thePULSERachel Cline
These days, workout clothes and sports apparel probably take up the most room in your closet. Even while we navigate our “new normal”, as people are slowly starting to get back to the office, book vacations and actually leave the house, something that has not wavered is our love for comfortable clothes. Whether you’re hitting the gym, doing yoga in your living room or heading out for a night of fun, activewear is a staple in our wardrobes and has become a focal point of our fashion.
So what are some of the hot and trendy fitness styles that should be in your closet? There’s a wide variety, with something for everybody. If you’re in search of stylish and functional items that best suit your workouts while adding to your everyday wardrobe, here’s a few that you just can’t go without.
A good fitting and supportive sports bra is a must – and one that you can take from the gym to the street is even better! Wearing a supportive sports bra that doubles as a top is something you’ll see this year and beyond. Lululemon’s longline bra offers great support and shape, while also serving as a very cute top to wear with jeans or a skirt.
Leggings are definitely here to stay. Lululemon’s Align Pant, Athleta’s Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight, Nike’s Dri-FIT Swift Men’s Running Tights, and Gym Shark’s Element Baselayer Leggings are a few essentials to have in your closet. You’ll also see more leggings with compression technology to help your workout and an array of fabrics and textures like ribbing and bold colors. Dress up your leggings with a cute dress for a comfortable, chic night out.
Massachusetts small business, Booty by Brabants, has been a pioneer of the legging world for several years now, and owner Kelly Brabants is continuing to pave the way. The leggings-focused company features leggings with fun, interesting and practical textures and patterns, bold colors and cute matching sets. Be sure to follow them on social media! Other local, small businesses to check out include Crane and Lion and No Bull.
Speaking of matching sets, be sure to hop on the bandwagon because they are not going anywhere either! Whether it’s a sports bra/legging, sports bra/bike short or more, this trend is a foundational outfit for all. Wear it at the gym, to yoga, or spin class and then throw a jacket on top with some cute booties for a night out. Matching sets reign!
Bike shorts and joggers are continuing to be trendy into 2022, and if you’re looking for another alternative to leggings, a blast from the past is the answer: yoga pants. If you’ve still got yours from the year 2001, great! If not, Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye High Waisted Practice Pant, Free People’s Rib Studio Flare Pants or Alo’s Airbrush High-Waist Flutter Legging are all great options.
Jumpsuits or onesies are also a great option for workouts and running errands. They are super versatile, comfortable and give you all the great benefits of a sports bra, leggings and shapewear in one. Outdoor Voices has some of the best!
In addition to all the great styles of activewear, you’ll find emerging trends in the material and technology of activewear. Earth-friendly brands like Girlfriend, Everlane and Summersalt offer sustainable activewear that is also ethical and responsible. This means their clothes are made from recycled materials, organic cottons or other plant-based materials. Eco-friendly fashion is paving the way for a new and sustainable way to activewear and fashion.
When it comes to innovation, activewear that integrates technology offers a competitive edge and improved activity. Features like embedded sensors to provide guidance through workouts, built in vibrations for movement cues or health-monitoring properties are just a few of the innovative elements of activewear as trends emerge. Under Armour’s Rush even uses infrared technology to fight fatigue and boost muscle strength. Welcome to the future!
Whether it’s going from the gym to the street, bold colors or sustainable materials, activewear style and fashion remains at the forefront of our lives and society. Keep your eye on the activewear world as these trends continue to emerge!
