Are you on the hunt for plus size activewear but not sure how to best choose the right plus size workout wear to flatter your form?
New Idea previously spoke to fashion expert Todd Anthony from the Masters Institute of Creative Education for his top tips for choosing plus size gym wear.
“It has only been in recent years that activewear has slowly evolved from the basic oversized T draped over bike shorts, as seen in the 1990s to the new age casual for this generation. We used to roll our eyes at women who wore activewear outside of the gym, Karl Lagerfeld even once said “sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought sweatpants,” says Todd.
“But this is a statement made prior to the global activewear takeover of recent times. Now women spend as much time selecting their activewear wardrobe as they would on an outfit for any occasion of notoriety.”
Here are Todd’s tips for women’s plus-size activewear:
DO’S AND DON’TS
Do look for comfort
Do look for a good fit
Do opt for colour
Do choose a good quality fabric
Don’t always choose black
Don’t wear ill-fitting clothes
Don’t buy it if you don’t feel 100 per cent comfortable
01
The Lightweight Jacket
“Most curvy ladies don’t like showcasing their stomachs. Yes, you can wear a form fitting garment, but my suggestion for those of you who want to hide the bump… is to buy yourself the impossible lightweight jacket” Todd said,
“If you are a little thicker in the middle, create an optical illusion by dressing mostly in a tone. Vertical seam lines are wonderful and if the seams have piping inserted in them even better. This will make you look thinner and taller,” he added.
SHOP OUR FAVOURITES
Active Piping Detail Jacket, $149.99 from Taking Shape
Nike Womens Sportswear Club Fleece Full Zip Hoodie, $59.49 (was $84.99) from Rebel Sport
Nike Womens Plus Dri-FIT Swoosh Run Jacket Purple, $79.99 from Rebel Sport
02
Panelled Leggings
“If you’re a woman with curves and have a more adventurous, bolder personality that loves texture and colour, look to J Lo for inspiration. J Lo, loves activewear and she looks amazing in it. Her secret to looking great in activewear is she wears panelled leggings that create a more muscular appearance to the leg, two thirds black opaque, one third sheer and one third print.
“By carving the leg up this way it creates the appearance of shape. This is for the ladies who feel they look like an apple on toothpicks at the gym, they have a curvy upper body supported by slender legs. You can find these panelled leggings in any price point everywhere as they are a hot staple for the lady who lifts.”
SHOP OUR FAVOURITES
Pink Soda Sport Plus Ventura leggings with panelling, $74 from ASOS
Panelled Active Legging, $19 (was $89.95) from Taking Shape
Running Bare Ab Waisted Power Luxe Tight, $129.99 from David Jones
03
Comfort First
“No one should feel uncomfortable in their activewear. If you do, ask yourself this question, what is it I see that I don’t like and what it is I see that I do? From this point you have two things to do. Show the bits you love and work to disguise and distract from those you don’t, that is until you start to love those bits too,” Todd said.
SHOP OUR FAVOURITES
Active Crop Button Pant, $109.99 from Taking Shape
Nike Womens Sportwear Essential Vest, $129.99 from Rebel Sport
ASOS 4505 Curve Icon Lng Sleeve Running Top, $37.80 (was $42) from ASOS
ASOS 4505 Curve Tennis Skort, $32 (was $53) from ASOS
LIVI High-Rise Signature Stretch Knee Short, $55 (was $70) from Lane Bryant
