How to Look Great When Buying Athletic Wear (Upper Body Edition)
Unlike most men who simply grab any piece of workout gear and throw it on, women tend to care more about the overall aesthetic appeal. Even when exercising, women seek visual pleasure and style in their athletic wear. With countless options available – from loose and comfortable fits to form-fitting compression styles to trendy fashion-forward pieces – there's no shortage of styling tips and shopping advice out there. However, remembering all these guidelines isn't always easy.
Using compression athletic wear as our example, we'll break this down into three key areas: upper body, lower body, and full-body coordination. We'll discuss what to watch out for, common pitfalls to avoid, and share some simple, practical tips that are easy to remember. In this upper body edition, we'll focus primarily on selecting and styling activewear for your torso.
The upper body category includes several key pieces: sports bras, tank tops, and long/short-sleeve tops. Let's dive into each of these categories.
Sports Bras
During spring and summer, many women choose to work out wearing just a sports bra as their top layer. This approach is not only practical for movement but also stylish, while showing off a toned physique. So what should you pay attention to when choosing sports bras?
Support and Coverage
First and foremost, you need adequate support to properly contain your chest during movement, preventing excessive bouncing that can lead to long-term issues like breast tissue damage or sagging. When trying on sports bras, do some jumping jacks and dynamic stretching movements to test whether the bra keeps everything properly contained. If you notice significant shifting or movement after a few stretches, consider trying a different size or style.
Breathability and Fit
During workouts, your chest area needs good ventilation too. Pay attention to the fabric's moisture-wicking capabilities when shopping. While you'll find plenty of inexpensive, attractive-looking sports bras online, always check the actual fabric quality. Poor materials can trap heat and moisture, fail to wick sweat properly, and even cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Your sports bra also shouldn't be too tight. A good rule of thumb: you should be able to slide your index and middle fingers side-by-side under the band at the bottom of the bra. If it's too restrictive, you might experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, chafing, or uncomfortable marks during your workout.
Side Support for Underarm Area
Many women struggle with underarm bulging when choosing sports bras. Beyond regular exercise to tone this area, look for styles with wider, longer side panels that provide better coverage and support around the armpit region. Bras with higher-cut sides and extended coverage can help create a smoother silhouette under your workout tops.
Tank Tops and Long/Short-Sleeve Tops
Shopping for sleeveless tanks and sleeved workout tops is relatively straightforward – as long as they feel comfortable and allow free movement, you're on the right track. The key considerations are similar to sports bras, but there's one important detail worth noting: avoid overly loose hems.
Looking at examples of white tank tops, the difference becomes clear. When shopping for tanks or sleeved tops, try to avoid styles where the bottom hem is too baggy or loose. If you already own pieces with overly loose hems, consider tying a knot on one side at hip level. This creates a more fashionable look and adds a touch of subtle sexiness by creating a peek of skin at the waist.
For shorter women, consider cropped tanks or tops paired with high-waisted bottoms in a contrasting color. This creates a visual proportion adjustment that makes your legs appear longer and your overall silhouette more elongated.
The principle behind this styling trick is simple: by creating a higher waistline visually, you're essentially dividing your body into more flattering proportions.
A Word of Caution About Layering
Because compression garments provide such snug coverage, they can sometimes flatten or reshape the chest area. This leads some fashion-conscious women to wear a regular underwire bra underneath a wireless sports bra to maintain their preferred chest shape. However, this creates three layers of coverage around the bust area.
Regular bra + sports bra + tank/top, and sometimes an additional jacket or layer on top – that's a lot of fabric around your chest area, which significantly reduces breathability. While this might be acceptable for special occasions or short workout sessions, it's not recommended for extended exercise periods.
How to Look Great in Athletic Wear
At the end of the day, the secret to looking amazing in workout clothes is developing a consistent exercise routine. Maintaining regular physical activity is key. It's worth investing time in your athletic wardrobe too. After all, buying attractive workout gear can be a great motivator to exercise more and maintain your fitness goals.
The key is choosing pieces that not only perform well during workouts but also look polished enough for casual outings. Invest in quality basics in neutral colors, pay attention to fit and proportion, and don't be afraid to mix athletic pieces with more traditional fashion items. Remember, confidence is your best accessory – when you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows, whether you're hitting the gym or running errands around town.
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