17 Fashionable Items to Dress in During Summer Sweat Sessions at Work
BuzzFeed Canada's Fitness Clothing Recommendations for High and Medium Impact Activities
Staying active and fashionable doesn't have to be a struggle, especially when you have the right gear. BuzzFeed Canada's shopping recommendations for workout and athletic wear, especially for high and medium impact activities, feature a combination of performance, comfort, and style. Here are the most commonly recommended types and brands:
For High Impact Activities (e.g., running, HIIT, intense cardio):
- Sports Bras: High-support bras with adjustable straps, encapsulation, and compression designs, such as those from Lululemon, Nike, Under Armour, and Sweaty Betty.
- Leggings and Tights: High-waist, compressive, sweat-wicking leggings with strong stretch and durability, like Lululemon Align or Fast and Free lines, Athleta, Nike Pro, and Adidas.
- Athletic Shoes: Cushioned and supportive sneakers designed for running or cross-training, typically from Nike, Adidas, Asics, and New Balance.
- Tops: Moisture-wicking, breathable tank tops or long sleeves that allow for a full range of motion, often in technical fabrics.
For Medium Impact Activities (e.g., yoga, pilates, walking):
- Sports Bras: Medium-support bras that provide comfort with less compression, from brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Girlfriend Collective.
- Leggings and Pants: Softer, flexible leggings that emphasize comfort and stretch over compression, including Lululemon's Align Leggings, Alo Yoga, and Outdoor Voices.
- Tops: Lightweight, breathable fabrics often with stylish cuts for layering.
- Footwear: Supportive but less cushioned shoes suitable for walking or light workouts, often from Nike, Allbirds, and Brooks.
General Features Recommended:
- Moisture-wicking and quick-dry materials.
- Four-way stretch fabrics.
- Breathability and ventilation panels.
- Stylish designs suitable for both gym and casual wear.
- Sustainability is often highlighted for some brands (e.g., Girlfriend Collective uses recycled materials).
Some specific product recommendations from BuzzFeed Canada include:
- Gymshark joggers, comfortable enough for couch wear as well as gym use, with a high-waisted design suitable for sports bras or cropped tops.
- A pair of lightweight shorts, quick-drying to prevent a sweat-drenched booty after workouts.
- A matching fitness set for motivation to exercise, with a waistband that stays put during workouts.
- A T-shirt dress that can be worn over a bra and bike shorts, suitable for gym and casual wear.
- A racerback dress with a built-in sports bra for medium-impact workouts, providing seamless support and suitable for outdoor activities like hiking or grabbing coffee.
- Adidas running shoes for comfort during running, being lightweight and suitable for those always on the run.
- A zip-front sports bra for high-impact workouts, particularly beneficial for larger-breasted individuals.
- A lululemon Align tee, described as buttery soft and suitable for both working out and casual wear.
- A headband to keep hair from sticking to the face during workouts, with a velvet lining to prevent slipping.
- A medium-impact sports bra with a back pocket for holding a phone or cards, with reviewers praising the support, especially for high-impact activities like Zumba class.
- A pair of bike shorts for walks, runs, and errands, also useful for preventing thigh chafing under dresses and skirts.
- A tennis skirt featuring built-in shorts and designed to inspire a Serena Williams-like performance on the court.
- Compressive Girlfriend Collective leggings for high-impact workouts, featuring a hidden back pocket for storage.
- A lululemon bodysuit with a built-in bra, suitable for a laidback outfit when layered with a white button-down.
- Ruching on a pair of shorts to enhance the booty and be squat-proof.
- A sleeveless tank with side splits for optimal breathability during intense workouts, drying quickly.
- A padded tank top for yoga classes, delivering quality and suitable for light-to-medium impact workouts.
- For a balanced lifestyle, accessories such as a lululemon Align tee or a headband can add style to your wardrobe beyond workout sessions, suitable for both gym and casual wear.
- To elevate your home and garden space, consider incorporating fashion-and-beauty elements, like velvet headbands or lululemon bodysuits with built-in bras, into your loungewear collection for a stylish and comfortable everyday look. Additionally, shopping for eco-friendly items from brands like Girlfriend Collective promotes both style and sustainability within your home-and-garden decor.
