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January marks that pivotal moment when we wave goodbye to overindulgence and pledge that this year – finally – we will get in shape.
But whether that means buying a new gym membership, cycling to work, or at long last trying your local Parkrun, those fitness promises can quickly lose their appeal when you dig out unflattering, mismatched workout gear – and take a glimpse in the mirror.
Don’t abandon your ambitious plans just yet though. Because these days there is plenty of flattering, slimming activewear that actually smoothes and disguises lumps and bumps.
From tummy and leg sculpting designs to bum-boosting fabric technology, these clever pieces mean you can stop worrying about how you look and focus on feeling fabulous while you work out instead.
Curve-flattering jacket
Lemon Fuller is a spinning instructor and the brains behind underwear brand Lemonade Dolls, which now has an activewear collection.
Don’t let the cold snap put you off getting outside – the brand’s zip-through jacket is perfect for layering on chilly days.
Designed with a second-skin fit, the four-way stretch allows flexibility, while the compressive feel flatters your curves. Sleek, supportive and functional – what more could you need?
Sophisticated fabrics
Technical leggings – made from fabrics designed to enhance your workout – can come with high price tags but, luckily, High Street brands such as Next have started offering purse-friendly styles.
At only £26, this tummy-control, high-waist pair is made from a high-stretch, supersoft fabric that stays opaque during exercise, so there’s no need to panic when practising downward dog.
Tummy control high waisted leggings, £26, next.co.uk
For those concerned about cellulite, which can sometimes show through tight fabrics, look to Falke. Its triple action leggings are designed to disguise lumps and bumps while slimming and shaping your thighs, thanks to clever 3D knit fabric.
Or perhaps you simply want a legging that makes you feel firmly sucked in? Vuori’s new BlissBlend Form fabric offers enhanced compression with a drawstring waist to keep those wobbly bits in place.
Sculpting cami
If, like Claudia Winkleman, you’re a fan of leggings you can wear any day of the week, Calzedonia’s sculpt leggings are my top pick.
Made from high-quality Italian fabric, they’re designed to support and slim without compression, making them ideal for low-intensity exercise as well as everyday wear, styled with an oversized knit and chunky boots.
Sculpt top and leggings, both £44.99, calzedonia.com
Rather than having to fork out for both a sports bra and a top, Tala’s sculpt seamless cami combines the two.
With a built-in bra and a supportive underband to keep everything in place, you’ll feel sculpted and supported in this flattering top.
Streamlined sports bra
I used to dread wrestling my way into a sports bra, which is why I’ve decided to upgrade mine.
A good sports bra is key to a good workout. Rigby & Peller has created a style that combines sportswear with lingerie, so you can still look and feel elegant.
The streamlined underwire gives a flattering fit, while flexible straps allow you to wear it over the shoulder or crossed at the back for extra support.
For those with larger busts, head to Bravissimo. Their Apollo sports bra is designed with high-impact sports in mind. The underwired cups are made from a double-layer, firm fabric for a smooth finish.
Bum-boost leggings
Spanx may be best known for its shapewear, but its activewear is well worth a look too.
The Booty Boost leggings target lifting and shaping, so if things have started to go a little south in that area, these will be your saviour.
And you won’t want to hide what these leggings can do, so my advice is to opt for the bold bright red colourway.
If you prefer a flared style, Fabletics’ famous Boost legging is now available in a flare. Crafted from their signature PowerHold fabric, they’re designed with maximum compression to flatter your figure – and include booty-lifting tech too.