8 ways to upgrade your gym look

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We asked our friends at MR PORTER.COM, the men's style destination with same-day delivery in Manhattan and London, for expert style advice. This week's topic: the 8 gym essentials you need this spring.

In these days of "athleisure," the worlds of sport and style are crossing over like never before.

Look around the room next time you meet friends for brunch: many of us are now incorporating what might previously have been considered strictly gymwear into our weekend casual outfits.

As technical fabrics and athletic silhouettes filter down into the world of mainstream fashion, the fitness revolution is having an effect on the way we dress outside of sport.

By the same token, fashion is having an influence on sportswear to the extent that it's now possible to look cool when you're working up a sweat. This is important given that a) the gym is apparently the new pick-up joint; and b) even if you're not there to pick up, given your gym's proximity to your home or place of work, you're likely to bump into someone you know.

All of which means, you need to upgrade your gym attire.

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Compression tights

Melbourne-based brand 2XU focuses on flexibility and compression, which are the key to speedy recovery. This garment is made from an antibacterial material. We recommend wearing a pair of shorts over the top of these, lest you startle passers-by.

2XU compression tights: $110

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Running shorts

Made from soft, feather-weight fabric with a breathable lining, these Iffley Road shorts are perfect for running. The British brand is named after the track in Oxford where the four-minute mile barrier was broken in 1954.

Iffley Road running shorts: $100

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Running jacket

This trim-fit jacket from Canadian outdoors specialists Arc'teryx is made from Lumin shell fabric which is ultra light, tear resistant, breathable and wind and water-resistant. Plus the intergrated mesg panels under the arms help to regulate temperature.

Arc'teryx running jacket: $115

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Running socks

These socks are ribbed and cushioned to help absorb some impact, plus they're made from Dri-FIT fabric that helps draw away sweat and odour.

Nike running socks: $16

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Sneakers

Athletic Propulsion Labs patented six-spring mechanism helps wearers jump higher and run faster - so much so that the brand's sneakers were infamously banned from the NBA for giving wearers an unfair advantage.

APL sneakers: $120

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Running t-shirt

This lightweight T-shirt is mapped with perforated panels for breathability where you need it most. Concealed zipped pockets at the back are perfect for stowing small items like keys or a gym card, and the subtle reflective prints will come in handy if you like to go running at night.

Nike X undercover t-shirt: $70

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Tank top

A form-fitting, sweat-wicking, lightweight base layer.

APL tank top: $45

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Cycling shoes

Because borrowing/hiring cycling shoes when you go spinning isn't nice.

Fizik cycling shoes: $185

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