May I start by congratulating you on even considering a new workout routine? The stylistic equivalent of starting blocks, master your workout wardrobe now and you’ve pretty much won at 2024.
But I digress. The honest truth is, the right workout gear will help to keep you motivated for all of your fitness goals – because no matter how time-poor we all are, we still want to feel good while we (contemplate) exercise.
And right now, appetite for activewear is at an all-time high, the athleisure-ification of catwalk fashion is nigh – with designers, A-listers and Sue from accounts all going wild for workout wear.
Regardless of whether you’re in the market for classic gym wear and a robust new reformer regime, or some (in)activewear to slurp coffee in, these days working out is less of an event, and more of a lifestyle. And as such requires its own wardrobe to boot.
On hand to give said wardrobe a sporting chance is F&F. Competitively priced (of course), its Active range has leisurewear hits to lean into. It’s athleisure you can actually work out in – but also looks fetch with a flat white. These are the everyday heroes – the building blocks to help you start every day off right.
First up, there’s the racerback – slung on for HIIT, running, yoga, spin, boxing et al – F&F’s seam-free vests are super soft, fuss-free, and a steal at £10 a pop. Me? I own three, in shades of mocha, coffee and cream – because tonal activewear is my bag.
“This season is all about neutrals,” says Beth Williams-Jones, clothing category director at F&F. “Ours include dyed-to-match trims and subtle detailing.”
Cue: the co-ord – worn mixed or matching, these gym duos ooze “quiet confidence”, helping you look pulled together when you may feel anything but. F&F’s range feels so smooth and buttery-soft that, Williams-Jones says, “you won’t want to take them off”.
Next up – there’s activewear that has the best of intentions, then life happens. Arguably the hardest working double act in your wardrobe, sweat sets look as strong in a studio as they will on the school run (top slung nonchalantly over shoulders, for preppy-in-Pret vibes). Crafted with comfort and performance in mind, wear yours oversized, and layered under nylon jackets and/or gilets. “Our Active range is mixed with cosy layers such as gilets and technical jackets for an affordable, stylish solution at supermarket prices,” says Williams-Jones. Think of F&F’s Borg gilet as your 2024 hype woman – worn from work to workout or barre to bar, gilets are undeniably hot right now.
See also: the hoodie. Soft, plush and supremely comfortable – chances are you own a handful already, but if you are on the hunt for a hug in a top, F&F’s is softer than a kitten’s chin, and a bargain at £18. The backbone of any successful sporting look, team it with an oversized trench, long socks and sneakers for instant cool kid kudos.
And finally? There are the successories. The very definition of quiet luxury, these delicious add-ons will maketh your outfit, whether you’re gym-bound, at the supermarket, or walking around the house. There are the (aforementioned) long socks; the “is that a celeb?” cap, or – my own personal best – the world’s most talked about crescent moon-shaped bag (looks a bit like a buttery croissant, if you’re feeling hungry). Add trainers, and you’re laughing lunging.
Shop the F&F AW23 Active collection in sizes S-XL at selected Tesco stores. With prices starting from as little as £9, it just makes fashion sense. Visit tesco.com/zones/clothing and follow @fandfclothing on Instagram
