The Ultimate Activewear Guide
Written by our very own, Lindsay McEwan, Founder of Trashion
When building your workout wardrobe, it can be so difficult to figure out where to start. There are endless brands and styles to choose from, and in the age of social media influencing and virality, it’s feels impossible to decipher which products on the market are truly worth the investment. That’s why it is important to know the markers of a good quality product and to shop sustainably.
Being sustainable isn’t just about the environment - although that is an important factor - especially because the materials commonly used in performance gear are not easily recycled and many times end up in landfills. But beyond that, sustainability also means buying an item that is built to last which in turn saves you time, money, and resources.
Here are a few key things to consider when choosing quality athletic wear that will last:
1. If the garment has a pattern on the fabric, does the pattern line up evenly on the seams? A great maker of a quality garment is if the patterns line up and look continuous throughout, rather than arbitrarily placed.
2. Do your leggings have a “crotch gusset”? While it’s a funny sounding name, a crotch gusset is an important diamond shaped piece of fabric sewn into the crotch area of leggings that allow for more comfortable movement. Brands looking to cut costs will skip this step, and instead opt for all panels of the fabric to meet in the middle. This causes the dreaded “camel toe” but also makes the leggings more prone to holes because the stress of all your movement is placed on that one seam.
3. How does the stitching look? Do all the lines match up and are straight and tight? Sometimes when a garment is mass produced these details can be overlooked, but it is really important to the longevity and wearability of your item.
4. What kind of materials are used? Different activities require different materials, and lots of activewear will contain a mix of materials so make sure to check the label before purchasing to make sure it’s right for you.
◦ Cotton: Natural and breathable, comfortable for light activity but not for a high intensity workout because it absorbs moisture and does not dry quickly. Don’t forget, this applies to undergarments as well!
◦ Polyester: Sweat wicking and dries much faster than cotton, but prone to “pilling”
◦ Nylon: Similar sweat wicking properties as polyester but less prone to “pilling” and a bit more durable
◦ Bamboo: Similar feel and comfortability of cotton but with the added sweat wicking properties of polyester or nylon
◦ Elastane/spandex: This is what makes a material stretchy, so a higher percentage means a stretchier garment
5. Does the price make sense? It can be tempting to keep rebuying cheap leggings after they fall apart, but over time you may spend more money doing that than if you’d invested in a high quality piece to begin with. That doesn’t mean you need to buy the most expensive pieces out there, there are lots of brands with accessible price points with products that will last. Keep an eye out for brands that offer lifetime warranties because not only is that great for your pockets, it also shows that the brand has confidence in the longevity of their product.
Once you find a brand line that you like and you know your size, you may want to try purchasing items from Depop, Poshmark, or eBay. Some people are reluctant to buy secondhand workout gear and that’s totally okay- there are endless listings of items that are new with tags from people who simply missed their return window. (Pro tip, search “Brand name, your size, NWT” for the best results on any resale site!) Some brands even offer refurbished secondhand clothing directly, like LuLuLemon’s “Like New” program. Not only is buying secondhand better for the environment, but it allows you to fill your wardrobe at a much lower cost.
Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer to your preference in athletic wear, but it is important to be well informed when investing in yourself. You deserve the best!