Look Great While Working Out in GapFit

Starting an exercise program – or need a little motivation to continue one? You might be tempted to throw on your baggiest tees and sweat pants before you hit the gym, your basement or the streets, but you may want to rethink that strategy. People who have researched this subject say that one of the things that will help you stay motivated to exercise is to dress the part. And I’ve got just the line of workout clothing for you!

It’s the new line from GapFit – and I was fortunate enough to be asked to give some of the pieces a test run. I had received an email this past December telling me about the line introduction and asking if I’d like to receive a few samples. I dashed off a quick “Thank you, of course, yes,” included my size and promptly forgot about it – a writer’s life demands focus on impending deadlines – so GapFit got “backburnered.” Several weeks later, I received THE BOX!  I’m not exaggerating when I put that in all caps. The box was huge, heavy and as important-looking as a box can be. I opened it excitedly and couldn’t believe my eyes – or my hands. Inside were five pairs of pants, a tank and a jacket. The clothing not only looked good, it felt good. It was obvious, even before trying on a single piece of clothing, that it was made well and was designed to fit and flatter the body.

I am no stranger to workout clothing. My gym days began back in the era of spandex leggings and thong bodysuits – and you better believe I rocked them. But I’m older now and those things are, happily, no longer in style. But I do love myself a great workout outfit. It makes me feel good about working out. And, if it’s really great looking, I don’t feel the need to dash home after the gym to change into my civvies. I’m happy to go about my day in my workout gear.

Of course, I didn’t wait to hit the gym to try on the GapFit pieces. I gave my husband a private fashion show the second those pieces were out of the box.

The first thing I tried on was the GapFit Featherweight Shirred Tank, $26.95;  the GapFit gFast ColorBlocked Leggings, $54.95; and the GapFit Color-Binding Jacket, $69.95. And then I discovered that the trade name GapFit has a double meaning. Yeah, fit because, well, fitness – but also because these clothes fit like a dream. I am not kidding when I say that I looked like an athlete in this ensemble. The secret is in the high percentage of spandex (23% in the tank; 12% in the leggings and jacket) which serves to hold you in, smooth your curves and make the most of them. At the risk of TMI, the tank has a built in shelf bra and that, the cut and material made it unnecessary for me to have to wear a sports bra. Plus, the tank is long – which I love – and, to sound somewhat incongruous, is luxe.

The gFast leggings have just the right amount of spandex to flatter the wearer and provide enough give for a strenuous workout while retaining their shape. They are designed with stitching that flatters your butt and legs. The waistband stays put and there’s a hidden back pocket with zip closure to stash a couple of bucks for water. (I always forget to bring water to the gym.)

The jacket, also made from a four way stretch fabric that allows movement but retains its shape, has a front zip closure, side pockets and – I love this design element – thumb openings in the sleeves. The contrast binding along the sides offers a stylish – and slimming – appearance.

GapFit offers several colors and I received the tank in Phosphorous, an acid yellow shade that I adore. The jacket and leggings are a deep, dark Navy with Phosphorous trim. Snappy!

Next up – GapFit gDance Pants, $54.95. Come closer because I want to tell you a little secret. I’m not going to wear these pants to the gym. Oh no. While they’re meant for the gym, they are coming with me to dinner, the theatre, the museum, a party or two. These pants are comfortable, as you would expect workout pants to be – but they are so flattering, I’m going to pair them with heels and a sparkly top, instead of with sneakers and a tee. Cut slim through the hip and thigh, they make my legs look incredibly long and lean and they shape my butt in a way that makes me not hate it and actually want to show it off. I thank the 12% spandex for that, as well as the cut that works visual miracles.

GapFit gFlex Pants, $54.95. Made of 88% nylon and 12% spandex, these bootcut pants are flattering and comfortable and, like the gDance pants, could go from the gym floor to the dance floor, depending on with what you pair them. You know that sheen, that shiny look that so many workout pants have? Well, these don’t have them. None of the GapFit  pants that I received do – which makes them perfect for an hour at the gym or a weekend outing. Sharing again – I often like to wear bodyshaping lingerie under my pants but the high spandex count and flattering cut of the gFlex makes those completely and happily unnecessary.

GapFit gBalance Yoga Pant, $39.50 for the True Black Knit, which I received. The Charcoal Heather ones are currently on sale for $17.99. The foldover waist with contrast band of color, 95% cotton and 5% spandex material, and generous fit in the leg make these the perfect pants for a yoga or Pilates session. But, of course, they’d be great for any workout.  They’re flattering and comfortable, move easily with you and, while I’m usually bothered by a foldover waist and think it can look bulky, this one doesn’t.

GapFit gStretch Relaxed Pants, $54.95. These wide-legged pants have a flat, fitted waist with a drawstring detail. They are not traditional drawstring pants that have a tendency to get floppy in the waist. No, these stay up and will see you through your workout or casual weekend activities. These pants also have 12% spandex, 88% nylon and come in colorfast black. While they are certainly comfortable – I love the mid-rise waist – these are my least favorite of the pants I received but only because I feel the style isn’t the most flattering on my body. I don’t look good in wide leg pants but can totally see them on someone with a bit more height.

All in all, I’m a believer in GapFit and think they have distinguished themselves nicely for this market. The cuts, fit and styling position them to compete favorably with higher priced brands and give them the edge over competitively priced ones.

If you’re a gym rat or used to exercising, you’ll love GapFit for its fit, functionality, comfort and versatility. If you’re new to working out, you’ll love GapFit for how it flatters your body before you even set foot on the gym floor. The design team at GapFit did everything right. Kudos to them. Bar Refaeli, the uber fabulous model, has been tapped for the ad campaign so look for her looking fabulous in GapFit. And look for GapFit online and in stores.