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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:
hortensemancini · 30/04/2013 14:22

Thanks! I'll give Shock Absorbers another go. Do they fit true to size? I've tried on several M&S sports bras lately but either they have no support at all and just mash my norks together for an attractive 'bum cleavage' effect, or else they have that weird plasticy moulding inside that makes it look like my bosooom starts halfway down my chest and juts out like a shelf. I can almost feel the sweat pooling clammily thinking about them.

(Why do M&S insist on putting so much padding and underwiring into DD+ sports bras, anyway? I'm going to the gym, not a nightclub.)

PiHigh · 30/04/2013 14:36

I have a Royce sports bra and a Freya Active one. Actually I have two of one but I can't remember which!

I think it's these trousers I have www.sportsdirect.com/adidas-mf-3s-tight-ld21-346011 and I'm short - I tuck about an inch up at the bottom.

Tops are just cheapy wide strapped summer vest tops from Sainsburys, Republic and Primark as they seem to have more length.

madmomma · 30/04/2013 19:36

Sorry to hijack OP but does anyone have a solution to bouncing bellies? Once I strap my norks down they don't move, but my saggy belly bounces up + down and as well as being profoundly unattractive it's very uncomfortable. Is there a pair of running leggings that will support the hideous flab pillow?

cardoon · 30/04/2013 19:40

Try a Primark tummy control vest madmomma

madmomma · 30/04/2013 19:41

Ah thanks cardoon are they long? I've got that post csec apron that flops just above my knicker line.

cardoon · 30/04/2013 19:44

Yeah, quite long, they have adjustable straps

RayofSun · 30/04/2013 19:48

I agree with the Sweaty Betty proposal. I tried loads of different brands but theirs is comfy, flattering and feminine. It is pricey but worth it. I would look in the sale as reductions are pretty good.

ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 30/04/2013 19:52

I'm a 30G and have never found a better bra than the Enell - rock solid, but you can't wear a low-cut top as it comes up quite high.
Actually, I quite enjoy the novelty of wearing a 'normal' t-shirt for once!

For workout gear, I bought long short-sleeved t-shirts from Dorothy Perkins a few years ago. Haven't found ideal bottoms yet - I don't have the knees for tight leggings but feel passé in bootcuts (still wear them though!) i did find some cotton yoga pants in TK Maxx and they're comfy but, again, flappy.

IfYoureHappyAndYouKnowIt · 30/04/2013 20:33

Panache sports bra. Used to wear shock absorber but Panache so much better. Am largish norked.

KristinaM · 30/04/2013 21:58

The shock absorber run bras are small on the band. I'm a 30F and I have to buy a 32E.

DontCallMeBaby · 30/04/2013 22:09

Yeah, Shock Absorber Run is teeny weeny in the band - when I've been wearing 32G in everyday bras I've worn a 34FF and it's very snug. Very disappointed in Enell - thought they'd be the bee's knees but the support for me is on a par with the Run without its racerback done up. The whole point was that I can't do the racerback up due tea frozen shoulder so front-fastening would have been spot on. But the point is that sports bras are really personal, and absolutely essential to feeling comfortable (within reason!) when exercising.

OP, exercise kit is my one exception to the rule of wearing v or scoop necks - bit of one is okay, but anything deep is going to reveal either bra or very high, very squashed cleavage, neither of which is a good look! I have Nike and Adidas tips with a bit of a v, pretty nice but a bit old now!

StatisticallyChallenged · 30/04/2013 22:17

I'm a fan of the Freya underwired sports bra - it also runs small in the band (seems to be common with sports bras!) I buy my usual "letter" but one band size up

Original poster
VisitorTheDog · 06/05/2013 22:41

Somehow I managed to miss all these replies, thank you! Will take a look at the suggestions :)

OP posts:
MyChildDoesntNeedSleep · 06/05/2013 22:44

I find my adidas running tights really flattering. I look good even when I'm at my porkiest. Unless my mirror is lying to me.

Original poster
VisitorTheDog · 14/05/2013 09:46

Ooh maybe I need to try those, the sound of the word 'tights' scared me off that type originally but maybe I need to be brave. My main problem is finding tops long enough though!

OP posts:
Rosepetal27 · 15/07/2013 13:02

Has anyone tried Fittamamma?

I have been wearing their support top for the last 3 months whilst exercising and they are brilliant! and flattering to!
Here is the website www.fittamamma.com/
I really recommend it to anyone who is exercising when pregnant, and they say you can wear it all post pregnancy as well, which is good, something about supporting your tummy after pregnancy etc.

cardamomginger · 15/07/2013 13:08

You can get technical running t-shirts, that have the cut and fit of a normal t-shirt - so not massively high on the neck and not that tight. If you want something with a longer length, you could try a man's technical running t-shirt. Will be a bit longer and a bit looser.

I really wouldn't recommend going for 'normal' t-shirts. You need a technical fabric that will wick away the sweat, otherwise you will feel so yucky within about 1 minute.

And second Shock Absorber for bras.

She Runs has some good stuff:
www.sheactive.co.uk/

carrie74 · 15/07/2013 13:56

I can't bear anything loose when I'm exercising as it starts to chafe after a while.

Another vote for Sweaty Betty plus other good brands - the technology in these things is proven to keep you cooler, and fit well. I wear Ronhill capri and long leggings when I'm exercising. Must have had them for about 7 years and still going strong with no signs of wear. Also worth looking on ebay for Sweaty Betty - lots of people buying it and then never actually working out.

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