Healthy’s best athleisure buys

If you’ve picked up our August issue, you’ll have seen that in our fitness section, we discuss the psychological benefits behind athleisure – aka whether splashing out on a pair of high-quality leggings, or donning a bright, zany print vest to get sweaty in really does boost your mood and exercise effectiveness (Better Outfit = Better Workout). As we devote more time to exercise to ensure we keep our bodies looking and feeling great, there’s no reason not to make your workout kit as wonderful as your ‘everyday’ wardrobe; especially when many of us go straight from an exercise class to meet friends for coffee, or hit the shops.

We’ve tried and tested some of our favourite pieces on the high street and rounded up our top picks – whether you’ve got £6 or £60 spare in the bank, they’re all guaranteed to help motivate you get up off the sofa and out the door, then carry on feeling fantastically chic long after.

Bras

F&F Active Medium Impact Floral Print Sports Bra, £12, clothingattesco.com
Sports bras have long been simply considered ‘that thing that gives you support during a workout’. And, while we can’t stress enough the importance of owning/wearing one that does just that, there’s no reason not to don one that looks great, too. With a sturdy racerback design, this bra certain holds up its end of the support bargain (pun marginally intended), but its floral design adds a touch of cool that you’ll be more than happy to show off if a super sweaty session sees you stripping off layers.

Boom Bra, £55, boomboomathletica.com
The problem with a lot of sports bras is that they just don’t look (or feel) very feminine – and when they do, they’re lacking in support. Enter the Boom Bra, which covers both bases – its two-tone layer design not only looks pretty, but is also functional. The base layer is made of breathable, moisture wicking material that also offers UV protection for when you’re exercising outdoors, while the outer layer offers support and shaping without being restrictive. Plus, the delicate double straps are a ladylike touch when peeking out from under a vest top.

Tops

Tebe Running Tank, £35, odlo.com/uk
Despite it’s proclamation to ‘run’, this gorgeous vest is an ideal companion whatever your sport. Its looser fit means it’s incredibly easy to move in, but without swamping your figure or looking unflattering – so it’s ideal if you’re a bit body conscious and don’t want to be heading to the gym or out afterwards in a figure-hugging number.

Vitality Top, £65, sweatybetty.com
We’re not sure what we love more about this top – its stunning colour or the sexy strap design. Either way, both contributed to making us feel pretty incredible once we put it on. Created for dancers to layer over a vest or bra while they work their moves, the mesh wicking fabric allows for a cooler workout, while its elastane properties and seamless tailoring make it incredibly comfortable to move in. But you don’t have to be a dancer to enjoy this beautiful top – whatever your exercise of choice, it’s perfect for throwing on over your sports bra and stepping out in style afterwards.

Anja Active Luxe Top, £60, bellumactive.co.uk 
For those after something still super-chic but with less of a tight fit, this gorgeous number is just the ticket. The mesh design on the back works alongside the super soft, moisture wicking fabric to make sure you stay ventilated  during your workout. While functionality has clearly been at the forefront in the design of this top, style has not been forgotten – the cross strap detail on the reverse back is sure to catch some admiring glances both in and away from the gym.

Spot Hoody Midlayer, £55, odlo.com/uk 
We want to live in this top. Genuinely. It is so comfy, functional and flattering – and its understated yet appealing colour and design makes it the epitome of athleisure chic. Hitting the boxing ring (or going out in the rain after)? Put the hood up to get the true cool Rocky look. Exercising on a warm day? Its sleeveless design means and moisture managing fabric means you won’t feel too constrained and overheated. Cooler weather? Layers are key and this is ideal for throwing on over the top of a tee or long sleeved top for a multitude of looks. We told you it was great!

Bottoms and shorts

Cathy Cross Running Shorts, £30, animal.co.uk  When you’re pounding the pavement, keep (and look) cool in this pair of shorts. Their lively colour and pattern will help you stand out from the crowd and brighten up your workout, while the zip pockets are perfect for stashing your keys as you head out. Ridiculously lightweight (seriously, you could almost forget you’ve got them on), their internal mesh pant makes for the comfiest of runs, while the silky smooth top layer feels luxurious to the touch.

Speed Demon Jogger Pant, £55, achillesheel.co.uk 
Let’s be honest: say the words ‘tracksuit bottoms’ and the images that spring to mind are generally not too appealing. But this pair from Saucony is here to transform that – the ribbed cuffs at the bottom create a smooth, fitted shape, while the bold black zip pockets and matching drawstring add elements of urban cool. Made from super soft fabric, they’re a joy to exercise in; and are so fantastic to wear that you won’t want to take them off once you get back home.

Active Blurred Floral Print Capri, £14, clothingattesco.com
If you’re on a tighter budget, this pair of leggings prove that style and comfort doesn’t have to break the bank. These are the perfect partner for the floral bra from the same range (that we reviewed, above), so ideal if you like your workout gear to be co-ordinated; though the bursts of different colour mean they’ll go well with a host of other tops and bras, too. With a slight stretch to their fabric, they’re easy to get moving in, and have a sneaky slip pocket in the waistband for you to pop your key in.

Geo Performance Capri, £53, bellumactive.co.uk  
If the bright colours and bold print of these leggings don’t make you stand out from the crowd or get you revved up to get exercising, then the more unusual mesh panelling detail down the sides certainly will. But aside from looking stylish, they also have a purpose – adding a further element of breathability to the sweat wicking, premium quality fabric that feels great against your legs.

Niyama Yoga Leggings, £35, animal.co.uk  
Don’t worry yogi’s – we haven’t forgotten you! When you’re in the zone and feeling calm, the last thing you want is to look down and be distracted by giant safari print – but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay stylish while practising your oms. The main black colour is universally flattering and, with a tight fit, the bottom of the leggings won’t be flapping around your calves as you lift up into scorpion pose – but they’re still very stretchy and easy to move in. The detail here is in the waistband – elasticated so great for all shapes and sizes, and the contrasting, overlapping fabrics adds a subtle-but-noticeable touch of luxe.

Finishing touches

Women’s Em Road M2 Trainers, £89.99, pearlizumi.co.uk 
Half the battle in getting out the door and starting your exercise is pulling on a pair of kicks that you both feel and look comfortable in – so arm your feet against the elements with these. Their colour and design are cool and eye-catching without being obtrusive, and they are so comfortable they almost feel as if they’ve been designed specially to mould to your foot. With cushioning for comfort, a high-density post at medial mid-foot catering for pronation control and a mesh lining to keep your tootsies cool, whether you’re going for a lighter jog or a full on sprint, they’ve got you                                                                 covered.

Revalv Joumma Travel Bag, £29.90, buffwear.co.uk 
Hands up – who’s carried their workout clothes around before in an old carrier bag? Yup, we have, too – but no more! At 45cm, this bag is the perfect size – whether you’re hitting the gym, the shops or a weekend away. After popping in your workout kit, there’s still room to spare; but at no time does it feel cumbersome. A reinforced base provides sturdiness, it has handles for by-your-side holding and a longer shoulder strap and, as if that weren’t enough, the skull design adds a playful sense of gothic (without being all doom and gloom).

Nomad TR, £90, saucony.com 
When Saucony describe this trainer as having a ‘sock-like fit’, they weren’t lying; these are some ridiculously comfortable shoes and despite their close fit, the toe area is roomy (so no rubbing). These kicks are generally great for whatever workout takes your liking – the outsole is designed to adapt to and be durable across various terrains, and has fantastic grip. Added bonus? The Jackson Pollock-                                                                       esque paint splat style design adds an element of street cred.

What buys get you in the workout mood? Have you been tempted by any of our picks here? Tweet us @healthmag and let us know!

Summary

Article Name

Healthy's best athleisure buys

Description

Donning nice workout gear is proven to help boost exercise effectiveness and mood – we bring you our favourite high street athleisure buys

Author

Chantelle Pattemore

Publisher Name

Healthy

Publisher Logo