The Workout Gear You’ll Want To Wear On Repeat
From crisp tennis whites to cool kit for yoga and barre, this summer’s sportswear is fashionable, functional and designed to bring versatility to your everyday wardrobe
As temperatures start to spike and the summer season gets into swing, there’s never been a better time to get outside – and raising one’s heart rate by embracing sport is a sure-fire way to make the most of the endlessly sunny days. After all, when the office day is done, there are hours of daylight to be enjoyed and vitamin D to absorb. And an early evening game of tennis or a relaxed run with friends is a fun way to socialize that doesn’t rely on securing a restaurant reservation, or a table for alfresco drinks on a terrace.
This month in particular, as tennis stars take over our television screens, the notion of an on-court encounter and a post-match picnic on a grassy lawn become all the more evocative. Combine that with the understated cool of tennis kit and the enduring allure of crisp whites in warm weather, and you’re already one step closer to that effortless summer aesthetic.
When it comes to preppy sporting codes, no fashion house does tennis style quite like Polo Ralph Lauren. The brand, which has been the official outfitter for the Wimbledon tennis tournament since 2006, has created a limited-edition Wimbledon capsule that’s sure to serve summer style and athletic prowess so seamlessly that each piece will become a reliable wardrobe ally – whether you’re on or off the court.
“Polo Ralph Lauren’s pleated tennis skirt is just the ticket for a sporty style that offers more mileage than the brand’s ready-to-wear counterparts
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Thanks to the boom in tenniscore and chic-sportif style à la Zendaya and Emily Ratajkowski, a pleated skirt is arguably a fail-safe fashion staple for this summer season. And Polo Ralph Lauren’s tennis skirt is just the ticket for a sporty style that offers more mileage than the brand’s ready-to-wear counterparts. Crafted from a sturdy, stretch-infused fabric and with built-in shorts, it’s seamlessly designed for movement and comfort – but with knife-edge pleats, and trimmed with grosgrain stripes, it leans into those classic sport codes. And for your post-match cool-down, style it with the brand’s soft piqué tank and the cozy half-zip sweatshirt – both of which are infused with distinguishable Wimbledon flair thanks to the Championships’ famous embroidered logo.
Continue the active theme this season by upping the style credentials of your sporting wardrobe. After all, when we feel good in our kit, we’re more likely to work out – making each day an opportunity for an endorphin boost, even when the sun isn’t shining. When it comes to quintessential activewear staples that will last season after season, Lululemon has you covered. The brand’s renowned high-rise ‘Align’ shorts are flattering and functional, with built-in pockets on each side and seamlessly hidden in the waistband – so offering ample storage on the go, whether you’re on a run or simply running errands. Crafted from Lululemon’s patented Nulu™ fabric, these super-soft shorts have a duskier finish than most Lycras, which gives them a more elevated aesthetic. For lower-impact workouts, such as Pilates and barre, team your shorts with the brand’s ‘Asymmetric’ sports bra in a contrasting hue, which features a cutout, one-shoulder neckline for a refined look.
“When it comes to quintessential activewear staples that will last season after season, Lululemon has you covered
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Meanwhile, Adidas by Stella McCartney can always be relied upon for easy, athletic pieces that are designed for movement but are refreshingly modern. Cropped, loose utility pants made from recycled shell with drawcords on each ankle offer a customizable fit, making them the perfect pants for any activity, whether it’s a dance class, post-workout, or just for comfort on a long-haul flight. For high-intensity workouts, pair them with the brand’s ‘TrueStrength’ tank top, which has been crafted from recycled jersey, and gives just the right support during intense sessions.
“Adidas by Stella McCartney can always be relied upon for easy, athletic pieces that are designed for movement but are refreshingly modern.
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Whatever you have planned this warm-weather season, having an array of effortless activewear will enable you to fill each day with endorphin-boosting spontaneity – because wearing stylish workout gear that can take you from dawn ’til dusk (and court to coffee) lends itself to afternoons that are filled with flexibility and feel-good vibes. And, quintessentially, that is precisely what summer is all about.