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Original poster

Gym wear advice

39 replies

wowfudge · 19/04/2020 16:14

I'm continuing with a training programme I started in January, aiming to lose body fat and build lean muscle. My shape is changing - I have pretty good arm and shoulder definition for the first time ever - and I'm working to lose weight. But all my kit is ancient - think t shirts not fit to wear anywhere other than in a sweaty weights workout and leggings that will be soon be uncomfortably hot as it gets warmer. I'm after some new capri length leggings and a medium support top - something to spur me on that I can have photos taken in to show my progress as that's the culmination as well as being physically fitter. I'm a 34EE pear shape and anticipate that if I lose the weight I want to I'll be down to a DD or smaller. I'm prepared to spend up to £80. Looking online I'm never sure if the bra tops in particular will look daft on someone bigger than the models. I'd quite like something colourful after hiding in dark colours for years.

OP posts:
Original poster
wowfudge · 19/04/2020 17:47

Well that was definitely TLDR:

Please recommend some gym wear that is not black or grey, for someone who isn't flat chested and wants to look her best.

OP posts:
SoldiersinPetticoats · 19/04/2020 17:51

I have a mix of gym wear - some cheap and colourful from Tesco/Sainsbury’s, some more w pensive from Tula or Sweaty Betty. I’m curvy too so I need something which will flatter and support so I’m usually happy to pay more for decent compressive leggings

CremeDeSudo · 19/04/2020 17:53

So I'm a 34E pear shape, size 14ish.

I usually wear high waisted leggings and fitted sports tops, or crop tops to the dance class I go to.

My favourite leggings are Everlast that were on offer and are great for keeping my tummy from wobbling too much and I just have some cheap tops from Primark and Sports Direct (which I won't be shopping at again however!)

Gymshark are worth checking out for quality stuff and I quite like ASOS' range. You probably can't go wrong with the well known sports brands like Nike/Adidas etc though?

Glitterb · 19/04/2020 18:25

ASOS is good and cheap, the leggings have good pockets in!
My protein and gymshark do good sets as well

BBBear · 19/04/2020 18:38

I’ve just bought some gym wear from Decathlon after recommendations on Mumsnet. I’m really happy with it all and it wasn’t expensive (I too am a pear).

ouch321 · 19/04/2020 18:45

I would suggest going through all the sales sections on brands like Nike, Reebok, Adidas or Sweaty Betty. You could make a full gym kit, several outfits, easy. Black leggings tend to be the most flattering but I do rather like prints and patterns.

TheWordmeister · 19/04/2020 18:48

I would also recommend sweaty betty. But one pair of leggings is about £80.

Original poster
wowfudge · 19/04/2020 20:25

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes - Sweaty Betty came up on my FB feed, but the things in the sale weren't available in my size in the colours I liked.

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RainbowMum11 · 19/04/2020 20:39

Tikiboo and Lucy Locket Loves have great patterns, and their active wear is great for staying up and being squat proof x

CodenameVillanelle · 19/04/2020 22:33

Fabletics are great. I got the VIP 2 pairs for £24 and I LOVE them. They are the best workout leggings I've ever had. I went for subtle but they have some really Bright ones and lots have pockets, they also have matching tops if you want that.
The VIP thing gives you a further discount after the 2 for £24 so if you have money to spend it's worth doing just remember to cancel the subscription before the month! (It's easy)

pangolina · 19/04/2020 22:36

Fabletics are brilliant. I've had a subscription for years. They are exceptional quality and wash and last well.

TheWordmeister · 20/04/2020 07:56

Interesting to see good reviews of Fabletics. I have avoided as the reviews I’ve seen are bad - the fabric is thin and the quality is poor etc.

lotusbell · 20/04/2020 08:05

Another vote for Tikiboo and Lucy Locket Loves. Leggings are great but you'll need a sports bra with their bra/crop tops as not supportive enough on their own

Sweetandawfulsour · 20/04/2020 08:11

Nike’s Legend range of leggings and shorts are amazing. Hide a multitude of bum and thigh dimples and smooth out my shape.
I’d recommend browsing ASOS and sportsshoes.com - they have the outlet/sales on and you could easily get a decent wardrobe

CodenameVillanelle · 20/04/2020 08:14

I've been using my leggings a couple of times a week for a few months and they are just as good as new. I know the business model is weird but you can just buy things in a normal way.

Original poster
wowfudge · 20/04/2020 08:26

Thanks for these additional suggestions - Lucy Locket Loves are currently closed, but I like some of the Tikiboo stuff.

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nitgel · 20/04/2020 08:28

Uniqlo airism leggings are v comfortable.

winterisstillcoming · 20/04/2020 08:36

Another one for sweaty Betty.

Poshjock · 20/04/2020 08:45

Don’t assume that you will lose breast volume when you loose weight. I lost 4 stone and not one ounce came off my chest. I did come down from a 36 to a 30 band as I lost fat around my rib cage. I ended up going from F to H cup as I came down bands.

I would recommend spending good money on a well fitted sports bra and then you can use whatever tops you like after that. I most use Decathlon as they’re cheap and I can have a range of styles and colours. My favourite leggings are from F&F at Tesco - Compression style with high waist to flatten tummy and have a pocket too. Cheap enough to be able to buy new colour every year/season.

My favours bra - hands down is Freya (www.bravissimo.com/products/wired-sports-bra-pr100/#storm-pr100stm) buy white to put under any top but they have some gorgeous colours too. the band is a firm fit and unforgiving - great for full support such as running - you can clip the back Straps together for more support. I always size up the band for this reason though.

Poshjock · 20/04/2020 08:49

I meant Panache! Here’s the working link. Freya do a good bra also. They are similar in both style and fit and both are excellent for high impact sports. www.bravissimo.com/products/wired-sports-bra-pr100/#storm-pr100stm

224as · 20/04/2020 08:54

For leggings I’d recommend fabletics or a brand called CRZ yoga on amazon, they are pretty much identical to my sweaty betty ones and £20 instead of £80. They both do high compression leggings which I much prefer when working out.

inwood · 20/04/2020 08:57

Fabletics for leggings, or Sweaty Betty if you want to spend £££.

I don't think a top with in built support will work - you need a proper sports bra.

Original poster
wowfudge · 20/04/2020 15:05

Thanks once again - I've just ordered a couple of sports bras from Poinsettia. They were doing the nude Panache one you can wear as racer back for £33 whereas Bravissimo only had some of the dark colours reduced from £42. They had a nude Freya sports bra for £25 too. I find nude completely invisible under clothes whereas white can show.

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Makinglemonadefromlemons · 21/04/2020 20:46

I highly recommend under armour

www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens/bottoms/leggings-and-capris/

www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens/tops/sports-bras/

Kelp23 · 21/04/2020 20:46

I always liked the USA Pro high waisted leggings from sports direct but I've also found some great leggings in TK MAXX. Deffo worth a look online