Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Sarah Young

Stylish workout clothes to motivate you in the new year

Inject some colour into your exercise routine ( Getty )

Having spent the best part of two weeks enjoying the excesses of Christmas feasting, it’s safe to say that our commitment to any sort of fitness regime has well and truly faded.

But as we all know, the new year signals a chance for new beginnings, and for many of us that means parting ways with the Quality Street *sob* and finally getting into shape. 

In fact, every year Google searches for gyms spike come January, with membership purchases and foot traffic soaring.

But unless you’re already a seasoned gym bunny, plucking up the drive to slog your guts out in a sweaty sports hall can feel like an uphill struggle.

The solution? Investing in a wardrobe befitting of a dedicated gym bunny.

While buying new workout clothes might seem excessive or even vain, a kit that fits well and makes you feel more confident is key to lasting beyond the January gym rush. 

Whether you want to take up yoga, spinning, bootcamp or long-distance running, tugging on ill-fitting tops and uncomfortable waistbands can leave you feeling self-conscious and reflect on your performance.

Glamorise Elite Performance Sports Bra, £39, Simply Be

So make sure you pick up pieces that not only promise to spruce up your sportswear wardrobe but also help you exercise to your best ability and let you feel good about yourself at the same time. 

Thanks to the athleisure trend, fitness gear is readily available to suit a range of sizes and budgets.

Khaki Sports Hoodie, £14.99, New Look

For a new breed of gym garb that guarantees to stay true to both fashion and function, head to retailers like New Look and Boohoo for items that won’t break the bank, while Asos and Simply Be both offer an impressive range of workout wear for plus sizes.

In fact, Simply Be caters up to a size 32 in activewear and stocks sports bras up to back size 50 and cups B-K.

Crazytrain LT Shoes, £69.95, Adidas

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to put your trust in a well-known sportswear brand, Nike, Adidas, Reebook, GymShark and Sweaty Betty all promise to provide pieces made using technical fabrics specially designed to respond to the needs of a sweaty session.

Not sure what to look for? When shopping for new pieces it’s a good idea to invest in lightweight, moisture-wicking products that fit well and come with mesh panels, vents or sheer layering in all the right places.

Reversible 7/8 Yoga Leggings, £80, Sweaty Betty
Half-Zip Running Top, £67.95, Nike
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.