Fashion in fitness is not new, especially when it comes to group fitness classes. From leotards and legwarmers to low-rise speed shorts and skirts, fitness fashion trends have been emerging for decades, making workouts much more than just a sweat session. Whether you love showing up in the latest fitness swag or don't care much about what you wear to class, trying out fitness fashion or adopting a new approach can broaden your horizons. The goal of this blog is to help you discover your style, lean into items you like, and maybe even try something new. For many people, group fitness is their social outlet, so why not show up in style? Feeling good isn't just about how you feel after class; feeling good before class can get you excited about your workout and put you in a positive frame of mind. Feeling good should be your #1 priority, so why not have some fun with what you wear to your fitness class or workout? There's nothing wrong with throwing on your husband's T-shirt and heading out the door—rocking an oversized tee and biker shorts might be your best self, and that's the point. Being yourself is the most important element of fashion in general, and the same applies to fitness fashion.
There have been A+ trends during my fitness career, with biker shorts being one of them. With bright colors, the ability to stay in place, suitability for all body types, comfort, and burpee-friendliness, I think they're the greatest fitness fashion comeback since neon colors. I'll be wearing them forever. On the flip side, there have also been D- trends that I wish I'd skipped. For example, shorty-short speed shorts were uncomfortable—I was constantly adjusting them and needed a Brazilian wax to wear them. This clearly wasn't ideal for me, but I wore them anyway because they were trendy, and unfortunately, there are plenty of pictures to prove it! This doesn’t mean either is good or bad; it just means they weren't right for me. The point is to find what works for you. Different things work for Emily and me, and that's okay! Often, we choose a color scheme when we teach together so we can wear what fits our bodies and styles and feel comfortable.
If you find yourself frustrated with the whole experience, let me make it easier for you by breaking it down. There are two options: "trend setting" and "trend following." Both are amazing; you just have to decide which one you lean toward to figure out your fitness fashion vibes. It comes down to whether you feel more confident blending in or standing out, being creative, or letting trends and others lead the way. If you're a trend follower, look around the class for ideas on what's trending and visit athletic wear stores to find items you like and can afford. If you want to be a trendsetter, think outside the box, find items that are original, fun, and will set you apart. Find things that aren’t necessarily fitness attire and mix them with unique, fun items. There's also the option to do a bit of both—follow trends and mix them with original pieces. This is what I personally love to do. I have my own style and then mix in the latest trends. For example, grab a new pair of leggings and mix them with an old vintage jersey from your closet, or get a fresh sports bra or top and pair it with some old cutoff sweats. There are no rules, and you don’t have to buy new from head to toe. That's what makes it fun, and you don't have to break the bank. Another way to stand out is by playing with color. Just like our new HIGH fitness branding, my personal favorite is to emulate the brand by mixing bright and bold colors with pastels. This creates a fun, vibrant, out-of-the-box statement that's flattering on everyone! Check out our Shop to get a feel for mixing colors! When you find things you can’t live without, don't forget to use HIGHAPP20 to save 20% as a subscriber!
Whether you're following trends or setting your own, budget is always a part of the equation. It's no secret that clothes can be expensive, so here are some ways to save money while building a fitness wardrobe that expresses your personal style.
Thrift Stores Thrift stores are awesome! Often, items are barely worn or vintage, which means no one else will have them. Either way, you can find really cool items for every budget. Pro Tip: When buying actual fitness clothes at a thrift store, make sure to find items that are gently used.
Swap & Borrow Trading clothes is the best, as they say, "one man's junk is another man's treasure." Offer items you never wear to your friends, and they will likely reciprocate. Have you ever done a clothing swap? Organizing a clothing swap is so much fun and will refresh everyone's closet. Plus, giving the leftovers to charity will feel good too. Borrowing from a friend is another great option; it feels like new to you for the day, and then you give it back! Emily and I do this all the time.
Instructor Discounts, Warehouse Sales & Less Expensive Stores Many fitness retailers offer discounts to instructors or participants willing to provide feedback. Ask at the checkout to see if you can apply! Look out for warehouse sales, sale sections, or "We Made Too Much" in Lululemon's case on websites! Don’t overlook Walmart, Target, Amazon, or similar stores. They often have cheap and cheerful dupes of higher-end fitness items within your budget.
Mix Clothes You Already Have Not every item you wear needs to be brand new or even actual fitness attire. Mix and match streetwear with fitness gear, old with new. It's fun to see what you can come up with! A great item to mix in with clothes you already have is socks. Inexpensive and a statement piece, they add a fun pop to your outfit. Find lots of fun options in our shop!
The most important thing is that you feel good and stay within your budget. It doesn’t matter how others think you look; what matters is how you actually feel. The goal is to be comfortable and confident! Post your HIGH fitness looks on your story and tag us! We can’t wait to see what you come up with. And don’t forget that as a HIGH fitness APP user, you receive 20% off apparel using the code HIGHAPP20! GO TO THE SHOPCheck out Emily and Amber's hot finds on Amazon!
