kit most days so it gets washed a LOT! x
I was in Primark the other day and they had loads of workout gear which looked really good – bright print leggings, crop tops, and t shirts. I’ve had gym kit from M&S before which I really liked. I don’t think you have to spend a lot but it is nice to have matching stuff that you actually enjoy wearing. I would spend more if I did outdoor exercise, especially for winter.
I’ve never considered Primark for workout gear Kathryn, will check it out next time I’m in my Westfield (although only if I get there close to opening time, it gets ridiculously busy later!).
I have gotten into running over the last 8 months and have really come to love the running brand Gore (they do cycling stuff too). Their running clothing is really good quality and fits (and washes!) really well. Currently suffering from the dark morning conundrum and really starting to worry about how I will maintain running fitness over the winter (I really don’t want to join a gym and have been running outside since end of last February). Any future posts on this would be most welcome!
It’s definitely worth investing in good quality kit for running, especially for when the weather gets colder, to keep you toasty but not sweaty. Hmm, winter running motivation, I’ll talk to my sisters, who are both keen all-year-round runners and start thinking about a post Emma!
Thanks Miranda! 🙂 x
For running in the dark I’d recommend something hi-viz (most companies do a range for winter – sweatshop is a good place to start) and a headtorch if you’re running anywhere other than well-lit built up areas. You might feel a bit silly but I think it’s definitely worth it both for being able to see where you’re putting your feet and making sure you can be seen. In terms of warmth, if you make sure your extremities are OK (gloves, hat/ear band & possibly a buff to stop drafts getting down your neck) then you don’t need too many extra layers as you’ll just get too warm.
On a more general point I think I spend more money on workout clothes than normal clothes – like you Miranda I end up wearing them most days so I would rather wear something nice. I tend to wear Adidas stuff for running and Sweaty Betty for Pilates/Yoga. Sweaty Betty and Lululemon are the top end I’d go for price-wise – not sure I could justify any of the more high end stuff!
Katie
I really should invest in some hi-viz kit Katie, for when I’m on my bike as much as anything, it’s getting light so much later and dark so much earlier. I do have lights and try to remember to keep them with me at all times. I definitely spend more money on workout clothes than normal clothes too. I’ve never gone beyond the Lululemon and Sweaty Betty price point either, although it is tempting!
I do BodyBalance a couple of times a week and have invested in some proper kit because I was finding the cotton vests etc were becoming uncomfortable if I became sweaty. I wear Nike and Adidas stuff and love it, I got most of it in the sales – Nike have an online one at the moment and so does Debenhams where I got an Adidas bra top and cropped leggings. I prefer the moisture-wicking Nike Dri-Fit and Adidas ClimaLite stuff – works wonders! Also check out SportsDirect.com – the prices can be quite good and their sales are normally excellent!
Such a good tip to buy workout stuff in the sales Annie, as it’s not trend-led in the way everyday clothes are, albeit increasingly fashionable, it doesn’t matter so much if you buy kit at the end of the season. Lots of my kit has been purchased in sales, it’s worth liking brands on Facebook, following them on Twitter and so on as you often hear about sales there first, so you have the best choice of product and sizes.
I am about to get all over these sales!
I am guilty of buying a lot of work out kit, but then I do go to the gym every morning before work, so that’s at least 5 sets of kit that I need! I am grateful that many high street store have recently launched work out lines as Nike work out pants are brilliant but at around £50 a pop that’s £250’s worth of work out pants for a week! I favour USA Pro for work out pants which you can get from Sports direct for about £15 a pair. I have found them just as comfortable as more expensive brands; they stay up during even the most strenuous body attack class and don’t lose their shape in the wash. They also come in a great selection of patterns and colours – I have Aztec, galaxy, black and white – all sorts. I like H&M for sports tops – they tend to have a nice selection of colours and patterns again at a reasonable price. With my sports bras I found one that was brilliant – comfy, excellent support, not too horrendous looking – in Primark a while a go for £7 so I bought all of them in my size! They don’t seem to do ‘high impact’ (ie almost armour!) ones anymore only doing up to medium impact which is just no good for me. I’ll be gutted when I have to go back to shock absorbers as they are so pricey – but you can sometimes get them in TXMaxx. I don’t really rate any of the other sports gear in Primark though – the pants don’t stay up, I haven’t tried the tops to be fair. Trainers I am a total Nike disciple and have way too many pairs! If I/you do ever want to splash the cash on gym gear then hit http://www.fashercise.com/ they stock the most gorgeous sportswear!
Wow, yes, all those Nike leggings do add up. Will check out USA Pro next time I’m passing a Sports Direct. I’m totally with you when it comes to Nike trainers, I was once in one of those magazine features about being addicted to buying trainers and Nike has always been my brand of choice. It’s best I don’t start shopping on sites like Fashercise, I would be homeless within about six months, although I’d have a great workout wardrobe!
I’ve definitely become ‘addicted’ to kit but I think that’s come with learning to love the exercise. I spent my entire birthday money on new training things at the weekend (see my insta) and that’s such a change from spending it on going-out clothes.
I think feeling good in what you are wearing (physically and mentally) definitely helps you perform better. I couldn’t wait to put on my new gear and get out there – but then stupidly I wouldn’t wear my new winter training Nike top incase it got dirty (I do body-weight training outdoors) – so that’s a little silly on my part – well it was throwing it down with rain! My Nike goods were a bit of a treat though, as it is quite an expensive brand – £85 for the leggings I wanted, so I opted for Adidas at £40 instead. But still by far the most comfortable when training are my leggings from Gap – surprising they have quite a big selection and often you’ll find bits in their sales.
As for sports bras I’d definitely go with a Shock Absorber – I don’t particularly have a lot to errrm ‘absorb’ but I do a lot of metabolic training so I’m always jumping around and so they are perfect. Well I better stop talking ‘kit’ or I’ll start having more urges to go buy more! Happy workouts all! Lisa x
Haha, I’m exactly the same with trainers Lisa, when they’re new I leap over puddles and avoid muddy routes altogether, that’s if I wear them at all! Nike prices eally vary, but some of it is definitely up there in the treat price range, it’s worth signing up for their emails as they have regular sales. I do like the look of GapFit but they don’t have it in my local store (it’s teeny!) so I’ve never bought any. I wish they’d bring their sister brand Athleta to the UK, I bought a few pieces in New York a couple of years back and the designs just seem to get better and better. Happy workout to you too! x
I do quite a lot of running and high impact gym classes and in an ideal world I’d be completely kitted out in Sweaty Betty! However, given that that would probably be send me bankrupt, I just get a few bits and bobs from there and mainly buy them in their sales (which are very good).
I usually buy plain or plain-ish black running capris from online running sites (eg Wiggle) and see what I can get for a reasonable price. That said, I have just bought the very nice Nike running leggings that were posted in the October Healthy Haul article!
For winter running (and this may well interest the other Emma!) I am highly coveting this jacket from Sweaty Betty:
http://www.sweatybetty.com/mobile/clothes/tops/jackets/redglo-velocity-run-jacket/
And also these full length leggings:
http://www.sweatybetty.com/mobile/clothes/bottoms/leggings/hiddentreasuremarl-pace-run-tights/
Both are rather expensive but I think I might NEED them!!!
With regards to sports bras, I usually buy them from m and s but I have just bought myself a high impact one from Nike. It pained me slightly to have to fork out £40 for one but having worn it for the first time when running last night it was brilliant! It comes in lots of nice colours too (though sadly not in my size).
http://m.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/pro-rival-sports-bra/pid-1557944/pgid-10260385
Those leggings Emma! And that jacket! I think you do need them. Ooh, hope you get on well with the Nike leggings, I’m loving them, I love the fit and the fabric design. I do think a good sports bra is worth the investment, mine are mostly Sweaty Betty and Lululemon. The Lululemon ones were all bought in New York and I haven’t been there for two years so they’re at LEAST two years old. They’re still going strong and probably get worn and washed once a week.
Thanks Emma!
I do love a good gym item… though reading this has highlighted its not always for the right reasons. I’ve been coverting this for ages http://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/dri-fit-knit-infinity-cover-up-training-top/pid-1516506/pgid-10262180 and though I’ve convinced my husband that investing into good gym clothing is worth it… ‘long term health’ bla bla bla… I realise that this isnt all that useful for any of the actual excersise bits and its just what I can imagine myself putting on after class for my post workout costa. But you need something to wear in the cafe, right?
Oh my goodness Free People Movement range though… if you ever need more motivation!!! I want EVERYTHING! I recently bought the bindu pants…and was most disappointed that they do not come with the models tummy.
The investment in my health thing is how I manage to persuade myself into any and all workout kit purchases Amanda! It’s VERY important to look good when you’re drinking your post workout coffee and crucial that you don’t catch a chill. You need that top! It’s in the sale too. Love, love, love the entire Free People Movement range too. I would need to move to somewhere hot with excellent waves though if I invested in all the surf pieces I want, so it needs a bit more thought before I click buy…
I love this. I might get it and wear it to the shops on days I don’t work out just so I look like I’ve worked out. Total gym chic.
Haha Becky, I LOVE the idea of having a whole fake work out wardrobe! Everyone would THINK I was so healthy and fit! Thank you Miranda- you are right I DO need it and its on its way to be from Nikeland 🙂
Proper trainers are vital if you plan on running and I would recommend going to have your gait analysed at a specialist shop as you can cause damage to yourself from running in the wong shoes (I learnt the hard way)
I always wear t shirts that are given to me when I have done half marathons and 10ks etc as having a reminder of my past awesomeness is very motivating although the t shirts are just the usual cotton t shirts so not snazzy gym wear but it makes me work harder
I really like USA Pro for those tight gym 3/4 length leggings and Forever 21 do nice stuff also but I wouldn’t recommend their trousers (sweat + cheap material = see through bottom + everyone seeing my pants)
I wear my Nike We Own The Night 10k t-shirt very proudly Sam, it is great to be reminded that I ran that far once. Eek, the pitfalls of cheap workout trousers!
Sweaty betty all the way for me. Every workout I do I’m head to foot in it be it weights, yoga, hill sprints sweaty betty has the clothes for me that perform so well!! Their leggings are the comfiest I’ve came across.
I do need nice looking sports gear or I don’t do a good workout. For a weights session I need to see me arms to motivate me to keep lifting!
Sweaty Betty just keeps getting better and better, I’m loving EVERYTHING this season Jill!
The fabletics Kate Hudson stuff is really nice quality for the price, an outfit for around £20 on your first order and the bits I ordered were lovely and a bit different, eg open back sports bra. Pretty tempting to order every month tho and you have to remember to skip the month or they send you something new!
I’ve signed up but haven’t bought anything yet Becki. Great to hear that it’s good quality. There are some great designs. And I love getting emails from Kate Hudson!
I love Nike gear, I have a lovely pair of fluoro pink Lunarglides that my sister bought me in the states (where prices are much cheaper). I am currently trying to convince myself that I don’t need these (I really do!)
http://m.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/legend-2-tiger-tight-training-capris/pid-1516484/pgid-10267513.
I also want this sports bra, purely because I love the print and it is incredibly hard to find pretty ones that fit a G+ cup.
http://www.bravissimo.com/m/#products/lingerie/sports-bras/panache-sports-bra/multi-print/pr100mup/
I definitely think it matters what you wear to the gym, I know it makes me want to workout more if I love what I’m wearing.
Alex I love both the tights and sports bra – that print is amazing! Sorry I’m not helping, am I?!
Not really no!
Get the tights, get the tights!! they are awesome!!!!
Girl, did you know i have bunked off the gym EVERY. SINGLE. DAY this week?! Feel really guilty now! I walked passed Nike yesterday and actually thought.. hmm i wonder if i buy something new if it will give me that push i need to go to the gym tonight (i didn’t purchase, and i didn’t workout!)
I have a mix of high end and free t shirts from work events (ie – awful things) I only ever buy high end in the sale and my gym has a great store that will sell LuLu tops for $25 and pants for $40 – so brill!
I have come across a brand called Michi and loving their bra tops – soooo sexy (yes gym cloths and sexy) http://shop.michiny.com/collections/bras – waaaaaaaaay too expensive for me. When I was living in Sydney, going out for brunch/lunch in gym gear (that wasn’t sweaty) was a look, so sometimes i would gym in the morning and then have a gym “day” look, so would love to save my fancy stuff for that!
Also, while I was in Oz I got into an Aussie brand called Running Bare – they have really great psychedelic print tights (leggings/pants) and always have great sales.(they ship international too) http://www.runningbare.com.au/running-bare/shop-by-style/3/4-tights/c129#page=-1 – i love neon in the gym!
It’s definitely a smart move to buy high end workout kit in the sales Nicola. Loving Michi bra tops too, but yes, they are on the pricey side. Running Bare’s prints are awesome, love me some neon too!
As a freelance PT I pretty much live in kit throughout the week meaning that it not only has to look good and professional, but be durable too as I train myself and my clients outdoors (see Lisa’s comments above – she was rocking her new kit this morning at 7am)… Hitting the winter months I am discovering that some of my leggings are most definitely better suited to the summer months (Adidas Zebra print) – no one wants chilly legs for dark, early starts…However, this won’t stop me and I am currently hunting down thermals and long socks to rock a new look, probably until about February – brr! Adidas do, however do a slightly thicker style legging which doesn’t seem to let in any cold at all, so they are becoming a serious staple. Nike Pro also do a slightly thicker legging which also keep my little legs toasty ( http://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/leg-a-see-aop-tights/pid-1471466/pgid-10111312 )
I think it does matter to an extent what you wear but really to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable about getting into your training…and if like Me and Lisa, you’re outdoors in the elements, crawling, climbing and squatting for joy, it is important that your kit can withstand what you are going to put it through.
If your kit makes you happy, makes you want to be active and looks wicked, then I say YAY…go get it!!!
Happy Tuesday everyone…I’m off to train in this delightful blustery weather xxx
PS: I am also totally obsessed with my new Gymluxe leggings… another indoor look really but I j’adore… http://gymluxe.com/collections/all/products/diamond-cut-leggings xx
Happy Tuesday to you too Frankie! Totally agree, as you say if your kit makes you want to be active and looks wicked, then it’s worth the investment. And so important to keep warm through Autumn and Winter. Want those Gymluxe leggings.
[…] couple of weeks ago in the comments section below this post about why it matters what you wear to workout, Emma asked for tips to keep up her outdoor runs […]