I’ll admit that in the early days of motherhood, you would be hard pressed to prise a tracksuit off me, and my hair was lucky to see a hairbrush of a morning. Late night breastfeeding sessions, the anxiety of parenthood and two traumatic births, meant a wardrobe transition more shocking than Jodie Marsh getting ripped in the 00s.

Now the urchins are all grown up (well, 3 and 5), I’ve rediscovered a love of clothes. Whether that’s LBDs, boss suits or jeans worthy of product placement on Made in Chelsea - clothes really can lift you from grubby mummy to worldy in seconds. Yet funnily enough, getting your gym wardrobe right is far harder than it looks. Let’s face it, bumpy thighs don’t look great in leggings, and 2 C-sections later you couldn’t pay me enough to don a crop top. So here’s how to rock urban street wear at the gym whilst you’re still carrying a few baby lbs:

Less is more

Clockwise: Jaivira Gym Tank Top £30 from Tonic Gear / Maz Lami Snapback £16.48 from Max Lami / Garudasana Yoga Capris £65 from Sweaty Betty / Max Lami No-Hood Sweatshirt £25 from Max Lami / Restore One Shoulder Sweat £80 from Sweaty Betty / Fast Track Run Jacket £95 from Sweaty Betty / Compound Workout Vest £40 from Sweaty Betty

I know there’s a trend for neon Lycra at the moment, but if you’re not feeling body confident, chances are you won’t be feel like embracing it. Sticking to a neutral palette might be the way to go. Sweaty Betty have some amazing basics to build the foundation of your wardrobe, as do a number of independent street wear boutiques. I’m loving Max Lami’s new skate wear line which marries modern design with an urban feel, and I’m a sucker for Brit brands with a compelling backstory. As a young lad Max Lami had aspirations to become a pro skater, yet his dreams were cut short by a horrific injury - his new clothing line allows him to keep a foot firmly in the skate scene, even if his body doesn’t allow him to compete.

Bums or boobs

If you’re up for a splash of colour or showing off your bod, pick your bust or your bum, for a classy look. You don’t need to be a size 6 to look the part either. Mesh leggings are all the rage right now, but opt for mesh sections lower down the leg to avoid putting your cellulite on show. If your exercise of choice allows you to show a bit more, plump for long line skorts to elongate the leg.

If your top half is in better shape, for smaller busts plump for structured designs that offer you enough scaffolding for an intensive workout, yet add a little extra interest. Us big-boobed girlies might want to opt for loose vests with a decent sports bra underneath If you’re feeling extra brave, there are some very cute crop tops with built-in support designed to keep things where they should be - even for more rigorous workouts.

 

Clockwise: Asquith Blissful Wrap Charcoal £65 from Yoga Matters / Advantage Tennis Skort £60 from Sweaty Betty / Power 7/8 Mesh Leggings £70 from Sweaty Betty / Shanti Yoga Bra £45 from Sweaty Betty / Namaska Padded Yoga Vest £50 from Sweaty Betty / Asquith Criss Cross Tee Yves Klein Blue £49 from Yoga Matters / Ultimate High Waist Mesh Leggings £54.50 from Victoria’s Secret

Comfort is key

You’re not going to get the best out of a gym session if you’re constantly hoisting up straps, or paranoid about your outfit. So pick breathable fabrics and tried and tested unfussy designs that allow you get on with the task at hand. A multi-faceted gym kit will allow you to get on with anything - whether you’re doing a spot of yoga, or simply taking the dog out for run - so pick your staples well and stay comfortable.

There you go - empowering gym gear for every shape and size. What do you wear at the gym?