FitBeauty: Handmade workout gear? Oh hell yes.

So we're working on dressing in a way that suits our own styles, in clothes that fit our own beautiful bodies and in spending our money wisely on items that we will wear and will support the lives we want to live. If we want to be active, a way to support that is having workout wear that we want to put on and put to use. If we want to spend smart, we are not buying any old pair of ill-fitting spandex pants from the junior section clearance rack at KMart just because they are cheap and well, on the clearance rack. That means we need to find smart and fun ways to shop that will support all of our good habits and ease out the old tendencies.

This week, I suggest you choose to buy something that's handmade. Handmade workout wear? Why, yes, kittens, it's possible to find clothes, accessories and gear that is unique, competitively priced and possibly customized just for you.

Luckily, one of my favorite sites, Etsy, is devoted to handmade items and their creators. Here are few fabulous finds that top my list of workout wear that will slip beautifully from the artists' hands to yours. Now, doesn't that feel good all the way around?


MP3 Shirt - This meshy, stretchy, breathable shirt won't just look cool, it will keep you from looking a sweaty mess when you're hammering it out on the pavement or elliptical machine. It has a little pocket for your MP3 player and a great design that will look good on all body types (see how your eye is drawn up and in?). $45 by Thimblescratch.


Thumbhole Tops - While I don't think I'd be all rah-rah about anyone who has already attended prom wearing these tops, I do think they are cute workout wear for those fall hikes, bike rides, runs and kayak trips. Your hands get a little -- but not too much - warmth while your fingers are free to tighten up your laces, grab your paddles or unlock your bike. It's reversible so you can wear it for a few days in a row without your hiking club being wise to your lack of laundering. The serged seams give some sassiness to this tee that would work well layered or on its own, depending on the weather in your neck of the woods. $35 for customized colors and available with hoodie or in dress length, also by Thimblescratch.

Men's Meditation Muscle Shirt - Of course, we all know men's workout wear need not be gross. And yet, how many men are lifting weights in pitted out fraternity shirts from their football team days? Too many. This shirt is embroidered (in a manly way, I swear) with Ganesh, the Hindu symbol of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. Even if your man is not into yoga-type fitness, how can you go wrong with those wishes? Plus, the sleeveless design gives him a chance to flex those guns he's been working so hard on. Hell, order one of these for yourself while you're at it! $30 by TrisHank Design.


Exercise Girls Retro-Inspired Tee for Men and Women - The requirements of a t-shirt you wear to Jazzercise class or to blade around the neighborhood should be that it is soft, comfortable, breathable, doesn't cut into your waist (no matter how whittled down) and doesn't leave you tucking or tugging at your ginormous sports bra straps. That's why I love this adorable screen-printed tee; not only does it fit all those requirements, it also adds a bit of funk to your fitness attire. The graphic is taken from a vintage pamphlet on exercise for girls. The shirt should skim your figure and feel comfortable (not pulled or maternity-ish) around your belly. $16 for women's and $15 for men's by How to Use Art.

Sporty Skirts - This beautiful jersey skirt would be perfect for a brunch date or movie night, but it would also add some flair to your next dance class. If you're into bellydance, burlesque or are working on your jazz, ballet or African dance moves, imagine how much fun you'd have getting a glance of yourself in the studio mirror doing moves in this number! See how the tie distracts from any tummy poochiness and still emphasizes your glorious hips as they work the beat? Pair with coffee colored leggings for modesty or if you do lots of leg lifting. Ha-cha! $49.99 by Bhuri.

Yoga Bags A Go Go - Etsy has many crafty mavens at work on yoga bags and you will surely find one that suits your style. There's this shabby chic floral bag, $25 by Funky Treasures. And this funky floral number, $30 by Tattered Slippers. Or this mod tote with beautiful, bold applique and stitching, $49.99 by Bhuri. I know knits are in this fall, especially the chunky and cabled variety, but I just can't bring myself to condone the crocheted yoga tote. But that's just me. You go on and get as knitty as you need to be.


Hair Wear - Keep your Farah Fawcett or Posh Spice hairstyle tucked back for comfort and with cuteness with these pony ties. These soft and sassy decorative bands show that a little bit of style can go a long way (just ask the lady who sits behind you in spin class). Quilted, ouchless and in pink or spotted for $2.50, also by Funky Treasures.



All photos via Etsy.