Fashion writers Tiffany and Eve have tested out a number of gym wear pieces that are bound to make shoppers feel confident during workouts
Motivating ourselves to embark on a workout, whether it be in the gym or outside on a run, can often be a challenge, especially at the end of a work day. However, what I find always helps is treating myself to a gym outfit that looks and feels good.
Now, as we’ve welcomed autumn recently, the temperatures have been dipping in the past few weeks, but warm spells are still a possibility. This means that we don’t need to say switch up the activewear wardrobe just yet.
Our resident fitness fanatics and shopper writers Eve Rowlands and Tiffany Lo have rounded up just some staples pieces that are sure to make anyone feel fantastic while working up a sweat. Whether for yoga, trail running, tennis, cycling, brisk strolls or pilates, below is just a small selection of the pieces we recommend.
H&M’s Pistachio Cycling Shorts and Sports Bra (£19.99 and £22.99)
This set has been a staple in my activewear rotation this season – whether I’m on a walk, a run or hitting a pilates class. Being a bright, green hue, it is bright and joyful and makes me excited to pop it on – which in turn is a great motivator to get outdoors and do some activity. It is also unbelievably comfortable. The cycling shorts, made from P=polyamide 79% and elastane 21% are stretchy and as its makeup suggests (lycra) is unbelievably soft.
The shorts have good movement to them and don’t give the dreaded camel toe, while the waistband stays in place whether the workout is yoga or a 10K run. They also have a secret pocket in the waistband, which is great for securing keys while out and about.
The sports bra also delivers relatively good support – and padding. While I wouldn’t wear it for a HIIT workout, it’s ideal for medium impact sports – as well as yoga. It also is pretty flattering on the figure as it is longer than your typical bra so can be worn as a top and helps give the illusion of a flatter stomach area. It also has a nice V-neck that accentuates the waistline.
My only gripe is that, being a relatively pale colour, the shorts can go a little see-through – ie, not squat-proof. Although I combatted that issue simply by wearing nude undies.
H&M’s Sports sweatshirt – £27.99
Whether they’re for pre- and post-workout or simply for wearing lounging around the house, sweatshirts, such as this Grey/Active Sports Club design from H&M, are an activewear wardrobe must-have. This particular sweatshirt is a fab option for layering as the autumn comes in and works well with shorts, leggings and, on a casual day, jeans.
Made from 100% cotton, it’s lightweight and has a baggy feel thanks to its drop shoulders. While most people, myself included, have loved the ‘comfortable loose fit’, others have found it to be ‘on the big side’.
TALA’s Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Shorts – Coffee Marl – £20
For those who want to get into the autumnal spirit, but are finding leggings just a bit too warm at the moment, these TALA Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Shorts are currently on sale for £20 down from £40 – and are in the colour of the season, brown.
With a marl pattern – that is great at hiding any VPL – the shorts have a thick, ribbed waistband and smooths out the tummy and cinches in the waist. Just as its name suggests, the shorts are seriously sculpting and give your bum shape with its ‘flattering scrunch bum’.
The shorts are lightweight and quick drying – any sweat patches dry before they’re noticed, so I’ve experienced. I loved the shorts so much, I bought a second pair in grey.
My only issue is that the sizing does fluctuate – while I bought the exact same shorts in grey as I had in brown in the same size, the grey shorts were slightly larger than the brown despite being the same size technically. So keep this in mind when ordering.
Other shoppers have found that the sizing is ‘way too small’, with one person writing: “I am somewhere between a size medium and a large in most brands — I ordered a medium here thinking that it would be good, but I was wrong. The size medium was tiny and barely fit on. It cut into my legs and looked unpleasant on my body.”
Columbia’s Women’s Paracutie II Hooded Windbreaker – £75
Living in the UK, we need to be prepared for sudden changes in weather; one minute it’ll be sunny, the next gale force winds will be unleashed with rain. For those embarking on hikes or brisk walks, carrying a waterproof that can keep its wearer protected from both rainfall and strong winds, just in case, doesn’t sound fun when trying to keep that backpack light. Unless it’s one that folds up small enough to fit into your bag.
Now, I’ve heard great things about Columbia’s super lightweight yet effective windbreakers, and have this Paracutie II Hooded Windbreaker on my wishlist. Especially after our very own Faith Richardson praised the brand’s Cropped Cargo Windbreaker, saying: “I’ve started carrying the Women’s Paracutie Cropped Cargo Windbreaker from Columbia everywhere with me.
“It folds up small enough to fit into my handbag, backpack or even a large trouser pocket, and it’s so lightweight that you don’t even notice you’re carrying it around. Apart from being handy, the Paracutie Cropped Cargo Windbreaker, £65, is also perfect for when you get caught out in the spring showers.”
Lululemon’s Unisex Find Your Balance Grip Tab Socks Strappy – £18
For those who have jumped on the bandwagon of reformer pilates this year, as I have, it will be a known fact that one important piece of activewear required is a pair of grippy socks. While they can easily be bought from Amazon for a low price, these £18 LuluLemon grip tab socks are not only cute in aesthetic, but have been designed for pilates studio-wear with ‘improved’ grippers and have added mesh and underfoot cushioning for extra comfort.
With an interior gripper which helps keep the socks from slipping down, the socks also have integrated arch support and optimised in-step ventilation.
Plus, they come in a gorgeous autumnal colour combination – blush pink and burgundy. Alternatively, Sweaty Betty has a two-pack of gripper socks in a tube-sock style for £25, while Amazon is offering three pairs of socks or £5.99.
Lululemon’s Washed Denim Flow Y Bra Nulu, Align High-Rise Crop – £29/£59
I have been a lululemon fan for years, and it all started with my first pair of Align leggings (and I still own it eight years later). The seamless front rise and butter-soft fabric are what made me fall in love with the Canadian athleisure brand time and time again.
However, this is my first time trying the Align leggings in cropped length, and I picked Glow Grid Washed Denim, a mix of blue and grey shades in a timeless checked pattern. I also matched it with the Flow Y Bra Nulu as a complete set.
I have to say, the set made me feel more body-positive toward myself. My biggest ick, when it comes to wearing activewear, is the fabric digging into the skin or leggings slipping down mid-workout. But none of that happened during my treadmill run. I was impressed with the Flow Y sports bra as well. It provides light support without putting too much pressure above my waist. Both the leggings and the sports bra are on sale.
Another pair of leggings that I really like is the Glow Up leggings. With a minimal seam and fabric that almost feels like neoprene, the leggings are designed for training. There are 13 colours, with Crater Blue and Desert Red reduced to £49, others are priced between £79 and £108. Elsewhere, the Puma X Modibodi 7/8 Active Legging offers extra protection with their leak-proof technology, which is perfect for those senst and it’s reudced to £31.50.
TALA DayFlex Square Neck Full Length Vest – £44
Buying cute gym outfits has been a big motivator to keep my body moving, and TALA’s DayFlex Vest gave me a major confidence boost. I got mine during a sale and I have been wearing it in and out of the gym on weekends.
The flattering square neck and built-in bra do have a push-up effect on me and at the same time, I feel safe working out in the vest while keeping my modesty in check.
The material is definitely thicker than my gym tees, but it’s also breathable, which is perfect for low to medium-intensity workouts. However, I found it better to go for a size bigger than usual, as some shoppers noticed the vest “kept riding up” in their usual size.
With the minimal logo stitched at the back, I also enjoy wearing it as casual streetwear and throw over a TALA rugby polo sweatshirt (£72) when the temperature drops.
The Couture Club, a brand loved by Molly Mae-Hague, also launched a similar polo this year. The Striped Long Sleeve Polo Tee, £55, has a double emblem embroidered emblem badge on the front left of the chest.