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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Is Lycra "too revealing"?

22 replies

gettingfitnessback · 15/01/2023 15:30

NC for this.

I went for a run this afternoon. I'm desperately trying to get my fitness back after having my toddler almost 2 years ago now. I used to be a very slim toned size 8 and I'm now a slightly more wobbly 10-12 so just been feeling fed up for ages. Decided enough is enough, no more excuses. So pulled my old Lycra running leggings out from the back of the wardrobe and put them on today. I came downstairs just as DP was on his way out with our toddler to take her swimming. He looked me up and down sort down raised his eyebrows and said "wow they're not leaving much to the imagination". I said what do you mean, I know they're a bit tighter now I'm not quite as slim but I'm not obese so they can't have been that tight! He said oh no it's a compliment, just saying they cling to everything and are quite revealing. I felt he was backtracking. He repeated that it was a "compliment" 🙄 then left to go out. I went for my run feeling extremely self conscious that everything was on show!

Thing is, It's what I always used to wear to run. Yes I have squashed my size 10-12 bum into a pair of my old size 8 ones but they're stretchy, isn't that the whole point? I did look at myself in the mirror before I left the bedroom and I honestly don't think they looked horrendous! I can't work out if this was an underhanded way of DP calling me fat?

AIBU to feel self conscious in Lycra now? Or does this sound remotely like a "compliment" to you?!

OP posts:

Icantstopthisfeeling · 15/01/2023 15:34

Not leaving much to the imaging just means they are clinging/ revealing imo.

If he was calling you fat (size 19/12 isn’t fat) he could have said ‘they’re a bit snug’.

Keyansier · 15/01/2023 15:36

Well lycra isn't the most forgiving material on the majority of people IMO!

Original poster

gettingfitnessback · 15/01/2023 15:36

That's a good point. I think it's because I'm just feeling self conscious overall as I don't look the same anymore so more sensitive to comments when I'm wearing something tight.

OP posts:

DuplicateUserName · 15/01/2023 15:37

He wasn't calling you fat.

Yes, Lycra is revealing but you know that. It's also perfect for running.

doubleshotcappuccino · 15/01/2023 15:39

I'm a recent convert to TALA leggings thanks to DD .. size 14 so bigger than you and I think they look fab and brill for movement

ProserpinaProserpina · 15/01/2023 15:40

If lycra is stretched too far, it goes see through. I have this issue with a few pairs of pre-kids tri shorts (that I have clung onto into the vain hope that they will fit once more 😂) so maybe he mean this…

Lycra itself isn’t an issue. It’s a practical, comfortable fabric for working out in. It should be right and supportive.

user1492757084 · 15/01/2023 15:42

Well, that's why you are running - to fit into the pants. Be honest with yourself.

JarByTheDoor · 15/01/2023 15:44

I would guess it depends on the exact characteristics of the material and the cut, and what you're wearing underneath, and what you're happy with being visible. I see lots of women wearing lycra to run and don't think twice about it but I've also occasionally seen women wearing it where I could tell how they were configured down there, to put it as euphemistically as I can.

HappyHealthy23 · 15/01/2023 15:49

One wears running clothes for running in. Most running clothes are made of lycra. Therefore, lycra is a suitable material for running in.

Honestly, if he hasn't seen you in running clothes for a while, he's probably just forgotten how tight-fitting running clothes are. I wouldn't think anything of it, just be happy you got out there. Well done to you!

meganorks · 15/01/2023 15:53

When it comes to leggings and that comment, my first thoughts are: have they gone a bit see-through and you can see your pants?; was there any camel toe?!

Ameanstreakamilewide · 15/01/2023 16:02

gettingfitnessback · 15/01/2023 15:30

NC for this.

AIBU to feel self conscious in Lycra now? Or does this sound remotely like a "compliment" to you?!

I wear shorts over my lycra whatsits when I go for a run. 🏃‍♀️

It just feels too something to go without.

Lilyhatesjaz · 15/01/2023 16:09

I wear my size 18lycra leggings in the gym they are a size too big and good quality so don't show through .
Some leggings seem to go a bit see through when they have been washed a few times and if yours are a bit small your knickers are probably visible through them.
So you would look fine in leggings but need a new pair.

Mabelface · 15/01/2023 16:21

I think he was insinuating that other men may look at you and backtracked when he realised how ridiculous he sounded.

PlinkPlonkFizz · 15/01/2023 16:23

I think you should buy a pair of correct sized leggings tbh. Lycra can look too revealing when over-stretched or worn. Personally I would prefer to know that it didn't look great. I don't think your DH was being weird or controlling, just looking out for you.

ThreeLittleDots · 15/01/2023 16:31

Arse crack/ camel toe?

Muddlingmiddling · 15/01/2023 16:37

Sounds like he was rather excited rather than insulting you.

LlynTegid · 15/01/2023 16:39

Suitable for running, exercise in a gym, for example. Providing they have not worn thin.

Not for everyday wear in my opinion.

Thesonglastslonger · 15/01/2023 16:42

They’re revealing on everyone, no matter what size/age.

What’s probably happening here is on the few occasions he saw you in them when you were dating he just thought “phoar my date is hot other guys who see her in this will want her but I’m the one who gets to go home with her.” But now you’re his wife and mother of his kids he’s less comfortable with the idea of other men staring at your arse and fantasising.

Once you get married and have kids many men seem to expect you to change your behaviour and be more like their stereotyped idea of what a mum should be like. So even if you’ve always been into raving they may expect you to suddenly like baking cakes, it’s very odd.

I loathe cooking, have always hated it, but suddenly DH is puzzled that I don’t find it fulfilling, is very weird.

Lilliflip · 15/01/2023 16:42

If they were too tight it’s quite likely that you were revealing a camel toe. Could that have been it and he was just too polite to spell it out to you bluntly?

NeverDropYourMooncup · 15/01/2023 16:46

Lycra doesn't leave much to the imagination. It's an inherent part of why it's such a fantastic material for sports - it stays close, doesn't sag, bag or chafe, it supports and warms whilst allowing moisture to evaporate.

Sometimes an observation can just be that, especially if you haven't worn it recently so he's more used to a looser outline.

Merlott · 15/01/2023 16:50

Well I think what he meant was the difference between what you typically wear day in day out vs skin tight leggings.

I am guessing you live in jeans/joggers and baggy jumpers like many of us with toddlers?!!!

Merlott · 15/01/2023 16:52

I don't think he was passing judgement on you at all!!!! Just a factual statement which if he had engaged his brain on reflection he may well have realised was better left unsaid as bleeding obvious!

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