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Original poster

Flattering sports clothes

37 replies

BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 20:44

I haven't done much sport for a while after developing mobility problems a few years back. I am now quite a bit better and want to get going again. I am supposed to be going on a sports holiday in a couple of weeks and I am not sure what clothes to buy. However I am no longer a size 12 so I am not sure what will look best. It is also likely to be well over 30C where I am going so I don't want to cover up more than I have to because of the heat. On the other hand I am a bit flabby of thigh and large of nork and need to work around that.

I am going to attempt some light tennis, yoga and pilates, and also some water sports. I am about a size 16 (top) 18 (bottom), pear-shaped with a good waist, and have 34G norks. I also need decent trainers as I have some plantarfasciitis and a foot ligament problem at the moment, but shoe technology has come on and again, I am not sure what to buy.

I am after a couple of flattering sports outfits that will mix and match and give me a bit of confidence, if anyone has any ideas.

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specialsubject · 22/07/2015 21:31

for the water; long board shorts and a rash vest. Bikini top under the rash vest.

for the others - what you'd wear in the UK on a hot day. Shorts/vest top with sports bra. And decent trainers; go to an outdoor shop not a fashion one.

Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 21:50

Great ideas for the water! Just locating large board shorts. I would not have thought of that at all - I would ave struggled on with a swimsuit or something feeling a bit awkward.

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CMOTDibbler · 22/07/2015 21:55

Start with the sports bra as without a good bra, nothing looks good! I like the Panache as you get really good control without feeling strangled and still get a nice shape.

I quite like a skapri for coverage (mine were from Aldi).

Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 22:03

Do we like these?

Red and white board shorts

Red and white halter top

Rash vest

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Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 22:06

Am ordering that sports bra as it looks perfect!

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Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 22:15

Just googling for a Skapri in size 18

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CMOTDibbler · 22/07/2015 22:23

This one?

Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 22:32

These skapri? In charcoal? What top might look nice with them?

Mountain Warehouse Skapri

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Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 22:34

CMOT torn as to which will look the best. Like the idea of £14.99 at Mountain Warehouse as well.

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sleepwhenidie · 22/07/2015 22:37

I agree that a good braid essential. With foot problems I'd also get to a running shop to find best trainers for you, but if they seem a bit £steep then check out sportshoes.com for last season's design at a discount. After that, TK Maxx has some great sports stuff or you may want to check out Fabletics but be aware of 'membership' system and having to either cancel it or opt out of buying each month. Sizing range is wide but bottoms come up small IMO. I really like their tops and T's though.

sleepwhenidie · 22/07/2015 22:38

Braid? Bra!

MissShunImpossible · 22/07/2015 22:41

for yoga, I like to wear two vests. One, it's more flattering (on me anyway) but two (more importantly) having two on means they have friction against each other, and you don't get that downward dog show off your tum while you have a t shirt round your head moment.

HemanOrSheRa · 22/07/2015 22:42

I would go to a running shop for trainers. I suffer with heel pain and a good pair of trainers with the right support makes all the difference. Can be pricey though - I just paid £90 for a new pair.

PurpleDaisies · 22/07/2015 22:46

H and m do really good sports wear that is reasonably priced and good quality. Tk maxx as mentioned already are great too but a bit hit and miss for sizes and styles. The kyodan make they sell there are particularly good.

Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 22:51

Right, skapri and matching jacket ordered from Marisota. Charcoal/turquoise combination but need little t-shirt to match if anyone has any suggestions.

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Original poster
BoffinMum · 22/07/2015 23:05

MissShun, how do you mean two vests? How does that work? Are they different sizes? Is one tucked in and one hanging out?

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Want2bSupermum · 22/07/2015 23:50

Gap has some good yoga work out clothes. It's super hot for us here so wear capris with a sports bra and vest. I go to a running shop where they watch me walk/run. I get last years shoes for a 30-40% discount.

TK maxx has good stuff sometimes but be picky and check that the pants don't travel. I only buy Asics running pants in there now after disasters of the other labels working south very slowly. Here lulumon is super popular but I nearly fainted at the price. Some of their stuff ain't flattering with a sweaty crotch. In fact some women look like they have peed themselves when leaving hot yoga. Not a good look.

Original poster
BoffinMum · 23/07/2015 22:03

I think there's a running shoe place near here I could go to next week. They do gait analysis etc

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HemanOrSheRa · 23/07/2015 23:40

I would give the running shop a try Boffin. I've found that wearing the right shoes with the right support has made such a difference. And not just at the time I'm wearing them but on subsequent days too.

If you are going to get your gait analysed wait until you can wear your sports bra when you go! You may have to break into a light jog. I had my gait analysed a few weeks ago. I didn't wear my sports bra. It wasn't a pretty sight Confused.

avagosling · 24/07/2015 09:49

I've tried many sports bras over the years and have found Casall to be one of the best ones for support and durability, also Moving Comfort are fab as well

MissShunImpossible · 24/07/2015 12:13

boffin like this here So both "hanging out", though actually they're both snugly fitting - with two it smooths out lumps and bumps while being more flattering than having a great big t shirt (I think). Especially for those of us blessed with norkage. I do the same for running quite often too.

For running definitely I'd go for a high impact sports bra (shock absorbers all the way for my money).

Original poster
BoffinMum · 24/07/2015 16:20

Ah, I see about the vest tops. I wonder where you get snug ones like that?

WRT norkage, I am not too proud to run whilst holding them (as much as I can run, that is).

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specialsubject · 24/07/2015 18:27

lovely boardies, perfect!

rash vest right cut (sleeves and collar), stupid collar. Black in the heat? No.

useless bikini top. Get one with a real halter, not a couple of bits of dental floss.

specialsubject · 24/07/2015 18:30

ps for any other watersports learners; boardies and rash vest plus bikini all the way. Keeps sun off, practical for swimming and more considerate for your instructor. Your windsurf instructor will be standing in the water with their head at the height of your crotch. Your dinghy instructor will have to help you out of the water at times, they grab your buoyancy aid but don't want your clothes coming off as they do!

take it from one who knows. Smile

Original poster
BoffinMum · 24/07/2015 22:42

Right, the skapri have come and I have tried them on and they look pretty good. I have the matching zipped cardigan top thingy for them as well to make them an outfit, and I am currently in the market for a matching t-shirt if anyone has seen one. The skapri I ordered are grey with a turquoise stripe, made with Magic Sculpt.

The sports bra was massive so I am going to have to send it back. My fault not theirs, I have lost quite a bit of weight and obviously gone down in size.

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