Does anybody remember the nineties, when The Wonderbra catapulted (not literally… although I suppose it could, in the wrong hands, find an additional purpose along those lines ) into our collective consciousness? Being of an aeroplane runway mould, I thought that my bust-enhancing dreams had been answered and was even willing to shell out money that I didn’t realistically have to get my hands on one of these magic contraptions. Until, that is, I was measured up in store and told, apologetically but with a hint of mirth, that I – quite literally – didn’t have what it took to wear a Wonderbra.
It’s fine! I’m fine with it. Years have passed and I have had children and my bra size has gone from the negatives into the (very low) positives and IT’S HONESTLY FINE.
Anyway, running is a lot easier for me than it would be if I had bigger boobs. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
But then there’s my bum, which all the running in the world doesn’t seem to diminish. I’m a giant pear – or actually, a perfume bottle, as my daughter rather more enticingly calls it. Time and fashion being the fickle things that they are, it’s now far more ‘acceptable’ to have a big bum than it was in the nineties – but only if it’s firm, round, tight, high … you know the drill.
Maybe the girls in some of the videos that keep finding their way into my Insta-feed have got infinite hours at their disposal to do endless squats, but even if that were so in my case, I have absolutely no issue with accepting all of the help I can get when it comes to my rear. Even more so, since my chest is apparently beyond help!
Since launching last year, Figure Fit leggings have been described as being “like a bra but for one’s bum”: they incorporate special panelling and technical fabrics which sculpt, shape and control your rear, as well as feeling gorgeously soft and comfortable whilst wicking sweat away from your skin. The extra-thick, wide-panel waistband is also a winner, especially for those getting back into shape after having a baby, as it offers support to a part of the body which may otherwise move a little more than you’d like it to when you’re working out.
The designs are remarkable for their obvious ‘zing’, making you feel energised before you even wiggle them on. Brand founder Claire Howe has over 10 years of experience in luxury travel and wellness PR, as well as a personal and deeply rooted love of exploring: the prints and patterned panels draw inspiration from some of her favourite countries, particularly Australia and Brazil, while the names of the leggings (Ibiza, Rio, Taba, Jeri and Shanti) are similarly inspired.
With the kind of attention to detail you might expect from someone with such a background, Claire worked with tutor Lynette Murphy, who specialises in fashion design, before launching, and undertook extensive research into other brands, materials, designs and quality control processes. The result? The fabrics used throughout the line have been meticulously sourced and tested, ensuring that your confidence is sky-high when you’re wearing them. The leggings, as well as sculpting and contouring the female form, also actively celebrate, rather than trying to conceal it. Flat seams and concealed pockets are part of the magic formula, equalling all curves and no bulk – and the racer back vest tops complement the look perfectly, with lines that are sleek, yet easy to move in. Sassy slogans enhance the zest of the leggings’ prints to ensure that your workout is as ballsy as it is beneficial: the hallmark of the modern woman’s workout.
For me, that last shred of ‘Wonderbra angst’ has been well and truly whisked away. I’ve been lucky enough to gain a place in the Royal Parks Half again this year and I sense that I’ll be training for it feeling more body confident than ever, flat chest, big bum and all. Long live the perfume bottle.