ON TEST
Editor-in-chief Sarah Sellens trains without chafing, overheating or getting a wedgie, in the latest gym shorts and tops
For such simple bits of kit, good gym shorts and tops can be hard to find. I’ve got a wardrobe full of options, but I’ll only wear a select few to my gym sessions. Why? Because I don’t want my shorts riding up mid-row, or my tummy popping out while I pull down on the SkiErg. I don’t want inner thigh rub at the end of a run, or sweat patches under my arms whilst I’m doing a dead hang.
For me, gym kit and running apparel are different. For running, I’ll wear a loose short, which doesn’t work in the gym because they ‘blow up’ above my thighs when I’m rowing or box jumping – something closer fitting is required. For running, I’ll wear a baggier t-shirt, but for the gym, something cooler like a vest or tighter-fitting tee will stay put when I raise my arms overhead for upper body moves.
These two products – shorts and tops – are key to a comfortable and, therefore, effective workout, so look for those that are made from sweat-wicking, lightweight fabrics, that fit well and, crucially, boast a stretchy design which moves while you do. Not sure where to start? We’ve done some of the research for you, and here are our favourite picks.
Gymshark Fraction Tank
Testimony to how much I love this top, I’ve bought myself one in another colour (Soft Berry; I tested Lido Green). It’s just so easy to wear – long enough not to ride up, not so long it looks like you’ve nothing on when you wear short shorts. It’s loose-fitting, so not tight around the tummy and won’t shimmy up as you move. There’s no complicated moisture-wicking tech here (it’s made from soft cotton), but it whipped up every bit of sweat I produced without problem, and I’m a surprisingly sweaty girl! It fits true-to-size – I’m 5ft 3in, a size 10 and wore a Small – comes in a choice of five colours, and pretty much works for every type of gym work (cardio machines, free weights, plyometrics). The only thing worth noting is that it has dropped arms, so you’ll need to make sure you have your best sports bra on underneath!
Gymshark Fraction Shorts
If you’re like me and you love a cycling short cut for gym work, get these. My gym buddies will testify that I wear them all of the time, as they quite simply do the job. No thrills or fancy extras, they’re made from a stretchy recycled Polyester/Elastane mix and sit really nicely around the mid-thigh. They’re tight without being compressive and long without being unflattering (I’m not that tall and so a too-long length can shorten the appearance of my legs), plus have a high waist band that I find is the most comfortable should I decide to strip back to bra and shorts when I get hot. Available in Fog Purple and Black, they pretty much go with
