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FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Yo detest Leggings. The tight fit is not my friend and never will be. Leggings or “stretchy skinny jeans” became popular in the late 1950s after American chemist Joseph Shivers introduced spandex, and from their heyday in the 1980s aerobics scene to the more brooding era of Jeggings (c2010), they have remained a wardrobe staple ever since. Leggings contribute an estimated 40 percent of total revenue within the global sportswear market, which is now estimated to be worth $358 billion.
But the cargo pants landscape is slowly changing. Brazilian Olympic skater Rayssa Leal is a staunch advocate of cargo pants (Nike It’s all about comfort. The “motion knit” from Australian fashion and lifestyle brand NagnataFounded by sister duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, it is made from breathable natural fibres and includes tracksuits, one-piece suits and a core line of second-skin RWS merino wool two-pieces suitable for high-impact exercise. LululemonHigh-waisted varsity tennis skirts have silicone grippers to keep clothes from riding up. Fitness influencers are also improvising their athleisure aesthetic. Here’s what they’re wearing to the gym:
Laila Gohar
The artist and HTSI The contributing editor recently told her 287,000 Instagram followers that she “wouldn’t be seen dead in leggings.” She began exploring alternatives to lifting weights, which include a sheer lace jumpsuit over a sports bra and pants, and Simone Rocha from head to toe – with pearl-embellished socks and crocs completing the look.
Tory Burch
Designer Tory Burch launched her activewear line in 2015 as an antidote to the leggings epidemic, later noting, “Women don’t want to have rules about what they can wear and when they can wear it.” She has perfected the long-forgotten “skort” and her Technical twill with ruffles This version comes with built-in moisture-wicking technology, in colors ranging from conifer to radiant red and summer yellow that can be worn outside the gym.
Laura Bailey
Tennis enthusiast Bailey has perfected her sports wardrobe. “I love it Star Sport “Tennis dresses especially for summer away games,” she says. “I’m drawn to classic tennis style, but I like to mix it up with my lucky style. Aries “No Problemo T-shirt and vintage Chanel wristbands.”
Katie Benson
Net-A-Porter’s buying director is drawn to Adidas’ extensive offering and the London-based sportswear line. Varley“whose open knit sweaters and polos pair exceptionally well with shorts.”
Kirsty Godso
Nike Global Trainer and burpee queen with ab-smashing hot sauce says, “I prefer shorts to leggings. My favorites are the Nike Zenvy 8″ or 5″ Pro Sculpt versions.
Lauren Joseph
Chef and food writer Dorian is a “huge fan of running to work, but I don’t have time for chafing,” she says. “I like Lululemon’s Hotty Hot 4 High-Rise Shorts, which I wear over my favorite leggings.” Wolaco Cycling shorts. There is a pocket for my phone and a separate one for keys; they stay up but don’t ride up. If I’m just working out, not running, I wear boy shorts. Umbro Shorts with cycling shorts underneath, ideally white. Afterwards, I can take off the base layer and put on a white button-down shirt and feel pretty good.”
Sophie Rose-Harper
Described as London’s latest must-have Pilates instructor, Rose-Harper opts for equipment that gives her the freedom to flex.Alex Eagle“The joggers are perfect for moving around,” she says.
Melanie Masarin
The founder of the non-alcoholic aperitif brand Ghia likes to relax with a little yoga. “I love using my Kyle Miller Shorts. They are less revealing than yoga or cycling shorts and don’t ride up too much even when worn backwards.”