Best Style Tips for Athletic Figures

If you've got an athletic build, you're blessed with a strong, toned physique that deserves to be celebrated—and I'm here to show you exactly how to dress it brilliantly. Athletic figures typically feature broader shoulders, a defined waist (though not dramatically nipped), toned arms and legs, and a straighter torso with minimal curves. The styling goal? Creating beautiful proportions whilst showing off that enviable fitness you've worked hard for.

Understanding Your Athletic Shape

As a stylist, I've worked with countless athletic figures, from professional dancers to gym enthusiasts, and the key is always the same: balance and definition. Your shoulders might be your widest point, and your hips relatively narrow in comparison. You've likely got fabulous legs and arms, but sometimes struggle to find pieces that add softness or create curves. The good news? Once you know the tricks, dressing your frame becomes second nature.

Create Curves and Definition

This is where the magic happens. Wrap dresses, peplum tops, and anything with waist definition will be your absolute best friends. I'm talking belted blazers, fit-and-flare dresses, and tops that nip in at your natural waist. These styles create the illusion of curves where your frame is naturally straighter. Ruching, draping, and asymmetric hemlines also work wonders—they add movement and dimension that flatters athletic builds beautifully.

Don't shy away from structured pieces either. A well-cut blazer with a defined waist can transform your silhouette instantly. Look for styles with darting or princess seams that create shape rather than hanging straight.

Balance Your Proportions

Here's where necklines become crucial. V-necks, scoop necks, and sweetheart necklines will soften broader shoulders, drawing the eye inward and creating a more delicate frame. Avoid boat necks, bardot styles, and heavy shoulder embellishments—they'll only emphasise width where you don't need it.

For your lower half, think volume. A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, and flared jeans add gorgeous balance to athletic builds. Midi skirts with pleats or full skirts create that feminine silhouette that works so well. Bootcut and flared denim are particularly flattering, creating an hourglass effect that straight-leg styles simply can't match.

High Street Heroes

Reiss is my go-to for athletic figures—their tailoring is exceptional, with pieces that create structure without adding bulk. Their wrap dresses and belted blazers are investment pieces that'll serve you for years.

Whistles understands the athletic body better than most. Their contemporary cuts feature clever waist definition and beautiful draping that creates curves exactly where you want them. Their silk camisoles and fluid trousers are particularly brilliant.

Mango offers trend-led pieces at accessible prices, with plenty of peplum tops, fit-and-flare dresses, and statement skirts that add volume and femininity. Their suiting is also excellent for creating that nipped-waist look.

Cos is perfect for minimalist athletic dressers. Their architectural pieces and quality fabrics drape beautifully, whilst their A-line skirts and wide-leg trousers create stunning proportion. The Scandinavian aesthetic suits athletic frames brilliantly.

Massimo Dutti delivers sophisticated, grown-up style with impeccable tailoring. Their wrap coats, belted dresses, and structured blazers are made for creating curves on straighter frames.

Me&Em has mastered modern femininity. Their pieces feature clever design details—strategic ruching, waist ties, and flattering cuts that work specifically for athletic builds. Slightly higher price point, but the fit is unmatched.

LK Bennett offers classic, polished pieces with beautiful feminine touches. Their fit-and-flare dresses and peplum tops create instant curves, whilst their tailoring is sharp enough to define your waist perfectly.

Hobbs deserves a mention for their exceptional workwear. Their dresses and suits are cut to flatter athletic figures, with waist definition and feminine details that soften a muscular build.

Premium and Luxury Options

For premium investment pieces, Max Mara creates coats and tailoring that sculpt the athletic figure beautifully. Their wrap coats are legendary for a reason—they create curves on anyone.

Joseph (a brilliant independent brand) offers luxurious fabrics and cuts that drape gorgeously on athletic builds. Their silk pieces and fluid trousers are investment wardrobe staples.

At the luxury end, Roland Mouret is the master of body-conscious dressing. His signature galaxy dresses and structured pieces create incredible curves through intelligent design and superior tailoring.

The Independent Wild Cards

Rixo is my current obsession for athletic figures. Their vintage-inspired dresses feature puff sleeves, defined waists, and full skirts that create the most beautiful feminine silhouettes. The prints are joyful and the fits are genuinely flattering.

Kitri is another independent gem that understands how to dress real women. Their pieces feature clever details—cut-outs, tie-waists, and asymmetric hemlines—that create curves and interest on athletic frames without feeling gimmicky.

Final Styling Wisdom

Don't hide your athletic build under baggy clothes—that's the biggest mistake I see. Instead, embrace fitted pieces that skim rather than cling, and use strategic details to create the proportions you're after. Show off those toned arms and legs with confidence. Your strong, fit body is something to celebrate, and with these styling tricks, you'll feel absolutely brilliant in everything you wear.

Never Struggle With Sizing Again

Here's the thing about athletic figures—you often find yourself between sizes or needing different sizes in different brands. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes an absolute game-changer.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool, and I recommend it to every single client. It matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly—you'll never need to squint at another size guide again. Here's how brilliantly simple it is:

Measure once using your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or input your existing size from a brand you know fits well
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether that's Cos, Reiss, Mango, or any of the 1,500+ brands they cover
Always free, no downloads needed—it works straight in your browser

As someone who styles women professionally, I can't tell you how much time and frustration this saves. No more ordering three sizes and returning two. No more guessing whether you're a 12 in Whistles but a 14 in Reiss.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond the sizing tool, Tellar has built an incredible Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from experienced stylists like myself. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. Whether you need style advice, top picks, or brand recommendations, it's all there.

Here are some posts that complement this one perfectly:

Trust me, once you start using Tellar, you'll wonder how you ever shopped without it. It takes the guesswork out of online shopping and lets you focus on what really matters—finding pieces that make you feel absolutely fabulous.