Velvet workout clothes so cute they inspire us to exercise more

It’s the age-old question: Should you work out more before you invest in workout apparel? Or will luxurious workout apparel help you to work out more?

Most of us agree it’s the latter. And actually, science backs that up too. According to a 2013 study, there is a little something called “enclothed cognition.” It’s how the clothes you wear — and how you think about the clothes you wear — influence your psychological processes.

As part of the study, participants were given a lab coat described as a doctor’s coat, or given a lab coat described as a painter’s coat. Needless to say, the participants behaved very differently depending on how they perceived the coat they were wearing.

The same is true of the things we wear on a day-to-day basis. There’s no denying the psychological effects of a power suit before an interview, or a classic black dress on a first date. When we look good, we feel good — and that confidence boost allows us to tackle some of our most difficult challenges.

These effects include what we wear to work out. When we dress the part of a yoga student or a spin cyclist, we are mentally preparing ourselves for the task. At least that’s the idea behind Lululemon, Athleta, and Fabletics, athletic wear brands that have built their businesses on the notion of “athleisure” — athletic apparel so fashionable it can be worn as day wear.

And wear it we do.

Somewhere along the way, velvet got involved. And while it might not be the most obvious of workout fabrics, it’s certainly winter chic. With “enclothed cognition” in mind, we put together a list of some of our favorite velvet workout pieces to be worn on the street or at the studio. You never know — adding a little bit of luxury to your workout class just might make you want to go more often.

Velvet Leggings by Spanx, $98 at Anthropologie

Let’s face it: We’re going to be living in these black velvet leggings.

Velvet Sports Bra by Beyond Yoga, $58 from Shopbop

Black velvet we can only hope will be peeking out from under our tank tops. $58 from Shopbop.

Velvet Track Jacket by ALALA, $215 from Nordstrom

Add a boxy track jacket to the mix for a “to-and-from” look you can sport all day.

Velvet Baseball Cap by Anthropologie, $38 from Anthropologie

Just replace your dry shampoo with this chic baseball cap. No-wash day never looked so glamorous.

Studded Velvet Scrunchies by Free People, $18 from Free People

Scrunchies are so in right now. Take these babies from day to night.

Velvet Sneakers by B.P., $50 from Nordstrom

Just because you’re on your way to yoga doesn’t mean you can’t look good until you get there.

Snazz up your workout style with these velvet pieces. You never know — it might help you hold that downward facing dog just a little bit longer. And look oh so stylish while you do it.

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