Sportswear seems to be the overarching dress code of campus. It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading up to campus for your weekly sports practice or just looking for some comfy shoes to attempt the endurance test that is Forum Hill, campus is teeming with leggings, trainers and stash. If you’re looking to become a part of this trend but don’t know where to start, hopefully this guide can direct you to the comfiest, most stylish sportswear that doesn’t cost the best part of your student loan.
Primark
I thought I should start with Primark sportswear, ranging from £3-£12. Some people swear by it, always managing to find clothes worthy of triple the price, while others claim they can’t wash anything without it shrinking to half its size. When it comes to their sportswear, I have found that simplicity is best. While their range of sports bras appears flimsy and unsupportive, Primark have to be recognised for their fantastic range of gym leggings. Comfortable and durable, I bought a pair over 2 years ago now and they are my favourite pair – I even ran a half-marathon in them! Their sportswear range is colourful and attractive, despite being slightly tacky and, though you wouldn’t want a whole outfit, it’s a great place to buy those essential infill pieces for your gym wardrobe.
Price range – £
Quality – **
Appearance – <3 <3
H&M
From my experience, H&M falls into a similar category as Primark. Though slightly more expensive, H&M have recently invested heavily in promoting their sportswear and its vibrant colours and provision of essentials is very appealing. However the material can be temperamental, not washing well at all, and the sizes can sometimes be inaccurate. A more expensive alternative to Primark.
Price – ££
Quality – *
Appearance – <3 <3
Nike
With a brand value of over $19billion, it’s no surprise that you can barely turn your head on campus without catching sight of that famous tick flashing by. It also cannot be denied that their trainers are head and shoulders above the rest on offer, both in range and in quality. But, unfortunately, their sportswear, though high quality and eye-catching, is well out of the student price range: you’re paying for the brand name. Other shops stock similar materials at a much more affordable price.
Price – £££
Quality – ***
Appearance – <3 <3 <3
Next
Next happens to be one of these shops. With most sports tops falling between £10 and £30, you can be guaranteed a good quality piece of clothing that will last you many tough gym sessions. Though their range isn’t particularly striking in colour, it is efficient and a cheaper alternative to many commercial brands.
Price – ££
Quality – ***
Appearance – <3 <3
M&S
M&S too provides a very efficient range of sportswear, particularly their sports bras. Unfortunately, despite a few attempts to revitalise the brand, their target market isn’t exactly the student sports fanatic. However, the quality of their clothing is great, intended to support and facilitate activity, and although not very visually appealing, it does the job admirably.
Price – ££
Quality – ***
Appearance – <3
New Look
Finally, New Look have gone for a different angle with their sportswear; differentiating between Yoga, Dance and Fitness, their sportswear more resembles ‘loungewear’ than anything else. Very little of it is intended for a high intensity workout, but if you’re looking to set up camp in the library for a couple of hours in comfortable gym-wear then this is the place to go. Affordable and injected with youthful pastel colours, this range is perfect for the average student.
Price – ££
Quality – **
Appearance – <3 <3 <3
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It’s critical, when desperately wading through pages and pages of sportswear on high street websites, to stop and consider your budget, alongside how efficient and attractive you need your gym wear to be. If you’re going to splash the cash, it’s worth doing on footwear and underwear, but in reality you’ll feel no less part of campus powerwalking up to the Sports Park in lycra from Primark.