Melissa Hoyer
There’s a kind of activewear I’m increasingly drawn to – the kind that doesn’t scream I’ve just done a workout when, quite possibly, I haven’t.
Enter SOFT FORM, the new collection from P.E Nation, arriving alongside the Australian brand’s 10th anniversary collection and taking things in a decidedly calmer health direction.
While the anniversary range turns up the energy, SOFT FORM does exactly what its name suggests: softens everything down. The colours, the fabrics, the silhouettes and the general mood.
Think less pounding the pavement and more Pilates, barre, stretching and that very important long exhale at the end.
The spring palette is particularly chic: espresso, blush pink, black and whisper white. It’s understated and grown-up, and makes a rather convincing argument for retiring some of the retina-searing activewear colours lurking in the back of the wardrobe.
At the heart of the collection is STUDIO SOFT, a matte, peached fabric with light compression and a second-skin feel. It’s breathable, flexible and designed primarily for lower-impact movement, but – as we all know – activewear has a truth substantial life beyond the studio.
There’s also a definite ballet influence running through SOFT FORM, with wrap fronts, cross-back straps, halter bras and fitted long-sleeved tops. Ballet-core may have been circling fashion for a while, but here it feels wearable rather than costume-y.
And yes, the bike short remains very much alive. High-waisted, close-fitting versions come in four- and five-inch lengths, alongside full-length leggings, designed to be teamed with wrap tops, tanks and cropped layers.
Perhaps the cleverest part of SOFT FORM is that it understands how women actually wear activewear now. The Pilates class might last 50 minutes, but the outfit can easily be expected to handle coffee, errands, lunch and whatever else the day throws at you.
Cosy socks (above), ballet-inspired flats and soft layering pieces take the whole look from studio to street without requiring the dreaded complete outfit change.
And really, isn’t that the point?
P.E Nation SOFT FORM is available from P.E Nation from September 8, in sizes 2XS–3XL.
