Activewear is a must-have wardrobe essential now
You don’t have to be going to the gym to sport athleisure; this look is now a wardrobe mainstay. In these COVID years, athleisure has been a dominant trend
“These clothes are meant for physical activity, so people invested in them to do chores around the house with ease (during the pandemic) rather than just to work out in. They became more functional, serving many purposes.” DELNA NALLASETH, stylist
Don’t underestimate the power of flattering active wear. For working out in shapeless old t-shirts, random leggings or unflattering tracks is as dreadful as exercising without any music. Even if it’s an online class from your bedroom or walking around the neighbourhood, make an effort Just as a great dress transforms your appearance and improves your confidence, coordinated and flattering gym gear will inspire you to burn more calories. And no, you don’t have to be a size zero to wear a cute sports bra and matching leggings. Kareena Kapoor Khan showed off her yoga stretches when she was four months post partem and looked stunning.
Stylist Delna Nallaseth talks about how because there was no help around the house during COVID’s peak, athleisure played an important role. “These clothes are meant for physical activity, so people invested in them to do chores around the house with ease rather than just to work out in. They became more functional, serving many purposes,” Delna comments.
But these stretchy, comfy, elastic-y clothes are not meant only for chores. They’ll comfortably take you shopping, for brunch, to a friend’s to hang out and, yes, to the gym, of course.
What’s more, this style statement has become lucrative too. “Lot of great home-grown brands have come up in India specialising in athleisure,” points out Delna.
EXPERT ADVICE
WANT TO GO ACTIVEWEAR SHOPPING RIGHT NOW? HERE’S SOME ADVICE ON WHAT IS HOT AND HOW TO GET THE LOOK RIGHT.
● Colours to get: bring in the brightness
● While blacks, greys and blues will never go out of fashion, bright colours are in. So if you’re feeling experimental, opt for bright colours.
INVEST IN PIECES THAT WILL LAST
Focus on high-quality, timeless pieces that fit you amazingly, says Aastha Rattha, founder and CEO of Pace, a modern India-based athleisure brand that makes their clothing out of recycled material.
“Great fit and quality are a must when it comes to activewear,” advises Aastha. Invest in pieces that will last. A good high-waist legging and sports bra will last you a long time and can be worn in multiple ways. Also, you can never go wrong with a good, neutral track jacket.”
WHAT’S IN NOW!
Aastha says it’s time for fun pastel colours, monochrome looks, cycling shorts, super highwaist leggings and minimal pieces with edgy contrasting details.
GYM WEAR: THE MUST-HAVES
Ensure you pick versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched and worn differently each time. “Perfectly fitted leggings, a sports bra and a fun, airy tank top are a must,” remarks Aastha.
BODY TYPE: ADVICE FOR CURVY GIRLS
Confidence is the key. And Aastha, who says she doesn’t believe in following norms or rules, reaffirms the previous statement when she says, “Wear what you like and what you’re comfortable in because what you wear is a form of self-expression,” she says.
Aastha also shares tips for girls who are heavy. “If you are conscious of your curves then add a layer to your sports bra, like a tshirt and tie a knot on the side, or throw on a tank top or sweatshirt.”
DRESSING IT UP: INSIDE–OUTSIDE
As this look works outside the house too, Delna prompts us to dress up in stilettos, wear a croptop or tank-top over one’s leggings and while throwing on a bomber jacket.
Great fit and quality are a must when it comes to activewear. Invest in pieces that will last. A good high-waist legging and sports bra will last you a long time and can be worn in multiple ways. Also, you can never go wrong with a good, neutral track jacket. AASTHA RATTHA, CEO of Pace, a modern India-based athleisure brand