Shopping for an Athletic Body Type
If you've got swimmers shoulders, a sprinters ass, V-lined abs, or thighs that could feed a family of four, then this guide is the answer to your shopping prayers. Ladies: everything I just listed is an ASSET. In my opinion, if you have any of those things, THAT is your best feature. Your strength is amazing. Don't ever forget that. A lot of articles I researched talk about "drawing attention away" from these qualities. I'm calling BULL on that statement. Couldn't disagree more.
First things first. You need to figure out what is your favorite part of your body. Everyone has at least one. Whether its your legs, arms, stomach, ass, chest just pick one and never go a day without showing it off. Why? Because you want to feel confident every single day of your life, and the best way to do that is to show off your best attribute.
How annoying is it when you go into the dressing room and rip a shirt trying to pull it over your shoulders? Then you just casually hang it back up, pretending like you didn't just ruin a $100 All Saints top. Its not my fault I have a BICEP. It's the stores fault. Obv.
For people who have great arms or shoulders, EMBRACE THEM. I'm so jealous. One time, a photographer told me to flex my back muscles, so I did and then he said, "No... like flex your back". Embarrassing to say the least. To have more defined triceps and back muscles is a dream that probably will never turn into a reality in the Mewis household. We're just broad AF with very little definition. Great for holding off defenders, not great for spaghetti straps.
Now- shopping for those guns... WEAR TIGHT SHIRTS! Shop for fitted long sleeves, tank-tops with thicker straps, and V-neck anything. Anything fitted in my opinion goes. Why? You want to show off the definition, not hide it under a baggie tunic. Wearing a loose shirt will only make you look bulky. It will just look like you're hiding. You're RIPPED. Show the world. A lot of articles say to wear dark tops to draw attention away from your shoulders. I say how dare you. Wear whatever goddamn colors you want. (Try this top from Lulus.)
Dat ass doe. Dat ASS! Everyone wants that donk these days. Well guess what? If you're reading this you probably already have one. HA HA. This might be the best feature to shop for. You can wear fitted, loose, or baggy things with a booty. My favorite? You guessed it! High-waisted everything all day every day. High waisted jeans, shorts, skirts, leggings all of it. Some stores that have the best high-waisted stuff are Zara, Urban Outfitters, Free People (try these pants), and American Apparel. Stretchy material is your best friend. You can actually move! (You guys know how I feel about jeans in general.) Some pieces I suggest are fitted maxi dresses, leather skirts, and Levi denim shorts. And I've also never met a two-piece set I didn't like.
Next up is those V-lined abs. Low cut bottoms are your friend. Want to show off all that hard work you die at the gym for? Throw on some daisy dukes and a 3/4 shirt with some sneaks and heads will be turning left and right. My favorite part of my body is my stomach. Thats why I wear crop tops all year round. I'm not afraid to admit it. Shop for bodysuits (like this one from Revolve), any kind of crop top, and two piece sets. Two piece sets are the absolute best (GET THIS NOW!!). A matching bottom and top that shows just the right amount of stomach is perfect for any occasion. Maybe you'll make an exception and leave the stomach hidden on major family holidays. Me on the other hand? Poor Bob Mewis has gotten used to it.
And I saved the best for last. Those thundering, bone-crushing, slap-your-grandma thighs. Your power zone deserves some style and comfort. Thank god for leggings. Stalk up on all different colors and styles for the spring. I wear a pair or two of leggings every single day. They make me feel good and make my legs look even better. I like trying to create an illusion with my legs. Wearing high-waisted pants makes your legs look inches longer. Sneaker wedges (like these) are fun, athletic looking, and create the same effect.
Shorts that are tight on the waist with a flow out on the legs is always a nice look. Get boyfriend cut jeans a size or two bigger for comfort and a baggier feel. Don't ever pass on a day for your favorite jean shorts (these are mine). Would you pass on a day of squats? I sure hope not.
Shop on ladies. I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips! And don't forget, the more muscle the merrier. Don't slap God across the face for giving you a gorgeous gift. FLAUNT IT.
by Kristie Mewis