Just because you’re working out doesn’t mean you have to throw fashion to the wind! Bain non! If so why would Channel and other fashion houses create haute couture sports series? When top designers are making fishing poles, riding crops, and bicycles, you bet that the people buying them aren’t tossing on a baggie Tee and some frumpy shorts.
Athletic fashion is a fun way to experiment with bold colours and patterns and can set the tone for you entire workout! The best part is, because most athletic wear is made out of spandex materials you don’t have to be a socialite to afford it.
Breaking Down Accessible Athletic Fashion…
Support:
The first and most sacred rule of sporting fashion is proper support – for your Tatas AND your footsies. Many women don’t buy a sports bra that fits them properly and that leaves their girls bouncing all over the gym (which not only looks terrible and could knock some poor innocent bystander out, but can damage breast tissue).
When shopping for a sports bra make sure that your band size is small enough. Many women forget this because most sports bras are done in a raccerback style 
without a hook closure in the back. Besides the fact that having too loose of a band will not support you properly, it means that your shoulder straps are compensating and carrying extra weight; meaning that you could have sore shoulders post-workout. There are zillions of workout bras out there so take the time, and shell out the money (as expensive as they sometimes are), to make sure you’re properly supported.
Shoes are another issue. Most people, male and female, don’t replace their workout shoes often enough. The structure of your shoes wear down over use, meaning that if even if your runners look like they’re in good condition you still might not be properly supported. This can cause pain and problems from your feet, knees, back, and countless other areas. If you work out regularly, replace your workout shoes each season. Most people notice that they suffer less joint pain after getting in the habit of buying new shoes.
Respect your body type:
As you would for any other aspect of your day, dress appropriately for the shape of your body. A lot of people want to hide in their gym clothes by wearing big baggy T-shirts with short loose shorts. The first issue with this is that that big baggie Tee often makes you look 10x bigger than you are. The second problem is that this parachute of a shirt often covers the shorts making you look like you’re running around the gym pantless – horror.
I like wearing streamline and form fitting clothing to help motivate myself; I can see the areas I like and the areas I want to work on, even better I can see the areas I’ve been working on. For some people form fitting clothing is still too uncomfortable. No problem! You can still wear streamline clothing that will hide problem areas like the belly. There are many workout shirts that hug and synch under the boobs and then flow over the stomach. You can find these cuts anywhere but Lululemon is notorious for this style.
Another thing to consider is your workout shorts and pants. First of all, always gauge your short length. You might be fine while standing and running, but as soon as you do squats you could be in for some butt-curvage you never wanted the rest of the gym to see! Another thing to consider is the cut of your pants. If you have larger thighs, pick boot-cut or flares instead of skinny leggings. This will balance out the line of your leg creating the impression of a leaner you.
Finally, please, don’t go out in just your short-shorts and workout bra. It’s beyond tacky.
Colour and Pattern
It’s the gym, not the office, which means it’s you time and time to have fun! Experiment with bold solid colours, whether they are deep and rich or bright and florescent. You can have a colourful band on the top of your pants, or a full on neon shirt. This season we’ve been seeing florescent shoes everywhere with people sporting the matching headbands! When experimenting with patterns remember to choose lines which follow your curves and accentuate your best features (i.e. a narrow waist).
Reminders + Accessories
Nothing is more fashionable than proper hygiene. Remember to wear fresh clothing to every workout and to slather on the deodorant! Also make sure that you have
a nice pre/post-workout jacket and pants (or leg warmers if you’re daring) so that your muscles stay warm while stretching.
Finally, it’s always fun to accessorise! It tells others a little something about yourself. Go for the colourful and patterned yoga mat or the grippy weight lifting gloves; wear a jacket with a zig-zagging zipper or a classic yoga shawl. Indulge yourself in a leather workout bag with a side strap and zipper. I can always justify shopping for fashionable workout gear because it’s so particle and usually makes my workouts that much more enjoyable and productive!
Some of my favourite and affordable places to scope out hot athletic fashion staples:
I love shopping for workout / studio wear here because they always have flattering cuts, bright colours, and mix & match deals.
Lululemon’s cuts and designs are beautiful, and their products are built to last. The only disadvantage is the initial price, but you can thrown your clothes in the wash and wear them to the ground and they’ll still hold up.
Yepp! You read that properly, I shop for workout wear at Costoco! Though their online selection is a disgrace, their in-store products aren’t half bad. I can usually find a pair of spandex pants or a workout jacket there for under 30.00$ in a fashionable cut / colour.
Your favourite running shoe store (i.e. Nike / Addidas)
For notifications on TV recaps, Film reviews, exciting Q&As, and Fashion follow me on twitter: @RebeccaLamarche
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.