Everyone’s got a blind spot, right? Well for years, mine has been my workout wear. I know full well that I feel better when I wear fitted clothing that shows my body shape, but just refused to apply this rule at the gym. I wore this:
An oversized, thrifted men’s tee and loose pants from Target. I look like a cereal box on legs, due to how my shoulders, boobs, and hips are configured. And there’s nothing wrong with that, since workout gear is meant to be comfy and absorbent above all. This ensemble has served me well for 10 years.
But after chatting with folks on Facebook about the merits of fitting, fitted workout gear, I began to mull an upgrade. And when I saw the cute sporty tops at Marshalls, I knew I should jump at the chance to try something new … but my friends, it was not a simple task. This post is many weeks and many dollars in the making because I quickly discovered that gym duds don’t do me any favors, be they fitted or loose. I have tried many styles and many garments, none of which feels utterly perfect – comfortable, stylish, and practical – but I’ll share them all with you in the interest of science.
Yeah, science. That’s it.
I’m definitely glad I upgraded my tops, as I feel much better in fitted shirts that show my waist. This is actually a golf top, but nobody has to know that. (OK, now YOU know, but you’ll keep my secret, right?) It’s marvelously flattering and I just crack up at the puffed shoulders.
The pants aren’t my favorite. I noticed that these cropped pants are all the rage these days, but struggled to find a pair that suited me. I am subject to attacks of cameltoe in tight pants, so legging-like pants were right out. But these wideleg ones? Only so-so.
My biking shorts show off my legs a bit more, which I like. But I estimate it’ll be warm enough to work out in shorts and a short-sleeved top for, oh, four months. Maybe five, if I’m lucky. So I kept looking for an option that would keep my legs warm and covered.
This pair of pants that came to me courtesy Lucy are definitely the best full-length workout pants I’ve EVER tried on, much less owned. They are extremely fitted, and I’m not sure if I’ll be keen to wear them in the dead of winter when I feel less fit and my body confidence wanes … but I have high hopes. (Review of the pants forthcoming.)
As unusual as it may look, I feel like this is my best solution. As stated above, legging-like pants provide far to much information about my ladyparts … but I look better in fitted pants than I do in loose/wide ones. I also look better in a skirt than I do in pants. So I tried out the cropped legging/skort combo. Unorthodox, perhaps, but it’s got coverage, comfort, flexibility, and figure flattery going for it. This is my favorite of all the combinations I tried. I feel the most like myself in this ensemble. (The skort on its own is waaaaaay too short for my comfort level, in case you were curious!)
I was certain that, in the end, this post would be all, “Formless workout clothes were awful, and now that I’m wearing fitted ones, I feel WAY better!” But this has been a preposterously difficult and annoying process, and I can’t say that I feel like a new, more powerful, kick-ass exerciser at the gym in my new duds. I have more options – the crops, Lucy pants, and skort are all in rotation, as well as a variety of fitted tops – and that’s a good thing. But seriously. I’m a fairly average size, height, weight, and overall shape. If I have trouble finding something that makes me look and feel awesome, I cannot imagine being super petite, someone with an extremely long torso or large bust, or really any shape or size outside the norm. It must be TORTURE looking for stylish, practical workout clothing …
What do you wear to the gym? Do you go in for fancy, technical gear or stick to cotton basics? Where do you buy yours? Any recommendations for non-athletic body types – such as women with big hips or boobs, short legs, etc.? I’m dying to hear how you all handle workout wear!
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
When I run, I wear pretty fitted Danksin knit pants or shorts (depending on the season), a high-impact sports bra (no bouncing for me!), and whatever t-shirt I have laying around.
But you're right, wearing a fitted shirt makes you feel better…even if I just wear an old fitted t-shirt, I feel better.
Whilst there is a school of thought that says it probabaly shouldn't matter what I practice yoga/go to the gym in, I personally believe I need to look and feel as good there as anywhere. And as for teaching yoga, well it's my career right? So I have to look my best in work appropriate clothes, so I do spend a lot on fitness clothing. Maybe more than I do on the rest of my wardrobe (which gets thrifted and from bargain buckets – but hey we all spend more on work wear!).
Longer cropped pants look terrible on me. I don't know why as I have long legs but there it is. I like long bootleg style yoga pants or knee length crops. And I do have to say that I always feel awesome in workout wear, but I do wonder if that is because it is also my workwear, and I love my work so.
Long time reader, first time commenter Sal.
I like the long blue pants look the best. They look great.
I'm a big believer in comfort over beauty at the gym. In saying that however, I like to feel powerful when I'm there. I always wear 3/4 tights, despite my 'problem' area being my thighs. I find that they are most comfortable and I can run in them without worrying about them riding up.
I'm quite big busted and find wearing a baggy shirt makes me feel most comfy or an old, v-necked shirt is still a little flattering. I invested in a couple of 'gym' tanks and they're so comfy and do make me feel good.
Perhaps an overshare but gym wear really is a tricky one!
I am definitely of the "need-to-look-cute-while-you-workout-camp!" Since I practice yoga 3-4 times a week, tight fitting clothes are a must. I spend more on my yoga clothes from Lululemon than I do on my regular clothes (which I used to justify because all I wore to work were scrubs…now, not so much!). I also run in sports bras and running shorts during the summer (Nike or Lululemon, of course!).
I'm not sure why I am such a workout gear snob, but I definitely feel looking good and wanting to look good in your clothes definitely makes me workout harder!
Glad you found some duds sweet Sal.
I wear different clothing for different activities. For running, I'm tech gear all the way. Have to. Old Navy actually makes a great pair of knee-length running "tights" that fit well (read: hold everything in) and also wick moisture away from the skin. I also like to wear bike jerseys. Why? First of all, they have pockets in the back (some even zip so it's easy to carry my key, tissue, etc). Also, bike jerseys tend to be longer in the back – sometimes a girl needs a little booty coverage. Third, many bike jerseys have a zip neck. I am a well-endowed girl and I like that I can be a bit more modest if I want to. Speaking of well-endowded-ness: for the last sports bra you'll ever need, check Title 9's "Last Resort Bra." It's not pretty, and you can't wear it alone but the girls will NOT move. The bra is made by Enell I think.
As for just heading to the gym for weights and lighter cardio, I'm more apt to just wear whatever shorts and t-shirt I can grab. I'm less concerned about tech wear. And as I posted to you on FB, I don't necessarily want to attract attention at the gym so I purposely try not to be cute.
Glad you found some duds sweet Sal.
I wear different clothing for different activities. For running, I'm tech gear all the way. Have to. Old Navy actually makes a great pair of knee-length running "tights" that fit well (read: hold everything in) and also wick moisture away from the skin. I also like to wear bike jerseys. Why? First of all, they have pockets in the back (some even zip so it's easy to carry my key, tissue, etc). Also, bike jerseys tend to be longer in the back – sometimes a girl needs a little booty coverage. Third, many bike jerseys have a zip neck. I am a well-endowed girl and I like that I can be a bit more modest if I want to. Speaking of well-endowded-ness: for the last sports bra you'll ever need, check Title 9's "Last Resort Bra." It's not pretty, and you can't wear it alone but the girls will NOT move. The bra is made by Enell I think.
As for just heading to the gym for weights and lighter cardio, I'm more apt to just wear whatever shorts and t-shirt I can grab. I'm less concerned about tech wear. And as I posted to you on FB, I don't necessarily want to attract attention at the gym so I purposely try not to be cute.
I fall into the petite and big boobed categories. The petite part has been manageable when it comes to gym-wear, but the boobs…sigh… As a result, my gym consists of a variety of bike shorts or capri leggings and t-shirts from my husband's closet. Preferably the FDNY or Harly ones. Anything fitted generates attention that, frankly, makes me feel much too uncomfortable.
I really like your skort/leggings combo – it looks comfortable and eliminates coverage concerns.
Glad you found some duds sweet Sal.
I wear different clothing for different activities. For running, I'm tech gear all the way. Have to. Old Navy actually makes a great pair of knee-length running "tights" that fit well (read: hold everything in) and also wick moisture away from the skin. I also like to wear bike jerseys. Why? First of all, they have pockets in the back (some even zip so it's easy to carry my key, tissue, etc). Also, bike jerseys tend to be longer in the back – sometimes a girl needs a little booty coverage. Third, many bike jerseys have a zip neck. I am a well-endowed girl and I like that I can be a bit more modest if I want to. Speaking of well-endowded-ness: for the last sports bra you'll ever need, check Title 9's "Last Resort Bra." It's not pretty, and you can't wear it alone but the girls will NOT move. The bra is made by Enell I think.
As for just heading to the gym for weights and lighter cardio, I'm more apt to just wear whatever shorts and t-shirt I can grab. I'm less concerned about tech wear. And as I posted to you on FB, I don't necessarily want to attract attention at the gym so I purposely try not to be cute.
I had fun with this one as well. I like the same style of long fitness pants as the ones you've shown here, but I tend to lean towards the cropped versions of those that you can get.
They're a happy medium between the wider crops you have and the sleeker style you prefer, which is exactly why I went for them.
Something along these lines (sorry, they insist on detecting that I'm in the UK and defaulting to sterling!): http://www.reebok.com/GB/product?modelId=ARWP0040&articleId=K40718
Mostly I wear fitted tank tops and the loose running shorts with built in panties. I like for my tops to be wicking and have added some short sleeve ones but I also wear old navy tanks sometimes. I feel like a real runner in this outfit which I guess at this point I am.
I wear lululemon fitness clothing pretty much exclusively. It is a Canadian company, and is built using the best materials, designed with a woman's body is mind. For you, I would instantly recommend the Boogie Crops and a Run:Swiftly short sleeve tech top.
They aren't cheap, though, which is the only problem. Occasionally there are generous markdowns, but these are investment workout pieces. The good news is that they last for a long, long time. I've been running in the same pair of crops for years (I actually ran the NYC marathon in them). This is a picture of my mom and I wearing the same tops. I'm wearing a pair of running crops (that I've had for over a year and still look phenomenal (http://twitpic.com/1uhdov). The tops we're wearing are the long sleeved versions of the short sleeved top I would suggest you try.
The best thing about lululemon is that they will work their tails off to find your the right thing for YOU. If you go in and tell them exactly what it is that you want, they will do everything in their power to find EXACTLY what it is that you want.
There are also oodles of other lululemon benefits (every store offers free yoga – sometimes every week, or more often; every store offers free hemming for pants, crops, shorts, shirt lengths, sleeve lengths, etc).
I've also had the chance to meet and talk to some of the girls that work at the store in the Minneapolis showroom – they're awesome. I did used to work there (for 3 years), and I do believe in the product… I have a ton of lululemon stuff that I wear for day to day wear, and never workout in. But my workout specific clothing I wear HARD and I've had minimal problems with the clothing. When I do (I got a hole in a pair of crops, for example), they ALWAYS make it right- either by fixing or replacing.
OK, off the lululemon soap box now.
http://lululemon.com
The only figure flattery consideration I worry about with workout clothes is showing that I've got a waist. Pants length, cut of the pants, sleeve length, all of the rest is sacrificed to comfort. I found that dressing to obscure my waist often results in not going to work out! Everything else about my workout clothes is about comfort during working out.
I tend to wear fitted items on half of my body and loose on the other half when I'm working out. It's either fitted tank top combined with baggy knit pants or shorts or long baggy v-neck t-shirt over leggings or bike/shorts. Short pants when it's warm, long pants when it's not. Sports bra under everything, natch. I throw on a zippered hoodie sweatshirt over all of this for traveling too and from the gym when a jacket is needed.
The biggest investment money wise I've made in workout wear is in sports bras! I've been testing various bras for years, trying to find ones that provide support but not a uni-boob, that don't chafe or irritate.
as for the rest of my attire, I have some yoga pants/capris, tank tops, shorts, and tshirts. I really don't like working out in shorts, they tend to ride up.
You look great in the blue pants! Really. I used to go with the baggy clothes in my 20s but feel much better in tighter gym gear in my 30s. I think tighter gym clothes add have an added exercise benefit since you can see the muscles engaging (or not). Plus you can see results! They keep me honest, I suppose.
I used to wear the saggy, reject cotton tees and ugly shorts to work out. Why spend money on something you're just going to sweat all over?
I upgraded my shirts as I accumulated a collection of technical shirts from races. The shirt from the last Flying Pig Marathon is soooo flattering and comfortable!
I am a total convert to the skort. I like how they are short, but still fairly modest.
I have the same lady-bits problem with tight leggings/capri pants, but I figure if I just run fast enough, no one will notice. And I do a lot of discrete tugging at stop lights.
The gym is one place where (for me) looking fashionable doesn't necessarily equal feeling good. In the gym, I want to feel secure, which means hide anything I'm self-conscious about but don't limit movement.
My usual ensemble is a shaped but not-too fitted cotton tee (not a huge oversized tee, but not a tight one either) and dark full-length pants. The dark-colored pants are great at camouflaging any bulges I want to hide. I prefer regular tees rather than "workout" tees because they are longer and cover my belly. Long pants make it possible to do floor stretches without showing too much. I personally think capri pants are ugly; that's the only reason I insist on wearing full-length pants.
I can't stand ever to have my legs covered ever at the gym – even in the middle of a chicago winter – it just gets WAY to hot in the gym. (That's one of my biggest problems, I'm always too warm.) So I keep to a cotton t-shirt and a gym shorts. Something not too fitted, so it's comfortable.
But I don't go to the gym too often – it stresses me out and reminds me of a time when I exercised too obsessivly and was miserable. I'm currently trying to find exercise that doesn't correlate to back then.
I don't pay much attention to the aesthetics of my workout wear, but I do wear more fitted clothing because I find it more comfortable. And I can't exercise in cotton anymore– I really notice the difference that "performance" materials make in wicking away sweat. Did you find that to be the case with these items or did they function similarly to your old outfit?
I really like the skort/leggings look on you, too! I run in shorts, but I love seeing the way women accessorize with these running skorts at my races!
-Liz
Women's golf polos from Nike that wick away sweat…$3 at the Nike outlet store. They're wonderful.
Basics for me.
These shorts:
http://www.shopadidas.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2008910&page=3&cp=3748172.3769878.3748175.3748276.2039727.2039731.2020268&cid=275190&shopGroup=R
Tees from the thrift shop for about a dollar, easily replaced when they start to look ragged.
I do confess to matching the little stripe on my socks to a color in the shirt!
Target sells a line of men's cotton jersey knit pants that I think are intended as sleepwear, but which in the Small size work perfectly for me as workout bottoms. Then for tops I have an assortment of old loose-fitting jersey tanks (I get too hot during a workout for anything with sleeves).
I really dislike most of the stuff sold as women's exercise wear–too tight, or too shiny, or in icky pastel hues, or just too "look at me!" For me, being as invisible as possible at the gym is a plus.
My workout clothes are appalling. Mostly because they're old. I'm too lazy to spend money on such things except when I'm absolutely forced to because things are disintegrating.
Gym wear for me – highly untechnical – jogging bottoms from wherever I find them long enough, a proper "sports bra", and usually a cheapie cheapie black vest top from a supermarket!
I just wanted to comment today really to say I've started the Summer Black-out 2010 – It's highly worrying as I normally wear black head to toe, so thank you for the challenge!
Sal – have you tried tennis skirts? When I first started working out, I wore bike shorts. But, like you, I'm a skirt girl and didn't really fell like me in shorts. So, while watching a women's tennis match, it hit me. Why not wear skirts? Since then, that's all I ever wear to work out. They're comfortable, they show off most of my legs and I love looking "girly" while getting sweaty.
I belong to the big baggy man's tshirt and sweatpants to hide everything camp. I like your choices – leggings under a skort ain't too bad and thanks to your blog I now know what a "skort" is.
When I work out, it really depends on what kind of exercise I'm doing. This is obvious for things like running versus swimming, but not necessarily with running versus yoga. But I wear completely different things for each.
Yoga, for example, is all about serenity and body comfort, so it wouldn't do to wear something even the teensiest bit uncomfortable. But at the same time, it helps in yoga if your instructor (or you in the mirror) can see your shape so that you know whether or not you're posing correctly. My solution thus far has been a leotard (which is really a plain black one-piece bathing suit–much more comfortable) and a pair of wide-legged sweatpants that fit well around the hips and butt area.
My other favorite type of exercise is a video game called Dance Dance Revolution. It comes with a dance pad with arrows, and arrows scroll up the screen, telling you where to put your feel. It's loads of fun and, once you get into even the "Light" mode on faster songs, an EXTREMELY good workout. The game even has a counter to tell you how many calories you're burning. For that I wear comfortable, cropped pants, a sports bra, and a loose t-shirt. There's lots of floppage when you're jumping around really fast, especially if you're breastically blessed, and I find I'm more comfortable in a t-shirt that downplays my figure up top. And one of the major hazards of the game is falling on your face, so long pants are a definite No.
What about hairstyles for working out? I've tried the ponytail, but if you're moving a lot it comes down (especially if your hair is long), and in yoga it just gets in my face or creates a knot on the back of my head during inverted poses.
I spend a ton of my time in workout clothing. I have an entire large drawer and a couple of other stashes to hold my hoard. My major activities: running, Zumba, and belly dance. I posted a picture of me in Zumba clothing not so long ago. Zumba pants are ridiculously fluorescent, lightweight non-stretch nylon. I thought I would hate them, but they are actually comfy, reasonably flattering, and the danger of cameltoe is nil. For running, I have a few tightly fitted coolmaxish tank tops from Lucy that do the job. They have fancy prints and little empire-line trim bands and somehow they make me look OK. For pants I'm much less fussy and I actually don't worry too much about what I look like running — I have some foldover waist bamboo capris from Lucy that work, but I also sometimes run in $5 cotton knit bermuda shorts from Wal-mart. Just don't buy them too loose. The belly dance community has possibly the craziest workout-wear fads ever. Of course, there's old-school cotton harem pants with a jingly hip-scarf, but the crossover between California tribal belly dance style and playa (as in Burning Man) style in the last few years has produced such awesomeness as Melodia pants with many styles of little overskirts, flame-bedecked lycra batik pants (safe for fire spinning but also HAWT), ruffly shorts, and many other completely crazy items that are effective conversation pieces as well as functional workout gear.
I love your new gym clothes! That t-shirt and the long pants are superb on you. I also LOVE the skirt, which I wholeheartedly endorse for gymwear.
Capris are always cool, but not always "cool," if you know what I mean. Unless we get them tailored to our exact specifications, we can look like a square. And nobody wants to be a square, right?
I generally don't have an issue with the clothes – I go with work-out wear from Target. My biggest problem has always been the bra. As a large-busted gal, a simple spandex sports bra doesn't cut it. I have to say I love Title Nine bras, and they are worth every penny.
Very nice! I don't work out, but I sometimes wish I did so I could buy cute workout clothes. I'm generally a walker when it comes to exercise, which fortunately only requires me to buy the walking shoes. Though it definitely gets more interesting to find something comfy in the dead of summer, when its 90 degrees out, since I do NOT wear shorts. Ever. lol
That last outfit pic got me thinking again about something that's been on my mind lately: the leggings + skirt (or dress) combo. But not in workout clothes, out in the real world. I'm just not sure how I feel about the look, and was wondering what you (and others) think. I have a couple dresses that are just adorable, but I like relatively modest lengths in dresses (I don't go more than an inch or two above the knee), and these are both a bit short for my comfort level. One is an adorable Jack by BB Dakota, and just passes the fingertips rule, and I've worn it before with opaque tights and felt okay. The other "dress" barely covers my derriere, and I have thus only ever worn it as a top with jeans… a look that I'm not overly thrilled by. It is at that odd "too short for a dress, too long for a shirt" length, that I just don't know what to do with.
So, back to the topic at hand: leggings and skirts or dresses. To me, it always seems a bit… teenager-ish? Is there any way to make it look more sophisticated? I understand that in the winter I can tuck them into boots and have basically what looks like a heavy pair of tights, but what about in the spring/summer?
(It should be noted that I didn't buy myself either of the short dresses… my boyfriend did. I would have checked the lengths first.
)
How I loathe workout wear! I also have been known to wear the oversized block tee and baggyass pants…many times!
I've also tried the crop pants (awful on me), and have converted to the fitted tees like yours (sans puffed sleeves, heh). I do surfer shorts (nice and long) in the summer.
In my town, Lululemon is huge…but I hate shopping in that store and spending so much on workout wear. I have pretty much resigned myself to looking awful in workout wear. I do enjoy the shock of people not recognizing me when I'm in it (heh).
It's odd, but I really love workout gear. It's one of my most often thrifted items (people seem to buy it and get rid of it without wearing it quite a bit). Nice workout gear definitely makes me feel better about my body.
Lucy is the best brand I've found. I have several great Lucy tops and a pair of pants like yours. I also really like fitted cropped pants (but they do have to be checked for camel-toe). And I'm a huge fan of streamlined, built-in-bra tops with no sleeves (because I have great arms and a small rack).
If I hadn't started thrifting higher end workout wear (like Lucy), I'd never have believed there's such a fit and comfort difference between it and the stuff at Target, but there really is.
I used to always hit up a Marshall's or TJMaxx for workout gear, and had decent luck with Nike pants (I'm tall with 36" inseam). Express also has great yoga pants (yes, surprise!), and for those who have a Daffy's they usually have a lot of Deha, an Italian dancewear line that's very long for pants and great fitting for tops.
And I love your skort/leggings look best also!
I think another advantage of workout wear vs. cotton tees and sweats is that they don't feel so gross and clammy when really wet from sweat. I spin, and sweat like a monkey, so this is important to me. Wet cotton also is likely to chafe, in my experience. Most of my workout stuff comes from Kohl's and Target. Target has these Champion sleeveless tops that are NOT tanks, and are slim cut but not meant to be tight, which I love. I need tight bottoms for spin, and I get a bermuda style made by Fila at Kohl's. I love the skort idea, though, esp for long rides outside, where I am not as fond of the supertight thing, esp with padded bike shorts, ugh. Great post.
So, I have big boobs, HUGE even and it has been nigh impossible for me to find a sports bra that actually holds the girls let alone holds them relatively still while I exercised. Anything that was big enough to hold the girls in was too big around the back so the girls just slid down and around. If it was tight enough to hold the girls in, half of them were spilling up over the top. As a result I had only been able to do very low impact stuff like stationary biking and slow treadmill walking. Big sadface. BUT THEN I found Bravissimo and life has changed. I was able to get a sports bra that fit both around the back and the boobs! Let me tell you, it is amazing to be able to actually work out comfortably. I have been able to run around with the puppy and cycle harder and even take yoga, all because my chest isn't squished or flopping around. It seems odd to wear an underwired sports bra, but it is SOOOOO comfortable. It fits right in all the right places and holds everything relatively still. So my advice to you if you have a large bust is to check out online for stores that make bras based on bra sizes. They're more expensive, but in the long run, they are VERY worth it.
I play roller derby, and as all derby girls do I wear tight leggings with shorty shorts over them whether skating or working out. The leggings provide upper-leg protection should you wipe out on the rink, the shorts provide an extra layer of padding and a little bit of dignity.
For extra fun you can wear crazy printed leggings or shorts with a message on the behind.
http://catherineworks.com/images/derby-practice.jpg
Great post! The long fitted pants look really good on you, but the leggings+skirt option is really great.
I don't go to the gym, but I had a brief spell in a yoga studio last year and I wore a kind of dress (an old t-shirt pattern I have given a little skirt) and leggings, either ankle lenght or just below the knee.
Those t-shirt dresses do double duty as my nighies.
So a dress (many options to show off a waist?) is missing in your options.
There were some minor modesty issues in shoulderstand and the plough, but as only my back was exposed in those, I did not mind too much.
I play roller derby, and as all derby girls do I wear tight leggings with shorty shorts over them whether skating or working out. The leggings provide upper-leg protection should you wipe out on the rink, the shorts provide an extra layer of padding and a little bit of dignity.
For extra fun you can wear crazy printed leggings or shorts with a message on the behind.
http://catherineworks.com/images/derby-practice.jpg
When I exercise I dress for comfort, not for style. I wear fitted clothes, but that is because it is more comfortable for me than wearing baggy clothes. I run and do hot yoga, and baggy stuff tends to get in the way. Yoga is also too hot to wear a lot of clothing. I usually wear yoga pants or shorts, a tank top, and a comfortable sports bra.
I currently work out in a yoga studio or at home, so I don't worry too much about what other people think of my appearance as long as I feel good. I am starting a new job soon and the office building has a great gym, so I may need to rethink my wardrobe if I am exercising around co-workers. I don’t want to look sloppy at work, even if it is in the gym.
When I exercise I dress for comfort, not for style. I wear fitted clothes, but that is because it is more comfortable for me than wearing baggy clothes. I run and do hot yoga, and baggy stuff tends to get in the way. Yoga is also too hot to wear a lot of clothing. I usually wear yoga pants or shorts, a tank top, and a comfortable sports bra.
I currently work out in a yoga studio or at home, so I don't worry too much about what other people think of my appearance as long as I feel good. I am starting a new job soon and the office building has a great gym, so I may need to rethink my wardrobe if I am exercising around co-workers. I don’t want to look sloppy at work, even if it is in the gym.
I don't go to the gym, but walk my dog daily and I do like to match. Although sometimes my color combos are way out there (especially in the winter with some of my knitted hats!). I figure this is the one place I can try some extreme colors that I wouldn't normally wear! There are certain workout pants that I have tried that make me feel dumpy (I'm 5'6" 120lbs) so I don't wear them too often. And I always try to make them not feel dumpy, but it doesn't always work. Usually I wear shorts, tennis shoes and a fitted tank (if it's hot) or I do like the knee-length legging look with a long-sleeve tee. So…don't know if this helps in your dilemma, but I think workout wear is all about how you feel in the clothes and finding something that works for you.
First off, the Lucy pants look best on you (i think). Second, are you wearing a sports bra? That does wonders for me. I have a big chest, but small everything else. I wear very fitted running type pants and a tight sports bra and tshirt, or tank top. Makes me look thinner than I am
hehe! Target has nice workout pants for cheap too. I like Nike's workout gear as well!
My current workout gear is mostly from Target, I've had good luck with Champion items there. I go for fitted or semi-fitted capris and pants (mostly semi-fitted similar to your new pants, except also capris) as I don't like shorts. I am a bit top-heavy but have also found their tanks to be good, I hate sleeves flapping while I'm on an elliptical. My other random discovery, was H&M t-shirts. I have one in my work-out rotation, it's light and fitted and doesn't get in the way! I take public transportation home from the gym, and I feel much better about walking around drenched in sweat if I'm not looking completely shlubby.
When I exercise I dress for comfort, not for style. I wear fitted clothes, but that is because it is more comfortable for me than wearing baggy clothes. I run and do hot yoga, and baggy stuff tends to get in the way. Yoga is also too hot to wear a lot of clothing. I usually wear yoga pants or shorts, a tank top, and a comfortable sports bra.
I currently work out in a yoga studio or at home, so I don't worry too much about what other people think of my appearance as long as I feel good. I am starting a new job soon and the office building has a great gym, so I may need to rethink my wardrobe if I am exercising around co-workers. I don’t want to look sloppy at work, even if it is in the gym.
Well I have no idea if I have a tough body type to fit or not. I don't generally have too many problems when it comes to fitness wear. I'm 5-7 with a longish torso and other than a few pairs of Nike shorts my wardrobe consists entirely of Under Armour and it's the best fitness clothing I've ever worn. I cannot recommend it enough. I plan to invest in some lulemon this fall for some of my indooor yoga & pilates but for any sort of cardio or weight-lifting I live in Under Armour.
Sorry, I can't offer suggestions – only sympathy. I will gleefully admit that workout wear is my bete noir. I have the same problems you do – boxy tees make me look like a cereal box (great description!), and most pants are too tight/cut wrong/gap at the waist/etc. Add to that a full bust that needs super-duper support and makes every top I've ever tried on ride up and expose my belly, and I'm in workout-wear hell!
I'm a rock climber, so I feel like I pretty much live in my workout wear on nights and weekends. I'm pretty average sized and I used to swim, so I find tanktops both flattering and practical for climbing. Not a fan of T-shirts. Most of my tops were acquired on super-sale from REI or EMS, and I have a few Athleta tops as well. Pants are harder to find–if they're small enough to fit my waist, they're usually too small for my hips. Mostly I wear capris to work out because climbing tends to bang up the knees quite a bit… Again, acquired mostly from REI. Patagonia makes some really nice workout clothes that are both cute and functional, and REI can be a great place to find them for much more reasonable prices!
You look awesome in those last two, Sal!! I esp. love the pants on you.
My get up is pants much like the ones you upgraded too, and the shorts version. I also recently picked up a pair of capri running pants; it's all about the right length on them. Because I have large calves I can't wear the kind that cut half way down the calf. The ones I finally found that look right are cut right below the knee. I need close-fitting (not tight) bottom clothes when I run, otherwise I feel like I tripping over fabric. Maybe I will do a post on my fitness wear at some point too. I think you have a very good point about it being difficult to find flattering pieces in this arena, so maybe other girls would benefit from seeing what you and I come up with!
Keep rocking, girl!
I play roller derby, and as all derby girls do I wear tight leggings with shorty shorts over them whether skating or working out. The leggings provide upper-leg protection should you wipe out on the rink, the shorts provide an extra layer of padding and a little bit of dignity.
For extra fun you can wear crazy printed leggings or shorts with a message on the behind.
http://catherineworks.com/images/derby-practice.jpg
Where is the shorts report that shows up in my following list? That looks interesting.
I like the new top – good job. It is hard to find good workout wear.
I usually wear long ribbed tanks and yoga shorts/capris/pants. I'm not a huge fan of my workout pants (the shorts hit my knee which makes kneeling uncomfortable, the capris cut me off weird and look like I have cankles, and the pants are just too hot) and I'd like to wear leggings and a yoga skirt, but I've never seen anyone else in my gym wearing that so I think I'd feel too self-conscious (which I know is dumb). Some women did that when I went to a real yoga studio but I haven't been there in a year or two because now I just go to my gym. Ribbed tanks aren't my most flattering (my boobs warp the ribbed lines, for one) but they leave my arms free to move (I feel too constricted in tees) and I need my tops to be at least a little fitted so they stay put and don't expose me when I'm doing upside-downy yoga poses!
I recently bought a sports bra for bigger bust, total deal changer. It is a Natori one, and I love it. I had been wearing one of those standard ones, worse than useless.
Can I ask a question? And I don't mean to sound, well, mean, by asking this (although now that I've said that, I'm sure I will, so I apologize in advance):
Is there a reason why you stand like that in all your photos?
It just makes you look a bit … wonky. And I have trouble actually admiring your vast and impressive (and beautiful) wardrobe. I think just standing, hands on waist, legs normal, would do you, and your wardrobe a lot more justice. The wonky leg thing is just distracting and seems like a "comfortable tick" – something you do because it makes you worry less about your photos – when really I find it quite distracting.
Which is sad because I love your blog.
cute workout wear. i even like that first one! =)
When I run I wear Target running clothes. They're surprisingly pretty, I think.
When I swim at the university pool I wear a basic one piece, a cap and goggles. Basically, I look like a giant dork
But the great thing about swimming is that I share the sport (and locker room!) with women who are literally 50 years older than I am and are completely at ease with their bodies. It's a good lesson.
A couple of people have mentioned Lululemon above. I wear their pants pretty much exculsivly as workout wear. I'm definitely bigger on the bottom, and they always fit and always look good. Not to mention that they last F-O-R-E-V-E-R! I have a one pair I've been wearing for 4 or 5 years. And they aren't even close to wearing out. Also whith the camel toe thing…The lululemons are double re-enforced in the lower areas…which kinda eliminates that problem.
For tops I kinda just go for whatever. I've got a few tanks from Old Navy and I wear random t-shirts.
I'm a derby skater, too. (Hi, Mari!) I usually skip the tights or fishnets, except for occasions like bouts and parades–although I do sometimes pick up some rink rash from that choice. I always wear knee socks for some extra padding on the shins.
Short shorts or skorts are a must for practical reasons: they need to be short enough never to catch in my knee-pad velcro, even when I am skating in a deep crouch. I have managed to thrift almost all of my shorts and skorts. On top I wear team t-shirts or tanks or other fitted tees.
Great post! Looks like a lot of ladies are interested in sharing their workout wear woes and wows
I suffer from long torso-large boobs and constantly battle to find long, lean, but not too tight tops to avoid flashing my flab (and how much does an upwards migrating shirt hem suck?!). I hate sleeves at the gym, and seeing my arm muscles is definite motivation. I agree that Lululemon can be great despite the price, although most tops are geared for smaller chests. I love Eddie Bauer Sport tops because they come in tall sizes (online) – not that I'm all that tall, but a little extra length to cover the boobs and the belly keeps me much happier when exercising.
I loathe to work out and, thus, to spend my hard-earned money on clothing to do it in. For practical reasons I need decent sports bras, but I don't need high-tech fabrics because I don't sweat that much (or, frankly, work that hard). Other than that it's, like, men's jersey shorts from Rite-Aid and T-shirts either acquired free or demoted from normal wardrobe. Fortunately, my gym is very laid-back and no one cares what anyone wears, whether we look like slobs or threaten to blind them with or gorgeosity.
I have the WORST time with workout wear. I have long legs (34" inseam) and it's really tough to find pants that aren't an unflattering "flood" length.
My self-conscious areas are all behind me (ha) so I have never really found a pants solution that I feel comfortable wearing.
For long walks, I bought some athletic skorts that are my favorite, but the shorts part tends to bunch up in the chub rub area from time to time.
Nike Perfect Fit bootleg capris are my pant of choice!
Champion running skirts/skorts are my favorite short.
P.S. I started the first day of your Summer Black-Out challenge! It's posted on my blog
i like the blue long pants on you the best
prefer not to spend a lot on workout clothes b/c I "glow" profusely. buy bottoms at target- terry knit shorts and champion shorts at a local sports store- neither are too long, short or tight for me- keeping in mind your posts on wearing shorts. for longer length pants- yoga pants with a flare are my go to choice- wear bike shorts underneath for no vpl look.
for tops- i prefer sleeveless tanks or simple fitted tees- that extra fabric gets in the way.
encapsulated sports bra to prevent uniboob
padded socks and good shoes to cushion my joints.
I love Patagonia's Serenity Tights for the perfect balance of fitted but not too tight. I wear them for running, yoga, elliptical, etc.
I just noticed this now because of your adorable post showing how to pose, but you have nearly the exact same pose in every picture, its so cute! =D
I like the moisture wicking Under Armor or Reebook loose v-neck shirts, they aren't very form fitting and I think I got them for $20. As for pants, I wear plain old shorts from Kohl's, occasionally loose cloth capris.
Have you seen the Vibram Five Finger shoes? I haven't tried them yet and they're pretty..ugly, but they sound great!
I don't like to spend money on exercise clothes, but I wonder if I did if I would be more excited about exercising.
I usually wear a tank top and some super super baggy men's exercise pants.
I only go salsa dancing or do yoga; for salsa I wear my normal clothes, and for yoga I have a pair of Old Navy yoga pants and some stretchy tees from the Gap that have lasted pretty well so far.
I like the skirt over capri style, although I haven't bought them yet . I just like the idea that your nalgas (buns) are covered while the legs get to still look shapely.
I'm a size 2 or 3x (or higher in many fitness gear brands), so it can be hard to find workout clothes that fit right, much less in flattering styles or colors.
I have a bunch of tank tops and singlet type tops I got at Walmart of all places (Athletic Works brand), and bike shorts from Woman Within & Danskin. I also have some capri leggings from Woman Within, but I don't wear those much.
I love Junonia for plus size clothes, especially their dual-layer shorts and running skirts (I don't see the skirt I have online anymore). They're more expensive, but I bought my trisuit and swimsuit there as well, and am very happy with it.
For larger women, plusrunner.com has a good list of stores online to shop at – it's on the right sidebar, about midway down.
Not to complain or anything, but "outside the norm"?? I find that statement rather offensive, as it seems to imply that you are "normal" and the rest of us (big boobs, long torso, petite, or whatever it is) are abnormal! Definite "normal". Everyone is so unique and different in body shape, I just don't get how one person can be defined as average and everyone else just doesn't fit in.
I am a fan of your blog, I enjoyed most of this post, and I love those Lucy pants. All I'm saying is that you may want to rethink your statement about normal.
Thanks, Sal.
-Elle
I love this post! great workout gear make over!
I usually wear Nike running shorts with a big t-shirt :p
Elle: No offense was intended, which I think is pretty clear. I never said that by being average height and weight that anyone outside those norms was bad or wrong. And if you're a regular reader of this blog, you probably know that already.
My point was to say that since I'm shaped fairly close to how clothing companies tend to design their clothes, and since I had such a hard time finding flattering options for workout gear, that it must be even more challenging for those with different body shapes and types. That's all. No judgment, no shaming, no hierarchy. Just a simple observation, and a question that launched a varied and healthy discussion.
I switch it up, sometimes nice, sometimes old man tshirt and baggy pants.
I have one nice running outfit that I was given from lulu-lemon. It's really flattering, wicks the sweat away and doesn't cause chafing on long runs. It's pretty expensive though, and I had to hunt for a shirt that fit my ridiculously long torso.
I've also had good luck finding similar quality clothing (but cheaper) at winners from brands like adidas/nike, as long as you don't need to be all 'matchy-matchy'.
Sometimes I do find having exercise gear that is flattering can motivate me to go to go out for a run, even on a day I don't feel like it, but sometimes an old tshirt and trackies feels good too!
Happy shopping
Wow! I just got a gym membership this weekend and me and my boyfriend went shopping for workout clothes so we could look cute at the gym.
I quickly learned that I really dislike shopping for gym clothes (almost as much as I dislike bathing suit shopping or summer shorts shopping). The fitted tank tops with built in bras suffocate my boobage in the dressing rooms (although I've got pretty average boobs) and show off all of my lumps and bumps that I'm hoping to get rid of. The tight fitting yoga pants give me camel toe and show off my panty-line (and I'm not wearing a special thong to the gym). And some of the running shorts are so short that I would need to wear bike shorts underneath or start investing in a Brazilian wax!
So, I ended up with a Danskin t-shirt and some knee length B-Ball style pants. But, I'd really like to know how others have managed to look cute and be comfortable in their workout clothes? Do they sacrifice the cute or the comfort?
gotcha. no offense taken, Sal.
Just pointing it out……
but thanks for the clarification. and thanks for your excellent blog.
I'm a sucker for Lululemon, which is insanely expensive, but super high quality. They are fitted, which I like and look nice.
Hi Sal!
I tend to look GROSS when I work out [high school shorts, old t-shirts, the works], but my brother – a cross-country runner – hooked me up with some winter running gear for Christmas and I fell in love with the running pants he got me: they're Pearl iZumi [maybe the Tokyo tight?] and they're amazing for my self-esteem. They're not leggings, nor are they bulky (and, for the record, I wore them to run during the winter in Boston and they were AMAZING), but they're weirdly flattering. I think my body shape is similar to yours. They're pricy, but I really enjoy them. Maybe you'd like 'em too?
- Dolores
I try not to look cute when working out. Mostly, this is because I look very young and I think it inspires people to feel free to catcall (running) or talk to me excessively (gym). I am in task mode & just want to complete my exercise. It's actually the one occasion where I dress to disappear/blend in.
For running, I wear those Old Navy running tights (they are awesome and affordable) & an moisture-wicking loose shirt. At the gym I'm more likely to grab a pair of capris & a larger Tshirt.
My workout wear is due for a makeover. It's pretty sad.
I only do yoga so I stick to tank tops that fit right and sweatpants made of terry fabric.
the girls at my crossfit gym LOVE lulu lemon. They are very expensive, however.
I so want to wear girly workout clothing, but shirts are a problem. i have got a lot of extra skin on my arms, that for my comfortablity must be covered up. I could rock a fitted shirt other wise as long as there was some give towards the bottom (also an extra skin issue!! )
I agree that shopping for cute gym clothes is a task only to be done when my self esteem is at it's highest. It ranks right up there with jeans and bathing suit shopping.
However, whenever I'm trying to get healthy again that's usually when my self esteem is at its LOWEST. Investing in a collection of comfy, well fitting, cute gym clothes has been one of the better steps that I have taken towards my overall health. No longer do I feel super-discouraged by looking at a frumpy-me in a gym mirror.
For clothes, I have a collection of pants similar to your blue ones. I'm in Maine, so long pants are good for most of the spring/winter/fall. A few pairs of shorts for the hottest of summer. I frequent TJ Maxx and Marshalls for these staples, and keep trying them on until I find a pair that makes me feel right.
No one has mentioned Title IX for sports bras yet, and I'm a total convert. Sports clothing built by women for women, and rated by active women. Bras that are rated by "squish"-factors and barbells for support strength? yes, please!
I invested in a few underwire ones for my DD cup and never looked back. Not only do I get less bounce, since the ladies are supported correctly I actually look leaner. I'm a taller woman, so I often layer a yoga top over a sports bra which enables me to pull the yoga top down a little further to better cover my waist/hips.
All in all, I think of it as an investment in myself. I'd spend $40-$50 on a cute dress or great shoes. Why not spend that much on a good sports bra or other workout clothes that I use weekly?
I have gotten a few pairs of fitted yoga/dance pants (black leggings with a flare basically) from Victoria's Secret and ON that fit well and look good. I usually wear them with a dry-wicking type of sports bra and a cotton wife-beater top. I like my gym clothes to be fitted because I hate the feeling of lots of material around me when I'm working out. I also feel like billowy loose fabric captures hot sweaty air and makes me hotter. Can you guess from this post that I sweat a LOT!?
I love this post! I used to wear nothing but cut t-shirts and one paired of cropped, boot-cut leggings to work out. Then, we bought our house and I continued to wear the same single pair of pants despite the fact that they now display ever color paint we used in our house. It was sad really.
I find Target to have the best sports bras and tops and everything else had come from TJMaxx or sales racks. I love your option of the skirt over leggings – totally cute! I'm not a big fan of shorts to workout, either. I tried running one day in shorts and I literally turned around after 10 feet. Last weekend, I just found a perfect pair of cotton, fitted yoga shorts that don't end up in my uterus while working out. TJMaxx!
Fast forward a year or so and working out has become a much larger part of my life and I LOVE my workout clothes! It actually bugs me sometimes that my shoes don't match all of my tops
Okay, this has been really long, but I really do love my workout gear!
Hi Sal! I read about your Workout Wardrobe dilemma when you'd first posted it, and then came across this item on Alloy today that immediately made me think of you:
http://store.alloy.com/item.do?categoryID=2219&itemID=51431&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=
It's their "foldover stretch yoga legging" (item 167532), in case that link doesn't work. "Skirt" and leggings in one, what more could you ask for?
justginster: HOLY CATS! Those are totally perfect, lady! Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna order up a pair right now.
I wear a tank top even in the winter if i work out indoors. Sometimes I have fancier ones. Then I wear fitted capris most of the time or fitted pants with a slight flair at the ankle. I have some shorts but only wear them to run. I have trouble finding shorts long enough. I wear a 36" inseam so it is hard for me to find pants and shorts that don't make me look like a freak. Also my legs are really pale so the more I show the worse it is. http://colleen.akwire.net/_clothes/images/March20,2010big.jpg is an example of one outfit I wore for a race when it was about 40 degrees. http://colleen.akwire.net/_clothes/images/October26,2009big.jpg is another outfit.
I notice most females at the gym I go to just wear a loose T-shirt. Now and then they wear a more fitted shirt and it makes them look thinner but I don't think they realize they need to dress better and they'd think they would look better.