If Taylor Swift can ‘shake it off’ in a frilly lavender skort, so can you — it’s time to give your workout gear a much-needed makeover
Taylor Swift. Pic courtesy/@celebrity_spacee ; (right) Alia Bhatt playing pickleball. PIC COURTESY/Cinewoods
With workouts becoming more social — think pickleball courts, run clubs or even group workout classes — exercise gear has gone through a long-awaited glow-up as well. The once ubiquitous tights and tee combo has been replaced by more feminine silhouettes, pleated skirts and even smart dresses that look as stylish on court (on track) as the café you stop by for a luscious post-workout smoothie with your gal pals. And with trendsetters like Alia Bhatt and Taylor Swift leading the way, it’s apparent that fashion-forward exercise apparel is here to stay. But are we sacrificing comfort and good old functionality in our quest for ‘softer’ aesthetics?
Style with purpose
Marbet Mary Wahlang
For marketing professional Gayatri Thampi, whose fitness routine comprises a combination of lifting and pickleball, feminine skirts are the latest addition to her exercise wardrobe. “I have found that I feel a little out of place when lifting weights in a skirt, so I save those for my pickleball sessions instead. I once wore a skirt to a barre workshop, but it wasn’t very practical to go through the stretching and leg raises in a skirt. To the contrary, I found my skirt a little distracting. I would think they are better suited to racquet sports, such as tennis or badminton,” she says.
When picking out a dress or a skirt, she emphasises paying attention to fit and comfort. “The skirt shouldn’t be too snug, too tight or too short. For me, it’s also important that the tights under the skirt are shaped like shorts. This way, even if the skirt flies up, you have enough coverage inside. Also, many designs come with pockets that you can keep your phone or ball in,” she adds. Other interesting details to look for are fabric — moisture-wicking blends such as spandex, bamboo and polyester can keep you cool and dry, breathability — mesh panels that increase airflow are a definite plus, and a drawstring waistband for additional comfort. Silhouettes that flare out slightly towards the bottom are also much more flattering for most body types, while seamless styles or designs with soft seams prevent chafing. Darker colours and patterns can camouflage sweat more effectively.
Look good, exercise better
Good gym attire should be functional, fashionable and, of course, budget-friendly, says fitness coach Marbet Mary Wahlang. “With local brands stepping up, we see so many styles — from halter-neck dresses to pleated skirts to even jumpsuits. This is a stark contrast to a few years ago, when the only options available to Indian women were basic tops and tights from major global brands that tended to all look quite similar. For me, this shift is a positive one — I can be more creative, and highlight my femininity in a gym environment, which can often be hypermasculine,” she elaborates. With more women joining the gym, she believes that more aesthetic exercise gear can be a motivator to be regular and to just show up. However, she cautions against wearing gear that makes you feel self-conscious: “Maybe your sports bra doesn’t offer enough support, or your shorts don’t give you good coverage. I’ve had clients come up to me asking if an outfit makes them look ‘fat’. I think what matters the most is that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing,” she signs off.
Style for afters
Representation pic/iStock
If you are eager to wear your feminine athleisure beyond the gym, here are a few ground rules to get it right:
1 Add layers — An oversized jacket or a loose mesh tank top can offer coverage post your workout, as well as visual interest
2 Don’t overdo the logos
3 Matte fabrics always look more polished
4 Avoid wearing the same colour from head-to-toe. If wearing a monotone colour story, add a textural contrast
5 Add clean and basic accessories such as minimal sneakers and structured totes. Keep your jewellery simple
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