10 Chic Athleisure Buys To Up Your Game

Shop these hard-working buys from Alo, Marks & Spencer, Penneys and Lululemon …

If the topic of the moment is how to look stylish in gym clothes then it begs the question, what does a model-cum-pilates instructor wear to work out? When model Thalia Heffernan isn’t shooting editorials or working the runway at THE GLOSS Gala, she’s a Pilates and barre instructor (find her at the newly-opened The Barre in Dún Laoghaire @thebarre.ie): we pick her brain on fashion and function.

“Of all the brands, Alo really nails the stylish element of activewear for me,” Heffernan says. “The outerwear is second to none; suitable for the gym, work and even an evening out. I love the sets, too, and I live in the tracksuits,” Heffernan says. As for dependable buys, Heffernan rates Lululemon. “The fit is consistently good and they wash so well,” she says. Try Irish brand Vanquish for gym gear, which she wears for weight-lifting, and Women’s Best for considered one-pieces.

But what about that awkward transition from studio to car, or public transport? Heffernan advises on the best way to integrate activewear into your off-duty style. “Pair your athleisure set with an oversized blazer and a cap. It’s such an easy way to elevate leggings, while also keeping things casual,” she says. It’s all about the details, too. “I spend so much time in my gym gear – between training, teaching and being on set – that I’ve had to get creative. A cool colour-way in a sock really adds a new dimension to an outfit. My favourite socks are by Form School Apparel; I wear the grip socks every day,” she says.

Seeking wellness: Tekla.

Of course, it’s not solely about hitting the gym. The thoughtfully-designed Habit-Stacking Stay at The Ice House, Co Mayo, gives the nudge you need to foster a healthier routine. The wellness escape offers cold plunges, journalling with The Head Plan and even magnesium mocktails (from €410 per room). In Dublin’s Docklands, The Hot Box Sauna opened its flagship location at Bolands Mills and offers guided breath-work sessions. To ensure you have the right kit, we recommend the latest collection from Copenhagen brand Tekla; the terrycloth robes and towels, made from organic cotton, nod to the traditional Nordic ritual of sauna and are all about embracing the joy of winter.