Introduction:
Although modern media trends promote a variety of body shapes and advocate for self-acceptance, the struggle to find clothing that is both stylish and fits well persists for many, regardless of shape or size. Moreover, being fit and strong is universally recognized as attractive, but the fashion industry has been slow to catch up with the varied shapes and sizes of athletic women (and all women, for that matter).
While athletic women can rejoice in the abundance of activewear options, everyday clothing is another matter entirely. The misconception that women with athletic bodies only wear workout gear perpetuates the limited availability of stylish, well-fitting casual wear that flatters their physique.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into a few common and distinctive features of the athletic body type that make finding a good fit difficult. We will also identify key ways to keep you looking your best, no matter where you get your clothes.
Broad Shoulders and Slim Waist:
One of the defining features of an athletic body is broad, muscled shoulders paired with a slim waist. Fast fashion and off-the-rack garments are often designed with an hourglass figure in mind, making it difficult for athletic women to find clothing that accommodates their broader upper body without being too loose around the waist.
What to Look For: To highlight your athletic features, opt for shirts featuring v-necks and scoop necks that pull the eyes away from your shoulders. Highlight your slender waist and create balance for your upper body by choosing peplum tops and longer jackets that lead the gaze downward. Flowy or full skirts and wide-legged trousers will add volume to your lower half to balance out a bulky upper body. Avoid shoulder pads and steer clear of spaghetti straps.
Leg Day Woes:
Women who prioritize their lower body workouts struggle to find pants that fit both their muscular thighs and smaller waists. Standard sizing leaves athletic women with the unenviable choice between pants that are either too tight in the thigh or too loose at the waist.
What to Look For: Avoid frustration and choose pants with wide legs. Opt for skirts that terminate at the knee to accentuate your calf muscles while concealing fuller thighs. Fit and flare dresses draw focus to your waist and give ample space to your strong legs.
Short or Long Torso:
Torso length is a topic that deserves its very own blog post. Women with long torsos struggle with finding tops that are long enough to cover their midsection, while those with shorter middle sections may find a lot of clothing makes them look boxy, wide, or short in general. The fact that fashion all but ignores diverse torso lengths limits the options available to women with athletic builds.
What to Look For: If you’re concerned about an invisible midsection, add v-neck tops and vertical stripes to your wardrobe. Pants with high waists add length to your legs and make your torso more proportionate. Dresses and tops with an empire waist will also lengthen your lower half. To create a more harmonious silhouette with a long torso, consider low-to-mid-rise waisted trousers with embellishments. On top, shirts with horizontal stripes and cropped tops break up length. Layering short jackets or blazers has a similar impact. Remember that mixing colors creates definition, while a monochromatic look elongates the body.
Conclusion:
Embracing an athletic body is a journey of self-love and empowerment, but it comes with its fair share of fashion challenges. The fashion industry must recognize the diversity in women’s bodies and adapt to create inclusive designs that cater to the unique needs of athletic women.
As consumers, demanding more variety and inclusivity in sizing can contribute to a shift in the fashion landscape, allowing women to confidently showcase their strength and athleticism in clothing that fits and flatters. Remember, every body is beautiful, and it’s high time the fashion industry acknowledges and celebrates this truth.