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Gymshark is my all-time favourite retailer to shop athleisure and loungewear – same, same really, right?

The brand prides itself on high quality, supportive and comfortable fabrics, that hug the body in the right places, provide a secure fit, but also look chic without costing the earth. I adore the range of t-shirts, purely because I prefer a loose fit tee to layer over a sports bra and leggings for coverage. The sports bras are ultra comfortable, as are the shorts, layering items, and, of course, the leggings. 

I have tried and tested a variety of leggings over the years, including some from Gymshark, which I have worn to lounge around the home, run errands, work from home in, as well as wear to workout in – and still going strong. So I was pleased to hear Gymshark was expanding its range of leggings, which I consider more affordable than other rival brands. 

Gymshark’s latest addition to its ever-expanding and bestselling Vital collection is the Vital Sculpt Leggings. 

The Vital Sculpt Leggings are a refined version of the iconic Vital leggings, which are known for providing support and comfort no matter the activity. Suffice to say the Vital Sculpt line has big boots to fill, but we believe in Gymshark. 

The new Vital Sculpt leggings have been designed from a new ultra-soft second-skin fabric, which has an improved stretch and snap-back technology. This means the design will fit your body perfectly, stay in place, even after hundreds of wear. The new creation also features a secure waistband to sculpt and support the body, without digging in or slipping down during your class. 

The Vital Sculpt range includes the classic fitted leggings, in both regular and slim fit, as well as a flared design, shorts and sports bras.

The new Vital Sculpt Leggings come in solid black and red, which you can mix or match with the Vital Seamless tops. 

Whether you are heading to a Pilates class, completing a HIIT session at the gym, a cross-country run, or maybe you’re aiming for the recommended 10k steps, these may just be the best pair of leggings to see you through all activities, seasons and years to come. 

Vital Sculpt Seamless Legging

A classic pair of leggings to see you through all occasions.The new design has been crafted from a blend of nylon and elastane fabric, which claims to be softer and stretchier than the original version, plus it’s breathable and sweat-wicking too. The design features glute scrunch, as well as contouring detail around the glutes and thighs to accentuate your assets. The waistband is elasticated and cinches in your frame, while also ensuring it doesn’t slide down mid-squat. The seamless design offers more comfort as it prevents any seams chafing. This high waisted design offers a regular fit, comes in sizes XXS to XXL, as well as four colourways, including the new black and red options.

BUY NOW FOR £50

Vital Sculpt Seamless Legging

While the title sounds the same as the former, Gymshark has created a slim fit of the new Vital Sculpt Seamless Leggings for a snug fit. Crafted from the same nylon and elastane fabric blend, these leggings offer the same scrunch glute detail, high waist band to hug the body, and contour panels around the glutes and thighs for a sculpted finish like the regular fit design. The seamless design is also breathable and moisture wicking, so you can wear in the summer months and still feel comfortable. Available in four colours, including red, black, blue and grey, all of which come in sizes XXS to XXL.

BUY NOW FOR £50

Vital Sculpt Seamless Flared Leggings

Typically we see Pilates girlies sporting flared leggings, but they are suitable for off-duty everyday wear, as well as other activities. The main difference is, of course, the flared hem instead of the figure hugging style.The Vital Sculpt Seamless Flared Leggings have been crafted from the same nylon and elastane blend, which is seamless, ultra-soft, and supportive. Available in three colours, grey, black and red, as well as sizes XXS to XXL.

BUY NOW FOR £50

Vital Sculpt Seamless Short

If you’re on the hunt for comfortable and supportive shorts, Gymshark has launched exactly that. Made using the same nylon and elastane fabric blend as the Vital Sculpt Seamless Leggings, which offer the necessary stretch, support and coverage. It boasts a high waist, glute scrunch, contour panels on the glutes and thighs, as well as a thick waistband to support the wearer, and prevent any movement when workout out.Available in four colours, grey marl, blue, black and red, all of which come in sizes XXS to XXL. Perfect for all sports, and ideal for summer months too.

BUY NOW FOR £38

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Aligne is a female-founded, sustainable fashion house, which burst on the fashion scene circa 2020, and has soared in popularity. 

The other year the Leo Linen waistcoat was a sell-out success for Aligne, and it barely stayed on the virtual shelves – even now it’s only available in limited sizes. The brand has expanded its collection, and there are plenty of new in pieces that will take us from the office to date nights, and every occasion in between. 

We predict the summer 2025 version of the Leo waistcoat will be the Ulysses Broderie Organic Cotton Shirt and the Chelsea Broderie Organic Cotton Shorts, which can be worn as a summery co-ord or as separates you mix and match with other items. 

In recent weeks we have had a taste of British summer, so we have slowly been dusting off our summer wardrobe to slip in on those balmy days. Aligne’s co-ord is exactly the set our wardrobe is missing. 

Aligne Ulysses Broderie Organic Cotton Shirt

Crafted from 100% organic cotton, the lightweight design is breathable and gentle on the skin, which is ideal for the warmer months. It features short sleeves, a dropped shoulder, and a boxy fit. It also boasts a short collar, button front fastening, as well as broderie detail on the front and sleeves.Available in extra small to extra large sizes.

BUY NOW FOR £115

Aligne Chelsea Broderie Organic Cotton Shorts

The shorts are crafted from the same 100% organic cotton fabric, feature an elasticated waistband and drawstring detail.It also boasts the same broderie detailing as the shirt on the hem of the shorts, and has side slip pockets. Available in XS to XL sizes.

BUY NOW FOR £89

The shirt and shorts are sold separately, which is ideal for those who want to shop the full set, or opt for the separates to mix and match with other pieces.

Both pieces have been crafted from 100% organic cotton, which is lightweight, breathable and gentle on the skin. 

The shirt has been described as a ‘bowling style silhouette’ on the brand’s website as it features short sleeves, a dropped shoulder, a boxy fit, short collar, as well as a button front fastening. The feature that stands this cotton short out from a crowd is the broderie detail running vertically down the shirt, as well as on the sleeves. 

The shorts feature the same broderie detail around the lower hem. The slip on shorts are mid-length, which is ideal to keep you cool on summer days, but also provide enough coverage. The elasticated waist provides a snug fit, and makes these shorts easy to slip on and off. Plus, they have slip pockets, which is always a game changer. 

Aligne’s shirt and shorts are both available in sizes extra small to extra large. Style them together with sandals, or trainers, for off duty days, or slip on over your swimwear. You can even wear the shirt buttoned up to the top, or leave open when layered over your swimsuit. 

We have seen the fashion firm sporting the set already on social media, but that’s not the only reason we predict this set will sell out.  The high quality fabric of Aligne’s creations, stylish cut, combined with the versatility of this co-ord makes it a reliable set you can throw on in the summer and feel instantly chic. 

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‘I feel fine but my wife made me come in.’

Those 10 little words are apparently a red flag for doctors, often indicating something may be seriously wrong with a patient’s health.

Dr Sam Ghali shared on X: ‘I don’t care what anyone says, [this phrase] has a positive predictive value for something bring really f**king wrong that approaches 100%.’

Other healthcare professionals agreed, with one writing: ‘Person who appears to be completely healthy from the outside: “My wife made me come in.”

‘Get ready for literally every single thing to be wrong all at once.’

X user Cindy Schell added: ‘I worked as a triage nurse for several years for thoracic surgeons. More often than not it was the wife or girlfriend who called about a problem their partner was having.’

Dr Simon Hundeshagen pointed out why this could be such an effective indicator for health issues. ‘It’s because family members or spouses sometimes notice subtle signs or changes that the patient may not recognise or may be downplaying.’

Others shared their experiences of this happening to them. X user Stephen Fleming shared: ‘When I was 10, my dad “felt funny” at dinner. My mum wrestled him into an ambulance over his vociferous objections. He had a massive heart attack in the ER.

‘If he hadn’t been there, he’d have died at the dinner table, and I would’ve grown up without a father! Thanks mum.’

Why don’t men make a big deal about their health?

One in 10 British men can’t even remember the last time they saw a doctor, according to a Numan survey.

Nearly half of men had their last appointment with a doctor at least six months ago, with 40% not having seen a healthcare professional in more than a year.

It’s a problem that spans continents, with the majority (65%) of American men saying they avoid seeking medical attention for as long as possible, citing reasons like being too busy or hoping ailments will heal on their own, according to a Cleveland Clinic study.

For Tommy Kelly, who previously shared his story with Metro, he put his eating disorder down to grief and didn’t realise he could even have an eating disorder as a man.

While he did head to the doctors, he wasn’t able to advocate for himself and at 20 years old, he had a heart attack as a result of it remaining untreated.

Graeme Souness was also adamant he was just tired and out-of-sorts, when he became unable to drink one glass of wine or pint of beer without a headache coming on.

In reality, he had coronary heart disease and needed a triple bypass.

The double standard

Many women may be raising their eyebrows right now, given the medical misogyny and gaslighting experienced in many women’s doctors appointments.

It seems the female opinion seem carries weight when talking about men’s health issues but not their own, with 84% of women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, according to the 2022 Women’s Health Strategy for England.

A recent report by Benenden Health and the Fawcett Society also found 35% of women believe their negative healthcare experiences are influenced by their gender.

In response to Dr Sam Ghali, X user Maggie said: ‘And yet, if that same woman comes in saying there’s something wrong with her, y’all will roll your eyes and tell her she should lose weight and stop being anxious. Ask me how I know.’

‘What’s the female equivalent,’ another asked. ‘Because everything I see is we don’t get taken seriously, when it is serious.’

Nicole, another X user, added: ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if doctors were as concerned about how women aren’t taken as seriously as men are.’

Ultimately both men and women struggle to access healthcare, just for different reasons, but there are small steps you can take to feel less ignored.

How to advocate for yourself at your GPs

Preparing for Your Appointment

Preparing for your appointment should involve gathering evidence and jotting down your symptoms, as advised by Dr Elise Dallas, a GP specialising in women’s health at the London General Practice. 

Dr Dallas emphasises the importance of knowing your personal medical history, including contraceptive and gynaecological history, stress levels, current medications, and family medical history. She suggests, ‘Consider your ideas, concerns, and expectations before the appointment.’ GPs are trained to address these aspects using the ICE model (patients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations). Understanding what matters most to you can greatly assist your healthcare provider in providing effective care.

Staying Informed

Educate yourself about your health condition. Keeping up with the latest research and treatments can empower you to make informed decisions. Health journalist Sarah Graham advises: ‘If you suspect a particular condition, it’s valuable to ask: “Could it be this?’” This question prompts doctors to elaborate on their thought process, fostering a collaborative relationship and mutual understanding between you and your healthcare provider.’

Bringing a Supportive Person

If you’re anxious or might miss important information, bring someone you trust to support you. They can help take notes, ask additional questions, and advocate for you if needed. ‘I’m a very vocal advocate. I’m pretty feisty,’ disabled journalist Lucy Webster says. ‘But I still take my dad because he is a white, non-disabled man, despite being nearsighted, and they take him seriously. It’s not me failing to advocate for myself; that is how I advocate for my health.’

Listen to Yourself

Trust your instincts during the appointment. ‘Always remember that you are the expert in your body,’ Lucy adds. ‘Doctors might have medical degrees, training, and expertise. But they don’t live in your body, you live in your body. You will know if it feels different.’

Finding Support Groups

Joining a support group or contacting a specialised charity can connect you with others who have similar health conditions. They can offer recommendations for healthcare providers and share effective strategies. Alesha De-Freitas, director of policy, research and advocacy at the Fawcett Society tells Metro: ‘The participants of our study found support groups and charities really valuable. They felt less isolated.’

Taking Notes 

During the appointment, take notes to remember important details and instructions. You can also ask your doctor to document significant conversations for accountability. Lucy suggests: ‘If healthcare professionals are dismissing or ignoring what you’re saying, a really effective thing I learned from someone else is to make them write it in their appointment notes. So if you say, ‘I’m in pain,’ and they say, ‘No, you’re not, it’s in your head,’ you can ask them to document that conversation.’

Seeking a second opinion

If something doesn’t feel right, seek a second opinion. Hazard emphasises: ‘It’s our job to meet you where you are. That means there’s no right or wrong way for you to communicate your wants and needs.’ She adds: ‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your fears, and if you don’t feel you’re being listened to or respected, you have the right to ask to be seen by someone else.’

Sarah adds: ‘If you still feel like you’re not getting anywhere, you can make a complaint. You can write to your practice manager, or if it’s a specialist, you can write to the hospital’s PALS service – the Patient Advice and Liaison Service.’

Navigating the complexities of healthcare within the NHS, particularly amidst its financial constraints, is anything but easy. While increased funding is essential, it is equally imperative to prioritise training and research to ensure equitable healthcare provision for women.

As we wait for these changes to happen, women can find solidarity by equipping themselves with knowledge, advocating assertively for their needs, and seeking support from trusted allies. As we persist in our pursuit of a healthcare system that is just and inclusive, it is paramount to recognise the importance of our voices and the validity of our experiences. As Lucy noted, ‘we are the ones who know our bodies best’.

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