Creating Cute Workout Shorts with the best Stretch Fabric!
Balancing School, Work, and Style
Recently, I made the decision to go back to school to pursue my Educator of Cosmetology certificate. This means my days are filled with school, and my nights are spent working. With such a busy schedule, finding time to work out can be a challenge. However, I still manage to fit in a few exercises here and there—and, of course, I make sure to look cute while doing it! To maintain my style, I created a new pair of shorts to match my pink shirt and shoes, because this girl still wants to look cute.
Love Notions Clearwater Summer Essentials Shorts
For my latest project, I made the Love Notions Clearwater Summer Essentials Shorts, which I paired with a Forte top. These shorts are incredibly versatile and can be worn as swimwear or workout wear. They feature two pockets large enough to hold your cell phone or other small essentials. Plus, they’re a quick and easy make, perfect for my busy schedule. You can check out my Clearwater refashion here.
The Clearwater Summer Essentials bundle from Love Notions Patterns offers so many possibilities. It includes a dress with a built-in sports bra that can double as a swim dress or an athletic outfit. The bundle also features a tankini top with a built-in sports bra, bike shorts with a panel gusset, and full-coverage briefs. The built-in sports bra can even be made on its own.
You can pair the full-coverage briefs and bike shorts with the dress for the ultimate swim dress. The pattern is available in sizes XS-5X, with an optional full bust, providing plenty of options for different body types.
The Perfect Activewear Fabric
This summer, I had big plans for sewing with the Minerva Exclusive Liquid Light Glossy Activewear Lycra Stretch Knit Fabric. However, life got in the way, and I ran out of time for all my planned projects. Still, I managed to carve out some sewing time to create these super cute workout shorts. You can use my code MSS243KM to get 10% off your Minerva order.
The fabric is wonderfully stretchy, yet not see-through. Its excellent recovery makes it ideal for activewear or even holiday swimwear. While it’s perfect for vacations or occasional swimming, it’s not chlorine-resistant, so it’s best to avoid wearing it in chlorinated pools. If regular swimming is your thing, Minerva offers a Core Range Chlorine Resistant Swimwear Lycra that’s better suited for that purpose. I plan to make matching shorts for all my sisters using this fabric.
What I love most about this Minerva Activewear fabric is its impressive stretch and recovery—it bounces right back into shape. The fabric has a glossy, slightly shiny finish, which makes the colors stand out beautifully. It doesn’t wrinkle or crease, and it wicks away moisture, making it super comfortable to wear.
Versatile Fabric for Many Projects
Made from 85% polyester and 15% elastane, this fabric offers a 60% stretch across the width and down the length, making it ideal for activewear projects like leggings or shorts. It’s also a great choice for sewing leotards, sportswear, or even vacation swimwear. Beyond athletic wear, the fabric’s stretch and sheen make it perfect for everyday wardrobe items like tops and bodycon dresses.
This fabric truly offers both style and functionality, allowing me to create pieces that are not only comfortable but also fashionable. I could wear this outfit everyday though. Especially here in Arizona where I live.
Below are my affiliate links for these two awesome patterns so you can check out all the detailed pictures
