As 2018 gets into full swing, many of us are turning our attention to getting fit and active in the new year. It’s one of those resolutions that crops up time and time again, and in the past I’ve found that investing in some good quality workout wear – the kind that makes you look good and feel good – is a great way to increase motivation. It’s easier said than done for most of us however, with conflicting advice about what we should and shouldn’t be wearing to the gym being a common occurrence.
For me, the ultimate goal is to find pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident. Whether that means being influenced by the latest trends or choosing leisurewear that acts as a natural extension of your personal style, there’s really no right or wrong when it comes to simply sticking to what you feel good in. With that in mind, here are just a few top tips for finding the perfect activewear for you.
Start with the basics
A supportive sports bra and top layers that allow you to move freely are essentials in any activewear wardrobe, so it’s a good idea to tackle these before anything else. Tu at Sainsbury’s sports bras come in a wide variety of colours and styles, with support that caters to all intensity levels. A loose fitting t-shirt and high quality leggings are also great places to start, serving as basics that will form the foundation of your gym-wear collection as it starts to grow.
Keep your proportions in mind
The natural shape and proportions of your body don’t necessarily need to determine your choice, however they’re at least a basic consideration for many of us. Those with larger hips and rounder middles might like to opt for loosely fitting tops and something tighter on the bottom, helping to balance out the frame and create a flattering silhouette. Hourglass figures are a particularly good match for tight-fitting tops that are cropped to highlight the waist, whereas subtle details such as rouching can help to give the illusion of curves on more slender frames.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour
Colour and pattern is lacking in many of our wardrobes – and not just when it comes to activewear. Contrary to popular belief however, getting active is a great excuse to experiment and try some more out-there designs that you might not otherwise have considered. Bella Hadid and Karlie Kloss are just two of the celebrities proving that gym-wear doesn’t need to be boring, recently stepping in an all-white ensemble and bright blue leggings respectively.
Navigate the balance between comfort and style
Looking good at the gym is a great way to inspire confidence and motivation, particularly for those who are still trying to find their feet. To what extent style takes a priority is likely to differ for everyone though, and finding the right balance between that and comfort is a key – but ultimately very personal – decision. Working out is primarily about getting in touch with your body and taking care of yourself, so nobody should feel pressured to make style a primary consideration. Instead, focus on your comfort and choose pieces that you feel great in. Everything else will simply follow.
What are your top tips for finding the perfect activewear? Let me know in the comments!
feature post
The activewear that can make me feel comfortable, and what suit me depends on my body type and also positivity on wearing it.