Remember the days when it was socially unacceptable to run around in a sneaker? An almost laughable concept now, but yes – once upon a time this was reserved for milk and bread runs no further than a 20 metre radius away. Fashion and fitness are a tight pairing these days (things got a little more friendly once we waved goodbye to the ‘80s spandex moment). ‘Sport luxe’ was the trend du jour a few seasons ago, but now we’re talking ‘athleisure’ – which seems like an anomaly, given athletic and leisure are polar opposites, but hear me out: it’s athletic-inspired wear for those of us who don’t particularly want to work out. It’s technical, practical, fashionable, all of the above – but minus the guilt of running around in a pair of leggings doing errands and just not quite making it to Pilates in the process. Irrespective of whether you decide to just-do-it or not, theoretically you’re ready for anything. Read on for my round-up of key brand players to kick-start your fitness kit (or not) for summer.
NIKE
Nike is practically fitness family. It’s most likely seen you though a lot of blood, sweat and tears, awkward moments – and (quite literally) supported you through it all. Always thinking ahead, the team at Nike have a specialised line entitled ‘Sportswear’ funnily enough – designed for sport and life which may even induce less working out in order to keep your outfit looking fresh. However, I definitely recommend putting these favourites to the test.
Nike Air Max 90 Breathe RRP $220
The Classic Nike style, given a summer update – the no-sew upper reduces weight, giving it a super lightweight feel.
Nike Tech Hyperfuse Vest RRP $160
The fabric is designed to cope with the ‘varying circumstances of an active lifestyle’ – so whether you’re working out or hardly working, it’s the perfect layering piece.
Nike Zoom Fit Agility 2 RRP $160
Nike Zoom pods on the sole provide flexible, responsive cushioning, with lightweight breathable-mesh uppers – perfect shoe for training.
Nikestore.com.au
2XU
If working out to you means walking to the café to get an almond milk latte over Body Attack, the premise is still the same – the brainchild of any fitness look (even a faux one)‘ is tights. Investing in the mother of all compression tights is key – not only do they suck you in (read: important for any sort of jumping around slash general activeness), their très important to stabilise muscles both during and post workout. 2XU’s MCS technology (Muscle Containment Stamping) is next level – these offer unparalleled power and protection against muscle trauma during intense activity. Basically, it’s a revolutionary fabric support system traced over key muscle, tendon and fascia groups that wraps precise areas and reduces muscle oscillation and damage. May also be handy for your next Boxing Day sales experience.
2XU MCS Compression Tights RRP $200
2xu.com/au
DHARMA BUMS
Prefer more of a yoga flow easy living vibe? Australian label Dharma Bums is on hand to ease you those Sun Salutations. Plus it’s ethically designed, so you can feel super chuffed about making that 7am Sunday class.
Dharma Bums Blue Paisley Printed Yoga Legging RRP $90
Y-Power Sports Bra in Azure RRP $45
Daisy Blue Running Short RRP $50
Dharmabums.com.au
WITCHERY BALANCE
Witchery know we’re always trying to do a million things at once – they practically coined ‘desk to dinner’ dressing, after all – but a new arm of the business is squeezing in a Pilates class into our iCal as well. Entitled Witchery Balance, it’s designed with lifestyle in mind (i.e. ‘I’m so busy I don’t have time to go home and change’), a free-flowing hybrid of a line that can take you breezily from workout to brunch with the flick of a casual utility-style trench coat. Thank god. Round of applause.
Witchery Laila Tank RRP $79.95
Agnes Printed Legging RRP $99.95
Kloss Long Line Vest RRP $169.95
Witchery.com.au
THE UPSIDE
Two words: Jodhi Meares. Is that not enough inspiration to work out? If you can’t beat them, join them, as they say – we’ll take any cues to inch towards the pillar of health that is Jodhi. Conceptualised by the blurring of boundaries between work and play, THE UPSIDE is the ultimate in on-and-off duty active wear.
THE UPSIDE Taro Jacket RRP $249
Tie-Dye Python Print Performance Leggings RRP $139
Tara Logo Print Tank RRP $100
TheUpsideSport.com
KIT & ACE
Washable cashmere? Sounds like a recipe for disaster (or a breakup if it’s in the hands of someone else), but Kit & Ace have somehow masterminded the fabric into something completely new. Dubbed ‘Technical Cashmere’, they’ve taken out all the delicious, luxe parts of cashmere and left behind the finicky ones (basically, the ones that leave you with an expensive dry-cleaning bill), it’s cashmere you can actually live in, no sweat (note: we mean this literally – this is for pre-and-post workout slash smug brunches only).
Kit & Ace Kaye Crew Neck T-Shirt approx. $109.24
Prevost Sleeveless Turtleneck approx. $109.24
Kitandace.com