This week’s list of top picks includes items across several seasons, and some new-to-me brands. Some of the items earned a place in my new yoga capsule, and some were winners on my clients. Although I’m not yet shopping with clients in person, they continue to update me on their fab finds, which I can in turn pass on to you.
1. Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra
Creating a yoga capsule from scratch means I’ve fitted a lot of sports bras in the last few months. I found most of them quite uncomfortable and unflattering. Bad coverage, bad support, and far too fussy to pull on and off. I am in the minority by preferring the support of an underwire, and enjoying a hook-and-eye closure at the back — even for a sports bra. This Wacoal bra is by far the best sports bra I’ve owned because of excellent shape, coverage, support, luxe fabric, and comfort. I have two of them now, and will eventually get more. They run small in the band and roomy in the cup. I usually wear a 28D or 30D in regular bras, and a 32C in this bra fits perfectly. The straps convert to racerback. So if you like the type of sports bra that I do, try this winner. Sizes are quite inclusive.
2. Hobbs Outerwear
Hobbs is one of my favourite brands because their fits and fabrics are sharp and luxe, and the quality of their woven items is impeccable. Their coats (and jackets) are chic because of superb tailoring, trendy classic designs with a high longevity factor, gorgeous fabrics, and a reasonable colour selection. Generally their trench coats and puffers run a little roomy, but their wool coats are narrower in silhouette. It would be nice if their size assortment went beyond a US14.
3. Charter Club Linen Shirt
Sometimes it’s best to go with a good old trusty classic because it’s versatile and easy. These fluid linen shirts are excellent in very hot weather, and can top all sorts of bottoms. Wear them tucked, untucked, semi-tucked, knotted at the waist, or as a shacket over a tank. They keep you cool and covered, and look dressier than Athleisure. They might run a little big, and are well suited to wider shoulders. A client of mine who lives in Florida recently bought two in white as a clean and crisp wardrobe essential.
4. Nike Sporty Midi Skirts
Nike offers a range of super cute sporty midi skirts with a quirky, unique and futuristic integrity. They are usually made of man-made technical fabric, or natural fibre blends. They are easy to launder, look unique, and seem to sell out fast. You can combine them with fun hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, or casual chunky knitwear. Hi-top or low-top fashion and athletic sneakers are a good footwear match. Sometimes Nike collaborates with designers like Sacai for a very avant-garde collection. If this is your cup of tea, keep the brand on your radar.
5. Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga’s items are sustainably and ethically manufactured in California, and some items go up to a 3XL. I recently committed to a pair of teal Beyond Yoga High Waist Heather Rib Leggings, and a grey Lift Your Spirits Sports Bra. Both items are buttery soft and comfortable, so much so that I thought they were made of a cotton-viscose blend. Surprisingly, they are man-made technical fabrics. The bra does not give you as much of a uni-boob as other wireless bras, but the cup sizes are limited. The leggings are tight but not too constricting. There are maternity and Athleisure collections too.
6. Good Stuff in Larger Sizes
I’ve seen many of these items in person, and some are repeat styles from seasons past. The Alfani Swing Top comes in an assortment of patterns every season and is an easy item to wash, pack and wear. It can run a little roomy. The Gallery raincoats and Foxcroft shirts are beautifully made and run roomy too. Ralph Lauren can run a little narrow, and is also well made. All items have good reviews and are well worth a look.
