Buying a women's workout set online and unsure about size? Learn how to read a size chart, measure yourself and choose the fit that suits your training.
You've found a women's workout set you love, and then the question hits: which size? With activewear that's harder than with a T-shirt. A set needs to be snug enough to stay put through squats and burpees, but not so tight that after ten minutes all you can think about is your waistband. In this guide you'll learn how to read an activewear size chart, how to measure yourself properly and which fit suits which kind of training. With examples from LauBelle gymwear, so you know exactly what to look for.
Everyday clothes can be a little loose. Activewear can't, because it has to move with you. If your set is too big, the shorts slide down when you run, your top rides up during an overhead press and you feel less supported. Too small, and the waistband digs in, the fabric rubs and it can become more see-through when the fabric is stretched further than intended.
So the right size isn't just about looking good in your gym selfie. It's mostly about not having to tug at your clothes all the time.
Many workout sets, including LauBelle's, list half measurements in the size chart, shown as 1/2 Bust, 1/2 Waist and 1/2 Hips. That's the garment measured flat on a table, from side to side. Multiply that number by two and you get the garment's circumference.
An example from the size chart of the Milk Silk sports top and shorts set:
Size S: half waist 31.5 cm, so 63 cm all round. Half hips 37.5 cm, so 75 cm all round. Size M: half waist 34 cm (68 cm all round), half hips 40 cm (80 cm all round). Size L: half waist 36.5 cm (73 cm all round), half hips 42.5 cm (85 cm all round).
Important: these are the fabric's measurements at rest. Because activewear stretches, the garment is smaller than your body. That's intentional, it's what makes it fit close. So don't compare your body measurements to these numbers one-to-one.
The most reliable method is comparing with something you already own:
Grab a pair of gym shorts or leggings whose fit you love. Lay them flat on a table and measure the waistband and hips from side to side. Compare those numbers with the half measurements in the chart and choose the closest size.
Nothing to compare with? Measure your waist at its narrowest point and your hips at their widest, then choose the size in the chart that lines up most logically. If you land right between two sizes, read on for fit advice.
If you're between two sizes, think about what you'll mostly be doing:
Running, HIIT and jumping: lean towards the smaller size. A close-fitting set stays in place better. Strength training: choose what feels comfortable in a deep squat. Try a squat at home in your set; if nothing slides down or digs in, you're good. Yoga and pilates: a little more room to move feels nice. If in doubt, pick the size you can stretch in without pulling. Athleisure, so also for coffee runs and groceries: the slightly roomier size often feels better all day.
Fabric affects how a set fits too. In LauBelle gymwear you'll find two types:
Milk Silk: 86% polyester and 14% spandex. You'll find it in the Milk Silk shorts set and in the red leopard workout set, among others. The higher spandex content gives this fabric a lot of stretch and a very soft feel. The leopard set has high-waisted shorts with a LauBelle logo waistband and a matching sports bra. 95% polyester and 5% spandex: used in the monogram crop top and shorts set and the monogram T-shirt and shorts set. Slightly less stretch, and moisture-wicking according to the product information. The T-shirt set is a great pick if you'd rather not train in a crop top.
Also check the size range: the T-shirt set comes in XS to 2XL, most other sets in S to 2XL.
Prefer full-length legs for winter training? The high-waisted monogram leggings are 90% polyester and 10% spandex, with a wide waistband. Handy: the size chart also lists the leg length, from 92 cm in size S to 104 cm in size 2XL. If you're tall, that's the number to focus on.
Want a single piece? The monogram gym bodysuit is sleeveless, has a wide waistband and is made from the same 90/10 blend. With a bodysuit, the garment length matters even more, so check the length column in the size chart.
Follow the instructions for each product. The Milk Silk sets can be hand washed or machine washed up to 45°C; don't bleach them or leave them to soak for long. The monogram T-shirt set should be hand washed cold and line dried, according to the product information. Treat your set well and you'll enjoy it for longer.
Every set is made only after you order. Allow 3 to 5 business days for making and 7 to 9 business days for shipping. Shipping is free and you have 14 days to return. If it's your first order, LAUBELLE10 gives you 10% off. Giving a workout set as a gift? Casually find out the size of a pair of leggings the recipient wears often.
Browse all sets, leggings and bodysuits in the LauBelle gymwear collection.
