Summer Fitness Essentials
With longer days and brighter mornings, summer may be the season to finally revamp your gym routine and make it tougher than ever before. As one of the hottest seasons in Great Britain is being recorded, it’s not just about discipline, but also about the outfit that’s waiting for you.
Building a Training Wardrobe
To get back into a good routine and keep you running, it’s essential to build a training wardrobe that brings you joy and comfort. According to Lois Woodcock, Head of Design at Gymshark, summer is the perfect time to be loud with your fitness gear and go for bold, saturated, and bright colors. "A trend that I’m very excited about this summer is Gymshark’s new collection, which features shades that stand out more than blend in," she says.
Key Trends
This season’s key trends include clean silhouettes, clay palettes, and soft pastels. Asymmetrical cutouts and one-shoulder bras are also favorites, as they are incredibly flattering, supportive, and feel unexpected. Additionally, there’s a more sophisticated attitude, with a return to "tonal layering" – wearing colors like ivory, olives, and slate from head to toe, which feels modern, viewed, and quietly luxurious.
Breathable Fabrics
With increasing temperatures, fabric becomes everything. And comfort comes not only from stretch but also from the way fabric moves, wicks, and holds. Breathable moisture-wicking materials like polyester and nylon mixes are best suited to keep you cool and dry. Bicycle shorts and racerback tanks are great options for increased airflow on hotter days.
Dressing for Success
What you wear can absolutely change how you train. Not because the fabric performs magic, but because of how it makes you feel. "Confidence in the gym starts with what I wear," says Samantha Cubbins, strength and fitness trainer at Gymhark’s Lift Club. Design is not just about sweat or stretch; it’s also about self-expression. Finding the sweet spot between shape and function is crucial, and a boldly colored splash or a well-placed contour detail can completely change your mindset in a session.
Mixing and Matching
There’s more than one way to build a great training look, and a strategy can make it effortless. Consistent sets can be a motivation cheat code, while building a capsule wardrobe made of beautifully made, versatile staple pieces can give you the feeling of being put together. Quality is essential, and buying less but better is the way to go. Environmentally friendly materials like bamboo and hemp are great alternatives, although they may lack the route and sculpture of synthetic materials.
The One Piece that Always Works
On some days, it’s the outfit that makes the decision for you. If motivation is low, choose the piece that holds more than just its shape – it has meaning. For Amanda Wakeley, it’s an oversized gray hoodie from her ski mountain climbing expedition in Antarctica. "It may sound silly," she laughs, "but in this piece, I feel strong and cocooned at the same time – it brings my inner rocky out."
