One of the few perks (if not the only perk) of having been the same size since ~13 is that the participation t-shirts and embroidered sweatpants that I amassed from school/sports in my child- and young adult-hoods still fit. So it wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally needed to buy activewear (I am often surprised by how enduring a simple cotton t-shirt from back in the day is). And it’s been fun, with athleisure becoming a dominant trend in fashion and having so many options to choose from.
Unlike those who live in sporty chic looks, my athleisure pieces are primarily for (outdoor) exercise, and what’s important to me are zippered pockets. Lots and lots of them. Not out of any real necessity, but because I find it convenient to have places to safely stash my phone, earbuds, tissues/wipes, keys, and a card or two (if I could hear myself over the music blaring in my ear, I probably sound like a shaken piggy bank when I am running).
As zippered pockets are my weakness, I have been slowly buying everything adidas by Stella McCartney “activewear jersey” (i.e., recycled polyester). I like the mesh panels, slim fit (size up if you don’t have a well-defined waistline), and (mostly) discreet branding. You can mix and match the pieces easily, which is how I justified my purchases.
If you are in the market for new workout clothes, here are some of my favorites:
