Workout Trend: Bold, Bright Prints

Like a lot of you, I’m obsessed with prints right now. Bold ones, subtle ones, bright ones, funky ones, prints on my tops, prints on my bottoms, prints on my undergarments — I honestly can’t get enough. My regular black workout pants and plain tanks have never spent so much time on the bench as they have the last few months!

I’ve had the opportunity to review a few seriously amazing printed pieces this spring, and saying that I’m excited to share what I loved about them doesn’t even come close to how pumped I am. So, starting in the upper left corner of the picture and going clockwise around it, I present to you a few of favorite printed fitness pieces! (Because, hey, while I think a line should be drawn somewhere, I definitely think there’s room for some fashion in fitness apparel for those who like to show some style while they sweat — don’t you?)

10 Fit Items With Bold Prints to Love

1. Eddie Bauer Movement Racerback Tank Top ($70). If you only think of hiking and camping activewear from Eddie Bauer, think again. The material of this tank feels fantastic, and the fit is great as well — it’s longer than many other workout tops, which I really appreciate since I’m fairly tall. The print comes in a few really pretty colors, and the shelf bra is even fitted enough to work on its own for low-impact activities (but I’d still add a sports bra to run).

2. Track&Field leggings ($119). Track&Field is a Brazilian company that’s just now making its entry into the U.S. market (they’ll have a full website up this summer, but you can order through their New York store in the meantime), and while this round-up is full of pleasant surprises, this might’ve been the biggest of them all. The fabric is like buttah — so incredibly smooth and soft and silky, and the patterns? They change seasonally, but every new lookbook has boasted something amazing and outside the box with the gorgeous graphics. But it really comes down to performance, and these feel fantastic on a run, stay in place for yoga, and offer plenty of comfort for strength training. You’re going to want to keep an eye out for this line — trust me.

3. Oakley Printed Strength Training Capri ($80). The stretchy, supportive fabric would be a hit on its own, but with that bold print (and three color options? Big winner. Huge.

4. Tasc Aspire LS Tee (on sale for $36). Ready for a steal of a deal? This was one of my favorite workout tops this winter (not because it’s heavy, but because of the long sleeves — I do live in Florida, after all, and it just doesn’t get all that chilly!), and the price has been slashed this spring. The black and white print isn’t too in your face, but it certainly stands out. Plus, thumb holes!

5. Brooks PureProject Seamless Ombre Running Capri ($85). Ombre is still a hot trend, and if you want to rock the patterned leggings without sporting a super loud print, this is totally the way to go. Pretty sure they make you look super fast.

6. Lole Balance 2 Shorts ($50). Not only do I adore the print on these, but I also dig that they’re short without being full-on booty shorts. Not in love with the color and pattern in the pic? Check the link — there are oodles of options.

7. Pearl Izumi Women’s Flash 3/4 Tight ($65). These might be the printed pants I’ve received the most compliments on. The green is super bright and fun, and the silver is just a little more subtle. I really love the vented portion in the back of the knee — I get so hot, but I love wearing a capri, and these mitigate the heat a bit. I’m basically in loooove.

8. Jockey Kaleidoscope Seamless X Back Bra ($32 or 2 for $40). Maybe you don’t want a ton of bold print, but you want to dip a toe (or, umm, other body part) into those stylish waters. This sports bra from Jockey is the way to go — a fun pattern that’ll just peek out from under a tee or tank. Perfect!

9. Marika Tek Printed Capri Leggings ($50). Incredibly soft and extremely lightweight, these are capris I’ll be wearing all summer long. The pattern isn’t too busy, but it stands out against all the black leggings in the gym, and I’m blown away by how well they stay in place and hold shape. Did I mention lightweight?

10. Fabletics Salar Capri Fold Over ($39.95 for non-VIPs). Fabletics has some cool options for printed pants, and while VIPs get the sweet deals on outfits, you can buy items one at a time without becoming a member. These fold-over capris are a cool way to get a little bit of a pattern into your outfit without getting too crazy.

How do you feel about this trend? As far as I’m concerned, ain’t no print bold enough, ain’t no pattern loud enough, ain’t no design wild enough to keep me from wearing it! —Kristen