By: Natasha Archary
Blame Kim Kardashian for normalising using workout attire everywhere. The reality star and businesswoman even created her own line of comfortable shapewear and athleisure attire.
Sparking a global trend of women rocking tights and leggings just about everywhere.
Whether or not its appropriate to use workout wear outside the gym is a matter of personal preference and comfortability.
The question divided the Kaya Drive team, leaving Sizwe outnumbered, as the ladies all ruled there’s nothing wrong with it.
However, to Sizwe’s point about appropriate office wear, there are some professions where gym clothing would be deemed inappropriate.
While there are certain professions that are strict with their dress codes for both men and women, other office spaces are a lot more laid-back and a casual look would be perfectly fine.
But it’s not just women who are using their workout gear outside the gym, men also wear sweatpants and gym gear when they’re not working out.
Women do however, own more workout attire than men, according to research out of the UK, which reveals half of British women opt for gym clothes for every day use.
Is it acceptable to wear yoga pants all day long?
Again, it’s a matter of preference, and what is commonly deemed acceptable according to societal standards based on venue and occasion.
If, however, it’s expert advice you’re looking for, the fashion gurus at Vogue outline 5 golden rules for kitting out in sports wear.
- Make sure the look is a current trend
- Pick pieces that mix functionality with fashion
- Keep accessories to a minimum and try to keep all brands streamlined per look
- Stick to neutral colours
- Dress for the occasion
Cropped gym tops may give your workout look a chic boost, but it’s definitely not considered appropriate office wear. Walking into places of business such as banks, a restaurant or even a morning school run with a midriff bearing crop top and yoga pants is frowned upon.
Dressing up your sporty look with heels or a blazer does take the outfit from sweaty gym bunny to casual chic.
The common misconception with gym wear is that people who wear it are straight from a workout and haven’t showered. But, as Mpho Maboi pointed out, people can wake up, shower in the morning and put on some yoga pants and decide this is the outfit they’re showing up in for the day.
Comfort or not, it’s not a trend Sizwe Dhlomo supports, but neither are suits and sneakers.
Also read: Girl Code: The unofficial rules of female friendships
