Are you on the hunt for plus size active-wear but not sure how to best choose the right plus size workout wear to flatter your form?
New Idea speaks to fashion expert Todd Anthony from the Masters Institute of Creative Education for his top tips to choosing plus size gym wear. “It has only been in recent years that active-wear has slowly evolved from the basic over-sized T draped over bike shorts, as seen the in 1990s to the new age casual for this generation. We used to roll our eyes at women who wore active-wear 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 active-wear takeover of recent times. Now women spend as much time selecting their active-wear wardrobe as they would on an outfit for any occasion of notoriety.”Here are Todd tips for women's plus-size active-wear and the celebrities that work their form the best.
The lightweight jacket
“Most curvy ladies don’t like showcasing their stomach. Yes you can wear a form fitting garment, but my suggestion for those of you who want to hide the bump before its turned into the washboard is buy yourself the impossible light weight jacket. Khloe K lives in these, often seen with one over the top of her gym gear. Currently seen in a black Nike, impossible light weight jacket with neon yellow piping over the top of her black leggings. This pairing of garments makes Khloe look taller rather than wider as the eye runs down her body rather than from side to side,” says Todd.
“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 adds. Where to buy? Nordstrum
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. J Lo, pops colour within her accessories, she sports neon yellow Nike’s. Add a bit of Hollywood with stylish sunglasses. I have seen J Lo, wearing Australia’s own Quay, sunglasses as she takes her daily jog.”
Where to buy? Running Bare
Comfort first
“For the glamour gal who wears bling to the gym, let’s take a sneak peek at Mariah Carey. What does this song bird look like when she’s burning calories? Mariah loves Adidas and I have seen her wearing their long-sleeved, form fitting mini dresses on many occasions, including red carpet events. Ok, so maybe not one to wear for squats but certainly a great choice for those women who don’t like their arms but are proud of their legs. This garment can be paired with your leggings for a more practical use. Mariah always looks expensive and comfortable and I love a woman who accessorises her active-wear with diamonds and heels. Nothing makes me run faster than holding my hand in front of me whilst chasing a diamond in the sun light.”
“No one should feel uncomfortable in their active-wear. 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,” adds Todd.
Where to buy? Lane Byrant
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 10 per cent comfortable
Todd Anthony
