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The Right Activewear For Your Body Type
The one-size-fits-all notion doesn’t work when it comes to fashion and most definitely not when it comes to workout fashion. While you have to check fabric, functionality, stretch and size, you also have to ensure that it flatters your body type. Supportive gym wear not only eases your workout but also makes you feel comfortable in your body and boosts confidence.
In this blog, we will cover topics around body types and activewear according to them and all the tips that you require to build your gym wardrobe.
Body Shape Influences Activewear Fit: But How?
Everybody’s type is different, and the type of clothes you wear should complement that. You must choose activewear according to your body type because how activewear interacts with women’s body proportions makes all the difference.
The fit of activewear is not only determined by your clothing size but the type of your body. So that not only do you look amazing, but feel confident too.
Body Types & The Activewear That Suits Them
Ladies’ workout clothes are primarily characterised by 5 body types, namely hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle and triangle. Let’s get into the characteristics of each type and the type of activewear that suits them.
Hourglass Shape
The ideal body type that every girl desires. An hourglass shape is defined by a perfectly contoured waist and an equal hip to bust ratio. Hence, it is ideal to wear workout clothes that complement your waist.
● High waist leggings provide comfort, support and a flattering fit.
● Medium to high impact sports bras provide enough support and comfort while working out.
Pear Shape
This body type is narrow from the top but broader from the bottom. Hips are wider than the bust, and the waist is slightly narrow in comparison with the hips. It is ideal to wear loose bottoms and fitted tops for a flattering look.
● Flared pants or joggers shape the bottom nicely and balance out the lower body proportion.
● Fitted T-shirts and crop tops draw attention to the narrow upper body silhouette.
● Medium to high impact bras for flattering shape.
● Compression leggings for lower body workouts, as they define the shape of your bottom without making it look wider.
Apple Shape
People with an apple body type are generally considered plus-size, and the activewear choice for them becomes obvious. In this body type, the weight is concentrated on the belly area or we can say the middle part of the body. The bust is normal, and the bottom is also in proportion with the bust.
● Oversized T-shirts so that they don’t highlight the belly fat
● High waist leggings accentuate your bottom shape.
● Racerback sports bras give defined shape to your upper body.
Rectangle/ Athletic Shape
The athletic body type has absolutely no curves. Shoulders, waist and hips are of the same width. For such people, it’s ideal to wear clothes that are vibrant or have the ability to boost some curves.
● Sculpted leggings form the illusion of a curvy waist.
● Padded high impact sports bra to boost bust size.
● Wrap over tops or tops with ruching details to create shape.
Triangle Shape
This is the opposite of the pear shape; here, the shoulders and bust are broader than the waist. In simpler words, the proportion of the upper body is more than the lower.
● Oversized T-shirts to balance puppet body proportions.
● Low impact sports bras to avoid bulk in the upper body.
Common Fit Issues with Activewear & Their Solutions
If you do not know how to style your activewear right or how to pick the correct activewear, you will face fit issues with it. Here are some most common fit issues and their solutions.
Cameltoe
A weird V shape near the crotch is called cameltoe. It forms either when the gym leggings are too tight or when you’re not wearing seamless underwear beneath them. To avoid this, go for your ideal activewear size, and wear either seamless panties or thongs.
Thigh Chaffing
Another most common issue with tight bottoms made with cheap polyester fabric. When the fabric keeps clinging to the body, it causes extra sweat resulting in thigh chaffing. Always go for 4-way stretch, moisture wicking fabric with quick dry technology. These fabrics do not cling to the body and do not cause rashes as well.
Restricted Movement
Women active wear clothes, if not made of polyester spandex or cotton spandex material, cause restriction in movement which leads to hampering in workout. Always ensure that your activewear has at least 60%-90% spandex as this will support you in mobility during workouts.
Bust Bounce
The most common issue with heavy busted girls is bust bouncing and this mostly happens when they’re not wearing sports bras with high compression. A good quality high impact bra will solve this issue as these provide fuller coverage to prevent any spill and give support from each side. Moreover, high impact bras give higher compression on the bust to avoid bounce.
Activewear Styling Tips to Feel Confident During Workouts
Trendy and fashionable activewear pieces will come & go out of the market but you have to ensure zero compromise on functionality and practicality. No matter how stylish your gym wear looks, if they are not supportive during the workout then it’s all in vain. Here’s my final piece of advice on activewear styling trends:
Colour Contrast
Always follow the colour theory while styling your gymwear. Choose colours that contrast each other or else go completely matching. Some cool colour contrasts are orange & green, pink and navy blue and grey & dusty pink.
Loose Bottom with Fitted Tops
If wearing loose bottoms like joggers, go for fitted tops or crop tops, and if wearing oversized T-shirts, always pair them with snug-fit leggings or capris.
Oversized T-Shirts with Shorts
The coolest gym look has to be oversized T-shirts paired with snug-fit booty shorts. This is the most common choice in plus-size activewear fashion as oversized tee diverts attention from the body fat, and shorts give a nice sculpting look to the bottom.
FAQs
How to choose activewear for my body type?
Ensure you understand your body proportions and select activewear that complements them. For example, if you have a broader waist, go for compression leggings, but if you have a smaller waist, then go for high-rise leggings.
Which activewear suits a pear-shaped body?
The pear-shaped body is narrow from the top but broad from the bottom. You should wear crop tops to highlight your waist and pair them with compression leggings for a sculpted look.
Which type of fabric should I consider for activewear to avoid rashes?
When choosing women’s active wear, always choose 4-way stretch moisture-wicking fabric, as this fabric doesn’t cling to the body and quickly absorbs sweat to avoid friction between the cloth & the skin, which prevents rashes.
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