Staying healthy and looking good: a look at fashionable sportswear
Once, scruffy jogging bottoms, a sweat-top and well-worn training shoes were the normal apparel for inside the gym and for training. A different outfit would be worn on the way there and back, hardly anyone would see you while you trained, and those working out looked equally scruffy anyway. But then people started to learn more about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, they saw that looking fit and active was a good look, more gyms opened up across towns and cities, sport became accessible for all, and exercise became part of most people's routines.
Clothing trends became functional and affordable, but also had to look good.
Clothing items and fabrics with specific sports in mind were developed and people loved them because they were comfortable, convenient, stylish and transitional - perfect to wear street-to-gym. As a result, clothing style has shifted and gym wear is no longer just for the gym. It is cool to look as though you have been training or are on your way there, even when that is not the case. A new term has been coined: "athleisure", a combination of athletic and leisure clothing that looks sporty but will not necessarily be worn for sport.
Photo NidhikaVohra
Athleisure or active wear has been developed by designers and high end street stores with technical performance in mind, but equally, to look good. Clothing is available with characteristics adapted for a specific sport or activity, but can also be worn just because it is the clothing of choice. For the gym, you can team a sports hoody with a gilet; leggings of different lengths can be worn with a fashion top or soft knits; tops of different fabrics and lengths can be worn alone or layered, from cropped to over-size, racer-back, contrasting colors - layer those tops and do not be afraid if a longer hem shows underneath a shorter one!
For men who want to feel cool, show off their toned torso and look fantastic when they stop to grab a drink on the way home, a compression shirt is a perfect staple for their wardrobe. A compression shirt provides added compression to aid recovery, minimize muscle strain and provide support, and the Tommie Copper short sleeve crew neck shirt is designed to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle and joint soreness. The soft and light copper and zinc infused fabric provides anti-odor and moisture wicking technology for a super slick gym-to-street transition.
Women's sportswear is designed to complement the female figure. Such a diverse range of styles of hoodies is available that whatever the season, temperature or occasion, you will find a hoody that you won't want to discard, even when you have warmed up. Clothing for running boasts such benefits as light reflecting strips for safety in fading light, flatlock seams to reduce chafing, rapid dry, moisture wicking fabrics, and even fabrics that provide factor 50 sun protection. Swimwear is flattering, supportive, and the fabric is chlorine-resistant and lightweight. Sports bras provide extra support and are designed to keep you cool and maximize airflow with mesh inserts.
Looking fit is fashionable and sportswear is designed to look chic outside the gym. This is great news for anyone who loves comfort - sportswear is available that is designed to be cool in summer, wind proof and waterproof on colder days, supportive, flattering, fashionable and ultra-stylish.
