If you’re inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, here’s the most flattering gear for your workout wardrobe…
There’s nothing like the Paris Olympics to make you realise it’s high time you got off the sofa, hit the gym and toned up.
OK, you may not be line for a gold medal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have winning style as you work up a sweat with the help of the latest sportswear trends.
But if your kit is tired and worn, you’re unlikely to feel full of beans. So ditch those baggy T-shirts and ancient leggings and upgrade to something stylish and flattering.
After all, why shouldn’t your workout wardrobe be just as fashion-forward as your post-gym attire?
Second-skin shorts are huge this season, so make those top of your shopping list. Yes, they’re tight but they’re flattering, too.
Jacket £79, marksandspencer. com; sports bra, £65, and matching leggings, £100, vuoriclothing.co.uk
Made with thick, stretchy fabric, they hold you in and have the same effect as control underwear.
If thigh-hugging still seems too daunting, lululemon’s 6 in Align shorts (from £29, lululemon.co.uk) may be your answer.
Incredibly soft, they’re made from Nulu fabric, which is sweat-wicking, incredibly light and with extra Lycra for stretch and shape.
High-waisted and not as short as those sported by your daughter, they’re supportive enough to hold you in without digging into thighs or tummy. Plus, they don’t ride up, so no chaffing during stints on the treadmill.
Not convinced? Then look at retro-style, looser fitting, 1980s shorts. Serena Bute’s silky tracksuits have long been the celebrity must-have with Kate Moss and Rita Ora, and now her sporty racer shorts (£98, serenabute london.com) are, too.
And don’t forget to pair your new gym gear with ankle socks rather than the invisible, trainer variety – it’s the quickest way to make you look younger!
Next on your shopping list is a new season tennis dress. From a host of celebrities, influencers and royals at Wimbledon to Zendaya in the recent film Challengers, tennis-core isn’t going away any time soon.
With hidden shorts, Alo Yoga’s powder blue version (£120, aloyoga.com) is the go-to brand loved by model sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid.
Jacket, £69, fabletics.co.uk; shorts, £48, lululemon.co.uk; socks, £9.99, sockshop.co.uk; trainers £140, on.com
Sports bra, £79, leggings, £85, heulogactive.com
Jacket, £108, and top, £42, lululemon.co.uk; leggings, £27.50, marksandspencer.com
Dress, £130, aloyoga.com; trainers, £110, thehoff brand.com
Sweatshirt, £69, fabletics.co.uk; shorts, £48, lululemon.co.uk; socks, £8.99, hm.com; trainers £140, geox.com
With an inbuilt bra for added support, stylish crisscross back detailing and a skirt length that sails the right side of revealing, it’s got court-to-cafe potential, too.
You’ll also want to upgrade your boring black leggings. Abstract and bold geometric patterns are the fun way to workout.
Heulog’s pretty blue and cream scallop print is the perfect antidote to a summer filled with florals and leopard print.
Made to take you from gym to pool, its sports bras also double up as bikini tops and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
All its pieces are made from sustainably regenerated nylon so you can take them out of the washing machine almost dry and throw them straight into your gym bag.
On the high street, M&S lead the way with leggings in bright patterns and colours at appealing prices in the GoodMove range (from £12, marksandspencer.com).
Pair with retro and lightweight trainers like the air pocket soles by Geox (£140, geox.com) and you’re good to go.
