Work-out clothes aren’t just for wearing to the gym; these days, it’s not uncommon to wear fitness clothes around the house, at the store, to the coffeehouse. With the growing popularity of 5K events, you’re probably seen by more people while wearing workout clothes than in those designer jeans.
Since fitness clothing is so versatile, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends so you can look good while relaxing or working hard.
The Trends Are Brightening Up
I recently walked into the women’s clothing section of a sports store and was nearly blinded by the array of bright, bold colors. I, for one, am loving this trend. Everything from sports bras to running shoes come in orange, magenta, blue, purple, and more. These colors are fun to mix-and-match — not to mention they help you stand out in a race!
The materials used in fitness clothing are changing as well. During a trip to Houston a few months ago, I visited a yoga store in the Galleria. The sales associate explained the technology used in their (gasp!) $100 yoga pants. The pants are lined with silver, which has antimicrobial properties. The compression-wear technology keeps things in place, reduces soreness, and helps blood flow. In addition, the fabric is quick-dry and moisture-wicking. Basically, these pants have it all. If you live in your yoga pants, these might just be worth the splurge.
Here is a head-to-toe overview of some popular trends in fitness clothing, plus some of my favorite picks for my own workouts:
Head
We’ve all been there: You’re totally pumped for a run, but once you hit the track, you find yourself pushing that annoying lock of hair out your face every 10 seconds. Headbands are essential for runners with bangs or layered hair. All the major companies (Nike, Adidas, Under Armor) make bold-colored elastic headbands. While these are nice, you can buy elastic headbands at the dollar store for much cheaper. The advantage of the pricier headbands is that they are designed to stay in place (some even have gel grips). My personal favorite is this Under Armor braided headband, which is adorable and sure to stay in place during long runs.
Sunglasses are an essential for outdoor races and bike rides, and mirrored lenses are trending this summer. Look for a pair with grips on the bridge and sides that prevent slipping during runs. Once you find a cute pair, check it for a sticker or tag that specifies whether the glasses have 100% UVA and UVB protection, 400 UV protection, and meet the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) blocking requirements.
Body
Worried about multiple tan lines with the various shirts, sports bras, and bikinis you’re alternating this summer? A company called Naked Sports Gear makes sports bras (and other clothing items) that allow UV rays through, eliminating those potentially embarrassing tan lines. Pretty neat, right?
If you need extra support and have trouble finding a good sports bra, some specialty sports stores will fit you and help you find the right style.
When you exercise daily, you can never have enough tees and tanks. I love Athleta’s selection of workout tops, especially the colorful Pop Space Dye design, which run around $50. Target’s line of active-wear is cute and inexpensive; for $10 a shirt, you can get one in every color! I’ve found that my semi-fitted polyester tee from Target is just as lightweight, cool, and quick to dry as the more expensive brands’ equivalent. Another trend is loose-fitting racer-back tanks, which are cool, airy, and lightweight.
Legs
You wear them everywhere, joking that you’re “too lazy for real clothes;” they are your beloved running shorts, cropped leggings, and yoga pants. Human Performance Engineering, a clothing company in the UK, designs fitness clothing using the latest fabric technology. This includes UV protection, silver lining to prevent bacterial growth, compression fit, and water repellant. Expect to see more companies using these features in the near future.
Another feature I noticed while out shopping recently was several pairs of running and biking shorts with small zipper pockets — nothing bulky, but the perfect size for your keys and iPod Nano.
Feet
A recent trend in running shoes has been the minimalist shoe. These shoes have minimal padding and emulate barefoot running (without all the pain of actually running barefoot). However, this fad seems to be fading according to industry specialists, and runners are returning to more traditional shoes.
In my personal opinion, a well-padded shoe is more comfortable and better for running. If you want to be trendy and look cute, you can’t go wrong with the latest Nike styles; however, if you’re expecting to be putting major mileage on your shoes, brands like Asics and New Balance are actually better options. The best way to go about shoe-shopping is to start at a specialty store where the staff can fit you properly. Once you have a better idea of what type of shoe you need, you can shop around.
The bottom line is that if it looks cute on you and it’s comfortable, order one in every color! No longer strictly utilitarian, fitness clothing is becoming more fashionable and socially acceptable as everyday apparel. Besides, who says you can’t look adorable while working out?
Photo credits: Michael L. Baird, p1nkp4nt3r, author, author and author.
Source: Plum Deluxe