What to wear

[Redruby2020]

Hi all, I am getting back in to my regular walks plus i would like to use the outdoor gym we have mainly for bike and cross trainer as been advised to by physio. I only have one hot coat which is great for the cold but not to exercise in.
Being bigger i am currently a size 22, i want to cover up and will be the same this summer dreading it, but that's for another post 😵‍💫

So I can't be out in what I see the runners in, as I am not doing that level of activity. But longer walks or using the outdoor gym you do still get out of breath and sweaty, the exercise clothing I see is not going to be good on me, plus I see so many short skimpy jackets, short sleeved t shirts etc.

Any personal experience/advice welcome.

Perhaps the best approach to start would be a tighter, long sleeved wicking base layer and then a loose top wicking tshirt over it (thin material, not a normal cotton). Generally if you’re exercising you’re trying to work up a sweat you’re going to naturally want to cool down so you will probably feel less like wearing thick or long sleeves. Exercise Leggings or loose joggers too. If you get too hot, you’ll be putting too much stress on your body and it will be harder work. Places like M&S or Supermarkets have good ranges. Oh and invest in a decent sports bra!

I generate a lot of heat when exercising, so try and dress for approximately 10 degrees warmer than it is .. So if its 10 degrees outside a tshirt is fine, as that’s what I’d normally wear when its 20 degrees. I might get a bit chilly at first, but after 10 minutes I’m very, very glad I don’t put more layers on.

Thin layers, like a thin water/wind proof over a thin top (anything really) over a thin top (anything really) over a thin top... bring a backpack to put them in when you warm up.

Keep hands, neck, head (hat), feet warm, the others can take being colder.

A good sports bra!
I would wear leggings rather than jogging pants, so long as you can't see your knickers through them when you bend over I think they're better than baggy joggers which make you look bigger and will potentially chafe the inside of your thighs. Why can't you wear a short sleeved t-shirt?? Have a look at the M&S Goodmoves range, they go to a size 24 and the leggings are really comfy and supportive. They've also got some "walking leggings" which aren't quite so fitted.

I've found H&M to be good for low-cost but good sportswear, and they go up to 4XL.

I'd recommend long leggings, a vest, a tshirt and a longsleeve (you can layer up or just pick one depending on temperature) and then a decent light or midweight jacket. Either of these are good: www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1035914001.html
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1129971001.html

I would also consider a buff (one of those circular neck warmers) for extra cold days.

Sainburys do some decent exercise kit and go to large sizes too.

Layers on top, definitely. Hoodies are great. You can have the hood up if it is cold, you can tie it round your waist by the arms if you are out walking and get too hot. A reasonably lightweight hoodie would be fine in summer, too, except on the hottest of days, and in winter you can just wear more layers (e.g. T shirt and body warmer)

Hey well done you. I understand feeling insecure in tight clothing but really, you just focus on doing what you are doing. Leggings are good as they hold you in and wick sweat away. Stop charging etc. but if you want slightly looser, look at sweaty better yoga pants or lululemon rulu pants. Then go onto Amazon and find similar cheaper. It's still technical fabric but they are designed to be a little more track pant like. Personally I think leggings are still best. You could later a long sleeve fitted sports too with a looser tshirt that covers your bum. Tie a thin hoody around your waist. This makes people feel a little more covered up but still activity appropriate. Go black lower half. It's more flattering. I'm around a size 12 bottom half and I only wear black. Colourful top if you like colour. Anyone being critical is an arsehole. Try adding in some resistance work. Weights really help with weight loss. People who exercise properly will look at you positively. Go you 🙌🏼

Thankyou for your replies, taking it all in to account, and i will look at all of the brands suggested.

I wear 3/4 leggings, a tight fitting wicking vest and a mens wicking t-shirt over the top, when its colder I wear a quilted running jacket from H&M.

I found the womens t-shirts too tight and clingy. The only problem is, I prefer a v-neck and they only had round neck, but that doesn't really matter.