I recently made a valiant return to the gym following an extensive absence. The fashion fiend that I am, I instantaneously heard warning sirens ringing as I peered into my wardrobe and realised just how unsuitable any of my clothing would be.
Gym style is a tough one to crack. How we present ourselves at the altar of physical fitness holds a personal mantra for each of us, just as our style and appearance does in every other aspect of our lives. Some people are not at all interested in how others may perceive them whilst working out. Of course, “I don’t want to pay a lot for clothes to get sweaty in” is a logical argument. However, for those of us that enjoy being fashion forward in every avenue of our lives, I would be more inclined to side with the notion of at least looking good whilst enduring grime inducing levels of physical exertion.
Above all, gym style requires functionality, breathability, comfort and support. For the majorly fashion conscious among us, (ideally carrying a wallet amply packed), high end designers such as Dolce & Gabbana may well be an option, with their sports chic offering: the D&G Gym collection. Featuring short shorts more suitable for the exhibitionists among us, a string of printed tees emblazoned with odes to sporting heroes such as Muhammad Ali, as well as a cluster of items patriotically waving the flag for Italy, with models in the campaign (so trim you could be sick just looking at them) donning pseudo campus college hoodies and green, white and red striped football socks.
Those of us with a more humble income will find solace in other approaches when it comes to gracing the treadmill with some level of sartorial prowess. In recent years we have seen the unveiling of collaborations between acclaimed Japanese designer Jun Takahashi of Undercover and undisputed figurehead of sportswear Nike, to form the Nike Gyakusou collection - gearing further competition and demand for fashion forward gym wear. Placing the ‘soulful runner’ at the forefront of their designs, the label is committed to providing only the most effective sportswear. Their Spring/Summer collection, which released early in March, is still available on endclothing.co.uk, oki-ni.com and of course store.nike.com despite the initial high demand. This collection perfectly marries lightweight breathability and a rich array of colours: guaranteeing you gain some attention.
Men’s running tights or ‘meggings’ as they have been popularly coined, are now a legitimate article of clothing both inside and outside the vicinity of the gym it seems. Whilst the hype is flowing strong it may be a wise decision to make a purchase. A cheap alternative to the designs showcased by the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim in his Spring/Summer collection, affirmed by man of the moment A$AP Rocky who continues to straddle the boundary between artist and designer clothes horse, the layering of shorts over running tights has garnered huge support from a younger audience in cosmopolitan cities throughout the UK and USA. A sartorial selection originating from the world of athletics, its integration into men’s wardrobes from teens to professionals, is quite a laugh in the face to those fashion critiques who originally shunned the trend.
Fathoming footwear is a struggle too. With so many brands boasting innovative incorporated technologies and advanced fabrics, with ever replenished styles and endless colours to choose from, where do we start? Last year was very much about Nike’s free run styles; with a lightweight ‘barefoot like ride’ design. This Spring/Summer, they have advanced their designs, releasing trainers with ‘Flyknit’ stitching in some very ‘on trend’ fluorescent tones. Other potential Nike picks would be the Roshe Run’s; with a sleek and muted design, or for others seeking more spring and support from their footwear, the recently revealed Nike Air Max 13 has some impeccable qualities. In search of greater individuality? Designer Hussein Chalayan, teamed up with Puma to create several very classic runner designs, modernised through semi-futuristic fastening mechanisms. Released earlier this month; these too are definitely worth checking out!
