Today, activewear is a genre of fashion that takes on a whole new meaning than the activewear of yesteryear conveyed. While activewear in previous decades was simply functional clothing for exercise and athletics, now such clothing is considered a wardrobe staple. While activewear is still ideal for your fitness regimen, it’s also functional and appropriate for running errands, traveling, leisurely endeavors and casual dates. Activewear should not constitute your oversized, tattered old sweatpants and beer-stained college t-shirts; instead, it should be embraced as well-fitting, neat and stylish. If you’re ramping up your wardrobe with sleek activewear, consider these tips to achieve the best aesthetic.
Source: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.com
Tip No. 1: Wear Well-Fitting Activewear
Gone are the days of oversized, ill-fitting leisurewear, and here are the days of sleek profiles. When it comes to activewear, be sure to purchase garments in your true size. It’s no longer cool to look like you just rolled out of bed in oversized men’s jogger sweatpants and baggy t-shirts. When stocking your wardrobe with activewear, choose pieces that fit well and make you look your best and feel confident.
When pumping iron, it’s preferable to wear slim-fit activewear that won’t get caught in machines or obscure the muscles you’re working to enhance. What’s more, well-fitting activewear will look way better than shapeless sweats when you’re running around town or meeting a friend for lunch. The best thing about today’s brand of activewear is that you can readily wear your most comfortable clothes out but look great doing so.
Tip No. 2: Keep Your Clothes Neutral
Source: THINK A/Shutterstock.com
For the last few fashion seasons, neutral palettes have been all the rage. It doesn’t seem like the neutral trend will be leaving anytime soon, so stick to the basics when buying activewear. For starters, adding neutral garments to your wardrobe allows you to easily mix and match, layer and wear from season to season. Basic white and black t-shirts are a staple in any man’s wardrobe; these shirts are great for layering and pairing with activewear, jeans and even a blazer. Activewear bottoms in black, gray, navy and olive are perfect base layers in on-trend neutral tones.
Tip No. 3: Wear Lots of Layers
All those neutrals you’ve stocked up on are perfect for layering. With a base such as men’s joggers and a slim-fit tee, layering is made easy. A pullover hoodie is an iconic garment for layering. It’s a great garment for staving off the chill of a cool day, but it can just as easily come off as the weather warms up.
The right hoodie can be worn comfortably over t-shirts and can be handsomely worn around the waist when it comes off. Just as inviting as a good pullover is the classic zip-up hoodie. No matter which hoodie style you prefer, they’re perfect for wearing to and from the gym and as an outer layer on cool days. Investing in a good hoodie or two will give you endless options for layering for weather, style and occasion.
Tip No. 4: Accessorize Your Outfit
If your workout has left you a sweaty mess, you may need a quick change to transition from your gym outfit to everyday activewear. You can easily swap your sweaty t-shirt for a men’s long-sleeved henley and your joggers for a casual pair of jeans. But if you’ve skipped rigorous cardio, you might be able to skip the wardrobe change, too. A good way to transition from the gym without having to change your outfit altogether is to accessorize your activewear.
Some go-to men’s accessories that can quickly elevate your activewear include spiffy sunglasses, jewelry such as a watch or chain and a fresh baseball cap. Doing so allows you to easily go on about your day without looking like you’ve just stepped out of the gym. Instead, a well-accessorized leisure fit will have you looking put-together and ready to take on the day.
Tip No. 5: Fashion Forward Footwear and Outerwear
The best way to make your gym outfits seamlessly move from the weight room to the day at hand is with the right footwear. While your gym footwear will consist of a sturdy running shoe or comfortable cross trainer, you can elevate your activewear by swapping them for clean, casual tennis shoes. While there’s nothing wrong with setting about the day in your gym shoes, a trendy sneaker style will add a smart touch that it may otherwise be missing.
Source:Reshetnikov_art/Shutterstock.com
Moreover, outerwear can be added to your activewear for layering, mixing textures and adding a protective layer to combat cold weather. If you’re commuting to work after a workout, add a trench coat that will also pair well with your business attire. Adding texture to your activewear with a leather or denim jacket will give your outfit a fashionable edge perfect for taking on errands, lunch, etc. If you’ll be heading out into colder weather, add a puffer jacket or vest to your gym fit for style and warmth.
Activewear Beyond the Gym
With men’s activewear available in looks that are sleek and stylish, it’s no wonder that gym clothes are showing up in all facets of life and well beyond the gym. Not only does this mean that you can appropriately carry on with your day-to-day happenings in the comfort of gym clothes, but you can do so in style, too. The same activewear that you don to pump iron can easily transition to errands, casual dates and beyond with just a few tweaks. Swap your gym trainers for trendy tennis shoes, accessorize with sunnies and jewelry and throw on a jacket or vest to elevate your activewear for life off the treadmill.
