I LOVE LYCRA. In fact I love any clothing item that is comfortable. I have a well-documented relationship with my fluffy purple dressing gown and my fluffy lilac slippers have been getting in on the action too recently. The White Company Cashmere Socks are ridiculous but make me feel like a boss and if I could wear my Frame x Whistles Grey Leggings all day, everyday then that would be lovely – thank you very much. Speaking of the latter I feel very strongly about activewear. Not only do I wear it for most activities and errands (not just sweat-inducing ones), I like the pieces I purchase to be well made, able to withstand washing all the darn time, not irritating in anyway when I’m working out and make me feel badass whenever I slip them on. For me Varley and Nike completely hit all those nails on the head. They might not be the cheapest gym gear options out there but I look at them as investment and after passing on a load of stuff to my sister, I keep quite a capsule selection that means I’ve got enough outfits to take me though a week before it all gets lobbed in the wash. Here are some of the standouts…
One of the most comfortable things I’ve purchased from Varley are their Pacific Skyscrape Tight Leggings. Honestly these leggings are perfect in every way from the print to the cut and the fit. They’re also not too thick so I don’t end up sweating out more than is necessary and they don’t take too long to dry after washing. Practical talk right there. The Varley Margo Marble Crop might not look like the most practical thing ever but again it’s surprisingly comfortable (plus I do love a bit of matchy matchy – perhaps one day I’ll be brave enough to just wear these two pieces to the gym *looks like a rabbit in the headlights*). It keeps my fried eggs in place and adds a nice detail under slightly more gaping tops. From Nike I’m all about their Pro Classic Women’s Sports Bra. OK, they’re not exactly the most fun looking piece of gym kit ever, but for me they’re a staple. You feel like you’re sausagemeat trying to fit in a bit of sausage skin that’s too small when you’re putting it on, but that means that it works just as well for high intensity movements as it does for low intensity ones too. For tops I have a few from Nike and I’d give all of them a thumbs up. The stock in there is constantly changing so each time I go in I have to stop myself from picking up a new one. Great colours, great prints and great fabrics (I do love a bit of Dri-Fit I do).
On the more affordable end of the spectrum I highly recommend popping into M&S. Their stuff might not the sexiest online, but in person it’s soft, perfectly fitted and reasonably priced. Lily has some leggings from them that I’ve been eyeing up and there’s a splash of palm leaf print across some of their range – SCORE. Another place that’s worth a riffle through the racks is New Look. Their sportswear is gorgeous. Monochrome prints with a bit of colour and they do accessories too – bags, trainers, the lot. I’m feeling a purchase of one of their Cowl Neck Jumpers to throw on for the car journey too and from the gym.
Right I think I’ve covered #AllThingsLycra here. Time to put on those comfies…
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