Exercise in style: How to look your best while working out

High-tech fabrics and smart cuts mean you can now look your best while exercising, says Carolyn Moore.

LOOKING our best while we pump iron, hit the road or attempt the downward dog can only boost confidence and motivation.

But it’s not just about the look — comfort and fit are just as important.

Just a few years ago, you’d have struggled to find functional runners on the high street, let alone a head-to-toe running outfit.

Break up solid prints with contrast stitching, and look for thick waistbands on mid-to-high rise leggings to flatten the tummy. Camo legging, €22.99, and matching crop top, €14.99, from New Look.

Sports brands had the market sewn up, and investing in quality sportswear often meant paying big money a swoosh or a trio of stripes.

That changed with the advent of #fitspo — Instagram shorthand for “fitness inspiration”, and the hashtag people use to connect with fellow members of a rapidly growing fitness tribe.

Solid blocks of colour or print appear larger, so segment the body with clever designs. Colourblocked tank top, €33, and matching legging, €35, River Island.

Like #cleaneating, fitness has evolved to become nothing short of a lifestyle choice.

With the growing fashion for sports luxe style and athleisure, many women now choose to do everything from their morning run to their coffee run in yoga pants or joggers.

This convenient front zip fastening racer back bra has no tight elastic under the bust. Brightly patterned, it will flatter, support and draw the eye, €35, Marks & Spencer.

As with every booming lifestyle trend, the high street has responded to the growing market for fitness wear in style, with high-spec designs that streamline the body, and smart cuts that flatten tums, flatter curves, and give the illusion of toned muscles before they’ve been earned the hard way.

Celebrities too — like Kate Hudson, Jessica Simpson and Beyoncé — have been quick to cash in on this lucrative market, with collections that mix casual sportswear-inspired separates with high-performance pieces in technologically advanced cuts and fabrics.

T-shirts and long-sleeved tops balance the body by emphasising the shoulders, and the layered effect of this top shortens the torso and elongates the legs, €19.99, H&M.

While sportswear brands still lead the way in developing high-performance fabrics, the high street is in hot pursuit, and the key to investing in workout wear is knowing the difference between “functional” items and the “athleisure” separates that complement them.

Fitness gear wears its functionality on its sleeve — or at least on its swing tag — so look for garments boasting breathable, machine washable fabrics, quick drying and moisture wicking to keep you comfortable.

Choose ankle-length leggings with lighter panels on the sides to elongate and slim the legs, €12, Penneys.

Also look for fabrics with four-way stretch, the latest technology enables seamless styles for maximum comfort and movement.

Outwear should be lightweight and breathable, with thermal properties to regulate your temperature.

Thumbholes are handy on long sleeves, and leggings now come with zip pockets for keys or phones.

Break up solid prints with contrast stitching, and look for thick waistbands on mid-tohigh rise leggings to flatten the tummy. Camo legging, €22.99, and matching crop top, €14.99.

Colours and prints have become as seasonal as mainstream fashion, with autumn collections replacing neon brights with rich jewel tones and earthy prints, so think of active wear as you think of fashion — a seasonal investment that helps you look and feel your best, all the better to encourage you to hit the gym, feeling fab, and maybe even being someone else’s #fitspo.

Thin, breathable jersey sleeves and side panels keep this warm, padded jacket from looking too bulky, and thumbholes make it extra comfortable to wear, €39.99, H&M.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ASSETS

1. When you first hit the gym it’s normal to feel self-conscious, and tempting to cover up in baggy sweats. Resist!

Baggy shapes look bulky, and today’s gym wear is designed to streamline your shape and make working out more comfortable and enjoyable.

You’ll work harder, last longer, and look better.

2. You look good when you feel confident, so don’t force yourself into form-fitting styles until you feel ready.

Shop around, try on different styles and shapes, and camouflage problem areas until you’re ready to reveal them.

3. Consider your cuts. Ankle-length leggings slim and elongate, drawing the eye down to the narrowest point on the leg. Mid-calf lengths cut the leg off at a broader point.

T-shirts balance the body by emphasising the shoulders, deeper cuts create a ‘triangle’ effect that makes hips look bigger.

4. Solid blocks of print or colour appear larger, so trick the eye by using mixed colours and prints to break the body into smaller parts.

Look for segmented designs, like a black legging with a light panel down the side to slim the legs, or a print broken up with contrast stitching.

5. No one will focus on your flaws like you do, but to boost your confidence, use print to highlight areas you like best. If you don’t love your bum, a bold print on top draws the eye up.

If you’ve a great bum but hate your tum, wear bright leggings with a hip-skimming top.

6. Good performance wear fabrics have stretch and can lift and shape the body.

Look for designs that use bonded fabrics or reinforced panels to streamline and control, and choose a mid-rise legging with a thick waistband to flatten the tummy.

To avoid muffin tops and bra bulge, steer clear of narrow, elastic waist- or under bust-bands that cut into your midriff or torso.

Seek out generously cut, reinforced waistbands, two to three inches thick, and sports bras shaped for comfort and support.

It’s the kind of gear you’ll want to wear all day.