WTF! The levels of disrespect were real the day my workout leggings disgraced me in front of some cuties at the gym.
Just imagine. You finally work up the confidence to rock one of those cute little two-piece workout fits that all the IG baddies wear. However, unlike some IG baddies, you’ve decided you’re actually going to work out. The thought that your workout leggings will rip (and disgrace you) doesn’t even cross your mind. You’ve waited 15 minutes for the smith machine and, finally, it’s your turn. You get into position. You hit your first warm-up squat and RIP; your leggings split right down the middle exposing your tush to your fellow weight lifters.
That was the day I embarked on a mission to find cute, comfortable, reliable workout clothes for slim thick curvy girls like myself. I scoured the internet, social media, and even hit the mall to identify fitness brands that cater to slim thick curvy girls like me. And here’s what I found:
No. 1 – NIKE LEGGINGS
The truth is, I have a love and hate relationship with Nike leggings because sometimes their leggings flatten my assets. However, I found Nike One Tights, which are pretty amazing.
These workout tights are high-waisted, have excellent tummy control and coverage. They are smooth and seamless – i.e., no annoying stitching to irritate your skin. They are durable and squat-friendly – meaning when you bend over or squat, they will not rip or expose your underwear.
I also love Nike’s Dri-Fit technology – which keeps me dry evening when I’m lowkey sweating bullets.
Size (Medium); Specs: 173lbs; Waist (33in); Hips (40in); Butt (44in)
No. 2 – JOY LAB
I stumbled across JOY LAB on accident. The plan was to get some snacks and face wash; instead, I walked out with A1 activewear.
My Joy Lab leggings are cute, comfortable, seamless, and squat-friendly. They hold-me-in and lift-me-up in all the right places. I love that I can wear this set during my heavy workout days or as athleisure wear when I’m running my errands. Word of caution this set is super flattering and may result in catcalls. LOL.
As an FYI, the bra offers moderate support. So, if you have big boobs and you want full bra support (i.e., you want your boobs to stay in place when you work out), I recommend rocking a comfortable bra along with your Joy Lab sports bra. Aside from that, I’m a fan of this brand. Specs: Bra (Medium); Leggings (Large)
No. 3 – Culture Fit Clothing
I’m a sucker for African print, so naturally, I gravitated towards Culture Fit Clothing.
Also, The bra and leggings are well-constructed and super flattering. The bra offers good support. Common theme alert! My Culture Fit Clothing leggings are squat-friendly and comfortable. These leggings have stitching along the thighs and legs, and yet the stitching is not irritating like most leggings I’ve tried. I love that!
Beware! This Culture Fit Clothing workout set is an attention grabber, will spark plenty of convos, and bring in tons of compliments. Specs: Bra (Large); Leggings (Large)
No. 4 – DoYouEven
When it comes to this workout brand, I drank the kool-aid, and I’m enjoying it!
I like my workout sets from Doyoueven because they are seamless, comfortable, cute, and offers pretty good coverage.
I love that they come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
The bra offers low to moderate support. As recommended in the Joy Lab section, if you have bigger boobs, you should rock a second bra to get the support you need to keep your boobs from bouncing around.
My only qualm with this workout brand is that it does not conceal your “imperfections.” In other words, this will not smooth your body out if you have dimples or texture on your thighs. I’m okay with this because I believe it’s time for the world to know that texture, cellulite, body dimples, etc. are normal! Not everyone has those face-tuned smooth bodies, and I want women – young and old – to embrace their bodies.
If you want to see how these workout outfits perform live in the flesh…I mean a video demo…check out my workouts for working women on my Youtube channel.
Until next time, xoxo!
Michelle Ijeoma