Life

Fashion: The coolest kit for working-out during a heatwave

When the mercury climbs, it's time to switch up your activewear, writes Katie Wright.

Carrot Banana Peach Violet Banana Flow Tank, £19; Banana Power Shorts, £18 (were £36) available from Carrot Banana Peach
Carrot Banana Peach Violet Banana Flow Tank, £19; Banana Power Shorts, £18 (were £36) available from Carrot Banana Peach Carrot Banana Peach Violet Banana Flow Tank, £19; Banana Power Shorts, £18 (were £36) available from Carrot Banana Peach

WE GET it. It's hot outside. And probably inside, too, if you're living in an non-air conditioned hell like like many of us. A heatwave can make you want to ditch all of your plans in favour of mainlining ice lollies in the park, but just because it's feeling tropical doesn't mean you should let your exercise regime go out the window.

You will have to make a few changes to your usual routine, of course.

You might want to swap your regular running route for a few miles on the treadmill, for example, to take advantage of the climate controlled paradise that is the gym.

And you'll want to switch up your gym kit, too, in favour of some summer-friendly gear that offers the support you need without being restrictive, so you don't end up an overheated mess.

To that end, here we've rounded up the best sportswear options for heatwave workouts...

:: A BREATHABLE BRA

A sports bra in a breathable but supportive fabric is a good start – look for summery strappy styles or cut-out details that let your body-heat escape (and, let's face it, make you look cool too).

Evveervital Breathe Sports Bra – Teal, £50; Hops Leggings, £68

Perff Studio Utmost Sports Bra, £75

Freya Force Crop Top Soft Cup Sports Bra, £38, Figleaves

Freya Force Crop Top Soft Cup Sports Bra, £38, available from Figleaves
Freya Force Crop Top Soft Cup Sports Bra, £38, available from Figleaves Freya Force Crop Top Soft Cup Sports Bra, £38, available from Figleaves

Shape Seamless Ultra Sports Bra Red, £28, MyProtein

Shape Seamless Ultra Sports Bra Red, £28, available from MyProtein.
Shape Seamless Ultra Sports Bra Red, £28, available from MyProtein. Shape Seamless Ultra Sports Bra Red, £28, available from MyProtein.

:: ALL TIED UP

There's a trend this season for tie-up tops that are as practical as they are stylish. With split hems, these loose long vests give you coverage when you want it but can be knotted into a crop top when you're feeling the heat (and you won't risk stretching the fabric out).

Swap the Lycra for natural fabrics that wick away moisture. Cotton is ideal, and you can now get sportswear in super-soft and stretchy textiles derived from plants like bamboo and banana.

Lorna Jane Function Open Back Active Tank, £48; Lift Up Sports Bra, £53; Cammo Comfort Run Shorts, £55

Wolf & Whistle Cotton Knot Front Vest Blue Curve, £20; High Waist Panelled Leggings Snake Curve, £40

Heroine Sport Slink Top, £60, Fashercise

Carrot Banana Peach Violet Banana Flow Tank, reduced to £19 from £42; Banana Power Shorts, reduced to £18 from £36

:: ALL ABOUT THE SHORT-SHORTS

Side-split running shorts are your best bet for avoiding sweaty legs, because they come in super-lightweight fabric with an inner brief so you still feel covered up.

Too hot in leggings but not ready to bust out the short-shorts? Bike shorts are a cool compromise, and they're the year's trendiest style.

Good American Heathered Forest Barely There Bra, £60; The Dual Life Boy Short, £75, Fashercise

Evveervital Neon Mint Bike Shorts, £48

Asics Black Silver Split Shorts, £22

Asics Black Silver Split Shorts, £22, available from Asics
Asics Black Silver Split Shorts, £22, available from Asics Asics Black Silver Split Shorts, £22, available from Asics

:: COOL KICKS

Finally, nobody wants to be plodding around in heavy trainers, so make sure you're light on you're feet with a pair of bouncy running shoes in a breathable knitted fabric.

Adidas Pulseboost HD Shoes, £119.95

Adidas Pulseboost HD Shoes, £119.95, available from Adidas
Adidas Pulseboost HD Shoes, £119.95, available from Adidas Adidas Pulseboost HD Shoes, £119.95, available from Adidas

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, £129.95

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, £129.95, available from Nike
Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, £129.95, available from Nike Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, £129.95, available from Nike

Asics Gel-Nimbus 21, £155

Asics Gel-Nimbus 21, £155, available from Asics
Asics Gel-Nimbus 21, £155, available from Asics Asics Gel-Nimbus 21, £155, available from Asics