“One size does not fit all”

Okay, I’ve gotta vent a little about something. But don’t worry, this won’t just be 600 words of me bitching and moaning – well, it will be that, but also with a solution to the problem!

Over the years, and especially the past few, I’ve found it difficult to find nice, everyday clothes that fit well. Let’s be honest, I think most of us struggle with this. Bodies are not “one-size-fits-all” so we can’t all expect that every one of us who commonly wears a size X is going to fit into that the same size X. For me, personally, my primary struggles come as a result of my more athletic than average build. Big legs, big arms, broader back and shoulders in comparison to a smaller waist and bust. It’s always a challenge for me to find pants that have enough room in the legs without being too big in the waist; or shirts that aren’t baggy throughout the midsection, yet that can accommodate my large arms. And of course, there’s always the desire to avoid the “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” moment that comes with a broader build.

Retailers just don’t commonly make clothes that match athletic builds and conventional sizes then tend to follow – and don’t always work for every body.

This dress wouldn’t have fit without a talented seamstress

A wonderful real-life example of this happened to me last fall, when I was shopping for a bridesmaid dress. Beautiful style of dress, very fitted through the waist, legs and butt. Upon taking my measurements, the sales girl laughed a bit and said, “Well, your bust and waist are size 4…but your legs and butt are closer to a size 8. Wow, we usually don’t see that big a difference!” Thanks, lady. I’m well aware my body isn’t exactly proportionate or one that completely identifies with one size. Sigh, #athleteprobs.

I know I promised you a solution, not just bitching. Don’t worry, I’m getting there.

Now think about real life: Athletes have plenty of choices when it comes to training wearables. There are base layers and everyday workout clothes that stretch and move. You can buy shoes specific to your sport, your foot, your stride. There are even special undergarments and socks; all designed specifically for athletes’ bodies.

While it’s great to have an abundance of choice for workout clothes, what about everyday clothes? Most of us don’t make a living being athletes; we have normal jobs and normal lives where we wear normal clothes – that often don’t quite fit our not-exactly-average bodies.

So here’s my solution: I want clothing companies to take note and start designing clothes for the athletic body. Take pants for example. There’s slim-fit for those with thin builds, regular for “regular” and curvy for bodies that are bigger through the waist, hips butt and leg. But there’s really no option for those of us who embrace leg day and speedwork runs; those of us who could use a little extra room in the quads without the waist being so spacious. Imagine walking into a store, browsing the pants and having the choice of Regular, Slim-Fit, Curvy – and Athletic!

Or instead of shirts being simply Small, Medium and Large, maybe they could have an option that fits nice in the midsection but doesn’t look like you’re having an incredible hulk moment in the sleeves or the above-referenced “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” disaster. They could offer both “Regular” and “Muscular” cuts, kind of like how you can get pants in both Tall and Regular options!

I know I’m not the only one who has these struggles. Anyone else love the idea of clothing companies stepping up and making special options for athletes? Or if you’ve had a great #athleteprobs moment like me, comment or tweet me @runlikeagirl311.