Jump to content

Menu

Workout clothes? "Active Wear"?


ktgrok
 Share

Recommended Posts

 If you are apple shaped, or have a belly you'd rather not accentuate, what workout clothes do you like? Trying to find tanks that are not huge all over like a tent that will smother me in down dog, but that don't show every bulge. Favorite bras, tanks, bottoms, etc welcome! I really don't want to spend $50 on a shirt or anything either, so budget friendly is a bonus. But I'm tired of feeling frumpy in my workout clothes. I have a cute pixie cut now, and figure if I get some cute workout wear I can rock the "active wear" look during the day and be ready to workout when I get the chance. (stay at home homeschool mom and author, so don't need to look professional but would like to look a bit cute - or at least not lumpy and bumpy with a uniboob!)
 
I'm 5'1, short torso, 172 lbs, and carry my weight in my upper body - big belly that is shrinking and getting flabby, around a 38C bra. I used to be over 220 and have had 4 kids, one over 10 pounds, so have some loose skin around belly. 
 
And yes, I know this video is making fun of the active wear as daily clothing trend, but I can laugh at myself! And as someone with sensory issues, I tend to wear clothing that is like that anyway....I prefer elastic waist, loose, easy to move in. For a long time that was sweats and a baggy shirt, right now it's Old Navy linen blend shorts and a cheap cotton tank from Hanes. I'd like to have the mobility to work out, and be comfy, and since I do exercise every day now anyway, something I can do yoga in, cardio in, and have DH walk by and think I look cute, or wear up to the store to grab milk and not feel like I look like 10lbs of ground sausage in a 5lb sack (or whatever that saying is) would be nice. 
 
 
 
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought leggings and a collection of Lands End tank tops theoretically to wear for walking; however, in the last couple of months, I've slid into wearing them for whole days at a time. 

Currently, I'm at the lower end of my weight range, but am just short of 5'2", carry my excess weight primarily in my belly area and also have some loose skin from pregnancies and years of yo-yo dieting.

I like these tanks, because they are nice, thick cotton that doesn't cling where I don't want it to cling, the cut is flattering and the length hits me right around my hips (long enough to feel secure it's covering my belly, but not so long that they look frumpy). They go on sale pretty frequently (are actually on sale right now). They wash and wear really well. 

In terms of leggings, I've bought them from various places, mostly Target but also a couple of outlet stores when I happened to find them at a good price.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Pen said:

You shared a pretty dress 👗 type you got from Amazon. Could one or those go over TSLA yoga leggings (not too expensive brand) in a large enough size to be comfy, and look good at same time? 

I don't think I'd like working out or what not in a dress...especially yoga. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, ktgrok said:

I don't think I'd like working out or what not in a dress...especially yoga. 

 

TSLA High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, Tummy Control Yoga Leggings, Non See-Through 4 Way Stretch Workout Running Tights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T4GFYT9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_kcfQFbDDHK0W5?psc=1

(Or no tummy control for more comfort - it also comes Capri or shorts length if cooler is needed) 

Maybe in bright blue With a sleeveless tank work out shirt to match ... for work outs and at home —  then a longer “tunic” could go over it for shopping to be not so revealing

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What I love is technical hiking skirts from REI.  They have big flap pockets, the material skims rather than clinging, and they are a nice mid thigh length.  I wear just regular sized up t shirts over those, and my stomach is reasonably camoed.  When I want to dress a little nicer, I wear shell tunics from Stitch Fix, and they act the same way.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am apple-shaped and these are my favorites for working out:

Duluth Trading Company:  Women's Hellrassiere High Impact Work Bra.  Fantastic for every day wear and working out.  Keeps the girls nice and high and doesn't hurt while doing it.  I'm in love.  You might want to get the size you think you are by the size chart and then also get the next size up, and keep the one that works.  Worth it.  I have three and will buy more.  I live in South Texas, and no stink!  https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-hellrassiere-high-impact-work-bra-33732.html?dwvar_33732_color=VOC&cgid=womens-underwear-bras#start=5&cgid=womens-underwear-bras

LL Bean:  I know it's weird but I love to work out in these, and they are good for every day wear, and you can also wear them in the pool:  Women's Vista Camp Pants, Cropped.  I just got my second pair since I now work out two days a week.  Elastic waist.  Flattering for apple shape.  Sensory issue:  They are mostly nylon so if that bothers you, that might be the only thing that's a downside.  https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/120731?page=womens-vista-camp-pant-crop-misses&bc=12-27-622-516133&feat=516133-GN3&csp=a&pos=2

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

TSLA 1, 2 or 3 Pack Women's Workout Tank Tops, Athletic Exercise Gym Yoga Tank Top, Active Dry Fit Running Summer Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BFDMH4D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_GJfQFbHYCRRYT?psc=1

 

At ~ $ 20 for a 3 pack the price is good and they hold up well IME.   

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, IfIOnly said:

Both of these have reviews saying they're forgiving in tummy area 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VTR7QD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_GdqQFbT9DCEW5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087C43RS1/ref=dp_ib_2_ivx_share. - also has video showing looser front

I have on similar to the top one and I like it - but I need a different bra with it as I look pretty saggy. That may be because my sports bras are um....maybe 6 yrs old or more? Lol. Trying a different bra next time. 

And I like that bottom one, just ordered one to try, thank you!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 hours ago, Pen said:

 

TSLA High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, Tummy Control Yoga Leggings, Non See-Through 4 Way Stretch Workout Running Tights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T4GFYT9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_kcfQFbDDHK0W5?psc=1

(Or no tummy control for more comfort - it also comes Capri or shorts length if cooler is needed) 

Maybe in bright blue With a sleeveless tank work out shirt to match ... for work outs and at home —  then a longer “tunic” could go over it for shopping to be not so revealing

Just ordered a pair, thank you! Hoping the tummy control helps with the apron issue. I did get some very comfy soft leggins from amazon, but they have NO control/compression and turns otu that's an issue right now. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Flowy tops look nice when active wear isn't being...active. But yeah, downdog in an a-line top gets awkward. 😜

How about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Tencole-Activewear-Exercise-Gathered-Recreation/dp/B07QJ4M2M8/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=side%2Bruched%2Bexercise%2Btops%2Bfor%2Bwomen&qid=1604940134&s=apparel&sr=1-8&th=1

A top with ruching at the bottom/sides to hold it in place, but looser around the tum. My fave workout top is like that, but it came from the thrift store and they don't make them anymore. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Today I am wearing these leggings and this bra and this tank.

It looks pretty cute - DH liked the outfit. Now, if you were to lift the tank and see my belly/panus...sigh. I think I need leggings with more compression if I want to help that - but not sure how well higher compression will work doing yoga? On the other hand, my panus gets in the way doing yoga in these, so may be a trade off. I'd like something with enough hold/shape/compression that I can "lift" my pannus up higher and have it stay there. Not sure there are leggings that will do that without being horridly tight and uncomfortable. 

But these at least have no muffin top issues! I do wish the crotch was gusseted - without that I find that a lot of movement means crotch slides down. 

The bra is much better than my old Hanes 3 pack, lol, but is a bit tight in the "chicken fat" area of the under arm/front of the arm. Not terrible though. 

Tank is nice, wish it was JUST a bit looser in the front.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would go with clothes that are comfortable and attractive 99% of the time. For that 1% of the time when you are in 'down dog' just tuck the shirt in the waist of your pants/leggings, or use something to tie the extra draping cloth (at the side or back). Lots of teen girls seem to use a hair elastic to tie back the extra cloth. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Got the Colorful Koala leggings today, supposedly a favorite Lulu dupe. The compression made me look fantastic until i moved. Then the waist rolled down and pinched and was terrible. I think the waist comes up TOO high on me, so above the smallest part of my waist - making it easy for it to roll down. Those got put back in the bag to be shipped back. 

I'm wearing the cheap ones I linked before pretty much daily - came in a 3 pack and they are SOOOOOOOO comfy! No real compression, so jiggle shows, but man are the comfortable!

Also got this bra and am loving it so far - enough compression it takes the weight off my shoulders. My other sports bras were hurting my shoulders, or were showing my "headlights", lol. This one has light pads in it to hide the headlights, and is a weird space age material that feels super light. Almost like not wearing a bra. https://amzn.to/2UzOLks

I have this one coming tomorrow: https://amzn.to/35y7rrg which I like for the longer line of it. Will see. 

These leggings will be here later - they are the same company as the ones I'm wearing and liking that are so comfy, but have pockets. https://amzn.to/3kEl6RI

These underwear are perfect, they dry fast, don't get soaking wet with sweat, and stay in place - not rolling down onto my c-section scar like others or going up my butt. https://amzn.to/35yVYYv

And these were recommended by someone in this thread, and I love them. Bought 3 of them now. https://amzn.to/2UAthnL

Next is to find some t-shirts that work, for when it gets a bit cooler. I figure tanks will work for indoors most of the year though. And I got a light cardigan style jacket thing to throw over them https://amzn.to/2IGIW2s

I also got and like this tank, but it is cotton - got a compliment the first day I wore it when I picked up a dresser I bought on Craigslist. Plus,it will annoy my obnoxious neighbor, lol. https://amzn.to/36Gwhoj

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ugh, these came and are making my legs itch! Only had them on a few minutes. Fabric is very different from the other ones I bought from them. Not sure if the itching is from sizing chemicals and would be better after washing. But if I wash them, I can't return them. Also they have that narrow elastic at the top that is uncomfortable, and gives me a bit of muffin top. So going back. Shame, they look cute otherwise and pockets are fantastic, and crotch is guesseted so I can tell they will stay up, not ride down like the ones I like. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really, really like the Core 10 line of workout clothes on Amazon, specifically the All Day Comfort line. I have five of the yoga shorts with pockets which I wear to work out every morning. They are very comfortable, have great compression (without making me feel like a can of biscuits), are squat-proof, and don't budge during my workout. I also have three pairs of the full length pants, and I love them - they offer better compression than the cheap off-brand leggings I bought from Amazon, they are extremely soft, and the colors are really quite pretty in person. I don't wear the pants to work out (I sweat too much to wear long pants or even capris), but I wear them out of the house because they don't look cheap or sloppy.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...