Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Mack Ranked: Best Workout Pants

What: Best selections to fit all of your basic exercise pant needs. 

Why: The basic black workout pant is not just for the gym anymore.  Here are some great selections and ideas to carry your favorite pair from athletic wear to Fall wardrobe staple. 



1.  Best All Around

The Pant: Gap G Flex Pants ($54.95)















If you're in the market for a great "all around" yoga pant, these fit the bill.  They are functional, fashionable, and a figure-complimenting boot cut.  Great for the gym, running errands, and lounging, the G Flex pant easily carries you from the gym to lunch while delivering a comfortable workout and a flattering look. 

The Look:
 


Pair Gap's GFlex pants with a neutral tank and drapey sweater.  Converse shoes, a pendant necklace, and a classic tote pull this outfit together and looks effortlessly cool.  Shop this look if you have a limited budget and need a workout pant that will serve multiple purposes. 



2. Best Gym to Street

The Pant: So Sporty Eco Essence Pant ($55)














I stumbled across this brand several years ago in my local TJ Maxx.  (Unfortunately, I don't think the big box discount stores carry them any longer. I check frequently and can only seem to find them at full price online.)  The spandex fabric washes great, does not pill or fade, and drapes perfectly. 

The Look:













Mix this loose fitting pair with an oversized sweater and metallic accessorites.  Perfect if you are in the market for an ageless lounge wear addition.



3. Most Stylish Long Pant

The Pant: Lululemon Studio Pant ($98)














These pants take athletic wear to a whole new level.  They are absolutely the most stylish and figure flattering workout pant you will ever own.  Though more expenisve than other selections, this pants boasts a tummy flattening waistband, super cool ruching that runs the length of the leg, universally flattering boot cut, and I swear these pants have a built in bum that rivals Pippa's.

(I swear yours will look just like this.  In fact, I'd be willing to bet she's wearing a Studio Pant under this gown.)




The Look:













Though casual, this look can easily transition from gym to parent-teacher meeting to lunch with some gal pals.  Pair Lululemon's studio pant with a favorite tank, denim jacket, scarf, ballet sneakers, and a yummy leather satchel for the perfect casual Fall look.  These come in a myriad of color options (I LOVE these in white) and run very true to size. Pick up a pair (or two) of these if you're hunting a workout/lounge look that screams "fashionista."



4. Best Performance Tight

The Pants: Nike Filament Women's Running Capri ($48)










The Nike Filament tight is THE option for the true athlete.  Whether you're running, cycling, or lunging, this pant eliminates chafing, wicks moisture, and even offers a small zipper pocket for your car key or iPod.  I pick this pair for my most grueling workouts.


The Look:















This pant is your best bet for a head to toe athletic look.  While I reccommend investing in neutral pieces for athletic wear (like those pictured above), this is the one area of your closet where you can really have the most fun with trends and color.  If you've just gotta scratch the itch for the season's hottest trends, try pairing this look with bright bags, tees, and sneakers in colors of the moment.  Hint: Look for Nike tights and athletic appearal at TJ Maxx and Marshall's.  I have yet to pay full price for these.



5. Most Stylish Tight

The Pant: Zella "Live In" Capri ($44)















The name pretty much says it all.  These are tights you'll never want to take off.  The cropped length makes for a great choice during transitional weather and the simplicity of this style makes it super easy to pair with layering pieces for post-workout jaunts. 

The Look:
 
This style goes great with tunics and drapey sweaters.  Found online and at Nordstrom's, shop this brand if you are looking for a great basic gym piece to layer with other Fall favorites.


 
 
All images courtesy of Google Images.
For more shopping information regarding items found in these sets, visit my Polyvore page.