Bodysuits: How to Make This Fitness Fashion Trend Work IRL

From Khloé Kardashian to Tracy Anderson to Sara Foster, bodysuits are everywhere. While bodysuits aka leotards have been barre and ballet staples for eons, we can thank Reformation’s omnipresent Avalon Bodysuit for really setting off this fitness staple as a fashion trend. In a nod to how versatile this look is, fashion bodysuits are being worn everywhere from at the gym with sweatpants to on the streets with cutoffs and blazers. Basically, it’s the perfect trend to take you from the studio to work or the bar.

While some are opting for one-piece bodysuits initially made with ballerinas in mind — like this one from Capezio — others are simply hitting the street or the gym in swimsuits. That’s right, it’s now perfectly acceptable to wear a one-piece swimsuit or leotard as a top under your fitted jeans or paired with a flowing skirt. “I’m a big fan of wearing our bodysuits with high-waisted jeans and a loose bomber jacket or a robe jacket over it for some drama in the evening!” says Alala founder Denise Lee. “If you work in a more conservative environment, they work great with pantsuits for a super clean look.”

Image: @angelcandices

Ilana Kugel, creative director and co-founder of Koral, notes that bodysuits turn workout gear into a true fashion statement that is effortless and appealing to all women. “They’re functional performance pieces that are also considered a part of the athleisure trend. You can go from day to night wearing bodysuits since you can dress them up or down.” Kugel points to another benefit: you don’t need a bra if you wear a bodysuit (and yes, that includes at the gym). “Our bodysuits, in particular, are all designed to easily transition into streetwear; I suggest wearing them with long, oversized shirts and flats or with boots and cozy, long sweaters. You’ll definitely get heads turned wherever you go.”

As for the benefits for your actual workout, bodysuits go beyond the confidence that comes from being on-trend. The fitted silhouette will allow you to keep your alignment and form in check with greater ease, plus it will never get untucked, alleviating woes of loose, excess fabric. “I think they can work for a lot of different workouts,” says Lee. “I love the look with sweatpants for dance cardio classes and they’re so practical for yoga paired with leggings because you don’t have a shirt that falls over your face when you’re doing inversions!”

Here’s a look at nine fashion bodysuits, all of which would work just as well in a gym setting as they would styled as part of your everyday outfit.