The Mirror’s fashion team have selected their top workout pieces for keeping fit in style
With January edging ever closer, it’s a time many of us start to set our fitness goals for the year ahead. Whether the exercise of choice is yoga and reformer pilates or running and personal training, there’s no denying having comfortable yet stylish workout gear makes incorporating exercise into a busy daily routine much easier.
From well-known sports giants such as adidas and Nike, to sought-after viral brands such as Adanola and Lululemon, there’s a whole host of retailers to shop from on the high street. With workout gear often being an investment, it can be hard to know where’s best to spend and what’s best to save on.
Our fashion writers love a whole host of workouts from mindful yoga to high-impact cardio, each with differing requirements from their sportswear. Here, we round up some of our favourite pieces with prices starting from £14.
Best workout clothes
Jess’ picks: Lululemon Align Super High-Rise Pant – from £34
There’s no denying that Lululemon’s activewear is an investment, but I have to say I’ve yet to find a pair of leggings so buttery soft. They fit me almost like a second skin yet still feel supportive and secure.
They’re available in a variety of leg lengths and colours, and my 28-inch full length ones also have a handy hidden waistband pocket to fit small essentials such as a key or coins. Designed for low-impact workouts such as yoga, I often wear mine for getting my 10k daily steps in.
One downside is that I’ve noticed after multiple wears there is slight bobbling on the inside of the legs where there’s been friction during movement, however it’s not overly obvious and could probably be removed carefully with a de-bobbler, though I’ve not yet tried this.
They have a lot of stretch so I’d say go true to size in these leggings. Some styles of the Lululemon align high-rise pants are currently on sale, meaning if wearers aren’t too fussy about their desired colour there’s now savings to be had.
One thing I can vouch for with these leggings is their durability. I’ve had mine for years and they’re still going strong without any seams coming apart, and I’ve used them for all manner of activities from yoga and pilates to running.
Nike Swoosh High Support Sports Bra – £49.99
As someone with a fuller bust, it can be tricky to find the right sports bra. One of the best I’ve personally found is Nike’s Swoosh, which I’ve got in the high support option.
There’s only really two sports bras I swear by, so the fact that this made the cut is testament to its fit. I’d say the one downside to this bra is that I think it comes up slightly small, so those with a larger cup size may wish to size up.
Again, the price of this option isn’t cheap, however it’s another buy I’ve had for a long while that’s always washed well so my cost-per-wear must be minimal at this point. It also doesn’t cling onto moisture thanks to the adaptive sweat-wicking material, making it ideal for high impact exercise.
Amazon Active FormFlex Buttery Soft High Waist Yoga Workout Leggings – from £14.16
It may come as a surprise that a brand I really rate for working out is Amazon’s own Essentials range, but I’ve had leggings and sports bras from the online marketplace and been really impressed with both. In my opinion, the sports bra is on par with Nike’s Swoosh for comfort and support, whilst the leggings also offer the same longevity and flexibility as more expensive pairs.
One thing I really rate about the Amazon range is that the price point is much more affordable than many other brands, without compromising on quality. My one downside with the leggings is that they’re slightly looser round the legs on me than some of my other pairs, but I think that could be fixed by going down a size thanks to the flexible waistband.
Adanola Sport Active Lifestyle T-shirt – £38
I love the structure of this heavyweight Adanola tee which is ideal for wearing with leggings. It does sadly cling onto sweat, meaning it’s not my preferred option for high impact exercise, however I do like it for long walks or stretching classes.
One thing I love about this Adanola tee is that it’s perfect for errand running, meaning it can easily be styled with joggers or leggings for a post-gym dash to the shops. I’d say to size up for a more oversized fit, which in my opinion looks best for off duty looks.
Eve’s picks: H&M Shorts and Sports Bra – £19.99 and £22.99
This set has become a repeat staple in my activewear rotation this year. Whether I’m heading out for a run or dropping into a Pilates class, it delivers on both style and performance. While a shorts set might not scream winter, the vibrant green hue is delightful and serves as the perfect motivator to get moving.
The cycling shorts (79% polyamide, 21% elastane) are impressively soft with excellent stretch. Most importantly, the waistband stays secure whether flowing in yoga or hitting a 10K PB. They also feature a discreet waistband pocket for keys and—crucially—a flattering fit that avoids any ‘camel-toe’ issues.
The matching sports bra offers reliable support for light-to-medium impact activities. Its longer line means it doubles as a crop top, providing extra coverage and a flattering silhouette, while the V-neckline beautifully accentuates the waist.
While the pistachio green is currently only available for the shorts, the set is still fully available in a chic warm grey. Also, as the lighter fabric isn’t 100% squat-proof, I recommend pairing them with nude underwear for seamless coverage.
TALA Black Marl
There is something undeniably motivating about a matching activewear set. And since getting my first TALA kit last year, it’s helped massively in getting me in gear to go to the gym (even on cold evenings). More specifically its Sculpt Seamless range—the bandeau sports bra and wrap waist leggings—which offers a significant confidence boost that makes tackling high-intensity workouts much more appealing.
Firstly, the Sculpt Seamless Bandeau Sports Bra, £42, is my favourite sports bra and it’s constantly in the wash for how much I wear it. With a flattering square neckline, it provides impressive support for its light-medium rating, easily handling sprints, burpees and netball matches. The material is soft, breathable, and fast-drying, preventing that sticky post-gym feeling. It features removable pads and while the back strap hooks can occasionally rub, the adjustable straps and comfortable ribbed underband provide a secure, customizable fit. My only gripe is that my deodorant clings to the material, leaving white marks when pulling it on.
The Wrap Waist Scrunch Leggings are equally impressive (my most-worn leggings this year). The wrap-front waist creates a stylish, cinched-in illusion and—crucially—doesn’t roll down during intense workouts. The marl finish is a refreshing change from standard black, and the seamless makeup is so comfortable. Most importantly, these leggings are 100% squat-proof. Despite feeling thinner than some thicker alternatives, they certainly passed the test, being put through the paces of HIIT, weights, and Pilates.
Plus, the ‘scrunch bum; detail and strategic shadowing give the glutes a very peachy, lifted look. Just remember to pull them on carefully like tights to keep the seams in top shape.
Fabletics Define Powerhold High Waisted Leggings – £69
Finding a reliable pair of leggings that offers both style and total coverage is a must for any gym regular. With the temperatures dropping, I’ve been reaching for these Fabletics Define PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings in Merlot for my gym workouts since November. Not only are they thick and comfortable on the waist and legs, their ability to handle everything from heavy squats to beach sprints without any mid-workout rolling is impressive.
The thick, smoothing waistband is super flattering on the stomach, and while the material is buttery soft, it’s sturdy enough to guarantee a squat-proof finish—saving everyone from the horror of an accidental knicker reveal. Even though the fabric is on the thicker side, it stays breathable and moisture-wicking to keep sweat patches at bay, plus the hidden waistband pockets are perfect for stashing essentials.
While they’re mostly out of stock in the merlot shade, the brand has a range of colours from white to pink to red to brown.
Fabletics Oasis Twist Medium Impact Sports Bra – £59
I’m a sucker for a matching activewear set. Having admired Fabletics from afar since I began my fitness journey over 10 years ago, I finally caved and treated myself to the Fabletics’ Oasis Twist Medium Impact Sports Bra and it was worth it. It’s unbelievably soft and looks lovely on with its unique front-twist detail. With a cut out section, it just about works on me with my C-cup chest, but for those with larger busts it may be a bit revealing.
The bra itself handles everything from spin to weightlifting like a dream, providing a gentle lift and side-boob control that keeps everything shaped and secure. The moisture-wicking fabric is a lifesaver for staying fresh post-workout too, and while the lack of adjustable straps means it’s not the best for the likes of sprints for optimum support, a quick adjustment keeps things in place. It’s a total comfort win, though higher-impact days might call for a sturdier backup.
Lauren’s pick: Lovall Everyday High Waisted Leggings – £28
As a shopping writer, I’ve tried more activewear than I can count, but after wearing Lovall’s Everyday High Waisted Leggings, I think I’ve finally found my ultimate pair for daily lunchtime walks. They’re amazingly soft and stretchy, with a fabric thick enough that there’s zero chance of my Bridget Jones knickers showing through.
The high-waisted design is the real winner for me. It’s really flattering and offers just the right amount of support, keeping everything comfortably in place so I can move without feeling self-conscious. That said, they’re not completely flawless. The brushed cotton material is a bit of a lint magnet – even sitting on my bed to put my shoes on leaves me covered in fluff. It’s a small downside, but worth noting if you like your leggings looking pristine.
I’d also suggest picking up the matching sports bra. It’s equally soft and stylish, provides great support, and pairs perfectly with the leggings.
Lucy’s picks: Tala DayFlex Wrap High Waisted Cycling Shorts – £42
At £42 for a pair of cycling shorts, Tala sportswear is definitely more of an investment but after a year worth of use and no signs of wear and tear, I would say they are 100% worth it. Available in sizes 2XS to 4XL, the DayFlex cycling shorts feel incredibly soft to the touch and create an almost seamless look.
The thick crossover waist is a really flattering feature, and for me, the shorts are the perfect length – they also don’t ride up when running, so you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting them. They have a secret pocket at the back which is useful for carrying a tissue, but as there is no zip, I don’t find it helpful to carry keys.
Gymshark Ruched Sports Bra – £28
I didn’t realise how bad my old sports bras were (or how important they are to wear when running) until I invested in the Gymshark Ruched Sports Bra. It’s £28 and it has truly transformed my training experience. The sports bra is described as ‘medium support’ but I find it is perfect for running.
It has an adjustable cross-over back strap and the ruching on the front is really flattering. Available in sizes XXS to XXL, it’s ideal for a wide range of chest sizes, but I found sizing down the best method if you want to feel extra secure. There are seven colours to choose from, including navy, black and plum, and you can remove the padding if you desire.
With other sports bras, the padding has moved around after washing which can be really annoying – but not with the Gymshark Ruched Sports Bra. I do wish it came in some brighter or pastel shades, especially for the summer months. Lulu Lemon has some lovely options such as the Medium Support.
