We all know the saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”. With current trends of body positivity and body inclusivity, this old adage also applies to something else: feeling your best when engaging in physical activity. What better way to feel confident and motivated to stay on track with your fitness goals than wearing clothes that make you feel your best? Find out about the best activewear brands that cater to all shapes and sizes, allowing everyone to look their best on their fitness journey.
1. An Activewear Revolution: Breaking the Boundaries of Inclusive Sizing
Over the past few years, the activewear industry has seen a surge in terms of incorporating inclusive sizing into their collections. This is a huge step towards breaking the boundaries of fitness for those previously excluded due to traditional sizing. No longer is exercising and sporting only a ‘one-size-fits-all’ experience – now athletes of all shapes and sizes can get involved in the action.
More and more brands are now conscious of creating garments that work for all forms, focusing on comfort and practicality. This is especially true when it comes to activewear, where being able to comfortably move and train is essential. From plus-sizes to petite to tall, brands are changing the dynamic of the sporting world one outfit at a time.
These changes come with a few key components that make the experience even more accessible. Firstly, brands are ensuring that their website includes size guides that can be tailored to each individual. Customers can learn their measurements, compare them to the available sizes and pick the one most suitable for them. Additionally, there are often helpful reviews on the products to read which can give a more solid impression of how a piece of clothing runs in terms of fit and sizing.
The revolution of inclusive sizing is one that everyone should welcome with open arms. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be able to participate and enjoy sport equally – the introduction of inclusive sizing is a step towards making this a reality. Here’s to a future of diversity and progress!
2. Redefining Body Positivity: Reclaiming Self-Love Through Activewear
When it comes to fostering self-love, we must dig deeper than simply looking in a mirror and believing what we see. One path to reclaiming and redefining body positivity lies in the clothing that we wear on a daily basis. Activewear has revolutionized how we view our bodies and reframe our perceptions of self-image.
Investing in the right kind of activewear can be a great way to kickstart your journey to self-appreciation. Start by finding pieces that fit you comfortably and make you feel confident. Seek out items that are supportive, encouraging both your form and function. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes in how you perceive yourself.
You’ll also be amazed at how boldly wearing your activewear can take your self-love up a notch. If you were too self-conscious to hit the gym before, donning the right clothing can erase those anxieties and liberate you. Consider how your expression of yourself empowers you as you embark on an adventure of self-love.
Self-confidence is a process, and we mustn’t forget to be gentle with ourselves as we learn to be kind and true. Looking for new and different ways to build our self-esteem can help take us further in developing a more positive relationship with our own bodies:
- Invest in clothing that fits you.
- Invest in clothing that flatters you.
- Invest in clothing that expresses you.
3. Shedding New Light on Activewear: Customized Sizes and Styles
Gone are the days in which people’s clothing choices were limited to the same few designs, colors and fabric. Activewear today has become even more accessible with customized sizes and styles that are tailored to the individual.
Athletes everywhere can now find a range of activewear options that are tailored to fit their unique needs. With custom sizes and styles for various activities, athletes can achieve a level of comfort and performance that was previously unattainable.
With the help of modern advances in fabric technology, custom activewear is now fast, easy and cost-effective. Fabric technology has led to the introduction of a new generation of activewear that is lightweight, breathable and quick drying. It also allows for greater freedom of movement, allowing you to go further and perform better.
Some companies even offer a fully customized experience, offering you the ability to tailor your activewear down to the last detail. From material selection to custom molds, you can create the perfect activewear for any activity.
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Quick-drying
- Greater freedom of movement
- Fully customized experience
By combining modern advances in fabric technology and customization options, activewear today has become even more accessible and tailored to the individual needs. With the ability to choose from a wide variety of sizes and styles, athletes can achieve a level of comfort and performance that was once thought impossible. The possibilities are endless!
4. Spreading the Word: Industries Endorsing Positive Self-Image
It is clear that positive self-image can have a empowering and transforming effect on individuals. But, as ever, the industries of beauty and fashion have a powerful platform to lend their weight to promoting a positive self-image. By moving away from glorifying a single body type and aesthetic, these industries can contribute to a more inclusive and positive self-image.
A key step is the use of diverse models and, increasingly, campaigns dedicated solely to positive body image. A good example is Aerie, a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, which uses models from a variety of multicultural backgrounds, heights and shapes to promote their lingerie lines. By making their products more relatable to their customers, they have found success – indeed, sales of the Aerie lines increased in double digits in 2018.
In a similar move, Dove has been producing its “Real Beauty” campaign since 2004. The campaign, which was designed in response to unrealistic beauty standards, has been successful in its scale and ambition, becoming the most viewed campaign in Unilever’s history. While it is impossible to definitively demonstrate the direct changes in individual’s perceptions of beauty, the impact Dove has had on worldwide discussions surrounding beauty and body image is remarkable.
Mixing It Up
It’s not just lingerie and cosmetics that are contributing to the drive for a more accepting self-image. Sports brands, such as Nike and Adidas, are using elite athletes to redefine our concept of beauty and realistically present body types that would have previously have been excluded from the fashion industry.
- Adidas launched its ‘SheBreaksBarriers’ campaign with an aim to showcase female athletes of all professions and lead a shift ‘towards unapologetic self-love’.
- In 2017, Nike made its first ever plus-sized mannequins to display its plus-size sports apparel.
- Sports giant, Puma, launched its ‘Do You’ campaign, which aimed to redefine beauty standards by featuring and celebrating the authenticity of everyday people.
The endorsements of these global brands can inspire and encourage people all over the world to embrace their true selves and their unique beauty. While there is still a long way to go in producing true inclusivity through fashion, it is becoming ever clearer that we all have the power to make a difference in nourishing a positive and inclusive self-image.
5. Putting the Fun in Fitness: Exciting Design Elements
For those of us looking to get fit, sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated. One of the best ways to keep your exercise routine fresh is to design a plan which incorporates exciting elements. Here are five great ways to put the fun into your routine.
- Plan social activities – Get a few friends together and meet up once a week for a hike, a bike ride or a game of tennis. It’s more fun with a group!
- Choose new activities – Why not try something different each week? Yoga, dance classes, kickboxing, scuba diving, and rollerblading are all fun alternatives to a standard gym routine.
- Head outdoors – The great outdoors is the perfect place to add an extra element to your workout. There’s no need to stick to roads and tracks – take a route that is full of added bumps and obstacles for a real test of skill.
What’s more, don’t forget to join online clubs or groups that share the same goals and challenges as you. This provides a supportive environment to help you hit your targets, as well as opportunities to try out new activities.
What’s great about bringing fun elements into your fitness regime is that it’s totally up to you to design. You can mix it up from week to week and cater it to your individual fitness goals. So, put a bit of colour into your next workout session – you’ll be surprised at the results.
6. Taking a Stand: Making the Activewear Market For Everyone Cohesive
In recent years, activewear has become an increasingly popular industry, with more and more people joining in on the trend. However, the lack of a cohesive market has made it difficult for shoppers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
For starters, many items of activewear are too short or too long for certain body types. That’s why it’s important that the inclusive apparel industry takes a stand and establishes standards for sizing across the board. This would ensure that all body types, whatever their size, can find clothes that fit them comfortably.
Next, it’s time to focus on making the activewear industry more sustainable. This means that the materials that go into making the products should be recycled and renewable resources. Additionally, many of the products should be biodegradable to reduce waste.
Finally, shoppers should also be able to find apparel that is ethically and responsibly produced. This could include anything from making sure that workers are getting paid fair wages, to outlawing products that involve cruel and unethical practices.
- Sizing Standards: Ensure that all body types are catered to with appropriate sizing.
- Sustainable Materials: Use recycled and renewable resources to create apparel.
- Ethical Production: Protect ethical practices by only using products created in fair working conditions.
By taking a stand and setting some industry-wide standards, the activewear market can become a model for inclusivity and sustainability.
No matter what shape, size, age or gender—it’s time to join together and cast aside self-doubt. Forget the frills and embrace your uniqueness with comfortable, practical and all-inclusive activewear from some of the brands mentioned. Let’s keep the activewear game going strong and inspire others to join us in living their best selves.
