As a stylist I believe that active wear is truly for when you are being active, like at the gym, yoga, going for a run etc., but I do know that plenty of women love active wear because it is so comfortable. I can see that active wear has become the go to for many women since lockdowns began and so many people are working from home.
I have also been asked by a client what active wear is best to choose to look stylish. The answer to this is, wear the styles that suit your body shape, and even though most active wear is tight body hugging lycra, you can still choose items to flatter your body shape.
For example, if you are short/petite then you would choose high-waisted, long/ankle length pants and keep your outfit in the one colour tone top and bottom. Choosing leggings or tracksuit pants with a stripe/cut outs down the side of your leg will also give you the appearance of length, as it makes the eye go up and down. If you are tall you could choose ¾ length leggings.
If you are a Triangle/Pear shape, you would go for a bright or colourful tops to make your shoulders and top area appear wider and draw the eye up, with a darker legging/pant on the bottom.
Hourglass ladies, I would suggest high-waisted pants, tight clothes should look good on you both top and bottom as you are already balanced. Throw a cropped hoodie over the top to accentuate your waist, or tie a top around your waist if you don’t like showing off your body completely.
If you are an Inverted triangle/Strawberry, then you should go for brights on the bottom, even better to choose track pants etc. over leggings to balance out your shoulders OR choose leggings with side leg pockets and bold patterns. V neck, halter neck, scoop and U-neck tops – looking for deep, narrow openings on top. Keep the top colour plain.
Ovals/Apple, I would suggest darker colours in the one tone or if you love bold and bright then choose that part for your legs. If you feel more comfortable in a t-shirt style top, choose one that is body skimming, so not tight but flowing off from your midsection or has side splits to make the T-shirt flare out slightly at the bottom.
Rectangle or athletic shape bodies, your body can look great in active wear as you usually have lean arms and legs, flat waist but you are not curvy. If you want your bust to appear bigger than choose something that is thicker on top, padding and possibly a bold pattern or something to keep the eye at the top of your torso. Low to mid rise pants generally work for your body.
Curvy girls, choose darker toned pieces, not necessarily black, if you like patterned pieces choose darker shades. High-waisted pants and a flowing/skimming t-shirt. If you are very concerned about your curves then again, tie a hoodie around your waist to bring back the definition. It is best not to wear baggy tracksuit pants, with a baggy t-shirt and round necked sweater over the top. This will make you look bigger as you lose your shape under all the material. Go baggy pants, tight top or loose top, tight pants.
I don’t personally wear active wear other than around the house but a friend recently showed me her new looks and I must say I am impressed with how much choice there is. I was shown material that changed colour in different lights – i.e. halogen, LED flash and UV. Large variety in lengths, all different necklines, so many styles- something to suit all body types. Some looks that go from gym to night wear and casual wear that can be dressed up for the office, including a pencil skirt, and some slashed high rise leggings, which I would not class as active wear (but it is probably very comfortable.)
View link below to see what I am talking about:
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