How activewear is becoming more comfort-oriented this summer

Hot girl summer is finally herehellip but this time it looks more relaxed and comfortoriented than we remember it Much of this shift has to do with what wersquore wearing to achieve our dream gym bods mdash boxy baby tees flared pants and loose shorts as opposed to coordinated sports braandleggings sets in the pastel colours of the season Much of this shift can be attributed towards the growing trend of athleisure which involves designing gym gear from the perspective of wearing these pieces in everyday settings notes Mitali Ambekar ldquoPeople are prioritising versatility Activewear that can get people from the gym to postworkout hangouts are gaining in popularity Recent innovations in hightech fabrics have blurred the boundaries even furtherrdquo she explainsMitali AmbekarHealthy gainsDr Vaishali Joshi a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is more than welcoming of this trend ldquoBodyhugging and tight clothes especially during the summer are a complete nono Tight undergarments thongs pants and even tight workout wear donrsquot allow the vagina to breathe The natural creases in the genital area hold moisture longer In hot and humid conditions tight clothes can cause sweat to accumulate and linger making you more prone to skin and vaginal infections Such garments can also irritate and erode the skinrsquos creases giving rise to abrasive dermatitisrdquo she saysRelaxed fits can help you stay cool Representation PicistockldquoI always tell my patients that what you wear to the gym matters just as much as what you do there In summer looser workout clothes can really make a differencerdquo agrees Dr Niketa Sonavane a dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics ldquoLoose clothes ensure better air flow which keeps your skin cooler You also feel more relaxed and confident which means you are more likely to stick to your workout routinerdquo she says From your skinrsquos perspective wearing breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisturewicking materials such as bamboo blends or technical fabrics made for activewear are optimal for the summer months As Dr Sonavane points out switching to breathable fabrics and looser fits can even reduce body acne She cautions against synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester that trap sweat and create a warm moist environment thatrsquos perfect for bacteria and fungi to grow resulting in acne boils and fungal patchesDr Niketa Sonavane and Dr Vaishali JoshiStyle and substanceWhile looser clothing can feel more breathable it may not always be the best choice for workouts cautions Jeff Bathija personal coach at Midlife Lifting Club ldquoLoose clothing can sometimes get in the way during workouts especially for weight training or highintensity movements Wellfitted sweatwicking athletic wear allows for better movement and keeps sweat off your skin while compression clothing can help with sweat evaporation and cooling making it a good option even in summer My personal preference is a mix of loose balanced and tighter fitting clothing depending on my workoutrdquo he sharesJeff Bathija in white works out in athletic wear right pair snug sportswear with relaxed joggers Pics CourtesyJeff Bathija PinterestJust because your activewear prioritises comfort doesnrsquot mean it cannot be chic assures Ambekar ldquoAs a rule of thumb pair oversized items with more fitted pieces For instance relaxed joggers are best complemented by a snug sports bra while formfitting leggings matched with an oversized tshirt create a silhouette thatrsquos effortlessly chic You could also swap your regular leggings for highwaisted flared pants or palazzos Invest in versatile pieces such as tops with inbuilt support and baggy joggers and layer your sports bras and gym tees lightweight outerwear such as cropped hoodies bomber jackets and sweatshirts for a streetwearinspired viberdquo she suggests To elevate your ensemble up your accessories game with sleek sneakers minimalist caps and stylish gym bags Monochromatic and neutral colour schemes make your look more refined and cohesive Choose muted and earthy tones such as beige sage green terracotta and coffee she signs off