Suit up!
Hey friends! Michelle, here.
As someone who spent 12 years of school (plus a few jobs outside of school) wearing a uniform, I LOVE being able to choose my own adventure in the wardrobe world. I love exploring new brands, combining fashion and comfort, and trying to break off from what everyone else is wearing. But there is this one part about uniforms that I stand by. The proper “uniform” helps you feel ready to tackle the job.
Think of a firefighter – they’re going to feel far more equipped to fight a fire when they’re in their uniform than if they were in jeans and tshirt. Okay, okay… that’s a dramatic example. How about a CEO hosting an important meeting – they’re likely to feel more professional and confident in a suit versus pajamas, right? And a bartender behind the bar is going to have an easier time doing their job in jeans and a t-shirt than they would in a stuffy suit. The right outfit helps us fit the part and can impact the job we do!
And the same goes for workouts. From the way your clothes move with you during class, to how they make you feel when you put them on, the right outfit can really make a difference in your confidence and your experience during a workout.
Now, I am certainly not implying you have to wear a certain kind of clothing to get a good workout!!!!! Let’s get that clear. But if you’re someone who lacks motivation, or often feels unconfident walking into a workout room, I truly believe the right ‘fit can fill in some of the gaps for us.
In the words of Barney Simpson on How I Met Your Mother, “SUIT UP!”
Here are a few brands that make me feel like a million bucks lately.
1. Vuori –
Vuori is one of the hottest brands today in the fitness world, and for good reason. They combine performance, comfort and fashion very well, making it easy to wear to the gym and then out to coffee after. Their clothes are moisture-wicking, the fabrics feel luxe, and so far they are proving to be durable both in the gym and through the wash.
Why I Love Vuori:
- Performance-proven: Standing the test of time across many workouts.
- Sustainability: Uses recycled materials in many of their products and shipping materials.
- Versatile style: Their designs are minimalist yet stylish, and their products cover everything from workouts to running errands.
Check out their Bliss Blend Leggings
2. Yellow The Label –
Yellow The Label is a clothing brand that also happens to have a great fitness line. Their workout clothes tend to be better in the Pilates and Yoga world for me but I could see tennis, walking, running, and barre classes all fitting the bill, too. It is fashionable activewear with flattering cuts and buttery-soft fabrics, but there is no lacking on the performance side of things, either!
Why I Love Yellow The Label:
- Unique: Their pieces stand out from typical fitness wear. It feels chic and trendy but no less professional.
- Stays put: Even with the fancy cuts, the clothes don’t budge! I thought for sure the pants would lose their stretch and the bra tops would slide down but I can confidently move in every way when wearing YTL.
- Fabric: They feel so high end and comfortable. The material itself stands out as unique from other brands and I love stepping into the pieces every time.
Chek out their Contour Leggings
3. Left On Friday –
Left On Friday holds a personal spot in my heart because they are the only bathing suits I have felt truly great in in years! Other swimwear brands need to take note because LOF has taken the best of seamless, stretchable workout wear and crossed it over into bathing suits. The best part is that all of these pieces can double as both workout top or swimwear making it so easier to hit the gym and then the beach (Charleston’s perfect day IMHO.)
Why I Love Left On Friday:
- The Seams: I don’t know if it’s the stretch of the fabric or the way they sew their seams, but it fits like comfortable shapewear (is that even a thing?) There are no spots that dig in and leave unflattering bumps in the silhouette and the pieces stay in place no matter the activity.
- Gym-to-swim: Two amazing uses for one cost? Yeah, I’m in.
- Minimalist style: Simple, functional, and sleek designs keep the styles looking good year over year. Can’t mess with the basics!
Check out their Super Moves Tights
4. Beyond Yoga –
Tbh, I fall in and out of love with Beyond Yoga every other year or so. I am very much in love with them at the moment. Their leggings and tops are made from ultra-soft fabrics that feel like a second skin and their colors are always the most vibrant! There is a cut, color, and size for every body type and they often have sales that make the pieces super affordable.
Why I Love Beyond Yoga:
- Soft materials: The Spacedye fabric is one of the softest materials out there, creating an almost lounge feeling to the pieces that fit like a second skin.
- Inclusive sizing: They carry XXS to 4X and have a style for every body type.
- Affordable: Great styles with frequent options for affordable prices. It can make building a wardrobe you’re excited about a little easier!
Check out their Space Dye High Waisted Leggings
When it comes to fitness clothing, finding the perfect balance between style, comfort, and performance is key. Stepping into the outfit should make you feel confident and ready to move, and then it should perform the same to caliber. Check out these brands to see if anything speaks to you, and then maybe add a little motivation to your closet!
Let me know if you have any brands you have been loving – you know I want to try them :)