A Quick Guide: How to Choose Gym Clothes To Complement Your Figure

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On a health kick this January? Take a look at our blog for some tips on how to choose the right activewear for you.

If you’ve decided that you want to work out more this year, or you're avid gym goer, then choosing fitness clothes that complement your body type might be a struggle. Not everybody knows what sort of activewear is not only going to look good on them, but also be easy to work out in. Along with carefully choosing the right style for you, you should also make sure that you are wearing the right size, so that your clothing is supporting you well. The last thing you want when you’re working out hard is to be wearing something that’s pinching or uncomfortable. So, keep reading to find out more about how to choose the right workout clothing based on your body type.


Hourglass Body Shape

If you have an hourglass body shape, then you’re in luck. As you probably know, this body type is characterised by a slim waist with larger breasts and broader shoulders and hips - however, the hourglass body type is also notoriously the most difficult to buy clothing for. Usually, tight and close-fitting activewear is the best option for your curves. Opt for something stretchy that will mould to your body and be comfortable to wear, such as these Black in Play Leggings from P.E. Nation.


Pear Shaped Body Type

If your body is pear-shaped, then your lower waist will be wider compared to your upper body, and your hips probably stand out. When choosing activewear to complement this body type, experts recommend choosing clothing that will attract more attention to your upper body, rather than the lower body. Sports bras are a great choice for this body type, especially if you go for one that’s a bright, stand-out colour like this Overlay Print Rewind Sports Bra from P.E. Nation. When it comes to choosing gym leggings, go for something stretchy, soft, and comfortable if you have wide hips, so that you are not restricted when working out.



Apple Body Shape

The Apple body shape is rounder, so you might be looking for workout clothing that flatters you and smooths your stomach. High-waisted workout leggings are a great choice for an apple body type; they will help you feel more supported as you are working out while streamlining your figure. These Black Branded Waistband Leggings from Armani Exchange are a fantastic choice.


Rectangle Body Shape

A rectangle body shape is the most common body shape, meaning that if this is you, then you are in luck – you’ve got the most to choose from in terms of activewear that’s going to complement your figure while providing the support and stretchability that you need to work out comfortably and in style. A rectangle body shape has smaller curves, meaning that the shoulders, waist, and pelvis are all positioned similarly without any great size differences. Some rectangle body types are curvier than others. If you want to create the illusion that you are curvier, then you can easily do this with the fitness clothing that you choose to wear. Sports bras and leggings in contrasting colours, for example, can be a fun gym outfit choice that will make you look curvier.


What Else to Consider When Choosing Workout Clothing

While knowing your body type and what to wear for it will help you choose activewear that complements your shape well, there’s more to choosing fitness clothing than just looking good. When you are working out, the most important thing is that you are able to feel great and stay comfortable whether you’re running a marathon or lifting weights. Because of this, once you’ve got the style down, there are a few other important things to consider.


Fabric Type

If you do a lot of heavy workouts and sweat a lot when you are exercising, then the fabric type is an important choice. Look for workout clothes that are breathable and made of a fabric that will wick away moisture, so that you're not drenched in sweat and uncomfortable by the end of your workout. Clothing that is made from Lycra, polyester, or spandex works well, allowing your skin to breathe while you are working out by wicking the sweat away from your body.


Fit

You may prefer workout clothing that is looser or more close-fitting depending on your personal style and what you feel complements your body shape well. Either way, it’s important to get workout clothing that is the right size and fits you well, as you may be uncomfortable while you’re exercising. Form-fitting clothing is great for working out, but it’s important to ensure that it’s not too tight, otherwise, it could end up pinching you and restricting your movement. On the other hand, some people find it more comfortable to work out in looser clothing but make sure it’s not so baggy that it gets in the way while you’re exercising.


Activity

Finally, think about the kind of workouts that you like to do and how you exercise the most when picking workout clothing. It’s also important to consider whether you work out indoors at the gym more often, or whether you tend to prefer working out outdoors, like going for a run, as this will have an impact on the clothing that you choose. If you work out outside a lot, then you will need to think about getting items that you can layer when the weather is colder, such as a hoodie.



When it comes to choosing activewear, picking styles that complement your figure will not only mean that you look amazing while you’re working out, but you’ll also be more comfortable and able to get better results from your workout with more freedom of movement. Be sure to choose the right fabric, size, and type of clothing to put together a workout outfit that’s perfect for you.


Keep an eye on our blog for more helpful information when it comes to looking after your designer wear, as well as fashion hints and tips.