Top 5 Workout Wardrobe Additions
As a college student, it can be tricky to find the time to work out. Although scheduling time to exercise, making workouts fun, and hitting the gym with friends are all great strategies, I think that as fellow college fashionistas, you will agree that having some cute new athletic swag to show off at the gym is a pretty fool-proof motivator.
Here are five stylish and functional must-have additions to your workout wardrobe. As a bonus, my Top 5 picks will look cute whether you’re in class or on the elliptical, so you can go from class to the gym without stopping at home to change if you’re in a pinch for time.
1. Lululemon Groove Pants
If you’ve never tried Lululemon pants, you must! So much chicer than your average pair of baggy sweatpants, Lululemon’s Groove pants are the holy grail of stretchy pants–they’re thick but not too thick, just the right length, and come in numbered sizes instead of your standard S, M, and L. If you’re a tall girl, you’re in luck–Lulu makes long lengths as well!
One caveat: Groove pants start at $98. But these pants will make any butt, big or small, look FAN-TAS-TIC. Plus, you’ll wear the heck out of them, so the price is worth it! Groove pants are great for yoga or pilates due to their stretchy construction and movable fit, but they can also make a seamless transition to class attire in a pinch–talk about versatile.
Find a Lululemon store near you here or shop online for a huge selection and special exclusives, like the Dark Denim luon pair featured above.
2. Nike Tempo Running Shorts
Available in a plethora of fun colors, Nike’s Tempo shorts are a favorite pick among female college students, athletes or otherwise. A perennial warm weather favorite, you’ve probably noticed girls on campus in these shorts. If you’re in the market for new exercise bottoms of your own, Tempos are definitely the way to go.
Made from Nike’s special Dri-Fit fabric that wicks away sweat to keep you dry, Tempo shorts feature a 3 inch inseam, built-in briefs, and mesh side panels in contrasting colors. Don’t have time to change before class? Throw on a graphic T, a hoodie, and flip flops for a look that is casual and sporty.
You can find these shorts at all major sporting goods stores, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sport’s Authority, and R.E.I.. If you prefer to shop online, they’re on sale for $19.99 on Nike’s website right now.
3. C9 Champion Sports Bra
If you read my recent post on bras, you know just how important a good sports bra is for your workout! The inexpensive Champion line sold at Target makes my favorite sports bra ever. Their bras fit well, don’t lose their elasticity over time, and provide great support, plus they come in super cute colors and patterns. If you have a large bust, Champion bras might not work for you, but definitely head to Target and try one on just to be sure.
At under $20, these bras are an absolute must have–in more colors than one! Get to your nearest Target store and pick one up, or check out the selection at Target.com.
4. Nike+ Shoe & Sensor System
If you’re looking for the latest in active shoe technology, Nike+ shoes are the way to go.
First, find your perfect shoe on the Nike site. Almost all of Nike’s running shoes have the “plus” feature, you just have to purchase the additional hardware to make it work. Next, pick up the Nike + Sport Kit and you’re good to go.
The Nike+ system works by using an accelerometer–a motion sensor tucked into a special compartment under your insole, and a receiver that attaches to your iPod Nano or iPhone. The sensor tracks every step you take, and with that information, calculates your distance and time. You can then track your statistics on the Nike+ website and set goals, view your progress, and compare stats with other runners.
The Nike + Sport Kit itself costs only $30, and though it’s not technically a wardrobe addition, it’s a great piece of technology to consider if you’re a runner!
5. Under Armour HeatGear Tank Top
Under Armour’s HeatGear tank tops are great in and out of the gym. They come in a variety of colors, have a comfortable compression fit, cute racerback, built in bra, and a flattering long length.
Of course, these tanks also boast some great technological features, too–the HeatGear fabric wicks away moisture to keep you cool, and the fabric has anti-microbial properties, plus an impressive 30+ SPF sun protection which will come in handy if you’re taking your workouts outside.
While probably not appropriate for everyday classes, in an emergency, the HeatGear top is okay for normal wear, especially because of its long length. True story: when I locked myself out of my house this summer and needed to go to a nearby grocery store to use a phone, I was so glad I was wearing this top and a pair of shorts instead of a sports bra!
Order your own top from Amazon, or try one on in person at any Under Armour or sporting goods store.
What do you guys think?
You’ve seen my favorite picks for workout wear, but I want to know what YOU wear to the gym! What are your gym essentials? Do you ever wear gym clothes to class? If you do, what are your tips on staying cute and fresh? Let me (and everyone else!) know in the comments!
Posted on on October 1, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Champion, Exercise, Lululemon, Nike, Top 5, Under Armour, Workout, Workout Clothes
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Julie
Great article. I hit up the gym every day and its nice to see someone else’s take on gym clothing staples. I’d love to give those pants a try, but there is no way i could rationalize spending $100 dollars on pants to sweat in.
I love those nike tempo shorts, although when I went to the website, they were not on sale, regular price of 28.00. Is there a code of something I need to make them 19.99 or is the sale over?
And as for c9 champion sports bras and bigger busted ladies, I wear a 32DD and they work great for me. Although i’ll wear two a time if I’m doing extra jumpy movement like running just to keep everything in place.
I never wear gym clothes to class. My gym clothing staples right now, since its still pretty hot out in south carolina, are c9 champion sports bras, hanes wife beaters, and cotton abercrome “gym issue” shorts, and mizuno wave rider sneakers
rachelle
a few tips:
nike plus is a really fun way to keep track of a workout, but if you are a runner, i reccommend skipping the shox sneakers because they can be dangerous for distance runners.
also, champion sports bras are great!! c9 also makes great workout tanks that fit perfect that they sell at target
great post!
Alana @ The Comm Ave Strut
I really like the store Lucy for cute gym clothes- http://su.pr/2wRs1J. My dad surprised me with a pink T from the Lucy store at Union Station and I absolutely love it!
Kim - Cal State
great post liza! i’ve seen a lot of people wearing lululemon before, i want to try a pair on sometime. also, i’ve always been interested in that nike running system, i want to track my running times and all that, but my question is do you have to have nikes for this product to work?
Angie
Kim- you don’t need the shoes for it. I actually bought the wristband, which I find very convenient for using as a watch, checking your distance, calories, pace, etc while running. For the sensor, they sell little ‘holders’ for it that you just velcro on to your shoelaces. I got everything at City Sports, I think it all cost around $50. So far, very worth it, the website is a great motivator.
Hanna
Oh wow, i didn’t know you could use the nike + without shoes! I have been wanting that system forever, but i have never found a good pair of nike running shoes that work well for me ( I run A LOT and i have always found that nikes tend to wear out way too quickly as compared to asics or adidas). Where can you buy the wristband or holder? Do you just attach the sensor to the wristband? Hmm, i wonder if they have a watch that you can attach the sensor too…that would be awesome.
Erinn
Ugh, not a fan of the Lululemon pants. Too many girls on my campus seem to have confused them for dress pants, because they wear them. EVERY. DAY.
I don’t care how expensive they are; worn outside of the gym on a daily basis just looks gross and slovenly.
Jasmine
I really like this post! The VSX sports line has nice workout clothing too and if you don’t have Nike+ shoes but need a holder or are in need of a good arm band, I like http://www.grantwoodtechnology.com/shoepouch/
Jess
I love wearing my yoga pants for the gym, they are really comfy. I usually wear a sport bra, tank top, yoga pants, and either running shoes, or cross training shoes, depending on my work out.
Great post love the pink top.:)
Jamie
I HATE lululemon pants.
I am incredibly disappointed that you just suggested that people wear them to class. NOT OK! They are gym pants, like Erinn said. Its the same thing as wearing sweats outside and I’m pretty sure most people reading this site don’t want to do that.
Rayna
I love your article, however I GREATLY dislike that you are encouraging readers to wear these things to class and outside of the gym! Not only is that absolutely absurd, but this is a fashion website. Not a website for tacky(and lazy!) trends.
I love the items you’ve picked, though. I would totally wear them to work out, especially the lululemon pants.
Peyton
Wow girls calm down!I’m pretty sure that the idea of these picks were that you could wear them out of the gym if you HAD to, and since they’re stylish gym clothes, it would be better than going to class in a ratty old tee and a pair of gym shorts. She didn’t say to wear these things every day!
Sam
Great post! I’m not much of one for working out (walking several miles a day around campus totally counts as a workout!!) but I must put in my two cents on Champion sports bras from Target! They are amazing! I own several and they keep my boobs in place better than any other sports bras I’ve tried. I’ve had several of them for over a year now and they are still in great shape! I highly recommend! Plus, you can find them on sale at Target if you stalk their sale section long enough!
Linda
I think the advice to go to class in em’ is tacky/gross/lazy too..especially since there are always so many articles about not going to class in hoodies/’lazywear’ lol.. But I still enjoyed the article.
But eh.. I usually wear tights with tight fitting shorts over them and a loose short-sleeved v-neck men’s tee (Usually Hanes has em’ in packs.. I love these shirts!) With a sweatband .. & my boxing shoes. iPod handy also, of course :)
Kaci
I agree with Peyton… I highly doubt she was suggesting to actually wear this to class, ladies. Let’s be realistic.
I once had practice (used to take track my first year of college) and sometimes practice would occur 15 minutes after my last class of the day. Therefore, depending on class length, I would be highly pressed for time so I would change BEFORE the last class in order to make it to practice.
Anyways, great post. I love the c9 bras. I should get some of those Under Armour tanks, I imagine they would be much better than the cotton tanks I usually wear to work out in.
Liza - University of Minnesota
Hi ladies, I’m glad you’re liking the article for the most part! Peyton and Kaci have it right–I wasn’t saying to wear these clothes to class every day, but rather, if you have a situation where you don’t have time to change, you won’t look totally sloppy in these clothes. We’re all fashionable girls here, and I wouldn’t imagine any of you would wear these pieces 24/7! The in-class suggestions are only that–suggestions!
Kim & Hanna–as other people have pointed out, you do NOT need Nike+ shoes for the sport kit to work! You can buy a cute little pouch for the adapter and attach it to your shoe laces so it still tracks your strides! They sell them at sporting good’s/nike stores, but I’m sure they would be pretty easy to make, too. You DO need to have an iPod nano, touch, or iPod though, to get the data! It’s such a cool invention!
Chrissy
The best sports bra for girls with C+ boobs is this sports bra by champion with adjustable straps! It is amazing!! It clasps in the back so it’s easy to get on and you can adjust that straps to make them shorter so everything gets held in place ;-)
Target also sells really cute athletic pants for under $20. I would stop there before going to nike or adidas store.
Lydia
excellent post! As a gym goer of 5-6 times a week, i needed a wardrobe that will last me for a long time ie. no cotton type material. I tend to wear tights and shorts as opposed to tracksuit pants, as i find they get in the way of working out (especially when attending group fitness classes). But right now, i love Brazilian active-wear!! Lululemon tights for me, not the pants (i hate taking them up )
NOO Tracksuits for me, as i find them too hot to workout in and uncomfy, but ok to wear after workout. Why not recommend tights instead of pants? I’d be happy to elaborate on why tights and shorts are better for the gym!
Lydia
oh and i find wicking blend fabrics the best or even better, supplex!!!
Womens Apparels
I really like the store Lucy for cute gym clothes.
excellent post!
melissa
This is a wonderful post, lots of good suggestions. But please, we don’t need more encouragement for girls to wear this to class.
Zoey
I just want to say that I LOVE lu lu lemon pants. They’re a Canadian company so up here almost everyone has a pair. They’re worth the $100 I swear. They also come in different styles, even pinstripe ones. I’m not saying wear them on your group presentation day but you can definitely get away with wearing them out of the gym with the right shirt. As soon as you start getting decked out in the lu lu lemon sweater, headband and such you’ll start getting some well deserved odd looks!
Angie
Liza- You actually don’t need the ipod to use Nike +, they sell a sportband that you just plug into your computer after your runs. I loove it. Here’s the website for it. http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_CA/sportband