By Jennifer Bakken
Why it's worth every penny to invest in some quality activewear
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
North Face W Windstopper Hybrid Vest, $115 at northface.com
I know that for many of us thinking about spending a little more money on clothes that we're just going to work out in and not wear out to some fabulous dinner with our girls seems like a ridiculous idea. But as it's officially "get-your-body-into-shape-for-swimwear-season", I thought this may be the perfect time for me to share what I've learned over the years by buying a lot of cheap and quality gear and how the "quality" pieces have changed my workouts and my perspective on getting out the door to work out, for the better.
Nike Woven 4" Baggy Short, $19.99 at eastbay.com
There are several key reasons why I would recommend to any of my clients as well as friends and family to invest the cash into higher-quality clothing to workout in.
Lucy Power Pant, $78 at lucy.com
The first reason why this investment is worth it is fit. For obvious reasons a well-fitting pair of workout pants, shoes, tops, bra, is a good investment if not purely for the fact that you will indeed be able to do whatever your workout of choice is feeling comfortable and supported. But another reason why fit is so important in workout gear is that if the clothing fits you properly; you will actually look ten times better, (a.k.a. slim) while wearing it, vs. that cheap gear that just doesn't lie over your body correctly. Also because much of the gear we buy to workout in may be a little more form-fitting than many of us would like, and not always the most forgiving in style, a key to looking like you are working out for your "health" and not to get rid of all our little imperfections, is to have spandex-based clothing that hugs you in all of the right places and none of the wrong ones.
Running Top, $37.99 at nike.com
The second reason it's well worth investing in quality brands of athletic wear is longevity. I have been buying this stuff for over 20 years now and obviously within those 20 years I've had a variety of different budgets to work within and a huge variance of knowledge about the gear to work with. I can say with 100% certainty that the clothing that I've been picking up over the past 10 years that I've spent a little more money on, (because I've been more educated about brand, fabrication, fit), are the pieces that have held their color, their shape and have stayed relatively new looking (aside from a little fading).
adidas Response Short Sleeve Tee, $20 at shopadidas.com
A third reason that I would say buying good looking and proper-fitting wear is well worth it is because sub-consciously or consciously, these clothes will give you that extra confidence and spring in your step that will help you get up and get going because you know you're going to look great wearing them. Nothing is more inspiring that putting on the clothing you're about to work-out in looking in the mirror and thinking, "cute top" or "my butt looks good in these". And it's also pretty great to be able to go from a run to brunch with a friend and feel confident that you're put-together enough to be there.
adidas Women's Supernova Three-Quarter Tights, $50 at shopadidas.com
Throughout the article are examples of what I mean about "quality" gear. I have pulled together a collection of what I believe are the most flattering and functional pieces from my favorite brands all in a classic and slender-making black color of course.
Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant. For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.
I know that for many of us thinking about spending a little more money on clothes that we're just going to work out in and not wear out to some fabulous dinner with our girls seems like a ridiculous idea. But as it's officially "get-your-body-into-shape-for-swimwear-season", I thought this may be the perfect time for me to share what I've learned over the years by buying a lot of cheap and quality gear and how the "quality" pieces have changed my workouts and my perspective on getting out the door to work out, for the better.
Nike Woven 4" Baggy Short, $19.99 at eastbay.com
There are several key reasons why I would recommend to any of my clients as well as friends and family to invest the cash into higher-quality clothing to workout in.
Lucy Power Pant, $78 at lucy.com
The first reason why this investment is worth it is fit. For obvious reasons a well-fitting pair of workout pants, shoes, tops, bra, is a good investment if not purely for the fact that you will indeed be able to do whatever your workout of choice is feeling comfortable and supported. But another reason why fit is so important in workout gear is that if the clothing fits you properly; you will actually look ten times better, (a.k.a. slim) while wearing it, vs. that cheap gear that just doesn't lie over your body correctly. Also because much of the gear we buy to workout in may be a little more form-fitting than many of us would like, and not always the most forgiving in style, a key to looking like you are working out for your "health" and not to get rid of all our little imperfections, is to have spandex-based clothing that hugs you in all of the right places and none of the wrong ones.
Running Top, $37.99 at nike.com
The second reason it's well worth investing in quality brands of athletic wear is longevity. I have been buying this stuff for over 20 years now and obviously within those 20 years I've had a variety of different budgets to work within and a huge variance of knowledge about the gear to work with. I can say with 100% certainty that the clothing that I've been picking up over the past 10 years that I've spent a little more money on, (because I've been more educated about brand, fabrication, fit), are the pieces that have held their color, their shape and have stayed relatively new looking (aside from a little fading).
adidas Response Short Sleeve Tee, $20 at shopadidas.com
A third reason that I would say buying good looking and proper-fitting wear is well worth it is because sub-consciously or consciously, these clothes will give you that extra confidence and spring in your step that will help you get up and get going because you know you're going to look great wearing them. Nothing is more inspiring that putting on the clothing you're about to work-out in looking in the mirror and thinking, "cute top" or "my butt looks good in these". And it's also pretty great to be able to go from a run to brunch with a friend and feel confident that you're put-together enough to be there.
adidas Women's Supernova Three-Quarter Tights, $50 at shopadidas.com
Throughout the article are examples of what I mean about "quality" gear. I have pulled together a collection of what I believe are the most flattering and functional pieces from my favorite brands all in a classic and slender-making black color of course.
Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant. For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.
