If your favorite leggings are pilling, your sweat wicking shirt no longer wicks sweat and your once cushiony running shoes are beating your feet to bits, it may be time to upgrade your fit & fashionable wardrobe. Have no fear, these tips will help you figure out when to replace your workout gear before it’s too late.
This post is sponsored by ShoeBuy.
I’m baaaaack!! Did you miss me? Probably not, huh, with all those awesome guest bloggers keeping you busy? Big thanks to Deborah, Kaitlyn, Brandi, Susie and Lauren for taking over Fitful Focus while I was gallivanting down south. Now I’m back at the helm just in time for Fit & Fashionable Friday!
I love the #FitnFashionable Friday #LINKUP! Come join in on the fun!
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It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of fit fashion, hence this weekly series, but when do you know when it’s time to retire your most beloved pieces? I got some awesome tips from Sean Scales, 4-time marathoner and SVP of Merchandizing from ShoeBuy.
ShoeBuy is an awesome site that has everything you’ll ever need with it comes to fit fashion: sneakers for all types of activities, sporty clothes, and gear from brands like Asics, The NorthFace, New Balance, Saucony and more. They also have more fashiony fashion, like these awesome Doc Martens and clothes from Prana (one of my faves).
But no matter how much you love something, at a certain point it may be time to let it retire, or at least turn it into sleepwear. Let’s take a look at Sean’s tips for how to know when to replace your workout gear!
When To Replace Your…
General Workout Clothes
Well-fitting, proper fitness clothing is important to ensure you’re best set up for a workout. When materials begin to pill or they don’t feel as comfortable as they used to, it’s time to replace them. If your moisture wicking top or shorts are no longer doing their job, for example, it will be harder for you to concentrate on your workout and could irritate your skin. If any item with spandex or elastic support begins to fit loosely, such as a sports bra, it’s time, as Elsa would say, to let it go. TIP: For items with elasticity or special fabrics, you can extend their life with proper care – I always put my sports bras and sweat wicking gear on cold wash gentle cycle and let them air dry.
Other Gear
For some specialty gear, like yoga mats, you want to go by wear; if you start to see wear in the grip pattern, you won’t be getting the support you need in your poses, and it’s time for a new one. For gear like stability balls, resistance bands, etc., generally, the more usage, the sooner you’ll need to replace, and after two years, the material may no longer be suitable for a workout; be sure to check the manufacturer’s info, as that may offer specific guidelines.
Running Shoes
Most experts will tell you that you want to start evaluating your running shoes once you’ve logged around 350-400 miles. This is generally sound advice, as the key components of a good ride – cushioning in particular – will deteriorate over time. Dirt and some wear are normal from usage, but if you’re seeing significant wear, even before the mileage guideline, it may be time for a new pair; and if you’re seeing significant wear in one area of the shoe, it may be an indicator of something – like a pronation issue – and a different pair of running shoes could be a better fit for your biomechanics. All that said, the main thing to consider is how you feel during and after your runs in shoes that have seen some good mileage. If you’re feeling more fatigue than you did in runs a month or two before, then it’s time to retire your kicks and get a new pair.
Think some of your fit fashion needs replacing? Sean was kind enough to provide some of his favorite products that are sure to last longer than most (all of which you can find on ShoeBuy).
If You’re Looking For…
- A great pair of yoga pants (or two). These are a must for your gym wardrobe. You want a pair that is well designed, well made and will work just as hard as you are. Check out the Get Going Capri from Lucy and the Prana Gabi Legging.
- Lightweight shorts. An essential for the warm weather and for indoor workouts year round. Features like moisture wicking materials and small pockets will make your shorts your go-tos. These ones look awesome!
- Layers. A necessity as we move into crisp Fall days. Look for breathable fabrics and details like reflective materials as well if you’ll be out early or late in the day. This top looks warm and comfy!
- Socks. A pair of breathable socks with padding in all the right places will keep you better supported for your workouts. ShoeBuy sent me these awesome Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Micro Socks, and I’m in love! They’re so much better than just any old sock. The balls of my feet tend to get sore on some runs, and these kept my footies comfy. They also have a tab at the ankle to keep the socks from slipping down into your shoe. Blister block socks for the win!
- A new gym bag. Just like clothing, your gym bag takes some hard hits. It gets thrown around, stuffed in lockers, and filled with sweaty, smelly workout clothes. When your’s is a little worse for wear, it may be time for an upgrade. The Sprint Duffle from Haiku Bags is a designed to fit inside a gym locker, but it’s big enough to fit everything you need – and even features a separate shoe compartment and a strap to secure a yoga mat or jacket.
- Sports bras. The CW-X Xtra Support Bra is engineered for running, so you can be sure it will offer the support and comfort you need.
- Extras. Top off all your new gear and keep those sweaty strands off your face with this cute New Balance Headband.
Wondering when should you replace your workout gear? Don’t miss this #fitnfashionable post!
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Wary of trying new products, ShoeBuy offers FREE shipping AND exchanges, so you can be sure to end up with something you’re happy with.
Now it’s time to hear all your Fit & Fashionable tips, tricks and trends! Check out the link up rules here and join below.
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Let’s Chat:
When do you replace your fit fashion?
What do you do with retired pieces?
