Does Your Workout Depend on Your Outfit?
If you think heading straight to the gym in the shirt you slept in the night before is just peachy, think again. A 2012 study found that the clothes you wear while working out really do affect your performance. Shapeless clothes? Blah performance. Sleek new leggings? Run like the wind!
Maybe that’s why the activewear market is booming. Tons of niche workout-wear brands have launched in the last few years, and even designers are getting into the game—Givenchy’s Riccardo Tischi designed for Nike, Tory Burch announced she’ll debut gym wear next spring, and even Chanel Couture showed sneakers on the runway.
Don’t hop on the treadmill in Chanel, but here are 10 of the coolest workout pieces on the market right now. We promise they’ll renew your enthusiasm for that 7AM spin class.
Onzie Solar System Capri Legging: One of the biggest trends in activewear right now is crazily-patterned leggings. No one does graphic patters and bright colors like Onzi.
UrbanOutfitters, $58
Trina Turk Modern Garden Cross Back Tank: Trina Turk’s bright and cheery California design aesthetic comes through loud and clear in her colorful clothes.
Trina Turk, $72
Nesh Ballerina Legging: A former fashion designer launched Nesh when she realized that cool clothes to go from home to yoga and back again didn’t exist. Small design elements, like the lace-up detail, make the mostly black and white pieces feel special.
NeshNYC, $136
Zella Inhale Exhale Side Vent Tank: Zella, Nordstrom’s private label activewear brand, rivals any of the bigger labels out there in both style and function. This fun tank shows some skin and keeps you cool without revealing too much.
Nordstrom, $39
GapFit Geo Print Shorts: Running shorts don’t have to be utilitarian. These have a sophisticated pattern and the waistband is comfy, hitting at just the right spot between your hips and waist.
Gap, $34.95
Sweaty Betty Freestyle Tank: This UK-based brand, which is known for its prints, just launched its first stateside store in NYC. This breezy, tissue-light tank is perfect for a run outside on a hot day.
Sweaty Betty, $80
PrismSport Tile Print Capri: Prism is another brand that’s not afraid to put a crazy print on your posterior.
PrismSport, $82
Lululemon Solo Bra: The extra fabric below the bustline of this minimal bra adds a bit more coverage—and looks damn cool.
Lululemon, $52
C9 by Champion Women’s Champion Must-Have Capri Tight: No-frills doesn’t necessarily mean no-style. These bubble gum pink capris will brighten up your next ten-miler.
Target, $37.99
Athleta Printed Limitless Tank: A lightweight, wicking tank is a must for warm weather.
Athleta, $49
Photo: Trunk
