Sometimes it’s difficult to muster motivation to go to the gym. Whether it’s a perfectly warm and cuddly bed or a deliciously mind-numbing episode of your favorite scandalous reality TV show, stuff gets in the way. But we have found one no-fail workout motivator: a cute gym wardrobe.
Call us shallow fashion junkies, but if we’ve got a stable of bright, mix-and-match pieces that we’re longing to wear to the gym, we’re much more likely to not cancel that hot date with a treadmill. So, we’ve put together our dream arsenal of workout clothes (all from Athleta.com, which offers an endless supply of functional-meets-feminine gear).
These fitness styles are colorful, chic and comfortable—not to mention fun to wear. And, they’re designed to work together in any number of combinations that your little (healthy) heart desires.
1. Seamless Geothermal Half Zip: This thermal knit top wicks away moisture and is sure to keep you snug on your cold morning run. And don’t you just adore the retro ski racer vibe?
2. Wind Warrior Tight: We never knew fitness tights could be so darn smart. These running tights come equipped with tons of brilliant technology: built-in, wind-blocking panels at the knees and thighs to keep you toasty, zippered ankles with inner silicone grips to keep them from creeping up and a pocket to stash your house key.
3. Sarita Bag by Dakine: Sure, you could carry your workout clothes and your yoga mat separately, but why would you want to when you could just stuff all of your gym needs (and then some!) into this super cheery, striped bag?
4. Seamless Anjali Cami: When we’re hitting up our yoga classes, sometimes we just want to wear something soft, sweet and a little relaxed. Enter the Anjali Cami, a tank that got its name from a Sanskrit word meaning “from the heart.” We thinks it’s perfect because we can’t help but fall in L-O-V-E with this sugary pink top with a built-in bra.
5. Chaturanga Bermuda Short: Not a fan of too-short gym shorts? Us either. That’s what makes these Bermuda shorts so ideal. Well, that and the soft, stretchy fabric—and the array of colors these breathable shorts come in. We’re partial to the seafoam green pair shown here (Athleta calls this hue “submarine”), but we’re apt to purchase one in every shade.
6. Burn Out Headband: Nothing is more annoying—and, let’s face, less cute—than the moment when your perfectly coiffed layers become plastered to your sweaty forehead. With its on-trend burn out pattern, this bunchy, elastic headband is the best solution we’ve found to the sticky bangs issue.
7. Tattoo Tank by YellowMan: When it comes to accessories, logic dictates that less is more at the gym. But we’re still suckers for gorgeous girlie details, which is why we have developed serious crushes on this printed tank. Thanks to its moisture-transporting fabric, it’s a real workhorse. But with this intricate and jewel-toned henna print (designed by real tattoo artists), it’s also unmistakably feminine.
8. Harem Pant: Yes, we know. Few items of clothing are as divisive as the harem pant. Some hate it. But we heart it, which is why we were so excited when we happened upon this gym-ready version. The soft and oh-so-flexible modal viscose fabric is ideal for yoga, but we can’t resist planning out-of-the-gym outings for these beauties.
9. Whirlwind Jacket: In the dead of winter, we crave colors. And this semi-fitted jacket—bright as a crisp, Granny Smith apple or newly sprouted leaves of grass—is so energizing, don’t you think? For those more interested in how it performs, you’ll be happy to hear that it is windproof, water resistant, breathable, built to give you a full range of motion and includes reflective details.
10. Finesse Legging: Good, workout-designed leggings are hard to find—especially if you’re tall/petite/curvy. But these leggings come in a myriad of sizes (read: xxs to 2x) with special sizes for short, tall, regular and plus-size lovelies. In other words, they’re sure to fit your shape.
11. Mesh Lace Seamless Bra Top: As we all know, the best workout gear is useless if you don’t have a supportive sports bra. But who says a good sports bra has to be all work and no play? We’re sweet on this subtly lacy version. It’s light, airy and reminiscent of pink cotton candy.
