When it comes to working out at the gym, I typically have a “whatever makes you happy” stance. There’s already enough to feel self-conscious about while you’re there – from the gym bros commenting on your form to the ones taking an uncomfortable interest in what you’re wearing. But Lenny Kravitz has me rethinking my mentality.
The singer-songwriter and musician recently posted a video at Equinox donning a rather unconventional choice of workout clothing: leather pants and a fishnet top. I mean, the ensemble is peak Kravitz. The singer-songwriter can often be found in edgy prints, see-through shirts, and tight, flared pants. It’s his style – and we love him for it.
But as someone who edits health and fitness content for a living, I couldn’t help but question the functionality (and comfort) of the outfit choice. For starters, his legs have to be drenched in sweat, right? And while breathable, that fishnet top can’t be capable of wicking any sort of moisture, rendering it chafe city.
Could I be wrong, though? Maybe leather is secretly a great workout apparel fabric, and I’m the one missing out. To help answer my burning questions, I tapped two trainers to weigh in on Kravitz’s sweat set of choice.
“My initial reaction was ‘holy sweat,'” says Macy Pruett, AFPA-certified prenatal and postpartum fitness specialist and certified personal trainer. “I can’t imagine how sweaty working out in leather would make you. I mean, the thigh rubbing alone seems not worth it to me.”
On top of that, leather pants can be restricting. “While I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily unsafe, I do think it would constrict our bodies from performing exercises to their full range of movement, therefore holding us back from having our best workout!,” Pruett adds. (FWIW, Kravitz seemed to be pretty flexible while performing what can only be described as a weighted incline situp plus shoulder press – a move you should not attempt to recreate at home, according to The New York Times.)
The fishnet top, on the other hand, wasn’t as off-putting to our trainer experts. “Fishnet actually seems like it’d be breathable,” Pruett tells PS. But it’s primarily a vehicle for style, rather than functionality. “Definitely not ideal for catching sweat. And if your top isn’t catching sweat, it’s most likely dripping down to your very-hot-sticky leather pants. No thank you!” Pruett says.
The better option? Opt for a Kravitz-inspired gym fit. “Shiny fabrics that give the appearance of a leather look are a great alternative and also super grippy,” says Danielle Gray, NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of Train Like a Gymnast. The Carbon 38 Leggings in Takara Shine ($128) are a personal favorite of mine.
If you’re not into the shiny, leather look, that’s OK too. The three primary aspects you want to focus when shopping for effective workout tights are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking material. Gray recommends nylon and polyester, while Pruett offers up a more specific fabric percentage: 75% polyamide and 25% elastane. The Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight ($89) fit the bill – and if you want a fishnet-esque workout bra, the Alo Seamless Open Air Bra ($64), made from breathable performance fabric, is a great option.
That said, what you wear to the gym is totally up to you. If you want to go full Kravitz, so be it. If you want a more functional fit, that works too. The gym should be a place where you can be 100 percent yourself and if leather pants and a fishnet top do it for you (as they clearly do Kravitz) – then, happy sweating.
Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women’s health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women’s Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.
