Time to ditch your leggings

I loathe leggings. Tapering is not my friend and never will be. Leggings or “elastic slim pants” first came into effect in the late ’50s, following the introduction of spandex by American chemist Joseph Shivers – and from their peak in the ’80s aerobics scene to the more haunting era of Jeggings (c2010), they’ve remained a wardrobe staple ever since. Leggings contribute to approximately 40 per cent of total revenue within the global athleisure market, now estimated to be worth $358bn.

But the legging landscape is slowly shifting. Brazilian Olympic skateboarder Rayssa Leal makes a strong case for cargo trousers (Nike makes a perfect woven pair). It’s all about comfort. The “movement knitwear” of Australian fashion and lifestyle brand Nagnata, founded by sister duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, is made from breathable, natural fibres and includes tracksuit bottoms, all-in bodysuits and a core line of second-skin RWS Merino Wool two-pieces suitable for high-impact exercise. Lululemon’s high-rise varsity tennis skirts have silicone grippers to prevent any unwanted ride-up. Fitness influencers are also freestyling their workout aesthetic. Here’s what they are wearing to hit the gym:

Laila Gohar 

The artist and HTSI contributing editor recently declared to her 287k Instagram followers that she “wouldn’t be caught dead in leggings”. She’s started exploring alternatives for lifting weights, which include a see-through lace romper over a sports bra and pants, and head-to-toe Simone Rocha – with pearl-embellished socks and crocs completing the look.

Tory Burch

Designer Tory Burch launched her sportswear line in 2015 as an antidote to the leggings epidemic, later noting, “Women don’t want to have rules about what they can wear and when they can wear it.” She has perfected the long-neglected “skort” and her tech twill ruffled version comes with in-built moisture-wicking technology, in colours ranging from conifer to radiant red and summer yellow that can be worn outside the gym.

Laura Bailey

Tennis enthusiast Bailey has perfected her sports wardrobe. “I love L’Etoile Sport tennis dresses especially for summer games on the road,” she says. “I’m drawn to a classic tennis style but like to mix it up with my lucky Aries No Problemo T-shirt and vintage Chanel sweatbands.”

Kate Benson

Net-A-Porter’s buying director is drawn to the ample offerings from Adidas  and London-based activewear line Varley, “whose open-knit sweaters and polo shirts pair exceptionally well with shorts.”

Kirsty Godso

Nike’s global trainer and queen of the ab-crushing “hot sauce burpee” says: “I’m all shorts over leggings. My go-to are the Nike Zenvy 8in or 5in Pro Sculpt versions.” 

Lauren Joseph

The Dorian chef and food writer is a “big fan of the commute jog, but I have no time for chafe”, she says. “I like the Lululemon high-rise Hotty Hot 4” shorts, which I wear over Wolaco bike shorts. There’s a pocket for my phone and a separate one for keys – they stay up but don’t ride up. If I’m just working out, not running, I’ll wear boys’ Umbro shorts with any bike shorts underneath – ideally white ones. After, I can lose the under layer and put on a white button-down and feel fairly pulled together.”

Sophie Rose-Harper

Described as London’s latest must-know Pilates instructor, Rose-Harper opts for gear that gives her freedom to flex. “Alex Eagle’s Joggers are perfect to move in,” she says.

Mélanie Masarin

The founder of non-alcoholic apéritif brand Ghia likes to wind down with some yoga. “I love to wear my Kyle Miller shorts. They’re less revealing than yoga or cycling shorts and don’t come up too high up even when upside down.”