Good suggestions but anything I put on to work out in I still feel fat.

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It's tough to get pumped to work out if you feel like a sausage stuffed in Lycra. Exercise clothes should be comfortable and make you feel sleek, sexy and energized. They should cling, not bind. But with so many styles, colors and fabrics to choose from, how do you find fitness gear that's just right for you?

Here are a few fashionista tips for choosing workout wear to flatter any figure:

If you're...
Thick-Waisted:
Avoid anything that pops out, bulges or otherwise causes your skin to hang over the top -- clingy and tucked in tops are out. If you're slim on the bottom, "Try color block workout wear," suggests style expert Rachel Weingarten, author of the forthcoming book 'Hello Gorgeous! Beauty Products in America, '40s - '60s'. "Consider black pants with a bright top that has a block of black around your waist." Fit Couture offers bright jackets and pants in slimming patterns.

Wide-Hipped or Bottomed:
Dress your lower half in slimming darks like charcoal, black, chocolate brown and deep navy; and avoid skin-tight spandex and elastic waistbands. "A tight elastic waist will only highlight the contrast between your small waist and large hips," says Weingarten. Try Not So Tight Fitness Essentials by Title Nine Sports ($55); Prana Asana four-way stretch nylon/Lycra Capri ($57); Lucy "Beach" Capri ($48) or Lululemons drawstring relaxed crop nylon/Lycra pant ($69).

Large-Busted:
"First, invest in a great sports bra" says Weingarten. "Sports bras with a high neck look super cute under v-neck tops—it's the layered effect, without the bulk." Moving Comfort offers excellent options for all sizes and shapes; Title Nine Sports' rating system helps you sort through choices. Fitted bottoms and Capri length pants pair well, just be careful of looking like a box!

More Calista Flockhart Than Drew Barrymore:
Give your bust a boost with chest-enhancing sports bras like Beyond Yoga by Fila cotton/spandex thick-ribbed tank top with built-in shelf bra ($30). Wear it with bicycling shorts that have extra seat padding for instant curves -- and less pain on your derriere. For color, think white, pale pink and prints, which attract light and help make you look less angular.
-- Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H

I've lost 50 lbs and haven't even bought new pants yet. LOL

Oh my! Thanks for this post Tamira!
I really agree with this...
It helps to work out if you are in cute clothes that fit!
Dan-How in the heck are you keeping your pants on???? *
50 pounds is alot to lose and not have bought any new?!?!? WOW...
Thanks Tamira!
Dawn

I have mesh belts that you can make any length.

Hi Tam!
*great post!!
sheree

Thanks for that...anything to make me look a little less fat, lol...

Thanks for that...anything to make me look a little less fat, lol...

Scott, Dan is our resident "Forrest Gump", he is NOT going to buy new pants.* Trust us on this one! That's why we love him so much! *He's a REBEL!

I really don't understand how even with a mesh belt you could lose 50lbs and wear the same clothes.. it can't look too great..* You've gotta have those pants gathered in everywhere...* Break down and buy a couple of pairs of pants man really..* I know you are saving for the corvette at goal but come on Dan