Editor Sophie Ritchie shares her pick of the best athleisure and sportswear pieces for keeping active in style during lockdown 2021
Yes, you might be feeling more grounded than a batch of Grind coffee and currently more penned in than Hemingway but lockdown 2021 doesn’t mean we can’t keep active and stay moving whilst the gyms are shut.
From the best leggings for Zoom yoga to the coolest water bottles to stay hydrated during living room HIIT, here’s the best gear for working up a sweat in style – with brands upping their ethical ante with more sustainable products than ever.
PLUS: If you’re looking for workout motivation, I recommend signing up to boutique gym Core Collective‘s brand new 2 Weeks Unlimited Transformation Plan.
Only available in January, this includes 14 days unlimited classes (zoom or in-studio depending on lockdown tiers), x1 nutrition consultation with FFF (fresh fitness food) and x1 30 minute fitness consultation with a Core Collective trainer. Perfect for giving your health kick an added turbo boost!
1 Varley’s Century snake-print stretch leggings
Low intensity workouts and Varley’s ‘Century’ leggings go hand in hand, so don a pair for your next Pilates, yoga or barre class. This chic snake-print pair are made from the label’s soft ‘Lolux’ fabric that lets you move freely and have a high-rise waistband to gently support your core during crunches. Match the fang-tastic print to the coordinating sports bra for an symmetrical finish.
£87, shop via net-a-porter.com
2 We are Samudra’s Pacific top
There’s beauty in simplicity, and this elegant top from Samdura is a shining example of that. Designed to offer light support, this clever (and comfy) piece of kit doubles up as a bikini, sports bra and loungewear. Even better, it’s made with ECONYL®, regenerated ocean plastic and other nylon waste for an ethical edge. Sustainable sweat has never sounded so good.
£62, shop via wearesamudra.com.
3 lulu lemon
If you’re going to battle with the elements, you might as well be equipped suitably for it. This cropped jacket has waterproof fabric and ventilation for running, with handy features including zippered exterior pockets with a hidden phone sleeve, 360º reflectivity and a cinchable hood.
£84, shop via lululemon.co.uk
4 Ocean Bottle
Not just a pretty face, this bottle looks good and does good too. The Ocean Bottle is the award-winning reusable bottle that stops 1000 plastic bottles in weight from entering the ocean and improves livelihoods at the same time.
Fully recyclable and made from stainless steel and recycled ocean plastic, the bottle’s features include; a dual opening for both multi-functional usage and better cleaning, hot and cold insulation, and an easy carry loop for everyday practical use. There’s a range of colours to choose from, but the crisp Sky Blue certainly stands out in a crowd.
£40, purchase via oceanbottle.co.
5 Good American’s Ombre leopard-print stretch-jersey leggings
Co-founded by Khloé Kardashian, Good American believes in the power of the female form, so it champions its impressive capabilities with a line of covetable activewear.
To celebrate the female figure in all its shapes and sizes, this brand drops the Ombre leggings for donning to your next training session, featuring a supportive elasticated waistband and leopard rosettes galore.
£96, purchase via Selfridges.
6 Sweaty Betty’s Harmonise Luxe recycled cotton-blend fleece sweatshirt
A sweatshirt to live in, whether you’re working out or not. Super soft and snug for your days off, it’s made using recycled cotton to cut down on waste – there, now you can feel even more at peace as you limber up for another yoga session.
£110, purchase via selfridges.com
7 Tala’s Zinnia Legging – Four Leaf Clover
For flattering, performance-based gym leggings, look no further. The high rise waistband is perfectly shaped and supported, designed to flatter your waist and provide the perfect balance between compression and stretch, holding you in place throughout any workout.
£40, purchase via wearetala.com
8 COS’ Seamless Performance Sports Bra
Hit the ground running in COS’ brand new sportswear collection. I love this seamless performance sports bra – made for movement and designed from a recycled nylon-mix with added stretch. Who cares if only your neighbours will see its vivid green design – it’s still gorgeous.
£29, purchase via cosstores.com
9 Lacoste T-Clip leather trainers in white and pink
A heritage-inspired court sneaker, the T-Clip lifts elements from the popular Sideline silhouette and features 80s detailing for a retro finish. The classic cupsole construction sees elegant leather, soft suede and breathable mesh come together aside signature, tennis-inspired perforations on the uppers. White and pink tones provide the perfect pastel touch.
£90, purchase via asos.com.
10 adidas x Karlie Kloss cover-up shirt
Keep comfy with this adidas cover-up jacket, designed in collaboration with supermodel Karlie Kloss and made with recycled materials as part of adidas’ commitment to help end plastic waste. Ideal for warmups and cool-downs, with wing sleeves for a stylish silhouette.
£63, purchase via adidas.co.uk
