\u201cI know it\u2019s a goodie if my boyfriend says, \u2018You look like you\u2019re going hiking but also to a wine bar\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
I can always spot the Pilates girlies from a mile away. Whether it\u2019s on the tram or speed-walking to class, most of us opt for the same uniform: leggings, a matching sports top, and a drink bottle, keys and phone all somehow super-gripped<\/a> in one hand.<\/p>\n For as long as I can remember, leggings have reigned supreme when it comes to exercise. And not for no reason \u2013 they\u2019re comfortable, versatile and built to withstand all kinds of lunges and reformer Pilates contortions. But where\u2019s the creativity?<\/p>\n Kickstart your wellness journey over at our\u00a0Health<\/a>\u00a0section.<\/p>\n Sure, for some people, waking up and mindlessly slipping on an exercise uniform of Lycra is exactly what\u2019s needed. If you\u2019re the type who favours high-intensity cardio, then sweat-wicking activewear could be the way to go. For others, the idea of having to always wear body-hugging exercise clothes is nightmarish. Thankfully, there is no set uniform when it comes to working out. There\u2019s no one stopping you from donning an oversized T-shirt or a flowy, cotton blouse if that\u2019s what makes you feel the best.<\/p>\n None of this had actually occurred to me, though, until I came across Georgia Lucy\u2019s videos on TikTok<\/a>. A physiotherapist and teacher at Good Times Pilates<\/a> in Fitzroy, Georgia\u2019s series, \u2018wearing anything but Lycra to teach Pilates\u2019, made me completely rethink what I thought was possible to wear for my weekly reformer class.<\/p>\n @georgialucyc<\/a> Trying not to flash clients in my big baggy shorts was a challenge today \ud83d\ude43 Shorts @DISSH Jumper @Uniqlo Australia Shoes @WoodchuckSato Studio @Good Times Pilates #ootd<\/a> #getdressedwithme<\/a> #pilates<\/a> #reformerpilates<\/a> #autumnfashion<\/a> \u266c SOINLOVEWITHUUUUU!!!!! \u2013 9th Wonder<\/a><\/p>\n Comfort is key<\/p>\n \u201cI am all about comfort, in all aspects of my life \u2013 in what I wear and how I move, \u201d Georgia tells me. \u201cI\u2019ve always loved clothes but found that my work stereotypically led me to only wear form-fitting activewear and I was missing out on wearing other pieces. Sometimes as a bloated girlie, I just want to wear a pair of baggy pants!\u201d<\/p>\n When it comes to choosing non-active workout wear, Georgia says it\u2019s about listening to your body. \u201cThat goes for the way you move, the way you advocate for yourself and your needs, and the way you dress. Our bodies are all different and incredible in their own ways and being true to yourself and comfortable, whatever that means to you, is the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n @georgialucyc<\/a> The temptation to wear leggings is building, but my clothes are thanking me for showing them the world \ud83e\udd2a Studio @Good Times Pilates #ootd<\/a> #casualoutfits<\/a> #getdressedwithme<\/a> #outfit<\/a> #outfitinspo<\/a> #pilates<\/a> \u266c Back To One \u2013 Peggy Gou<\/a><\/p>\n Non-leggings workout essentials<\/p>\n Though exercise clothes typically come in a matching set, Georgia says you can just as easily lean into the mismatched nature of your existing wardrobe. \u201cThink track pants with a blouse and flip flops, or structured pants with a baby T-shirt,\u201d she tells me. Above all, she\u2019s big on oversized pieces for comfort and movement.<\/p>\n In terms of individual items, Georgia says she most frequently finds herself reaching for a pair of wide-leg trackpants<\/a>, slouchy cotton pants in a fun colour, a T-shirt, an oversized button-up shirt (worn open or done up), and a pair of shorts \u2013 mini or Bermuda. And let\u2019s not forget a comfortable bra.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s a goodie if my boyfriend says, \u2018You look like you\u2019re going hiking but also to a wine bar\u2026 I\u2019m confused\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Fabrics and materials<\/p>\n Whether you prefer a cardio workout or something slow and stretchy, it\u2019s also worth keeping an eye out for lightweight and breathable materials. Synthetic fabrics<\/a> are designed to trap moisture and sweat most effectively but they\u2019ll also need washing more often. Cotton, on the other hand, is usually able to be worn two to three times before washing.<\/p>\n \u201cI try to mostly only buy and wear natural fibres,\u201d Georgia adds. \u201cI find they\u2019re the most comfortable and breathable when moving and teaching. I love cotton poplin, linen and wool but I\u2019ll sacrifice on this for my Adidas track pants! They\u2019re also a staple, regardless.\u201d<\/p>\n @georgialucyc<\/a> This puppy is the ultimate thief atm Pants in high rotation\/multiple colours @adidas Top @deijistudios #ootd<\/a> #getdressedwithme<\/a> #casualoutfits<\/a> #adidas<\/a> #puppy<\/a> \u266c Monky Disco \u2013 Babe Rainbow<\/a><\/p>\n The best Australian labels to look to<\/p>\n Georgia\u2019s favourite labels of choice are Australian brands, Deiji Studios<\/a> and Nagnata. \u201cIf I could have my wardrobe be full of two labels, it would be them.\u201d<\/p>\n She also gravitates towards My Mum Made It<\/a> for fun blouses and Laneway the Label<\/a> for other lightweight pieces. \u201cI\u2019m also always searching second-hand stores for big button-down shirts,\u201d Georgia says.<\/p>\n If you still want to incorporate some activewear into your workout wardrobe, Georgia points towards Pinky and Kamal<\/a> for its range of natural fibre workout clothes, flowy pants and loose tops.<\/p>\n A dream Pilates outfit (sans Lycra)<\/p>\n \u201cNagnata<\/a> or Adidas track pants, a Nagnata woollen bodysuit and a cotton Deiji over-shirt,\u201d Georgia says.<\/p>\n For more on the shift away from leggings and activewear, try this<\/a>.<\/p>\n