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Original poster

Womens workout clothing is crap

55 replies

CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 13:35

I'm aware this isn't the most pressing issue irt women's rights but I find it very frustrating that so many retailers do so many styles of gym clothing but they are all stupid tiny shorts / skirts or leggings. I can't think of anything worse to wear when getting hot and sweaty than leggings. Why are men able to get normal practical breezy shorts but our choice is largely between looking half naked or garments which hug and highlight every curve, it's f stupid.

I wouldn't mind if I could access a women only gym but I can't, all the gyms are mixed sex and I don't want to wear tiny shorts around men I don't know, I feel self-conscious enough as it is around them. So sick of this stupid culture where women are pressured into dressing "sexy" at every opportunity, I don't feel sexy at a gym in tiny shorts I feel on-show and vulnerable. I'm going to the gym to prevent an early death from heart disease and to try and improve my mood, not to look attractive to random gym men. I am grumpy.

OP posts:
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deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 22:17

DH's running shorts also have a pocket not big enough for his phone.
As do mine. I'm not sure men's workout stuff is any more practical in that respect.
I take a bumbag type thing if I need my phone.
DH runs with his in his hand.

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 20:25

Thing is men’s don’t generally have big enough pockets for smartphones etc either. More miles and Nike have the biggest zip ones I know.

I do have a flip belt now though as my phone is massive. Most men at my running club also have arm band or belt of some kind for phone. I really don’t think it’s a women only issue!

SonicVersusGynaephobia · 23/04/2018 20:20

CertainHalfDesertedStreets

Yes, pockets!

I have about 6 pairs of running leggings. All have a pocket, in theory, but only one pair has one that actually fits my phone. Which is not a big phone. On that pair, the pocket goes halfway down the thigh.

I think its quite dangerous to go running as a lone female with no phone.

I'd join you in a campaign that women's gym/running wear must have larger pockets as a point of safety.

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 20:14

www.roxy-uk.co.uk/to-dye-7%22-board-shorts-3613372559921.html#cgid=swim_boardshorts&start=5&hitcount=17 I have these but ina different colour. They’re good.

I also have loads of tips and bottoms with a variety of pockets (bit obsessed with pockets as I carry tissue, lip balm, gels, water, phone, key on longer runs). Nike, 2xu and Ron hill are ones I wear the most. More miles is also good for pockets. Even my Morrison’s vest has a zipper pocket. They’re easy to come by. Often brands have a choice, some people HATE pockets and like to be totally stream lined (my husband is like this).

I do think you’re making an issue out of nothing op...

PlatypusPie · 23/04/2018 19:48

Or Speedos do more a more fitted style , several versions, of all in one swimsuit with longer leg lengths - mid thigh to almost knee. My triathlete daughter wears them for swim training as an alternative to her warmer trisuit.

LassWiADelicateAir · 23/04/2018 19:31

Or just google "long swimming shorts for women"

PlatypusPie · 23/04/2018 19:20

Google Swimdress, OP, or Dresskini - lots of results from online and high street brands for what may fulfil your desire for a more modest style of swimwear.

Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 18:27

I'm only expressing an opinion. I don't like what is the predominant style of women's swimwear. I don't know why people are getting so narky about that. I'm glad to hear there are modest options out there I will certainly keep my eye out. A thousand apologies for not having noticed them before.

OP posts:
LassWiADelicateAir · 23/04/2018 18:21

I don't like revealing clothing and I don't like to stand out, sorry if that's illogical to you

There are plenty of options in women's swimwear which are not revealing. You seem determined to make life difficult for yourself.

Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 18:16

I don't like revealing clothing and I don't like to stand out, sorry if that's illogical to you.

OP posts:
TheNoseyProject · 23/04/2018 17:56

I agree with the OP. Light weight non-skin tight bottoms are hard to find, most places only do either leggings or the occasional heavy-weight jogger. Shorts are too short, I want mid-thigh at the shortest, even those up thread are (v) high thigh. Short shorts ride up on me.

Tops are less of an issue for me.

CertainHalfDesertedStreets · 23/04/2018 17:52

My ds's trousers have pockets. He's 4, he keeps conkers in them.

My running clothes do not have pockets in them. I am 45. I need keys, cash card, emergency tenner and a phone minimum. WHAT TWAT DESIGNS THINGS THIS WAY???????

LassWiADelicateAir · 23/04/2018 17:52

I really don't like women's swimwear, again men get to wear nice loose genital covering shorts and we are compelled to expose our inner thighs and feel self-conscious about pubic hair

Much as I hate the term "modest" being used in relation to clothing it is a useful short cut to find non- revealing swimwear. And as with work out wear this is a non-existent problem. I'm not even referring to Islamic "burkini" type swimwear - there are loads of options for women who don't want skimpy costumes.

You are also being illogical. If you genuinely can't find non revealing costumes it seems quite bizarre to ditch an alternative which you like just because they were men's shorts and you were the odd one out. Do you really think anyone else cares ? Or even notices once you are in the water?

Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 16:46

These look good, they are the double shorts @Ifonlyus talked about, but I hadn't considered pockets @CertainHalfDesertedStreets that's a good point, it helps to have somewhere to put the locker key.

@MrsTerryPratchett I really don't like women's swimwear, again men get to wear nice loose genital covering shorts and we are compelled to expose our inner thighs and feel self-conscious about pubic hair. I bought some men's swimming shorts but I'm an odd one out when I wear them. I really hate swimming costumes they're so tight.

OP posts:
deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 16:30

Never chafes, not chases. I do a lot a chasing :)

deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 16:29

I have a fantastic running top, but I can't remember the brand.
It's black, full sleeve length, really low friction so it never chases, as also wicks.
It's certainly not sexy or skimpy, but I love it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 16:26

I did that! Grin

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 16:20

Haha! No probs Smile I bloody love looking at gym wear. I’m also now SURE that I need a 3/4 running top Wink

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 16:19

Thanks you lot. I won't have to either boil or chafe all summer!

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 16:15

www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens-ua-run-seamless-3%2F4-sleeve/1248743.html

Or this mrs?

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 16:13

Exactly like that @deydododatdodontdeydo

Now I'm 'not a pastel colour'. I will have a look on there. Thanks!

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 16:11

Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s both have long workout vests that cover your bum (I think they’re a bit weird and flappy but clearly there is a market for bum covering here!). I have shed loads of gym clothes, I also have a massive ass and have no problems finding none skimpy shorts-Nike are good and Ron hill for running.

deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 16:07

I don't think anything is more skimpy than speedos...

BitOutOfPractice · 23/04/2018 16:02

What do yo umean by half sleeves? This sort of thing?