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10 best women’s sportswear

Whatever your sport this winter, there’s no need for tatty kit. We round up the best gear out there for anything from a sprint in the park to Pilates

Kate Hilpern

Monday 20 January 2014 20:25 GMT

Getting fit and trim is top of the agenda for many women at this time of year, particularly those who overindulged over Christmas. But whether it’s following a home-fitness DVD, working out at the local gym or braving the elements for some outdoor exercise, your starting point will be getting the right attire.

The problem is that finding a decent sports bra, good winter running tights or fitness swimsuit is often easier said than done.

So we’ve found done some digging so that you don’t have to. Ranging from Zoggs Narabeen Speedback Swimsuit to USA PRO Capri Pants, we’ve identified sportswear that will help you build strength, tone up and burn fat, whether it’s in the swimming pool, at the gym, in the fitness studio, outside or at home.

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10 best women’s sportswear

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10 best women’s sportswear

Helly Hansen W Winter Tights, £60

Good winter running tights are hard to come by. These ones from the outdoor gear specialists, which are made from slightly thicker fabric than traditional styles, are just the ticket for exercising in colder temperatures.

10 best women’s sportswear

Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports bra, £26

This company offers perfectly fitting sports bras for just about every activity you can think of, including this one which has a popular crop top design, as well as shaped, padded and adjustable straps and moisture-wicking, high performance fabric.

10 best women’s sportswear

Zoggs Narabeen Speedback Swimsuit, £32

Save your pretty swimsuits for your holiday. If you want to get fit in the pool, you’ll need something durable and practical like this Zoggs one, which isn’t too high cut and will last (they claim it can handle 600 hours in the pool). The tummy control panel is a saviour.

10 best women’s sportswear

Ron Hill Classic Beanie, £8.99

Ron Hill has become one of the leading British running brands and they’ve come up trumps with this practical, stylish and streamlined beanie. In it you’ll run out of excuses for not getting outside on chillier days.

10 best women’s sportswear

USA Pro Capri Pants, £12.50

These great value three-quarter-length leggings have a soft feel and a fit that handily flatters the natural female curves (unlike some tighter styles). There’s a back zip pocket and sweat-wicking technology to pull sweat away from the body as you work out. They’re Ideal for energetic indoor classes.

10 best women’s sportswear

Lucas Hugh Helium Tank, £60

If you want to add a touch of glamour to your athletic wear, Lucas Hugh has some great pieces. This lightweight coral vest is finished with metallic panels, reflective strips and a cut-out back. Ideal for layering.

10 best women’s sportswear

The North Face Feather-Lite Storm Blocker Jacket, £119

This ultra-lightweight, waterproof and windproof running jacket has been tested by athletes in demanding conditions. There’s an adjustable hem and hood, which is stowable for dryer days, and a reflective logo means you can still get out there in low light conditions.

10 best women’s sportswear

Striders Edge Breathe T-Shirt, £39

Striders Edge gets the balance just right when it comes to flattering and functional sportswear for women. This T-shirt is made from a luxury soft fabric that’s sweat-wicking, breathable and anti-bacterial. Idea for anything from yoga to jogging.

10 best women’s sportswear

Nike Filament capri pants, £28

For runners who prefer shorter tights, this pair from Nike are good value for the quality. They’re a snug fit that’ll stay in place while you run and have a handy back pocket that will fit a phone. We like the go-faster yellow, but if fluro’s not your thing, they also come with pink detail or plain black.

10 best women’s sportswear

Patagonia women's cloud stack hoody, £80

This zip-up fleece hoody will do nicely for anything from yoga to adding an extra layer post fitness class or gym work out. The wide elastic waist fits snugly at the hips and it has handy pockets. Definitely one you can wear away from the gym too.

Verdict:

It’s hard to beat Helly Hansen W Winter Tights for the sheer quality. They keep your legs at just the right temperature for outdoor exercise and have some handy features. The Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Bra is a brilliant fit and stops unwanted bounce, whilst Striders Edge Breathe T-Shirt is a great all-rounder top for just about every kind of exercise you can think of.

Buy now

1. Helly Hansen W Winter Tights, £60

2. Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports bra, £26

3. Zoggs Narabeen Speedback Swimsuit, £32

4. Ron Hill Classic Beanie, £8.99

5. USA Pro Capri Pants, £12.50

6. Lucas Hugh Helium Tank, £60

7. The North Face Feather-Lite Storm Blocker Jacket, £119

8. Striders Edge Breathe T-shirt, £39

9. Nike Filament capri pants, £28

10. Patagonia women's cloud stack hoody, £80