'Work to workout wear' means you CAN wear yoga gear to the office

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Multi-purpose 'work to workout wear' means you CAN get away with yoga gear to the office - or how about a reflective shirt that only lights up when you're on your bike?
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Trend sees brands bringing out ever more hard working clothing
Work shirts with high-vis panels and yoga pants with smart details
Also sportswear-functioning day wear and plain-looking sportwear

Published: 04:32 EST, 12 August 2014 | Updated: 05:55 EST, 12 August 2014

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A knockout work outfit can be ruined by a giant gym bag slung over your shoulder.

It's also time-consuming to change from cycling commute clothes to your work outfit, then into gym gear for a lunchtime yoga session or a spin class afterwards.

But a new trend is emerging for purpose-built 'work-to-workout' clothes, either made from sharply cut sports fabrics or featuring clever zips that help them transform.

Betabrand's latest bike-to-workwear shirts, jackets, and scarves include woven reflective elements

One company this new trend will catch on is Betabrand, who specialise in versatile clothing designed to function for multiple purposes.

The innovative online clothing company releases new products every day - and even crowdsources design ideas from its customers.

Its latest bike-to-workwear shirts, jackets, trousers and scarves include woven reflective elements to help illuminate the cyclist on the road.

The high-vis number's soft poly-cotton fabric has reflective 3m threads woven into it.

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The plaid shirt from the range is smart and well cut, with button fastenings and sharp collar, offering all the features one would expect from a shirt fit for work.

The reflective panels are discreet during the day but shine brightly during a night-time cycle.

The range is smart and well cut, offering all the features one would expect from clothing fit for work

The top is designed to function for multiple purposes, aiming to be practical and smart all at once

Meanwhile the trousers from the collection feature reflective cuffs and the jackets have shiny epaulettes and flaps that riders can reveal at night.

Another new invention from the San Francisco firm, who ship internationally, are a pair of fancy yoga pants that double up as smart work trousers.

Now that every other office person is a yoga bunny, they've invented the ultimate stretchy trousers that also look sharp enough for the office (though City workers might have to pass).

The company launched the so-called 'Dress Pant Yoga Pants' project as a crowdfunding experiment in January, and has since sold more than 9,000 pairs, making them the fastest-selling product in Betabrand's history.

The yoga pants feature faux pockets, flies, and buttons, all designed to mimic professional trousers

They come in three styles and colours, with more designs hitting the site each month

The ultimate stretchy trousers also look sharp enough for the office (maybe bar the City)

'Whoever said women shouldn't be comfortable at work?' says Betabrand founder Chris Lindland.

'And how are ladies supposed to 'lean in', while wearing slacks and skirts made of stiff, unforgiving fabrics?'

However fashion editor and founder of style blog 30ishStylist.com Toni Jones disagrees with dressing down for work. She says: ‘I’ve always been an advocate of the “dress for the job you want, not the job you've got” school of thought when it comes to your working wardrobe.

‘If your job is in an office it is important to look smart if you want to be taken seriously. Especially as a woman.

‘When I’m working from home I probably won’t be wearing a pencil skirt and heels, but if I have a day at the desk or meeting clients I would dress like I meant business, and definitely not in anything slouchy, scruffy or that could be worn to the gym.

‘It’s good manners to dress smartly: it shows that you respect yourself as a professional and respect the people you are working with.

‘The transition from workout to work is mental as well as physical and changing up my outfit is the first step on focusing on the day ahead.’

Revolutionary reflective threads light up bike-to-work shirts