When you’ve worked hard at the gym to get in shape, there’s no point in hiding your achievements under a baggy t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms. Looking good while you work out boosts your confidence, and as a result you’ll perform even better. Whatever your body shape, you’ll find workout clothes that don’t just fit, but flatter.

Pear Shapes

The most common body shape amongst women in the UK, if you’re wider across the hips and thighs and slimmer across the bust and shoulder you’re a pear shape.

With workout tops, go for vests and t-shirts that feature light colours across the top half, or team a lighter top with darker bottoms to draw eyes up and away from your hip and thigh area.

With workout pants, go for a fit that has a slight flare to balance your bottom half out and lengthen your shape. Stick to darker colours for a slimmed down look; you might want to go for something in a wick away fabric to keep you cool and dry, like these smart Nike Dri Fit pants from JD Sports. Also, avoid wearing bottoms with stripes down the sides of the legs. They’ll make your hips seem fuller.

Rectangle Shapes

If you have strong shoulders that are in proportion with your hips, with a less- defined waist, then you’re a rectangle shape.

You can create the illusion of curves using a few neat tips to trick the eye. Look for tops that have ruching down the sides or detail across the waist will accentuate your waist. A low neckline will lengthen your shape and draw the eye down towards your waist too.

Down below, look for pants that feature a pop of colour at the hips to play up your curves. And mix and match colours to break up your look, as wearing one colour from head to toe can make you look blocky.

Apple Shapes

If you have a round figure, with a full belly, larger bust, and slim legs, then you’re a delicious apple shape.

With tops, you want to define your middle, not cover it up, so look for loose fitting tops that tie or cinch at the waist. Don’t be afraid to show off your great shoulders in halter and racer necks that will draw the eye upwards away from the tummy area.

You’ve got great legs, so show them off. Fitted capris will look great on you, and will keep you nice and cool during sessions, and leggings were made for you too. The only thing to avoid is flared bottoms, as they’ll throw off your proportions by adding bulk.

Hourglass Shapes

If you have broader shoulders, wide hips, but a nipped in waist, then you’re the perfect hourglass shape.

If you’re lucky enough to have an hourglass figure, you want to show it off, so look for clothing that’ll accentuate that waist and flaunt those curves. Look for tops with a V or scoop neck, and tops with plenty of detailing across the mid- section to draw attention to your waist.

To really kick out those hips, try switching from shorts and pants to skorts – a combination of shorts and a skirt, as made famous by those Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. As a general rule, don’t hide behind high necks and loose clothes. You’ll only look larger if you cover up.

Are you conscious of looking good whilst working out?

Do you know what kind of workout gear suits your shape? *This post is sponsored by JD Sports