TREND: Sportswear

WITH the new year firmly upon us no doubt many of you have made the same resolutions I have, one of which includes getting fit and healthy. Of course there are others who will have chosen to start dieting but for me the best way to keep in shape is to get active.

And of course with a new year comes new sportswear. I don’t know why we do it but we do – we feel much better about going to the gym or beginning a new fitness class if we have nice new clothes to do it in.

This year sportswear is all about comfort, colour and style. It’s hard to look good in jogging bottoms and difficult to be individual in a sweat top, however, with a little clever injection of over-wear and colour you can look hot while you sweat.

Black, navy, white and grey – the staple colours of sportswear – aren’t dead we’re just brightening them up.For those of you who are bold and daring add a block of fuschia pink, orange or red to your outfits to give you vibrance.

If you’re more of a subtle type why not try some nice pastels such as a lime, peach and lemon.You could also try adding some funky hoodies or jackets to your sports collection for wearing to and from the gym as well as some slogan t-shirts or colourful shorts to give you a unique look.

Of course above all else the key to looking good in sportswear is the right underwear and comfort. There’s no point looking fantastic on the golf course, in your yoga class or at your local gym if you are miserable because nothing fits or it’s uncomfortable.

Treat sportswear like any other outfit and try it on, look in the mirror and feel the fabric – make sure it’s perfect before you step up to the counter.

TOP TIP – if you’re starting a big fitness regime or a new sport and you have a lot of sportswear to buy, don’t hit the high street. Head to outlet shops in Junction One (Antrim) or The Outlet (Banbridge) and bag yourself a bargain.

Reebok, Junction One – Subtle peach pink and coffee outfit from Reebok at Junction One. Layered top with braces detail on the back (£24). Running bottoms (£24), matching peach pink sweat top (£20) and trainers (£30).

Adidas Stores, Junction One – Jogging bottoms, £19.50 (were £28) orange top (£14), over vest (£14), jacket (£16, was £23). White trainers with pink detail (£27, were £55) and the finishing touch – white cap (£7).

Nike Factory Store, Junction One – Just do it electric blue running shorts (£17, were £25), lime green vest top (£12) and matching trainers with Nike DiamondFLX technology soles – (£42, were £60). Sports bag (£30) and wrist band (£4).