Which celebrity athleisure line is right for you?
It seems every celebrity who is any celebrity has an athleisure line these days — or at least a sports shoe collaboration. So, how's a consumer to choose? Should you base your legging purchases on your celebrity crush or your workout goals? Does walking to brunch count as a workout goal? (Yes, we vote it does. Walking seven blocks is basically half a mimosa.)
This handy guide will help identify which hot celeb lifestyle brand both speaks to you and meets your level of athletic prowess.
Ivy Park by Beyoncé
Overview: The newcomer to the bunch strikes a balance between chic minimalism and heavy-duty functionality. Designed with the female form in mind, the logo-emblazoned collection boasts advanced fabrics that serve to enhance curves and provide additional support to avoid reverb while exercising — all while remaining breathable. Though be warned, you may have to go up a size because that added support means things are pretty, pretty tight.
Who it is best suited for: Gym rats who love to sweat and get their life to Survivor, and who can appreciate added support for their added cushion (hello, underlining).
Staple pieces:
Low-rise biker shorts
Reminder: All Ivy Park offerings — including these biker shorts — were tested by the Queen Bey herself, so we’re pretty sure these shorts are ready for any and all jelly.
Logo crew neck sweatshirt
For those who may feel a bit modest about their progress — or intend to work out through the winter (people do that?) — this breathable crew neck is the perfect way to layer your workout gear.
High-rise leggings
They're tighter than your average pair, all the better to keep everything in its proper place during hip hop barre or whatever the featured Class Pass activity is this month.
Fenty Puma by Rihanna
Overview: An amalgam of inspiration, RiRi's line takes cues from Japanese street culture as well as gothic fashion. The monochromatic collection also plays with traditional male and female silhouettes, a plus for fashionisto/as who don’t let restrictive gender norms curtail their style.
Best suited for: Card-carrying Navy members who understand that no price is too great for Rihanna. And could-be models who want to look active while posing by the pool or flexing their Instagram skills in the locker room.
Staple pieces: While the full collection will not be available until September 2016, here are the two must-have shoes from the line.
Fenty Puma slides
Because if you can’t flex in your fluffy slides, where can you flex?
The Trainer by Fenty
Let’s be real: No one is working out in these beautiful shoes. These are meant to loved, cherished and preserved… on the ‘gram, that is.
Fabletics by Kate Hudson
Overview: Love or hate their aggressive business model (becoming a member means being charged every month unless you remember to skip), the bright colors and cute prints provide a little extra motivation to make it to spin. And to Chopt for a post-workout salad to be consumed outside where your crush or boyfriend's friends may or may not walk by and see how casually in shape you are.
Best suited for: Yogis who believe their chi is only as strong as their outfit.
Staple pieces:
Salar, Clover and Zipper leggings
Loud prints are the highlight for those who don't care if people stare during Vinyasa. And they're fairly thick, so no need to worry about Lululemon-style see-through issues.
Aviana and Neema tops (also pictured above)
Because why buy a cute sports bra if you can't show it off a little?
Swimsuits
Not exactly water aerobics-friendly, but a great way to flaunt that hard-won shape.
Calia by Carrie Underwood
Overview: Underwood's wicking fabrics, floral patterns and thoughtfully-placed pockets aren't the edgiest, but that's not what you'd want from the Southern belle. Instead, they're classic, feminine clothes ready to be worn with coffee, hours before engaging in any sort of exercise. Calia is a good choice for curvy exercisers (it has extended sizes), but doesn't always fit the small-chested.
Best suited for: The girl-next-door type you see jogging around your neighborhood. She's probably wearing a braid.
Staple pieces:
Printed tight fit capris
With a zipper for keys, a thick waistband and plenty of compression, these snug leggings aren't going anywhere while its wearer runs for miles. As for the print? There's something about a big floral design that makes quads and calves look more toned -- we'll let you decide if that's something you're going for.
Wrap neck sweater
So soft! For wearing after a workout when you kind of want to wear a blanket, but also want to look cute.
High-neck swimsuit
Calia now sells swimsuits, including a few with this mesh, high-neck design. Flattering and functional: It has built-in cups.
Jules by Julianne Hough for MPG
Overview: This is the ultimate "cool girl" line of athletic wear. There are oversized cardigans as well as booty shorts, baggy capris and stylish bra tops. Hough mixes the sexy and the tomboy in her ready-to-wear-to-the-dance-studio line that came out this year.
Best suited for: Workout enthusiasts who are proud to show off toned glutes and abs at dance class or the boxing gym. (Basically, Julianne Hough.)
Keyhole bra (pictured above)
Feeling confident about your hot bod? Here's one way to show it.
Hot shorts
Sometimes, clothing can get in the way of your hot yoga class or Dancing With the Stars rehearsal. Moisture-wicking booty shorts have enough coverage for an immodest athlete who needs full range of motion.
Hooded tank
Studios should provide this thin, breathable top when you sign up for a hip-hop class.