Lucy Gornall

Lucy Gornall compares 12 luxury and high-street activewear products across leggings, tops, sunglasses, shorts, sports bras and running shoes. Lululemon leggings and Oakley sunglasses are judged worth paying more for their durability and comfort, while cheaper options from M&S, Uniqlo, Tesco, H&M and Mizuno perform strongly in other categories. The overall £664 outfit is not considered necessary: the review concludes that premium spending is most justified for leggings and running sunglasses, while affordable gym tops, running shorts and running shoes offer acceptable or comparable performance.

Hot, humid summer weather has contributed to an increase in flies and other household pests in the United Kingdom. Entomologist Jessica Stokes recommends deterring rather than killing insects because they play important ecological roles. Suggested chemical-free measures include removing food and water sources, using cinnamon in bins, drawing chalk lines near entrances, placing table legs in water-filled saucers, using citrus peel or mint near windows, diluted white vinegar on suitable surfaces, and fans to disrupt flies while dining. The article also cautions that vinegar can damage natural stone and that some deterrents provide only temporary protection.