There’s nothing attractive, elegant or remotely graceful about squats, burpees, push-ups or lunges, and we’ve been conditioned to wait patiently before we notice how they pay off. While we’re waiting {it’s been a while}, why not dress the part? Retire the father’s oversized T-shirts, your school socks and track pants that have one of the three stripes missing, and work your wallets instead, with our list of gym apparel now available at a store near you.
Working Out What to Wear | Gym Apparel and Gear 101
The information in this post might be outdated
La Senza
There’s a little known secret La Senza hides on racks in their stores: an active line. They retail a limited, but winning line of workout gear, including yoga pants, track pants, and light, cotton racer back T-shirts, designed to help you breathe and absorb sweat. Although they take their boot cut very seriously, {read: bordering on palazzos}, the pants are genius sweat absorbers, long-lasting and slimming {since you want to look like you’ve been working out a while}.
Price Point: Starts at INR 500 {for the T-shirts} and INR 1,800 {for the pants}
Marks and Spencer
Two words: Sports Bras. M&S still rules the roost when it comes to lingerie and all its off-shoots, and their sports bras can be outdone only by cement. Available in standard block colours, they come complete with a hook at the back, in case you need an extra firm hold.
Price Point: Starts at INR 1,000
Forever 21
Forever 21 retails a line of sports wear in easy, breathable and light fabrics for both men and women. Not for the serious gym-goer though; their collection of comfortable trackies and tights are perfect for an evening walk/jog, or a more relaxed yoga or group ex class. The Forever 21 basics include reasonable cotton T-shirts, available across colours, necklines and styles, perfect for an outdoor summer workout.
PS: The sock sets available at check-out are also a great idea, given the ability of socks to make themselves disappear.
Price Point: Forever 21 Basics start at INR 300
No Nasties
No Nasties makes 100% organic and fair-trade clothing. To translate, this means no genetically modified seeds, but only natural pesticides and fertilizers. These T-shirts are made from hypoallergenic cotton, and are available in different prints and colours. The best part is that you have the option of customising your own T-shirt, all the while supporting a good cause.
Price Point: Plain T-shirts are priced at INR 599, and the printed ones at INR 799
yes OUI care
YOC is a designer eco-concious and ethical brand, in collaboration with underprivileged children and women, creating a sustainable line of clothing. They retail a super comfortable yoga line for men and women, with an array of tights, tracks, palazzo reminiscent stretchable pants, and T-shirts in half and full sleeves, along with yoga accessories, so everything can match. Although grey and white seem to be their favourite colours, their collection is perfect for low intensity workouts and restorative classes, and you’re supporting a good cause! View their full collection here.
Price point: Starts at INR 1,500
Adidas Originals
If you’re a hip hop fan and follower, you’d know the Adidas Originals logo anywhere. Now, they’re retailing an entire gym apparel line in India. We recommend the racer back tees, cotton tees for men, and tiny running shorts for women, all made from cotton jersey, so they’re perfect for this weather. If you’re looking to really dress it up, check out their Shisha Sports Bra.
Price Point: Starts from INR 599
Reebok
Reebok has an answer for every type of gym clothing requirement, although more than their apparel, we recommend their gym accessories and equipment. Toning bands, kettle balls, resistance tubes, yoga straps and mats, yoga blocks and the step, name it and Reebok has you covered.
Price Point: Starts at INR 500
Nike
The sport wear specialists retail everything under the sun, but we already knew that. For us, there ain’t nothing like the Nike Vomero shoes, perfect for brisk walks that should turn into light jogs, and for runs. Light, breathable, and fully equipped with cushioning and stability, they’re not reasonable, but should last you a while. While you’re there, check out the Nike Fuel Band, a personal workout tracker and motivator, equipped with bluetooth, and the option of staying connected with fitness friends.
Price point: Start at INR 8,955
Lulu Lemon
For the uninitiated, Lulu Lemon specializes in technical athletic clothes for yoga, running, working out, and most other sweaty pursuits. Although one pair of pants will set you back a significant amount, you can count on Lulu Lemon gear to last you many years, without losing its elasticity, colour or fit.
Puma
Popular for their graffiti sessions and social club, Puma’s workout wardrobe is easy on the eyes. What we dig most: their line of swimwear for both men and women, incase you’re into more of a water workout.
Price point: Start at INR 1,299