Category: Activewear

There are so many different types of womens leggings that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide to buying womens leggings so that you can find what works best for you and your needs.
Womens gym leggings
The leggings you buy will be dependant on your goals and current training style. When it comes to gym leggings, there’s plenty of choice and you don’t need to worry so much about performance, instead focusing on appearance and style.
Womens running leggings
When it comes to running leggings, you need a product that will perform at a high level and will stay comfortable as the miles tick over. There’s nothing worse than heading out for a long run but having to turn back early because your leggings are driving you mad by slipping down or riding up. Your running leggings also need to have pockets for your valuables and reflective trim for running at night.
Black leggings
Everyone needs their staple pair of black leggings. The worst thing is buying a pair and then discovering they go see-through when you bend over due to cheap or thin material. That’s why it’s important to read reviews and to invest in a quality pair of black leggings made from premium materials.
Capri leggings
Capri leggings are a typed of cropped legging which are perfect for training in warmer weather. If you don’t want to wear heavy, thick gym tights, you’ll definitely want to invest in a good pair of cropped leggings. Most sportswear brands will have a cropped version of their long leggings.
High waisted leggings
We all love a good pair of high waisted sports leggings to flatter our figure and skim our curves where it matters. High waisted leggings are also perfect paired with a stylish sports bra or crop top for effortless style which can translate to casual everyday wear as well as gym attire. Make sure the leggings come as high as you want without being too high so as to restrict your movement.

Wearing the right gear isn’t just about fitting in at the gym – it can actually affect your performance.
Difference the right kit can make to your workout is significant.
“Put simply, purpose-designed clothing enhances your workout and makes you perform better, while poor quality or poorly designed clothing works against your body,” he says.
“Purpose-designed clothing moves with you through whatever activity you’re doing. So, for example, I design our training and running apparel to be featherweight, flexible and seamless to deliver maximum comfort (and minimum chafing!) while out on a long run or doing a hard session in the gym.
“The technical details are really important. Features like all-way flex (or four-way flex) fabric that stretches left and right and up and down, means your movement isn’t restricted, moisture wicking technology that draws moisture away from your body, keeps you cool, welded seams reduce chafing, while treatments like Polygiene assists odour control by breaking down certain bacteria that cause you to stink.
“If you’re not wearing clothing that features at least some of these technical components then, trust me, you’re going to feel it and it’s not going to be pleasant.”
While many men aren’t fans of shopping, Colin says wearing old or ill-fitting clothing isn’t doing them any favours.
“Also, guys wearing the most random colours, or buying things that are too young for them. It’s OK to be 35-years-old and wearing more sophisticated gear,” he says.
“Rather than looking at the latest colour or print that’s in style, my inspiration comes from working with our ambassadors, like we recently did with our collaboration with Australian landscape photographer William Patino .”
When it comes to that much-debated trend of taking activewear out of the gym and on to the street, Colin says it’s not just acceptable – it’s kind of the point.
“More and more men are looking for clothes that are multifunctional; that is, gear that they can work out in and then wear to catch up with their mates afterwards, or vice versa,” he says.
“We were seeing guys come into our stores with shopping bags from athletic brands and lifestyle brands, so we created a collection that includes tees and chinos that can be worn casually or in the gym and on the golf course.
“Our SQUAD tees are another great example. While they’re geared more at the lifestyle category a lot of our customers are wearing them in the gym. It’s all about personal preference at the end of the day.”
If that’s convinced you to upgrade your kit, here are three things to look for when you hit the shops:

1. FOCUS ON FIT
   Colin says the No. 1 mistake men make when shopping for activewear is buying garments that are too small. “A bit of room is OK, particularly when you’re working out, as otherwise you chafe,” he says. “You want a fit that works with you, not against you. Like for running, you want something super lightweight that gives you freedom to move, whereas when you’re in the gym you’re probably going to want something that’s really flexible that’s not going to ride up or pull when you’re squatting.”
2. FEEL THE FABRIC
   “Pay attention to not just feel, but how it stretches – is it flexible? All our training and running shorts are built with all-way flex fabric, which stretches in every direction. This is the kind of fabric you should be looking for if you want maximum flexibility. Also, look at how lightweight it is – will it move with you or feel like a ton of bricks? The easiest way to do this is to obviously pick it up and try it on. Finally, look to see if the fabric is ‘moisture wicking’ as this will help control sweat and keep you cool.”
3. FAVOUR FUNCTION
   Colin says this will depend on your purpose for buying the gear, but an important feature to look for in nearly all activewear is breathability. “This one’s a bit trickier to tell right off the bat. If the label doesn’t tell you, then look for mesh panelling or little perforated holes that allow for ventilation. Another one, and one that often gets missed, is the seams. How the seams are constructed will affect whether or not you get chafing when you work out. Look for seamless construction, or welded seams. Finally, look for treatments like Polygiene to help control how much you stink after a workout!”

The latest Victoria University study for the female activewear market showed that our workout clothes may be more beneficial for the health than staying in everyday clothes. The research found that women who put on exercise gear – regardless of whether or not they plan to exercise or are involved in sport – are more encouraged to do beneficial physical activity.
With workout clothing nowadays being wardrobe staple for both fitness enthusiasts and style-conscious fashionistas, it’s proper to know all the pros of wearing the right exercise clothes inside and outside of the gym.
COMFORT MATTERS THE MOST
Do you remember when we talked about choosing the right workout leggings before? The main conclusion of that post was that you just need to find a comfortable, well fitted pair of leg wear that will allow you a freedom of movement and prevent skin irritation. It’s pretty much the same for other exercise clothes. Loose activewear may catch on equipment, overly tight one may restrict your range of motion.
FIRM SUPPORT
The workout clothes are made to add support and make exercising a bit more comfortable. Only ladies will get this one – a well-fitted sports bra is a must have if you’re planning on doing high-impact exercises. But nothing gives a great support for your legs as the old good leggings. And if they are uniquely printed and versatile at the same time, you have a win-win situation when it comes to the gym and the brunch time after that.
MOISTURE CONTROL
We all get super sweaty sometimes when we train. The cotton absorbs sweat easily and retains moisture leaving you feeling wet, heavy and clingy. On the other hand, the sweat-wicking ability of the light, breathable, special exercise clothing will keep you 100% dry. The excess moisture diminishes from your skin, leaving your body feeling fresh, dry and comfortable both throughout your most intense workout sessions and post-workout. Not only that, these help you stay cooler in the heat of summer and warmer during winter. Should we mention what fabric you should consider wearing next time when you head outside the gym, the weather is hot, and you have to run errands around town?
IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION AND POST-RECOVERY
It’s simple biology: while you’re revving up your calorie burn, the blood pumps oxygen to the muscles, lactic acid builds up as a by-product – that’s how our body works, often causing pain, fatigue and cramping. Thanks to the benefits of workout clothing the blood flow is stimulated and therefore lactic-acid build up is reduced. Activewear may assist in improving performance and muscle recovery.
This is especially practical if you prefer wearing the same workout garments that are super stylish during your regular everyday activities as well, as you may not only prevent alleviate injuries associated with sudden, uncontrolled movements, but reduce the stiffness and strength loss you get 24 to 72 hours after the workout, decrease the general body soreness – and speed up your recovery time!