It's hard to look glamorous when you're working out, which explains why many women prefer to don slouchy tees and well-worn sweats instead. Who can blame them when the options have been so limited up to now? Few athletic brands provide workable yet stylish sports gear.
Luckily for fashionistas, times are changing, with big names such as Puma and adidas enlisting the help of top designers to create sleek yet usable items that wouldn't look out of place on the pages of Vogue.
'As people in Hong Kong become increasingly concerned about their health and fitness, coupled with the popularity and lifestyle appeal of sports clothing, demand for stylish sportswear that is both functional and fashionable is on the rise,' says Adrian Siu Ka-lok, general manager of adidas Hong Kong.
Tom Gartside, designer and owner of new yoga label Carrot, Banana & Peach, agrees. 'Whether you are on the field or indoors, let's face it, you are on display. You are 'performing' and, as such, you want to have the confidence that what you are wearing suits your figure and personality,' he says.
When it comes to shopping for workout clothes, experts say the functionality of the piece should still be the top priority.
'Customers should always understand the nature of the sport and what is required before shopping for athletic wear. They should bear in mind that comfort and breathable fabrics are necessities in any sport. Other elements of style, such as design and colour, are more personal preferences and come after,' says Michell Lam Wai-yiu, regional retail manager of Pure.