Review: Shadi Activewear

Shadi Azimzadeh designed her eponymous activewear range to help “all women to look and feel confident, feminine and sexy when working out”. Brilliantly, and unlike some similar activewear range, these clothes are made for real women. There are six sizes, going from XS to XL. A tall size 10-12, Shadi’s business was partly borne out of frustration trying to find something for herself and also amazement at going to some fitnesswear shops and not finding anything larger than a 14 on offer.

The subsequent range comprises crop tops, vest tops, shorts, capri pants and leggings in a range of prints and plain colours, all made with wicking to keep you dry. I tried out three items: the Shadi triangle top (£95), the Lucy bud top (£86) and the Kayla capris - in a soft yet sassy leopard print - (£105) in four different activities: spin, pilates, body pump and a Hiit workout. All of the items were soft and comfy and also I felt great because they looked really good. I felt especially smug at my spin class, where the crowd get so dressed-up it looks like a Saturday night out.

The triangle top is definitely sexier than your average exercise top as it’s got a mesh triangle bit showing a little bit of cleavage. It still held my boobs in though during the bouncy and jumpy bits of my workout. The bud top is more cute and demure yet just as comfy. The capri pants meanwhile felt very light and stayed in place throughout each class - no wedgies or riding up, which is most merciful during a spin class. Overall, this is a great range - light, comfy and cute enough to wear out for a coffee after your exercise class.

Prices start at £68, shadiactivewear.com