But I don't want to look like a potato!

So in my bid to get healthy it is becoming clear to me that there are two reasons I don't like going to the gym (and neither of them is because I don't like working out!) The first one is that feeling that everyone there is looking at me saying "yeah, its about time you got here," and the other reason is that I have to break so far from brand because the fact is regular gym gear does not look good on me! And dont even get me started on sports bras for the mammorally gifted!

I found myself some months back, finishing up a workout solely because I realised 5 minutes in that my shirt was too short and my stomach (a particularly sore point for me) was exposed. Embarrassed, I packed up and left, and that was in a ladies only gym!

Is it wrong that I kind of want his top??

I've tried looking for gym gear that is in keeping with my every day style (vintage or homeless person depending on how much time I've had in the morning), but it turns out that there is a distinct lack of repro gym wear. Possibly because, upon research, I discovered that there are very few photographs of plus size vintage ladies working out. And the photos of women working out from the 1930's upwards are wonderful but not what I would call practical. And God forbid you were Plus Sized and didn't look good in a full leotard!

Such strength but in a teddy?

The photography of women working out in years gone by is gorgeous but it doesn't give me a huge amount of inspiration for what I can wear when I work out that makes me feel like me.

I am hugely protective of my brand. After all, when Will-I-Am tells you that you are the "real deal" and remind him of Lady Gaga because of the care you put in to making sure your brand is true to your style, then you tend to be fairly protective of your style.

So as much  as I would love to go to the gym in heels and a full face of make up, the practicalities of that dont really work so now Im on the hunt for a way to make myself look less like a potato and more like the Kiki deVille that roams the streets.

Apparently sports corsetry isn't really a thing any more (I cant imagine why that trend died out!) so I am going to have to rely on spanx of some description to make me feel a little bit better, along with some strategically chosen tops that leave everything to the imagination! 

There are some good track pants that have built in support, but sadly that support only works if you're talking about a tiny little podge of a tummy that sticks out a bit when you breathe not that Baker's Apron that I possess! 

As it turns out, there are actually some plus size exercise wear companies with some great clothes but typically most of them are based in the US. I found some ok stuff at Matalan but they only do up to size 20 so there is still the risk that it will be clingy rather than the tent style I seem to prefer, given that I look remarkably like a sausage when squeezed in to said clingy gear.

What I cant understand is how designers think that simply adding a few panels to an already existing design will suddenly make it Plus Size. Sadly even some of the more forward thinking Plus Size companies, do seem to have more of the clingy variety than the floaty, un-clingy style Im after. Yoga wear is great because it ticks a lot of the boxes for being comfortable but its not always practical for sweaty workouts, especially with weight machines. I should point out here that some people like the clingy stuff, its just not for me.

"Hello. 1991 called. It wants its lycra print back!"

However its not just about where things cling or what size it is but how I feel about myself whilst I am in them as well. I know some people consider 1990 stuff to be vintage now but I am NOT one of those people! I find the prints ghastly and gawdy. Plus I already wore them in the 90's....I paid my dues man!

 I found some lovely stuff at State of Mind Active. With up to size 28 and some fabulous Plus Size models on the website, I like their stuff but it still doesn't tick my branding box.

Fabletics do up to a size 22 but again, it is very fashionable and a bit too clingy for me, but I can see the attraction as the ranges are many and varied. The style for the mainstream girl is excellent and really is made with someone who likes to look good whilst working out in mind.

Simpy Be do have a great range of workout wear but again, it does nothing for my style sensibility. Although though do stock some brands like Pineapple who surprisingly make tops up to a size 30. This made me very happy, even though it isnt my style, it is great to see them wanting to appeal to a more diverse market.

Not wanting to be one to moan about the lack of choice and not try to offer a solution, or at least try to fix it for myself, I set about making myself a workout outfit that suited not just my hourglass figure but my sense of style. I call it Vintage Vavoom and I cant wait to test it out in a workout session this week!

I honestly believe that if you can feel good at the gym (and let's face it, you dont need to be Plus Sized to feel uncomfortable at the gym!), then you will enjoy your workout a whole lot more, and more inclined to stick to working out. So have some fun finding what works for you and I hope you enjoy my little attempt at fashion/workout gear design.
Lots of love
Kiki xxx