How to Choose the Perfect Athleisure Pieces for Your Body Type

by

Finding the Perfect Athleisure Pieces for Your Body Type

The athleisure trend is more than just a fleeting fashion moment; it’s a lifestyle. Blending the comfort of athletic wear with the style of everyday fashion, it’s the uniform for a life on the go. However, a great athleisure outfit isn’t just about throwing on leggings and a hoodie. It’s about selecting pieces that flatter your unique body shape, making you feel confident and put-together whether you’re at the gym, running errands, or grabbing a coffee with friends. This guide will walk you through the essential principles of choosing athleisure that highlights your best features and creates a balanced, stylish silhouette, regardless of your body type.

Understanding Your Body Type

Before you can choose the right clothing, you need to understand your own proportions. While every person is unique, most body shapes can be categorized into a few general types. Think of these as guidelines, not rigid rules. The goal is to identify what areas you’d like to highlight and what areas you’d prefer to minimize.

  • Apple: You carry weight around your midsection, with a less defined waist, and have slender legs and arms. Your bust and shoulders are often broader than your hips.

  • Pear: You have wider hips and a defined waist, with a smaller bust and narrower shoulders. Your lower body is the most prominent part of your figure.

  • Hourglass: Your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, with a well-defined waist. You have a balanced, curvy figure.

  • Rectangle: Your shoulders, waist, and hips are all similar in width, creating a straight, athletic silhouette. You have a less defined waistline.

  • Inverted Triangle: You have broad shoulders and a larger bust compared to a narrower waist and hips. Your upper body is the most prominent part of your figure.

The key to dressing well is creating visual balance. For example, if you have broad shoulders, you might want to add volume to your hips to create an hourglass illusion. If you have a fuller midsection, you’ll want to draw attention to your legs and neckline. This guide is built on these principles, providing specific, actionable advice for each body type.

Athleisure for the Apple Body Type

The primary goal for an apple body type is to create a more defined waist and draw attention to your strong, slender legs.

Tops: Focus on the Neckline and Fit

  • V-Neck and Scoop-Neck Tops: These necklines elongate your neck and draw the eye vertically, away from your midsection. A V-neck creates a slimming effect and adds a touch of elegance.

  • Tops with Ruching or Gathering: Look for tops with gentle ruching on the sides or a crossover design. This detail can create the illusion of a waist without being constrictive.

  • Avoid: High-neck tops, tight-fitting crop tops, and horizontal stripes, which can make your torso appear wider.

Jackets & Outerwear: The Art of Layering

  • Open-Front Cardigans and Longline Vests: A longline silhouette creates a vertical line down your body, which is incredibly slimming. Wearing a jacket or vest open lets your top peek through, creating a clean, defined line.

  • Structured Jackets: Opt for jackets with a structured shoulder and a clean, straight cut. A zip-up hoodie that stops at the hip is a great option.

  • Avoid: Cropped jackets that hit at the widest part of your torso, and oversized, shapeless jackets.

Bottoms: Highlight Your Legs

  • High-Waisted Leggings: This is your secret weapon. High-waisted leggings provide support and smooth out your midsection, creating a sleek silhouette. They also draw attention to your lower body.

  • Joggers with a Tapered Ankle: A tapered jogger draws attention to your slim ankles and creates a modern, stylish look.

  • Straight-Leg Athleisure Pants: A straight-leg cut creates a long, lean line from your hip down to your ankle.

  • Avoid: Low-rise leggings and pants that can create a muffin top effect.

Examples:

  • Outfit 1: A deep V-neck performance tee in a dark color, paired with high-waisted black leggings and a longline open-front cardigan.

  • Outfit 2: A scoop-neck tunic-length top that skims over your midsection, worn with tapered joggers and a clean-cut bomber jacket.

Athleisure for the Pear Body Type

For the pear body type, the goal is to balance your lower body with your narrower upper body. You want to draw attention upward and add some volume to your shoulders and bust.

Tops: The Power of Volume and Detail

  • Bold Colors and Prints: Wear bright colors and eye-catching prints on your top half to draw the eye upward.

  • Off-the-Shoulder or Boat Necklines: These necklines widen your shoulder line, creating a more balanced proportion with your hips.

  • Tops with Shoulder Details: Look for tops with puffy sleeves, ruffles, or shoulder cutouts. These details add visual interest and volume to your upper body.

  • Avoid: Tight-fitting, dark-colored tops and thin-strapped tank tops, which can emphasize the narrowness of your upper body.

Jackets & Outerwear: Structuring Your Silhouette

  • Cropped Jackets and Bombers: A jacket that hits at your natural waistline can help create a more defined waist and draw attention to your upper body.

  • Jackets with Shoulder Pads: Even subtle shoulder pads can help create a broader shoulder line, balancing your hips.

  • Avoid: Long, unstructured cardigans that hang loosely over your hips, which can add bulk to your lower half.

Bottoms: Create a Smooth, Clean Line

  • Straight-Leg or Bootcut Leggings: A slight flare at the bottom of a legging can help balance out your wider hips and thighs.

  • Darker Colors: Stick to darker, solid colors for your bottoms, as they have a slimming effect.

  • High-Waisted Leggings: These are a great choice as they provide support and create a smooth line from your waist down.

  • Avoid: Leggings with side pockets or bold prints on the hips and thighs, which can draw attention to these areas.

Examples:

  • Outfit 1: A brightly colored, off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, paired with dark, straight-leg leggings and white sneakers.

  • Outfit 2: A sleeveless top with a boat neckline and a detailed shoulder, worn with black, high-waisted leggings and a cropped denim jacket.

Athleisure for the Hourglass Body Type

The hourglass figure is already well-proportioned, so your goal is to highlight your natural curves and defined waistline.

Tops: Flaunt Your Shape

  • Fitted Tops: Opt for tops that skim your body and highlight your waist.

  • Wrap-Style Tops: A wrap top cinches at your smallest point, emphasizing your hourglass shape.

  • Scoop and V-Necklines: These are excellent choices as they draw attention to your décolletage without disrupting your natural balance.

  • Avoid: Boxy, oversized tops and shapeless tunics that hide your waist.

Jackets & Outerwear: Cinching is Key

  • Belted Jackets: A belted trench-style jacket or a fitted puffer with an elastic waist will accentuate your curves.

  • Bomber Jackets: A bomber jacket that hits at your waist is a fantastic way to highlight your smallest point.

  • Avoid: Straight, boxy coats and jackets that add no definition.

Bottoms: Embrace Your Curves

  • High-Waisted Leggings: These are a perfect match, as they hug your curves and highlight your waist.

  • Flared Leggings: A flared legging can create a very flattering, retro look.

  • Joggers with a Tapered Ankle: A well-fitting jogger will show off your balanced proportions.

  • Avoid: Low-rise bottoms that can cut across your hips and create an unflattering line.

Examples:

  • Outfit 1: A form-fitting workout tank top paired with high-waisted leggings in a complementary color, and a cropped bomber jacket.

  • Outfit 2: A wrap-style pullover worn with flared leggings and sneakers.

Athleisure for the Rectangle Body Type

For the rectangle body type, the goal is to create the illusion of a more defined waist and add some curves to your straight silhouette.

Tops: Create the Illusion of a Waist

  • Layering with Contrasting Colors: Wearing a fitted top underneath an open-front jacket or vest can create vertical lines that add definition.

  • Tops with Ruching or Peplum: A top with a peplum hem or ruching at the sides can create the illusion of a waist.

  • Crossover and Wrap-Style Tops: These styles are excellent for adding shape and a defined waistline.

  • Avoid: Very boxy, oversized tops and straight-cut t-shirts that emphasize your straight silhouette.

Jackets & Outerwear: Add Shape and Detail

  • Belted Jackets or Vests: A jacket with a belt can instantly create a waistline.

  • Jackets with Shoulder Details: Details like epaulets or structured shoulders can add width to your upper body, making your waist appear smaller in comparison.

  • Avoid: Straight, long jackets that fall from the shoulder and hide your entire torso.

Bottoms: Add Volume and Shape

  • Side-Striped Leggings: A vertical stripe down the side of your leggings adds a sporty detail and can create the illusion of a curvier leg.

  • Joggers with Pockets or Details: Details like cargo pockets or zippers on the hips can add a bit of volume to your lower body.

  • Flared Leggings: A slight flare can add movement and a more feminine silhouette.

  • Avoid: Very tight, plain leggings and pants that emphasize your straight up-and-down shape.

Examples:

  • Outfit 1: A fitted workout top with side ruching, paired with high-waisted leggings with a side stripe, and a belted trench coat.

  • Outfit 2: A scoop-neck top with a small peplum detail, worn with joggers with cargo pockets and a structured bomber jacket.

Athleisure for the Inverted Triangle Body Type

For the inverted triangle body type, the goal is to balance your broad shoulders and upper body with your narrower hips. You want to draw attention to your lower body and add volume to your hips.

Tops: Soften and Streamline

  • Halter and Scoop Necklines: These necklines draw the eye inward and down, away from your shoulders. A scoop neck is particularly effective.

  • Raglan Sleeves: A raglan sleeve (where the seam runs diagonally from the armpit to the collar) can soften the shoulder line.

  • Darker Colors on Top: Wearing darker, solid colors on your upper body has a slimming effect.

  • Avoid: Puffy sleeves, shoulder pads, off-the-shoulder tops, and horizontal stripes on the bust or shoulders.

Jackets & Outerwear: Keep it Simple on Top

  • Simple, Unadorned Jackets: Choose jackets with minimal detail on the shoulders. A simple, zip-up hoodie or a clean-cut track jacket is a great choice.

  • Jackets with a Defined Waist: A jacket that cinches slightly at the waist can help create a more balanced silhouette.

  • Avoid: Jackets with heavy detailing on the shoulders or jackets with a boxy, wide-shouldered silhouette.

Bottoms: Add Volume and Visual Interest

  • Leggings with Side Pockets or Prints: Side pockets, bold prints, or a stripe on the hips and thighs are a great way to add visual interest and volume to your lower body.

  • Flared Leggings: A flare at the bottom adds balance and creates a more feminine silhouette.

  • Cargo Joggers: The pockets on a cargo jogger add volume to your hips and thighs.

  • Light Colors and Prints: Don’t be afraid to wear light-colored bottoms or fun prints on your leggings to draw the eye downward.

  • Avoid: Skinny-fit joggers and plain, dark leggings, which can make your hips appear even narrower.

Examples:

  • Outfit 1: A simple, dark-colored scoop-neck tank top, paired with light-colored leggings with a bold side stripe and a simple, unadorned jacket.

  • Outfit 2: A fitted, solid-colored halter top, worn with patterned leggings that have a subtle flare at the ankle.

Beyond Body Type: Universal Athleisure Principles

While body type is a crucial consideration, there are a few universal principles that will elevate any athleisure outfit.

Fabric is Everything High-quality fabrics make a huge difference in both fit and feel. Look for materials that offer:

  • Four-Way Stretch: This allows the garment to move with you without losing its shape.

  • Moisture-Wicking Properties: This is essential for comfort and performance, even if you’re not working out.

  • Compression: Compression leggings can smooth out your silhouette and provide support.

The Power of Color

  • Monochromatic Outfits: A head-to-toe monochromatic look (all black, all navy, etc.) is one of the most powerful and slimming styling tricks. It creates a long, lean, uninterrupted line.

  • Strategic Color Blocking: Use darker colors on the areas you want to minimize and lighter or brighter colors on the areas you want to highlight.

The Right Fit

  • No Baggy Bottoms: Athleisure bottoms, whether leggings or joggers, should fit well. Baggy leggings are unflattering, and overly baggy joggers can look sloppy.

  • Proper Length: Ensure your leggings are the right length for your height. If you’re petite, a 7/8 length can look like a full-length legging. If you’re tall, look for “tall” sizes to avoid ankle-length leggings that look too short.

Accessorize Smartly

  • Statement Sneakers: Your sneakers are a key part of your athleisure look. A clean, stylish sneaker can tie the entire outfit together.

  • Hats and Sunglasses: A well-chosen baseball cap or a pair of modern sunglasses can add a cool, effortless vibe.

  • Bags: A sleek fanny pack or a stylish crossbody bag is a practical and fashionable accessory.

Final Takeaways

Choosing the perfect athleisure pieces for your body type is about understanding your proportions and using clothing to create a balanced, confident silhouette. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors, and cuts. The best outfit is one that makes you feel great, and with these guidelines, you can build an athleisure wardrobe that is both stylish and perfectly tailored to you. Focus on highlighting your strengths, creating balance, and selecting quality pieces that are as comfortable as they are chic. The perfect athleisure look is within reach.