Athleisure

I’ve always struggled with casual outfits, because I believed for so I long that as a fat woman I had to put more effort into my appearance than smaller women do, and I thought that casual was too casual so I ended up way overdressed a lot of the time. When a thin woman wears sweatpants and has her hair in a messy bun, she’s cute and relaxed. When a fat woman does the same she is seen as lazy and like she doesn’t care about her appearance. I know right, what the heck?

I’ve realised that now I couldn’t care less about the many demands that are put upon women, especially fat women, to make themselves “more acceptable” or “more attractive”. You see, I couldn’t care less if someone thinks I’m cute – if I’m wearing a super casual outfit it’s because I want to be comfortable, I want to be relaxed. The ultimate in casual comfort for me is athleisure – basically exercise clothing that I have absolutely no intention of actually exercising in (although I do have to admit – I have done yoga in my yoga pants on more than one occasion).

A fair bit of athleisure style clothing has made it’s way into my wardrobe lately and I’m not even one bit sorry. It’s comfy as fuck, it keeps me warm and it’s incredibly practical for someone who spends most of her time at home or running around doing stuff with her family.

Last week I embarked on a road trip with my mama, and you better believe athleisure was in my wardrobe plan. We drove from Auckland to Cambridge to see my brother and his family (and have many cuddles with his baby), then we continued onto Gisborne to see the rest of our family. If I’m driving long distance then comfort is basically my number one priority!

Comfy pants that I can move around in without feeling restricted, layers that I can remove or add as required, a jumper that will keep me warm and cosy (because the air conditioning always leaves me shivering and it’s even colder outside the car in winter) and shoes that are both comfortable and keep my feet warm. Those are what’s important to me when I’m on a roadie, and to be honest why the heck wouldn’t you go for activewear? It’s an obvious choice, right?

So when I’m going for casual, it’s mostly going to be athleisure for me. Bring on the tracksuits and stretchy pants baby! I’m choosing comfortable and practical for doing stuff with my kid, running errands, roadtrips, heck – I’ll even wear it to coffee with friends.

Do you wear activewear to do non-active things?
Let me know if you like the athleisure look

Meagan wears:
Kate Madison Hooded Pullover from The Warehouse (26)
Premier Basix Leggings from Rainbeau Curves (26/28)
Cool 2.0 Shoes from ecco (39, gifted)