Not since the mid 1980s has active wear had a high-profile place on the catwalk, but now it is back with a vengeance. With high profile designers like Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang now getting in on the act, fitness has never been so chic. It is great news for those who love to live a healthy lifestyle but want to look good at the same time, while fashion fans are now having to muscle up to make the most of this exciting new trend.
Looking good in the gym
Although plenty of people go to the gym to show off their bodies, it is rarely seen as a venue for showing off clothes. That is changing now; with designer gym wear bringing a new level of satisfaction to working out. What’s more, this designer gear is not just made to look good – it’s constructed from breathable fabrics in comfortable cuts, with tailoring expertise put to use in ensuring it flexes and stretches just where it needs to.
This season’s styles
If you are heading out running this season, you will find that wearing old leggings just doesn’t cut it any more. Brighten things up by pairing velvet shorts with sleek, patterned running tights or pulling on some neon-hued knee-high socks worn with personalized trainers. For a more casual look when relaxing, slip into a pair of black or neutral-toned yoga pants with a loose long-sleeved top, or pair an ab-baring sports bra with a zip-up jacket.
There’s a distinct absence of legwarmers in this season’s look but one Eighties staple, the headband, has returned with a twist. In place of the bandana is the elasticized sweatband, designed to add a touch of glamour to what is otherwise a distinctly casual look, with glitter or beads.
Colors and fabrics
It may still be the case that what women like on men is a simple color palette, from tees to athletic shirts, but when it comes to choosing their own clothes they are more adventurous. This look mixes black, white and neutral-toned basics with vivid highlights, sometimes in neon colors, with geometric patterns adding to their impact. Trainers in inky, purple and rainbow shades are a popular touch.
New microfiber materials give designers more flexibility this time around so you’ll find your gym clothes feel comfortable in a much wider range of temperatures, no matter how much you are sweating. Neoprene also remains a popular choice and we have yet to run out of uses for Lycra, but what really stands out about the current ranges is the softness of many of the fabrics.
How and where to wear them
The idea behind this look is that you can wear it not only when you are working out but also when shopping, having coffee with friends or heading out to a party at night. The office may not quite be ready for it, but it works almost everywhere else and sends out a clear message – that you are not only a snappy dresser, you are also someone who is ready for action.
Antionette Blake says
Saturday I begin the dreaded task of closet cleanout, then I will definitely know what I need to add to my fall wardrobe.