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Original poster

Flattering exercise wear?

44 replies

VisitorTheDog · 27/04/2013 23:26

I'm overweight, big boobs, csection tummy and starting to exercise for the first time in a long time. I know I'm not going to look great but why are all sports tops short, tight on the tummy and high neckline? Even going up sizes doesn't seem to help. Trousers are either a foot too long or skin tight capris...

Can anyone recommend anything/where? I've ordered from Sweaty Betty but am not really hopeful.

___
This thread is a little old now, so why not check out our round-up of the gym wear Mumsnetters recommend for something a little more up-to-date. MNHQ.

OP posts:
NaturalBaby · 27/04/2013 23:30

What are you going to be doing? I think Yoga tops might be a bit longer in the body, and more flattering. I used to just wear bit old cotton t-shirts and capris to the gym (don't go any more!). My rule was baggy top and fitted trousers or vice versa.

PetiteMum · 27/04/2013 23:30

I bought nice normal t shirts from tkmaxx....

Original poster
VisitorTheDog · 27/04/2013 23:34

Well Couch25K to start with. I'm thinking normal tops too but longer ones seem far and few between as well at the moment.

OP posts:
snoworneahva · 27/04/2013 23:48

With the tight stretchy trousers - buy a pair that aren't see through - that don't look semi flesh coloured around the butt apart from your knickers - you need a good honest friend to help you with this.
A line across your butt at the back of said trousers will make your butt look more pert, less flat and saggy.
A good bra, a really good bra will make all the difference. I usually wear Enell, boobs are flattened and don't budge, I never have to think about bounce.
I have been wearing the same sports gear for 6 years now, I bought good flattering stuff and even though I changed size from 14/16 to 8/10 I still wear the same tops, the trousers I have changed on a whim. Invest in quality - see through trousers are hideous.

NaturalBaby · 27/04/2013 23:52

If you're just going out for a run then there's nothing worse than trousers flapping round your ankles. Go for matt leggings and second a very good bra.

worried90 · 28/04/2013 00:07

Nike vest tops from sports direct. Racer back but more flowy at bottom. Will try to find link, I am size 16 with big boobs and they fit and flatter

timidviper · 28/04/2013 00:14

I found some track suit bottoms at Asda that are the old fashioned jersey material and bought mens polo shirts at Sports Direct because lycra does nothing for me, I'd look like a Michelin advert!

worried90 · 28/04/2013 00:16

Forgot half my post! If you search nike jersey capris in google they tend to be looser. I've found anything with a drawstring waist tends to be baggier

BallerinaZeena · 28/04/2013 00:29

Try Sweaty Betty

BallerinaZeena · 28/04/2013 00:29

Shit. Didn't read the last line

Trill · 28/04/2013 00:56

You're not supposed to look good when you are exercising. You are supposed to look sweaty and crap. If you see anyone who looks good just console yourself with the thought that they are probably not trying hard enough.

That said - where are you getting trousers that are a foot too long? I want longer ones! :)

IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt · 28/04/2013 07:18

Sweaty Betty is great but pricey.

If you live near a Decathlon try there. I have just visited a large one (abroad) and it was packed full of lots of great stuff at very good prices. I could have stayed there all day and nearly did.

Original poster
VisitorTheDog · 28/04/2013 22:44

Thanks everyone, hadn't thought about Decathlon, will give it a try. I suppose I just want to make it so that clothes are not an excuse not to go. One less excuse!!

OP posts:
FrugalFashionista · 29/04/2013 07:32

I've bought from Decathlon and Sweaty Betty and prefer the latter as they are full of tiny body-flattering tricks and details (yoga leggings are extra-high-waisted to support wobbly bits; tops are ruched and cut just right). Decathlon have a huge array of clothes but a lot of what I saw was synthetic and I'm not wearing my Decathlon shorts very often.

However, the bamboo exercise clothes from BAM are my all-time favorites - they feel really lovely on and the company is ethical... Have worn a pair of their running leggings nearly every day this year and no pilling or fading so far and they've kept their shape too.

Nehru · 29/04/2013 07:39

I order brands from John Lewis.
I wear capris. (Skin tight or they'll be uncomfy) and then vests. I don't like too low tbh.

In summer I wear shorts.

Nehru · 29/04/2013 09:59

I just got this for pump too
www.sportsdirect.com/nike-graphic-tank-top-ladies-341147
Its very long - almost too long for me. Plus depsite its appearance, wicks sweat

hortensemancini · 29/04/2013 10:55

Someone remind me what the best sports bras for 34 DD norks are, please? I'm literally bewildered at how rubbish M&S sports bras are now. It's as if they've got the candidates from The Apprentice to design them as a team task.

slug · 29/04/2013 11:47

Shock absorber. I have 34 GG norks and nothing moves in them. Don't get the shock absorber run bra though unless you are seriously flexible. I have to get DH to put me in and take me out of the damn thing.

Nehru · 29/04/2013 11:52

Agree. The halter neck one was appalling.

For non bouncing around classes I like the marks padded racer back one

HazleNutt · 29/04/2013 14:21

Run bra is the best and I'm not really that flexible. Could not manage the new Gym bra though.

Branleuse · 29/04/2013 14:26

Marks and spencers do a brilliant sports bra thats black and leopard print.
High impact. Its fab.

talkingnonsense · 29/04/2013 15:59

I wouldn't spend a huge amount on workout gear- try tk maxx- as in my experience, however much you wash stuff with sports wash or vinegar, eventually it will smell of sweat even when clean! But do buy a good bra- shock absorber are fab.