The Yoga Mom Renaissance
Athleisure has swept through the clothing industry like a tidal wave, and we totally get why. Athleisure is functional and fashionable - you can wear it from the gym to the grocery store, and its comfortable fabrics make it a great option for work-from-home users. Here are 10 athleisure-related recommendations from 10 different brands, and 10 things to look out for when you’re buying your next pair of leggings.
1. Alo Sports Bra
The activewear company, Alo, is generally revered for its soft, supportive, and high-quality bras - particularly for yoga or pilates-based workouts. They’re quite flattering and comfortable, but we wouldn’t recommend them for your high-impact workout days.
2. Adanola Leggings
Adanola leggings are often described as soft and buttery, and have a high-waist cut. The leggings also have decent compression, which makes them feel lightweight and have good back support. However, some folks have complained about the thinness of the leggings, saying they’re not “squat proof.”
3. GymShark Long Sleeve
GymShark shirts are generally praised for their thicker material, decent comfort, and flattering silhouette. While the seamless long-sleeve crop top does have issues with riding up during a workout, it is breathable and generally lightweight, making it great for cardio.
4. BDSX Tote Bag
This adorable tote bag looks like a mini puffer jacket. It’s soft, roomy, and is a warmer option for the colder months. The bag has had issues with being smaller than expected and cheaper quality than what is advertised, but it’s still a cute option to carry your essentials.
5. Glassworks Socks
The worst part about socks is getting holes in them, and Glassworks seems to agree with this statement. Glassworks aims to have long-lasting, high-quality socks that feature bright colors and fun designs.
Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
6. SKIMS Foldover Pants
SKIMS is highly regarded for using soft, high-quality materials while still offering a slimming effect, not to mention the founder of the company being a Kardashian. The company is on the pricer side, but items like their foldover pants have been deemed as worth it by most buyers, as they’re lightweight and very comfortable.
Love Lira Fashion on Wikimedia
7. Lululemon
Lululemon has been a staple in the fitness industry for years, despite some of its products being lackluster for the price. According to reviews, the best items to purchase at Lululemon are the Wunder Under Leggings, the Define Jackets, and the Wunder Trains.
8. Bo+Tee Zip Up
This zip-up jacket is described as having a high neck, fitted sleeves, stretchy and soft fabric, and decent ventilation. Many customers praise it for being a great winter workout option or a decent layering option while you’re running errands.
9. Free People’s Good Karma Onesie
Free People’s Good Karma collection is designed for medium-intensity workouts, featuring ribbed detailing and lightweight fabric to keep your body cool. While a workout one-piece isn’t for everybody, folks who have tried this onesie say it has good compression, flatters the midsection, and is very supportive.
10. H&M DryMove
H&M is one of the few companies that offer looser-fitting clothes that can still keep you cool during a workout. The company’s DryMove collection has sports tops, which look like your average t-shirt. The shirt is straight cut, with a modest collar and longer sleeves, and includes moisture-wicking fabrics so you can stay dry.
1. No Pockets
At this point in the women’s clothing game, we should know to include decent-sized pockets in all of our clothes, especially workout clothes. Nobody wants to come into the gym and have to put their phone on the floor or on the weight machines.
2. Non-Breathable Fabrics
Working out in clothes made of polyester, viscose, or other plastic-based materials means any moisture on your skin won’t be able to escape. This, especially with workout clothes, can lead to discomfort, irritation, body odor, and even infections.
Moonstarious Project on Unsplash
3. Low-Stretch Fabrics
It’s damn near impossible to do a squat when your bike shorts keep rolling up your thighs, or when your shirt doesn’t give you adequate range of motion. Low-stretch fabrics are a constant distraction when it comes to working out, and can even cause problems with circulation.
4. Unsupportive Shoes
The best shoes to wear to the gym are, surprisingly, ones with flat soles - if you’re strength training. Because your body needs stability to lift weights properly, the shape of a running shoe isn’t going to support your needs. Some folks even lift in their socks just to maintain their strong foundation. That said, if you’re running, you can obviously go for a supportive running shoe.
5. Anything with PFAS or BPA
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals created to make products water, grease, and stain resistant, while Bisphenol A (BPA) is typically used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Both chemicals are considered “forever chemicals,” which means they don’t properly break down in the environment. Wearing clothing that contains PFAS and BPAs has been linked to cancer, immune system, and endocrine system disruptions.
6. Unsupportive Sports Bras
Some bras are made for lounging or low-impact sports in mind, but the real struggle is finding a sports bra that won’t give you a black eye while you’re running, and doesn’t pinch your torso while you move about your day. Finding a good sports bra is like finding good jeans— they’re one in a million.
TUBARONES PHOTOGRAPHY on Pexels
7. Loose Leggings
We’re not talking about yoga pants, which are intentionally more free-flowing than your standard leggings, but leggings that very quickly lose elasticity, thin out in the back, and generally cause skin irritation are issues we could go without.
8. 100% Cotton
Outside of the fitness industry, 100% cotton clothing is fantastic. Unfortunately, cotton is very absorbent, so wearing it while you’re sweating profusely is going to do more harm than good. If you’re going to wear cotton anything while working out, we’d recommend focusing on the underwear region.
9. Low-Quality Fabrics
Low-quality fabrics are likely the cause of many of the problems on this list, as restricted movement, overheating, lack of support, and poor shape are usually due to the clothing not being of super high quality. Low-quality fabrics tend to also be the culprits when it comes to BPA and PFAS exposure, so not only are you uncomfortable, but you’re also giving yourself hormonal disruptions.
10. Too-Tight Clothing
Most active wear is meant to be form-fitting, as it provides a better range of movement and doesn’t get in your way while you’re working out. However, clothes that are too tight can hinder movement, irritate skin, and potentially restrict blood and airflow. We get to buy clothes in the size you want to be, but we wouldn’t recommend wearing them until you’ve achieved your goal.
