Sports Wear For The Overweight

[clatteringhooves]

I'm keen to start playing tennis again after a long break and have no idea what to wear! I clearly can't wear the little tennis dresses i used to wear, and really need something as flattering as possibly so i can concentrate on hitting the ball instead of hiding my fat. I am 48 and a size 18, big boobs and wobbly legs and tummy . Please, please help!!

Primark

Lidl regularly have some in (last wee) and aldi have some coming in this weekend.

H and m?

Whatever you do, make sure it is supportive otherwise you may do yourself some heavy damage as you throw yourself around the court!

A decent sports bra is the most important thing. I'm skinny but with big boobs and I think the Enell bra is the best thing ever. Really ugly I'm afraid, but it works - nothing moves! I get mine from lessbounce.com.

I tried to get an Enell but the lovely helpful Less Bounce ladies said that I wasn't Enell shaped. The Shock Absorber Sports Bra I got from them instead is great. Keeps bork age firmly under control. Agree with PP. spend money on sports bra.

My sports bras are shock absorber ones that have an additional clasp half way up the straps for extra support.

Might sound silly, but for tennis have a look at some of the ladies golf gear. That usually comes up to a size 20 in Nike or Adidas - definitely up to an 18 as I have loads.

Adidas have support leggings for running that have a little skirt attached - I got some for netball. Skirt bit covers you bum and lumpy bits there, leggings hide all manner of sins on the legs

I think I'd get some decent trainers, a bra ( I like shock absorbers, but know others swear by enell), some 3/4 length capri's from somewhere like sports direct, and a polo shirt or fitness tee-shirt.

I have a panache sports bra for my enormoboobs that works great. I also have two of these tops in different colours

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_283010331456_-1

which I like because they aren't fitted. I haven't tried skirt leggings cos I've only seen them on skinny girls, but have seen others with shorts with leggings underneath.

If you phone the ladies at Less Bounce, they are astoundingly helpful and will advise on which bra will suit you. And they do free returns, so no hassle if you need to try a couple of sizes.

I really like skapris as you get your legs covered to below the knee, a little skirt to distract round the bottom, but are still distinctly sporty. this looks nice and comes in an 18. Then either a tech t shirt, or two layers of vests?

Fantastic, thanks for all the help. I have loads of ideas now, and am really liking the skapris! I have set aside a chunk of my budget for a sports bra, can't believe i didn't think of that, and am going to try some on tomorrow! Excited now

I also have an Enell bra, which I rate. I have picked up some good sportswear from Boden in the sale, they have a dress in your size. It comes with navy shorts, but I think would potentially look good with navy ?cropped leffings.

leggings

Don't go to M&S for a sports bra though - you need a good fitting, and a really controlling bra. Neither of which you will get at M&S. Bravissimo, Debenhams or John Lewis are your best bet, but if you are really busty, I would order online because they don't carry brands like Enell

ive always been disappointed st JL

WhiteHairReally - what exactly is "Enell-shaped"?! The Enell is basically a corset which flattens everything.

Completely agree with CMOTDibbler - if you are busty, order online. The high street is useless for sports bras. Websites like lessbounce allow you to order a load of stuff and send back the stuff you don't like.

I didn't join in tennis for ages because of my size. Was kind of conned by someone else and usually wear leggings (sports ones) or jogging bottoms/t shirt/ hoodie. Do it. Honestly. I'm so pleased I started playing again - love it! Please just do it.

Do you really need those fake skorts? They just look like fat lady swimsuits to me. If it makes you comfortable, go for it but they are definitely the equivalent of the swim dress. You're a size 18 not a 28.

Just wanted to update - I have a brilliant shock absorber bra now, one i can actually jump up and down in without injury lol, and a pair of really thin, cool adidas sports trouser things. Going to give them a go and once the pounds melt away (which of course they will ) i'll get something a bit shorter. Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions, made me much more confident about taking the plunge!