I've found the best clothing brand for running errands this summer — it can be worn in and out of the gym
'ATHLEISURE' isn't really a word that factors into my life.
There are clothes I use to exercise — usually a ratty t-shirt and gym shorts — and clothes I wear out and about.
However, I was recently sent some gear from Irish brand Gym + Coffee, and my eyes were opened to the possibility of clothes that do both.
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As you might be able to tell from the name, Gym + Coffee makes garments designed to take you from your workout to your post-gym social commitments.
They might not be smart enough to wear out to dinner, but their sleek, minimalistic design means they're certainly nice enough to wear out to brunch or to run errands.
They tick the box that I think all good gym gear should tick: they make you excited to do exercise.
Coffee Tee in Petrol Blue
Coffee Tee in Petrol Blue, £30 from Gym + Coffee
In many ways, this is just a standard, breathable workout t-shirt.
There's nothing too fancy about the material; it's 88% recycled polyester (which is a nice eco-friendly touch) and 12% elastane, which gives it a nice form-fitting stretch.
I really loved the fit of this tee; it's got just a tiny bit of extra length, which means that you won't be exposing your stomach every time you reach your arms above your head.
I also liked that it doesn't go over the top with the stretchiness — it's tight enough to be form-fitting, but loose enough that you won't look like an idiot if you decide to go for a pint after your workout.
It's also super breathable, soft to the touch and, at £30, it's not silly money.
Relentless 1/4 Zip in Petrol Blue
Relentless 1/4 Zip in Petrol Blue, £60 from Gym + Coffee
BUY HERE
This was the surprise standout for me.
It's also a nice design touch to include a raglan sleeve, which extends in one piece up to your collar, rather than stopping at the shoulder.
It gives you a bigger range of movement than an ordinary sleeve.
While that's nothing groundbreaking, it just shows an attention to detail that I appreciate.
Other neat little features include a size pocket with an invisible zip and thumb holes.
It says a lot that it's recieved nothing but five-star reviews on the Gym+Coffee site, and that's from 50+ reviews — no mean feat.
I think I echo the sentiments of this review: "Fits like a glove. Nice and tight on the arms and chest while not showing off the dad gut. Love it. Highly recommend."
Essential 6" Shorts in Petrol Blue
Essential 6" Shorts in Petrol Blue, £40 from Gym + Coffee
BUY HERE
I've always liked a shorter short, especially for working out, but it's worth mentioning that Gym + Coffee sells two versions of these shorts: a six-inch version and an eight-inch version.
Weirdly, though, if you have your heart set on Petrol Blue, you'll have to be happy to show some thigh — you can't get the colour in the eight-inch shorts.
As with the quarter zip, there's an attention to detail here I like.
They have the sort of thick waistband I usually associate with yoga pants, for example, which helps them to stay in place during high-intensity sports.
And as a person whose primary form of exercise is tennis, I appreciated that I could fit two tennis balls in the pockets.
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