The Guide: Chic Sportswear
Sportswear stopped being just ’Sportswear’, women these days run their errands in, have coffee, go out for lunch to spend their mornings in their work out clothes – it’s become some sort of trend. I tend to always get asked about the brands I wear to the gym and it always used to be about stocking up on Lululemons when traveling. These days, we are a little more spoilt with variety and decided to share a few of my favourites available here in the region…
Chic workout wear: Hautletic
One of my ultimate favourites, which starts at the top of the list is Hautletic, started off as a pop up concept in different areas and has now become a permanent space in Al Quoz. Priya, the founder curates and sells high end luxury fitness pieces. Honestly speaking, I can’t think of any other fitness boutique as chic as Hautletic. My personal favourites include Michi– A Canadian sportswear brand – very easy to work out in, incredibly flattering (love the sheer mesh panels they add to their pieces!) and Splits59, an American brand that is in most boutique fitness studios, Splits59 comes on like a glove (I struggle with finding yoga pants that look flattering, and they really do have some great pants.)
The Luxury brand: Lucas Hugh
Of course… if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury fitness brand, it’s really none other than Lucas Hugh, designed by Anjhe Mules, who is a runner and knows the importance of good sport clothes as well as still looking good.Some of the items are a little difficult to get into, but the ones I own are incredibly comfortable and work perfectly for pilates.
Local E-commerce: thehotboxkit.com
If you’re someone that doesn’t like to shop online internationally, here’s a recommendation. A Dubai based fitness e-commerce store by Hannah Swales featuring affordable and stylish workout brands from around the world – available to women around the gulf. A personal favourite brand is Australian workout range (that most celebrities have been raving about), Vie Active – it works great for pole dancing too!
Flattering options: Spanx Active
If you’re looking for a flattering option, Spanx have some great ones that cover all those body bumps, look exactly like your typical yoga pants, yet slightly thicker and harder to get to – but nonetheless, look great on. They work great for a workout, as well as running errands with. Sara Blakely, Spanx’s founder created the power pants made out of Slim-X compression fabric to work on making the tummy, hips and legs look good. They make them in different styles from capris to flares! Available at K-Lynn stores.
International e-commerce: Carbon38
My favourite e-commerce store for luxury fitness wear would have to be carbon38.com. Started by two ladies – one who used to work at YSL and Intermix, and the other, a ballet dancer and a physique57 instructor. The sleek website ships internationally and stock cult fitness brands from Alala, Michi to Monreal.
Jumeirah Find: yApparel boutique
If you’re looking for a store in the city and prefer to try everything on, check out yApparel boutique in Jumeirah Centre on Beach Road, owned by a lovely woman, Dina Ghandour. She sells a range of gorgeous brands with choices for everyone as well as some fab flattering bright pants! Definitely worth checking out for high-quality yoga, pilates and fitness apparels (the store has quite a yogi following!) You can even buy your accessories like mats, straps and bags. If you’re interested in environmentally friendly items, they sell YOGASMOGA (who don’t use any formaldehyde based dyes) or Wellicious, who use organic grown cotton.