When trend spotters say: leggings are the new denim, we just smile because we’ve known this since, well, forever…
Thanks to this dedicated approach, we’re always on the hunt for a good pair. You know the ones: killer design, snug fit, fabric that moves but doesn’t slip, a print that is never see-through, legs that are long enough, a waist that is high enough and a price tag that doesn’t put us straight into debt. Enter a handful of local labels onto the scene. And best of all, they’re available to buy online…
Chloe & Jane
When the creative brains behind Chloe & Jane couldn’t find the same cooler-than-cool leggings that inspired them to get their sweat on when they were living overseas, they started their own active wear label… All of their leggings are made of the silkiest, most slippery poly lycra and if you’re unafraid of a wild print, these are your go-to gals… Our best bets? The bright pink leopard print; the strawberries and cream; the blue Polynesian and Aztec prints. And that’s just for starters. If you prefer shorts – the CJ shorts are a brilliant length, sitting mid-thigh so neither a hot pant nor a cycle short! Shorts are R350; leggings are R420; chloejaneboutique.
Mermaids & Unicorns
Honestly, with a name like Mermaids & Unicorns (tagline: Swim with mermaids. Ride a unicorn. Spandex forever) need we say more? This Durbs-based active wear label designs seriously cool, ethereal (in the most unethereal way imaginable) prints. Expect turquoise-infused scaled Aegir Mermaid leggings – their best seller – Mermaid Coral leggings with a scattering of shells and our favourite, the Geo Unicorn Twilight… A celestial star-gazer of a midnight blue pair of soft, body-skimming Spandex that will garner you more compliments than your favourite LBD. Leggings are R350; mermaids-unicorns.
Move Pretty
You’d better believe that Olympian triathlete Mari Rabie knows a thing or two about athleisure. She teamed up with her friend and fashion designer, Annelize Kotze to create Movepretty, a Stellenbosch-based label that is as comfortable and flexible to move in, as it is pretty to look at… Smart, right? Tapping into the big prints trends of the season ahead, you’ll find leggings peppered with pineapples (so hot right now!) and moody florals – beautiful, bold florals against dark backgrounds. Leggings are R550; movepretty.
Fifth Element
Born from ex-dancer Christa Calitz’s newfound passion for exercise on the back of years-long rehabilitation after an accident, Fifth Element caters to kids, men and women with high-performance gear that marries pretty prints with silky fabrics you’ll want to move in. Her water range also doubles as surf-ready gear, and the whole range spans geometric, 80’s pop prints to moody tropical greens. Leggings start at R350; myfifthelement.co.za.
SpiritGirl
Namaslay, beauties: these tights are superstars in their own right. Each pair is made from recycled plastic bottles, right here on our sunny shores. They’re also UV-protected so you’re free to roam the ocean or mountain and the bright prints won’t fade. As to the actuall look and feel, silky slip-ons are adorned with sparkly pink prints or scaly blue fish patterned. Plus, proceeds from selected ranges is donated to GreenPop and I Am Water Foundation respectively. Leggings are R950; spiritgirl.co.za.
Esjay Sportswear
These babies take local love to the next level with South African-inspired prints that are on-trend, pretty to look at, and flatteringly cut, with a high waistband. Think strelitziers on jungle-green, or whispy proteas on white. The tights are super-versatile, too, and the range includes hockey shin cover-ups and also arm bands for your phone. Leggings are R450; esjaysports.co.za.
Credit cards at the ready, fitsters!
Looking for more hot fitness trends? Here are 6 sporty wardrobe essentials every fitster should own, plus here are our top tips for nailing the sheer activewear trend (without showing too much skin).
