How to find the right activewear fit – no matter the exercise
Picture this…you’re about 10 minutes into your pump class. You’ve warmed up and are kicking off your first set with some squats. As you bend, you suddenly feel your leggings bunching up and rolling down to your hips. It’s very uncomfortable, but you’re holding 10kg weights above your head, so you can’t do anything about it! After two minutes of squatting and feeling anxious that your leggings are going to come down even further, you place your weights down and quickly pull them up – only to repeat the process all over again in your lunge set, shoulder set and the cardio finisher.
This is the reality of poor-fitting activewear. Constant adjustments, interruptions, discomfort and all-round annoyance. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Activewear is designed to make exercising more comfortable, and that all starts with ensuring you have the right fit – especially when it comes to essential support pieces like a sports bra!
To help you get through your workouts from start to finish without any wardrobe malfunctions, we’re here to give you all the tips on how to find the right activewear fit – no matter the exercise!
Tips for finding the right activewear fit for you
Sizing
The first step to finding the perfect fit for your activewear is getting the size right. Unfortunately, as with everyday clothing the “universal” sizing system isn’t always accurate. This means it’s not a matter of simply choosing sizes you normally wear in all your other clothes. It’s important to always take your measurements, or better yet, try on new activewear to find something that fits perfectly.
To take your measurements properly, you need your:
- Bust measurement: the circumference at the largest point of your chest.
- Waist measurement: the circumference at the smallest point of your waist.
- Hip measurement: the circumference at the widest point of your hips.
While trying on the activewear will give you the best size guide, if you’re unable to physically try it on, or simply prefer online shopping, be sure to check your measurements against the size specifications.
Move in your gear
It’s one thing for your activewear to fit, but how the items feel when you move is equally as important. Items may seem like they fit as you stand still, admiring yourself in the mirror, but that’s not how you exercise. That’s why it’s essential you get a sense of how the activewear moves with you.
Do some squats, lunges and high knees. Does it restrict you in any way? Is there enough stretch and flexibility when you move? Does the activewear stay where it needs to and move seamlessly with you? If there are any signs of bunching or possible wardrobe malfunctions as discussed above, try a different size or style until you feel confident with your movement in that gear.
Activity appropriate
Another important factor when finding the right fit for your activewear is whether the items are suited for the type of exercise you’re doing. Different fits are more suited to certain activities. For example, looser fitting clothing is better for low-intensity exercise, such as walking, stretching, or light yoga flows; while tighter, form-fitting clothing is best for high-intensity and vigorous exercises, such as running, HIIT or even yoga and pilates classes that involve a bit of more flexibility and pretzel-like positions.
Don’t forget about your feet either! Make sure to get an active shoe that is suitable for your activity. If you’re heading outdoors, opt for something a little more durable to handle rougher terrains. Workout shoes should be snug around the back two-thirds, but have a little bit of room in your toe area. Make sure to try them on with the socks you plan to workout in for a true fit!
Style, cuts and lengths
Everybody’s body is different, which means certain styles, cuts and lengths may not fit exactly right on everyone. As designers are becoming more creative with their activewear styles, we are starting to see a bigger variety of workout gear. For this reason, when it comes to style it’s all about finding what works for you and your body.
If you’re looking to experiment with new styles, start with the size and movement tests, while also thinking about the support it is offering you. Some styles may be better suited for low-intensity workouts and others for high intensity. You don’t want anything that is going to cut into your skin or make you feel self conscious. Just be sure to take your time and try on different styles until you find something that works for you.
Feeling your fit
At the end of the day, finding the perfect fit for your activewear is all about what makes you feel comfortable. Working out is empowering. It makes you feel good about yourself, your body and your health – your activewear should contribute to this, rather than take away from it. Everybody’s fitness journey is unique and finding the right activewear to take you through that journey comes down to your personal comfort and how you feel in what you wear.
