This is the age of activewear.

You can wear yoga pants to the gym. You can wear yoga pants to work. You can wear yoga pants to the shops. You can dress yoga pants up for a restaurant. You can even wear yoga pants for… yoga!

Athleisure is the lovechild of fashion and fitness and their relationship continues to blossom in 2016. The UK market for activewear is expected to grow to surpass 8 billion over the next five years as athleisure continues to grow.

Research by Keynote found that the UK market value for sportswear increased by an annual rate of 9.5% in 2014, following growth of 8.7% in 2013 and 5.3% in 2012. Based on current growth rates, Keynote predicts the UK Sports market will soar by 35.6% before 2019 driven by annual rates of growth between 7% and 8%.

Athleisure was born into a world where it’s acceptable to wear gym clothes all day, as fitness and fashion have collided and sales of activewear are rocketing.

What do we want from our activewear?

73% of consumers who have adopted the athleisure trend of wearing active apparel for purposes other than exercise say comfort is the reason. With 9/10 of us wearing activewear outside of the gym, comfort is crucial.

Research has found the top factors we look for in our activewear are 77% comfort, followed by 69% prioritising fit, 65% focus on whether the clothing washes well, 64% rely on quality and 62% focus on the durability and endurance of the clothes.

Does your choice of activewear affect your performance?

In 2012 Northwestern researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky created the concept of "Enclothed cognition". Enclothed cognition proposes that the clothes we wear directly affect how we think and what we do. The word was created following a where Adam and Galinsky gathered volunteers and dressed them in either a lab coat, or nothing special, general clothing. They were then given attention related tasks to complete. Those wearing the lab coats proved significantly more successful.

“It’s all about the symbolic meaning that you associate with a particular item of clothing,” Adam said. And he thinks the study’s results can be applied to many more fields, including activewear and fitness. “I think it would make sense that when you wear athletic clothing, you become more active and more likely to go to the gym and work out.”

The theory is that if you dress like an athlete, you’ll be more inclined towards physical fitness and with athleisure clothing bridging the gap between activewear and streetwear, you’ll be wearing your activewear more often—and by doing so, you might feel like going to the gym a little bit more often.

How to Find the Right Activewear for your Sport

If the clothes we wear affects how we perform, we need to make sure we are dressed for the occasion. A good quality activewear kit should be versatile for any event, but certain trends are better suited to different sports. Your outfit should never be a distraction during your workouts, worst case scenario should be a lace comes undone.

Yoga

From Bikram to Ashtanga and Vinyasa, yoga is becoming increasingly popular for fitness and relaxation. Activewear for yoga should include layering that will suit your flow. Loose bottoms such as Hareem pants are great for ensuring freedom of movement and comfort, although a beginner may prefer to start with a tight fit bottom, allowing the instructor to fully see their form and adjust their technique should they fall out of alignment. Should you opt for a tight fit legging, ensure the waistband moves with you during difficult poses and that the materials are thick enough to ensure they remain opaque as you bend over. As there is not lots of jumping, a lower support sports bra can be worn which allows more freedom for the chest movements required through deep breathing. Layering is suggested as whilst you may heat up mid flow, most sessions finish with relaxation techniques where warm clothing is required.

Swimming

High intensity swimming requires a suit which can support and stabilise you in the water, along with quality, tight-fitting goggles and a swim cap. Speedo vice president of product and marketing, Jamie Cornforth, notes that the secret behind its best-performing swimsuits is increased compression panels and bust support.

Gym/ Resistance Training

Gym activewear tends to focus on how much muscle can be shown off in any one outfit, this is all very well and good, as long as there is the support there. Many male lifters opt for tight fitting gym wear, as they like to be able to “see the muscles working” and make that mind muscle connection. A fitted technical t shirt is perfect for this type of training, offering freedom of movement, sweat wicking fabrics and a silhouette hugging fit. Women should opt for medium support bras which allow freedom of movement while ensuring coverage as they bend and move during lifts. Weight lifting bottoms need to allow for full range of motion at the knees and so many opt for a short fit, however high quality leggings will add support and allow functional movement. For powerlifters a waist belt and knee sleeves may be worn to support through big lifts.

Running

Activewear is probably most advanced with its technical functions for runners and being outside, a lot of what you should grab from your workout wardrobe is weather dependant, however a good basic outfit will be ready to join you on the majority of runs. A good technical t shirt made of high-tech polyester will pull moisture away from your skin, keeping you from getting clammy and cold on a cold day whilst helping to cool your body when it's hot. Polyester is also a good material to select for a running top as it prevents chafing. Natural materials like cotton absorb moisture and hold on to it, which weighs you down and are a real no-go. It's also a smart idea to avoid wearing 100% cotton socks, wearing running socks that are a synthetic blend will help prevent blisters. For women, a sports bra is an essential piece of kit for a happy run, which should support the bust and minimize movement. Racerback bras are best for running as they take the weight of your chest off your shoulders and allow a full range of motion as you power through your arms. Your bra should offer high support and fit like a second skin.

Technical tee’s are usually teamed with shorts or running tights, weather dependant. A good pair of running tights should offer wick away sweat, keep your body at the right temperature and help to aid blood circulation with compression. Tights with compression can improve your run as well as boost your recovery and help you fight fatigue. Should it be warm enough for shorts, opt for lined shorts to provide extra comfort, support and avoid chaffing.… Remember you need pockets for your keys and other essentials or you’ll be lugging around an extra bag.

Activewear Size Guide

Women

Activewear Size	UK
XS	6/8/2016
S	8/10/2016
M	10/12/2016
L	12/14/2016
XL	14-16

Men

Activewear Size	Waist	Chest
S	29"- 31"	36" - 37"
M	32"- 33"	38"- 40"
L	34"- 36"	41" - 43"
XL	38"	44"- 46"

You know how the saying goes, “dress for success”, but with the current rise of workout wear, it can be hard to know your yoga pants from your running tights. We live in an age where fashion and fitness have exploded the market and left us with endless workout wardrobe possibilities, but how do you decide what to wear? You know how the saying goes “spoilt for choice”…If only you had a go-to guide which could tell you what’s out there and when it should be winning the race to your workout wardrobe…

Workout Wardrobe

• Base Layers
• Sports Bras
• Running Tights
• Yoga Pants
• Compression Gear
• Workout Jackets
• Workout Tops

Base Layers

Think of your base layer as the foundations of your workout wardrobe. Base layers are so much more than just another layer in case you need to strip off during training, in fact, base layers should be a year round staple in your workout wardrobe. Baselayers keep you warm when it’s cold by shielding you with an extra layer of insulation and wicking sweat away from your skin, so you there’s no danger of cold sweats, and vice versa if we are ever blessed with scorching summer days, the sweat wicking fabrics in your base layer keep you comfortably cool.

Base layers are made most popular by cyclists as they can help save them from road rash. Whilst a base layer is no bullet proof vest, a good layer is designed to move with you, so if you're unfortunate enough to fall, the feeling of a base layer sliding across the pavement is better than the feeling of your skin shaving the pavement.

We recommend arming yourselves with two types of base layer, a long sleeve version for winter and a short sleeve for the sunshine, look for a tight fit and high quality materials that wick sweat and sit comfortably when tight against your skin.

Sports Bras

A woman’s boobs can move up to three inches during a workout without the right protection, which over time can lead to some serious sagging as the supporting skin droops. Your boobs are not muscle and so eventually age, gravity and jumping around braless can take its toll. A good sports bra can cut movement in half. When trying on sports bra’s we have three top tips:

Does it dig?

Whatever your sport or training regime, you need a good range of motion without irritation. Underarm rash is not only painful, it can restrict your range of motion. Take your new potential purchase to the changing room for some alone time and try moving around in it like you would if you were training, dance like nobody's watching. Just make sure you keep your curtain closed. If your bra passes this test, move on the next test. If it fails, then it’s on to the ‘no good’ rack (excuse the pun).

Will it rub?

This is hard to tell from a changing room test, but after having a move around, if there is no digging or chaffing, pull at the bra straps and see how much movement you get. Next test how many fingers you can fit down the sides of the bra. It needs to be tight to support you whilst allowing movement, ideally no more than a finger width. Too much movement of the bra will make it more likely to rub and means it probably lacks the support you bought it for in the first place.

Do they bounce?

If you’ve gotten away with dancing in the changing room, now it’s time to jump around. No matter how good your bra, there will always be a bit of a bounce during your workout, but this should be a baby bounce. You should feel contained, but still able to breathe, with no risks of knocking yourself, or any innocent passerby out.

For more detail on how to find the right fit for you, see our page on sports bras.

Running Tights

Running tights aren’t just made to showcase toned legs or jazz up your gym wear with a brave pattern and they’re not just for women either! Running tights can now help wick away sweat, keep your body at the right temperature and help aid blood circulation with their compression technology.

Thickness

Tights come in a variety of thicknesses and depending on what time of year it is depends on what thickness is going to work best for you. Thicker tights, whilst great for extra warmth during winter, can often restrict your range of motion, be quite heavy to run in, or worse still chaff! By contrast tights which are too thin can leave your legs chilly, as well as risk being see through should you bend over. We recommend you take your tights through a changing room test, try out your range of motion, bend over and do a mirror check, it’ll save you the embarrassment of any potential flashing. Also remember lighting makes a difference, the changing room lighting can often be designed to hide these little details, so step outside your curtain and squat somewhere else in the shop, you may feel silly at the time, but wouldn’t you feel sillier showcasing your cheeks?

Waistband

There are two key tests for a waistband, does it sit comfortably without chaffing and does it stay where it’s meant to. The wrong tights could chafe your tummy, fall to your ankles and then cause you to waddle into a face plant with the floor, it’s not a pretty picture. Typically you will find three types of waistband, an elastic fit, a wide band fit or a tie fit. Elastic fits are great if the materials are high quality, but as you’re dependant fully on their bounce-back abilities, cheap materials can lack the support you need to keep your tights in place. A wide waistband offers more comfort and is less likely to slip so easily. Tie waistlines ensure a secure fit but can be uncomfortable if you're wearing them for a long time as they can also be prone to chafing, so it’s worth investing in a pair with soft and smooth laces, that you don't have to pull too tightly for a snug fit.

Length

Whilst full length tights offer the most streamlined performance and heat protection ¾ length bottoms often referred to as Capris are also very popular. These sit just below the knee and are great for those who run in warmer weather, or who want a more versatile performance from their tights. ¾ lengths also work well for transitioning sports for example from wearing for running to yoga.

Women’s tip: Watch Out for awkward folds in material, don't let bad tights give you the hump. You are a woman, not a camel.

For more details on how to find the perfect running tight fit see our page on Womens / Mens tights.

Yoga Pants

Your Yoga pants need to be flexible, even if you aren't. Yoga by nature requires a lot from your workout clothes. Yoga pants need to be flexible enough to fold into your pretzel and glide into your downward dog without revealing your polka dot panties. As yoga is less of a ‘sweat it out’ sport and more ‘oooooming’, we’re less concerned with sweat wicking fabrics and more concerned with comfort and fit. Most yoga pants are made with cotton to allow your skin to breathe freely.

Hareem Style

Hareem pants are the ones which make you look like you’ve just walked straight out of Disney’s Aladdin. This hippy style loose fit pant is great for yoga as the loose fit allows freedom of movement with zero risk of camel toe. The fold over waist also ensures there are no builders bums in down dog.

Legging Style

The leggings style of yoga pants are form fitting to the point that next to nothing is left to the imagination. This style of yoga pant best shows off the form during yoga positions, allowing the instructor an unblocked view of the yoga forms. The tight fit on this style also means that there is no excess material to slip on.

Boot Cut/Flare

This is the type of yoga pant typically associated with the older woman. Women with larger thighs and hips may also prefer this style as the flare balances out the hips. This style of yoga pant clings to the upper thighs before gradually widening at the knee as it extends to the floor. The nature of the boot cuts versatile design means it’s great for transitioning from yoga to everyday life.

Compression Gear

Compression wear is your second skin, think of this as your moment to release your inner superhero with workout clothes that are super snug. There is a lot of clever marketing hype when it comes to compression wear, with claims that compression can help to improve thermoregulation, reduce muscle oscillation, and increase circulation, however research to support this seems to be limited, so it could be more opinion than fact.

Research in The International Journal of Sports Psychology and Performance found that when compression clothing was applied for recovery purposes after exercise in recovery of maximal strength and power, there were reductions in muscle swelling and perceived muscle pain, blood lactate removal, and increased body temperature suggesting that the application of compression clothing can assist athletic performance and recovery.

There are also studies that show performance improvements in other types of activities, such as endurance cycling. Researchers in Australia noted that there was an increased concentration of oxygen in cyclists’ muscles when they were wearing compression sleeves. They also took a longer amount of time to reach anaerobic threshold.

Research has however found that compression has little benefits for endurance runners, a study published by The International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, rounded up 16 competitive male distance runners. They were fixed with monitors measuring their gait, oxygen intake, and other variables and then hit the treadmill and ran at three different speeds. Compression sleeves were slipped over calves, and the treadmill test was repeated, the New York Times reported. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in running efficiency or biomechanics between when the runners wore compression and when they didn’t. If the sleeves had functioned as expected, the runners would have used less oxygen.

For those who are packing a little extra weight, compression wear also gives them the extra confidence of knowing everything is supported and nothing is going to ‘jiggle’ if this is the difference between getting out there or staying in, compression has got to be the way forward, regardless of the other benefits!

Workout Jackets

Winter workouts can be cold, hell, we live in the UK, summer workout can be cold! The perfect jacket should keep you warm whilst training while remaining comfortable and fashionable enough for wear when you're not working out, whether you’re dashing off to do your shopping or lounging around the house. The top things to look out for when selecting a workout jacket are warmth and visibility. If you are training in the cold winter, chances are it’s going to be getting darker quicker as well, so if you're pounding the pavements, visibility is crucial to stay safe. Look for clothing with reflective strips such as our Grand Combin and Monte Rosa. As well as keeping you warm, it’s safe to say that as we live in the UK, your jackets going to need to help keep you from getting wet, look for waterproof materials to make sure you don’t end up getting (too) soggy.

Workout Tops

The workout top is an absolute staple in your workout wardrobe but getting it wrong can leave you chaffed, soggy and sporting sweat patches you can’t even hide with your arms down.

Wicking-ability

If you're training hard enough, you're going to be doing some serious sweating, so you need a top which will keep you dry and comfortable. Both Polyester and Lycra tops are safe choices as they keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as drying quickly.

Tip: If you want to avoid the iron, opt for a polyester blend, you can hang them straight from washing and they’ll still stay crease free.

Layerable

Your workout tops need to be versatile to get the most bang for your buck, you want a top you can strip down to in summer but layer up during the winter. Investing in a good quality top which can be layered throughout the seasons is a real investment for your workout wardrobe.

Coverage

Consider the activities you do most, and make sure the clothes you buy are comfortable and appropriate for that activity. You don’t want a top that's going to flash your stomach as you reach up to lat pull down, or a cut so low you tumble out your top whenever you bend over.

Now we’ve got  your clothing covered, all that’s left to pick is your shoes…

but you can never have too many pairs of trainers!

Gone are the days of gym clothes being worn exclusively within the confined walls of your leisure centre, in fact, gymwear has broken the boundaries and we now live in a world where fitness influences fashion.

Fitness is on trend, you only have to look on social media to find #fitspo posts with celebrities and fashion models such as Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Natasha Poly and Behati Prinsloo blurring the lines between activewear and high fashion. Cara Delevingne even controversially wore Puma trainers to the white house. Couture fashion brands such as Chanel and Versace have highlighted the power of fitness to influence fashion as gym clothes have climbed from culture to catwalk.

• Why are gym clothes so popular?
• Must have Men's gym clothes
• Must have Women's gym clothes

Athleisure

From the crossing of culture and catwalk, we find the term Athleisure, now defined in the dictionary as “clothes for everyday wear that are influenced by sportswear; a blend of athletics and leisure”.

The demand for sophisticated activewear, whether a pair of leggings or a sport-specific item, that both performs and hits a high aesthetic mark, has been a long time coming. The journey to Athleisure has been part of a fitness revolution, tied to boutique fitness classes, celebrity trainers, and a market focused on cutting sugar and eating well. Fashion has always been popular, but it is the rise of fitness which has seen gym clothes blend the two worlds.

It's clear this is more than just a trend in gym clothing, athleisure is becoming a lifestyle. Gym kit accounts for almost 17% of the entire retail market according to Forbes and money spent on items such as women’s tights has increased by 24% in just 12 months.

Why are gym clothes becoming so popular?

1. People are embracing healthier lifestyles while also demanding more functionality from their wardrobes. They need everyday comfort to fit fitness seamlessly into an already challenged schedule.
2. Gym clothes have become more acceptable in the office. Smarter gym clothes allow transitional wear which is acceptable to wear in the office, eliminating the need for extra clothing which clutters your commute to work.
3. Sportswear has become fashionable. The rise of fitness wear on the catwalk has made gym clothes more acceptable as fashion wear, independent of exercise.
4. Gym clothes have become a symbol of an empowered woman. Sports brands have used their women’s gym wear to create female orientated campaigns such as the government funded This Girl Can campaign which inspired millions of British women to get active, featuring images of women of all shapes and sizes in their gym clothes, embracing exercise. The videos were viewed more than 37 million times on social media and 540,000 women and girls have joined the This Girl Can online community.
5. Celebrities are being photographed in their gym wear. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Michael Jordan and Kanye West have released collections with leading sports brands, making gym clothes more aspirational. From A-list to Z-list the number of celebrities boasting about their gym clothes is constantly growing and remains almost permanently in the spotlight.
6. Exercise trends sweeping in from the U.S such as Insanity and Crossfit are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, encouraging more sales of gym clothes as people join the latest fitness frenzy.
7. The Olympics inspire us to get active. The aftermath of the 2012 Olympics saw a rise in money spent on gym memberships increase by a third. The 2016 Olympics are certain to motivate many more to grab their gym clothes and get active.
8. Quality gym clothes are designed with sweat wicking fabrics and performance-pushing technologies which offer luxury and comfort. The best quality brands are rising in the world of athleisure because they’re too comfortable to take off.

There’s a clear demand for gym clothes which do and mean more than just clothing that’s worn at the gym. A Sports Apparel Survey claimed that 78% of women now wear their gym clothes for purposes other than exercise, we need multi-purpose activewear.

Must Have Gym clothes

Men

Type of Clothing:	Description:	Designs:
T Shirt	The father of all men’s fitness wear. Many gym goers will be judged on their gym T shirt, so opt for style and function. A good gym T shirt should wick sweat, control your temperature, flatter your physique and support your sport.	Whilst many will opt for cotton, you're better off with a technical fabric which won’t hold onto sweat the same way cotton does. Stylish T shirts will earn you more respect than slogans and it's also important to work with colours which don’t accentuate sweat patches.
Vest	From sleeveless T shirts to stringer vests which flash you nipples, when it comes to gym vests, men certainly aren't short of variety. The vest is perfect for summer training sessions or workouts which require complete freedom of movement around the shoulder joint.	There’s a fine line between fashion and “wife beater” here, so be careful not to cross it. Those who wish to flash the most flesh will opt for stringer vests whereas technical fabrics will hug your physique whilst also providing functional features to improve your session.
Jacket	A training jacket is a must for colder months, or even just to wear to and from the gym.	Opt for colours which are great for layering and will easily blend and match the rest of your gym wardrobe. Gym jackets can be used to store all your valuables as well as aid your session so opt for pockets and with British weather, a hood.
Shorts	Perfect for running through the summer, these allow complete freedom of movement whilst protecting from chafing.	From board shorts to running shorts, the length of your short design will greatly depend on your sport. Lengthier shorts may protect your dignity, but tend to create friction and prevent full range of motion for sports which require squatting motions. Shorter length shorts are often selected for running as they provide the most freedom of movement in running stride.
Trousers	From joggers to leggings and combats, there are a variety of differently designed trainers out there to support mens sport. The intensity and flexibility of your training session will dictate the type of trouser which is best for you. Whilst joggers are fine for low intensity, you’ll be sweating like a pig if you take them to a HIIT session.	You can’t beat black when it comes to gym trousers. It flatters and matches with everything. For outdoor sports look for pockets to stash your valuables, whereas gym based activities will require the tight fit of leggings. Always ensure you opt for the right fit, as the last thing you want is trousers falling down when you're trying to work out!
Trainers	Trainers aren't all just about looking good, nowadays they’re as tech savvy as the smart watches. The style of trainer you opt for will offer different levels of support for speedwork, trail running, gym wear or heavy lifting. Trainers suchs as vivobarefoot will even change your running style.	The designs of trainers are endless, so rather than advise you on design style, let's focus on the trainer life expectancy. Even the best pair of training shoes needs to be replaced every 300 to 500 miles, as it loses its original compression and fit.

Women

Type of Clothing:	Description:	Designs:
T Shirt	Womens gym T shirts require comfort and style with technical edge. When we look our best, we feel our best and our workouts benefit from this. T shirts with a higher cut neck will allow you to move with freedom without any concerns of flashing cleavage whilst a capped sleeve can also protect your shoulders from scrapes or grazes from carrying a barbell.	From compression to flattering, free falling silhouettes the design and patterns of T shirts are limitless. Opting for one bold colour makes a statement and makes your T shirt more versatile to match with the rest of your outfit. Patterns add creativity to your look but can also create wider looking shoulders, beware of horizontal stripes.
Tank	Womens tank tops allow for freedom of movement in the gym and throughout training.A stylish tank can show off elements of your sports bra whilst also keeping you cool and comfortable.	Racer backs, cut out blocks, strappy and drop holes, tank tops take many shapes and forms. Opt for designs which flatter your figure and support your sport. Sundried Tour Noir Tank provides a comfortable racer back fit with extra cut outs for ventilation and a unique fit.
Sports bra	Without protection, training can cause stress on the breast tissue which leads to irreversible sag. A good sports bra minimises bounce and maximises your movement.	Your sports bra design will greatly depend on your sport. Those conducting high impact exercise should opt for the most support to minimise tissue damage, whereas low impact exercises allow more freedom of design, strappy designs will show off back muscles and toned shoulders.
Jacket	A good training jacket protects from the cold and weather and looks as good as it technical functional. Wicking sweat and keeping you visible during dark nights and early mornings.	Your sports jacket is what is going to be seen first over your outfit, so make sure you opt for something you are comfortable and confident in. Colours which offer versatile layering are preferred as you want a jacket which can be dressed for all occasions.
Shorts	Women’s training shorts are ideal for hot summer month training. Running shorts provide lining to avoid chaffing or compression shorts with flattering fits and a smooth waistband create a streamline look. These technical shorts should be built with sweat wicking fabrics rather than cotton to keep you cool and ensure they remain lightweight.	Training shorts tend to be either running shorts, which offer a loose style often lined for protection and compression shorts which are typically slightly longer. Putting on your favourite pair of shorts can motivate you through training and improve your performance.
Leggings	Women’s leggings are designed to offer freedom of movement, comfort and style. Spandex materials allow stretch to flatter your form and follow your movement throughout any activity.	From high waisted to folder over and three- quarter lengths, womens leggings come in a variety of styles and lengths to suit every body shape. Slender legs can afford pattern materials whilst black offers a slimming effect which is easy to match with the rest of your workout wardrobe.
Trainers	If you’re into your fitness, you probably spend more time in trainers than any other shoe, so it’s important to get them right. Typically the first thing we do when we put on new trainers is go and look in the mirror, but trainers should be as much about feel as they are look. Always try walking and running, even jumping in a pair of trainers before you commit to buying.	Design possibilities are endless, but with trainers, fit is everything. Too tight and you'll end up with black toenails and calluses; too loose and your feet will slip inside the shoes, causing blisters. If you end up buying your trainers online, always check your company's return policy, just in case.

Remember you should be as confident with your gym clothes as you are with your training, find clothing that gets you motivated and can give you that extra edge to achieve your goals (and look good doing so).