Sweatshirt here // Leggings here // Tank here // Sports bra here // Water bottle here // Sneakers here // Bag here
God I hope this post is not confused for minimal workout clothes. I mean, that’s good too but not the topic I want to share! So what is then minimalist workout clothes? Similar to a capsule wardrobe, minimalist workout clothes are long lasting activewear pieces that easily mix and match with one another.
In other words, when I buy workout gear, I want to invest in high quality pieces and I want those pieces to continually work interchangeably with one another.
Truth be told though, in the past, I never put much thought or investment into workout clothes. Most of my 20’s and 30’s were spent running outdoors. So my workout gear consisted of running shorts and a college tee supplemented with a fleece jacket during the colder months. It was not until I took up yoga in my late thirties that I realized good gym gear matters. Head to a hot yoga class for the first time in a cotton tee and a pair of shorts? Well, without getting TMI let’s just say sweat rashes do not feel any better as an adult! High quality gym gear that wicks sweat is an essential part to feeling good during and after a workout.
As activewear has now evolved into lifestyle wear, there are a ton of brands out there to choose from. But I honestly feel that the pioneers of quality activewear are the ones I continue to trust. Not only do a select few continually produce the best product that lasts a long time, but they also provide a monochromatic palette in solid colors perfect for mixing and matching.
Minimalist Workout Clothes
There is a reason I love a navy palette so much. For me, it has always been the perfect neutral in my everyday looks. The same carries over into my activewear. Navy is a great workout gear foundation that easily mixes and matches with whites, blacks and pops of color or different shades of blue. As a result, I find that I only need a few core pieces that work interchangeably with one another. I am sharing some of my favorite pieces below.
Leggings
More than any other item, my workout leggings have to perform the best. A Dri-fit material coupled with comfort and stability are a must. I consistently rely on two active wear brands for them: Lululemon and Athleta. These pair from Lululemon are perfect for summertime wear. Made with Nulux™ fabric they are quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and offer feather lightweight coverage. For more compression and a thicker option, I am a fan of the Salutation style from Athleta. Both of these pair have a high waisted fit and come in lots of solid colors!
I have also heard great things about Outdoor Voices. I love these two-tone leggings here and am anxious to try them!
Sports Bra
Sports bras are so personal depending on the type of support you need. I personally do not need a ton and prefer ones that are not too constricting. The one I have worn for over five years (and now could use an update) has been discontinued. So I went in to check out Lululemon’s selection and tried on their newest release-the Run Times Bra. For me it is perfect! Solid support without being too fussy or constricting. Plus it has padded straps which makes such a huge difference in overall comfort. Local gals go see my girl Katie at the Lake Forest Market Square location for a fitting!
Top
What top I wear depends on what activity I am doing. For yoga and pilates I like to be in a fitted piece. The Cool Racerback Tanks from Lululemon are hands down my favorite. They wick well, run long so they never rise up, and have built in support so that no additional sports bra is needed. And honestly coming from Lulu, they are a great price! When I am running, I want something looser on top. I turn to Lulu for comfortable, breathable tanks or for something fun, I am a huge fan of the Good Hyouman line.
Sweatshirt
When a piece does not necessarily have to perform, I really like turning to the boutique style activewear brands to fill in the holes. Throwing on a cropped sweatshirt over my gym gear, like this one from Alo, adds just the right amount of edge to your basic workout gear.
Gym Bag
I carry a gym bag because most often I shower and change right after my workout. This neoprene tote from Haute Shore is the perfect blend of style and functionality. I get stopped ALL the time with people asking where I found it. The material lets my gym shoes and sweaty clothes breathe after a workout and it never absorbs odor. I also love the removable pouch to store all my travel size products to get ready with. You can find mine on-line here. Locally they are available at Alixandra Collections and Lori’s Shoes.
Water Bottle
Ok. If you are prone to losing water bottles you may want to bypass this and move down to sneakers because $90 for a water bottle is ALOT. But like most things I try and suggest, the LARQ water bottle is a great investment. I gave up using plastic water bottles awhile ago and instead switched over to glass and metal ones like S’well. I love the fact that they keep your drinks cold or hot for up to 12 hours plus they are durable and sleek. But I will say that over time, my S’well did start to have an odor and a few dents from dropping it countless times. Queue in the LARQ and somehow, someway it has built in technology, that with the press of a button, intelligently activates every 2 hours to keep your water bottle clean and odor free. That alone is good justification. Plus it is really, really good looking!
Sneakers
I think you are supposed to switch your sneakers out every six months with regular use. I wish I was that good! However, whenever I do get around to getting a new pair, I always hit up a local running store to get properly fitted. New Balance are my jam and I just added these to my feet!
Photos by Hannah Schweiss Photography
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Thanks for stopping by!
L, M
