It's All in The Detail : Workout Clothing

After attending the Adidas New Product Range PR session last week, and a few weeks back a Design Meeting at Lululemon I started thinking about all the things I love in my workout and running kit.

I feel like brands are starting to take more interest in feedback and criticism from the people wearing the kit, and are incorporating the little extras that take an item from being good, to something you want to wear on every run!

As well as out to the pub or coffee shop afterwards... The idea of multifunctionality is one that's definitely developing within exercise clothing brands too - fabrics that don't show your sweat, or make you smell mean you can go from one activity to another without the need for a full shower and change of clothes (unless you've obviously had a seriously hard session!).

People are also looking for clothing that performs well athletically and aesthetically, as self expression becomes more important. I like bold outfits, and often think that if I look good, I feel good - and that can have a positive effect on your workout. Wearing striking pieces shows you're not afraid to stand out and bright colours also often have an positive emotional connection, especially when it's grey and rainy outside!

Adidas rocking the new Spring/Summer 2014 range

I decided to compile a list of things I look for when buying new running or Crossfit gear. These are the top picks, the little details that make all the difference, rather than the general overall material or style.

1. Wide waistbands - holds in my stomach, avoids any embarrassing bum flashing and just so much more comfortable.

2. Discreet pockets - just a small one for phone or keys if you're just popping out for a short run from home and don't want to carry loads of stuff.

3. Subtle reflectivity - especially in the autumn/winter, as the evenings are darker I like to feel that I can be seen. And this doesn't necessarily have to mean bright neon yellow or pink!

4. Works with your tech - holes for viewing your Garmin through your sleeve, somewhere to thread your headphone wire; the details which mean everything works seamlessly and you can just run...

5. Cute design features - these are things which increase the aesthetic appeal of a garment. It might be vain, but I want to look good in my workout gear! And while not everyone may agree, I also love a motivating slogan 🙂

Here are some great examples:

Lululemon gorgeous lace and ruffle detailing on their long sleeve running tops

New Adidas capris with mesh on the legs

Lorna Jane tank, and Crossfit workout gear (Reebok and WODoutlet)

5. Thumbholes - so good they deserve a category of their own! I love this great design feature which helps stop your hands freezing on those chilly days when you've forgotten your gloves, and they're taken one step further with Lululemon's "cuffins" which fold down over your hand like a mitten- love!

Lululemon and Icebreaker

One piece that I recently bought that ticks quite a few of these boxes are the Brooks Infiniti Capri II.

I wasn't paid to write about these, or sent them to try out - I just happen to really love them! They have a great wide soft waistband which is a fun colour, a small discreet pocket on the back for my phone and key, and funky detailing on the legs which includes a reflective strip. At the bottom of each leg on the inside, there are also inseam-grippers to prevent the capris from shifting or riding up when you're running.