Lorna Jane Clarkson reveals the activewear you should wear for every sport 

When looking to invest in activewear, the sheer volume of tank tops, sports bras, leggings and shorts on sale can be confusing.

But did you know that there are in fact specific items best suited to certain sports, and pieces of clothing that don’t in fact work with others?

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, activewear queen, Lorna Jane Clarkson, shared the different pieces of activewear you should wear for each sport – whether that’s yoga, HIIT, weight lifting or running.

The founder and CEO of Lorna Jane also shared the leggings type she would never wear.

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, activewear queen, Lorna Jane Clarkson (pictured), shared the different pieces of activewear you should wear for each sport

When it comes to weightlifting (pictured), opaque fabrics are what you need to seek out in your leggings, as well as a supportive sports bra that allows you to move

When it comes to weightlifting (pictured), opaque fabrics are what you need to seek out in your leggings, as well as a supportive sports bra that allows you to move

The most important thing to think about with yoga gear is that while you might want something free flowing and natural, you don't want anything that will ride up 

The most important thing to think about with yoga gear is that while you might want something free flowing and natural, you don’t want anything that will ride up 

YOGA

Which activewear for which sport? 

* YOGA: Tops that are loose but can be tied up for practising yoga, breathable fabrics and printed tights.

* RUNNING: Maximum supports sports bra with adjustable straps, a close-fitting, lightweight tank and running shorts that open at the bottom.

* HIIT: Lightweight tank top, a supportive sports bra and tights that are quick-drying and moisture-wicking.

* WEIGHT LIFTING: Tights that stay opaque when deadlifting and squatting, supportive sports bra and with good coverage.

Source: Lorna Jane Clarkson 

For Lorna, the most important thing to think about when contemplating buying yoga gear is that while you might want something free flowing and natural feeling, you don’t want anything that will rise up when you’re doing the Downward dog.

‘Don’t buy a loose top unless you want it up in your face when you’re working through your flow,’ she told FEMAIL.

‘I favour those tops that come loose at the bottom but which you can tie up when you’re practising yoga. That way, you get the comfort and the feeling of being able to flow effortlessly, while still having something that fits well.’

When it comes to material, the activewear entrepreneur favours breathable fabrics ‘that wick moisture and sit close to your body’.

‘You want bras and tights with minimal seams and in fabrics that feel light while still offering support,’ she said.

'I favour those tops that come loose at the bottom but which you can tie up when you're practising yoga,' Lorna Jane told FEMAIL (pictured)

‘I favour those tops that come loose at the bottom but which you can tie up when you’re practising yoga,’ Lorna Jane told FEMAIL (pictured)

'For running and HIIT, it's all about support, so you need a maximum support sports bra with adjustable straps to customise your fit and support level,' Lorna said (pictured)

‘For running and HIIT, it’s all about support, so you need a maximum support sports bra with adjustable straps to customise your fit and support level,’ Lorna said (pictured)

RUNNING

The activewear CEO (pictured) also favours shorts over tights for running, which helps with breathability

The activewear CEO (pictured) also favours shorts over tights for running, which helps with breathability

More people than ever pound the pavements and the parks in search of a new running personal best time.

But what should you wear to ensure the best performance?

‘For running and HIIT, it’s all about support, so you need a maximum support sports bra with adjustable straps to customise your fit and support level,’ Lorna said.

On top of your supportive sports bra, you’ll want a tank top that’s ‘close-fitting, lightweight and easy to move in’.

‘You will also need bottoms that give you as much freedom to move as possible. Running shorts with openings at the side for maximum stride and pockets for any tech, keys or cash,’ Lorna said.

Sweat-wicking fabrics are good to look out for, as they will stop you from getting too hot and sweaty.

A sports bra (pictured) from Lorna Jane sells roughly every 60 seconds across the globe

Lorna said that a tight-fitting lightweight tank top (pictured) is perfect for HIIT

A sports bra (left) from Lorna Jane sells roughly every 60 seconds across the globe – Lorna said that a tight-fitting lightweight tank top (right) is perfect for HIIT

HIIT

While running and HIIT – or high intensity – sessions are much and the same, insofar as you will still need a tight-fitting top and supportive bra, Lorna said she favours tights over shorts for this sport.

‘You’ll likely be doing activities like burpees, squats, ab roll outs and more, so wearing tights is likely to be more discreet,’ she explained.

The 53-year-old said again, you should look for fabrics that are ‘quick drying, moisture wicking, breathable and have maximum stretch and recovery’.

Lorna said that a mammoth 1,100 pairs of leggings or tights are sold every day in Australia:

‘Our tights have to be tried on to fully appreciate the level of support,’ she said. ‘You feel as though you’ve gone down a dress size when you’re in them.’

Meanwhile, a sports bra from the brand is sold roughly every 60 seconds across the globe. 

'Weight training calls for ultimate support in your activewear, and for fabrics that stay opaque when deadlifting and squatting,' Lorna said (pictured)

She also recommends a chic cover up (pictured)

‘Weight training calls for ultimate support in your activewear, and for fabrics that stay opaque when deadlifting and squatting,’ Lorna said (left) – she also recommends a chic cover up (right)

WEIGHT LIFTING

If your sport of choice is lifting weights, then again the main requirement is support.

‘Weight training calls for ultimate support in your activewear, and for fabrics that stay opaque when deadlifting and squatting,’ Lorna said.

In this regard, she recommends the brand’s ‘Nothing 2 C Here’ fabric, where the tights allow ‘you to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you’re always fully covered’.

‘Bras need good coverage and support, so that you can bend and move without having to adjust yourself between sets,’ she added. 

Finally, the activewear CEO (pictured) shared the type of leggings she will never personally wear - cropped tights; this is because, she said, they make her petite frame look shorter

Finally, the activewear CEO (pictured) shared the type of leggings she will never personally wear – cropped tights; this is because, she said, they make her petite frame look shorter

WHAT ABOUT THE ONE TIGHT TYPE LORNA WILL NEVER WEAR?

Finally, the activewear CEO shared with FEMAIL the type of leggings she will never personally wear.

‘It has to be the cropped tights that fall just below the knee,’ she laughed.

‘As a petite woman, they just don’t suit me and I always say that with activewear, you have to invest in pieces that make you look good.’

Lorna concluded by saying that sometimes it’s worth paying a little bit more, especially for something like a ‘printed tight – which can stretch in all the wrong ways if you buy too cheaply’.

‘We design 70-100 new styles per month, and a lot of that is down to the fact that we sell so many bras and tights,’ Lorna concluded.

‘We pay a lot of attention to detail on the fit and support of our bras, and recognise that women are different and so design for different body shapes and bust sizes.’

To find out more about Lorna Jane, please visit the website here



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