Gym wear for 40s, overweight woman?

Peae · 2023-12-27T15:00:34+00:00

I’m getting back to swimming, weightlifting and yoga. I’ve done all three in the past, but that was 4 stone ago. All gym wear seems tight and clingy, what can I wear to feel comfortable but not frumpy? In the past I wore baggy jogging bottoms and hoodies but just looked dreadful! Should I just embrace the Lycra?

WonderingWanda · 27/12/2023 15:04

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Try looking at ourdoors sort of tops, they are often made of sweat wicking fast drying fabric but not always as skimpy as gym wear.

Whatapickle23 · 27/12/2023 15:06

Wear the baggy joggers and focus on your exercise. Once you've lost a dress size, treat yourself to some nice leggings. It will be motivation for you to lose weight and you'll feel much better in tight leggings once you're down a stone.

TheWayOfTheWorld · 27/12/2023 15:14

I was just over 13 stone earlier this year and wore this jogging bottoms from M&S with a sports t-shirt: https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-side-stripe-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp60636177?color=BLACK#intid=pid pg1pip48g2r8c11prodflaggNew prodflag plppts QPHH26

Less clingy than leggings but not as baggy as traditional leggings.

I've now lost enough weight to feel happy in leggings and bought myself a couple of pairs in the Sweaty Betty sales

Original poster

Peae · 27/12/2023 15:14

Wear the baggy joggers and focus on your exercise

This was my attitude below, but I fear I really did look terrible and as if I don’t care about my appearance (I don’t, and this is something I’m working on). I will have a think on your advice though.

OP posts:

TheWayOfTheWorld · 27/12/2023 15:14

Argh! Not as baggy as traditional jogging bottoms.

Original poster

Peae · 27/12/2023 15:15

TheWayOfTheWorld · 27/12/2023 15:14

I was just over 13 stone earlier this year and wore this jogging bottoms from M&S with a sports t-shirt: https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-side-stripe-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp60636177?color=BLACK#intid=pid pg1pip48g2r8c11prodflaggNew prodflag plppts QPHH26

Less clingy than leggings but not as baggy as traditional leggings.

I've now lost enough weight to feel happy in leggings and bought myself a couple of pairs in the Sweaty Betty sales

Thank you, that’s my weight now. I’ll check this link out.

OP posts:

FinnJuhl · 27/12/2023 15:15

I was also wary of lycra, but if it's decent quality it should suck everything in and provide far better support for any jiggly bits than baggy joggers and T shirt.

IncognitoIsMyFavouriteWord · 27/12/2023 15:17

I wear leggings and oversized T-shirts.
I don't go to the gym, but I do run. Honestly, I'm so concerned with each step I'm taking that I give zero fecks about what I look like to me or anyone else.

DuploTrain · 27/12/2023 15:20

I like these leggings for yoga because they have a crossover waist so you can move and they don’t cut into you.

Remember not to wear a loose top for yoga because it will end up round your ears when you do downward dog.

Go Balance High Waisted Yoga Leggings | Goodmove | M&S

Thanks to their 4-way stretch, these Go Balance yoga leggings from our Goodmove collection are as flexible as you are. The regular-fit, full-length design features a flattering high waistband with a wrap front for plenty of coverage. Supersoft blackout...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/go-balance-high-waisted-yoga-leggings/p/clp60489403?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

TokyoSushi · 27/12/2023 15:20

Maybe buy some nice Lycra and embrace it, Sweaty Betty or similar (lots on Vinted)

I'm absolutely no supermodel, but I do go to the gym a lot, sometimes clothes trying to disguise something can actually draw attention to it instead...

Good luck OP, the main thing is that you're comfortable, so whatever you feel best in will be just fine.

Gymmum82 · 27/12/2023 15:23

Oversized t shirts are all the rage at the minute regardless of size paired with leggings. Joggers are also very ‘in’
Wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Personally I couldn’t workout in joggers but if you can then do. No one really cares what you’re wearing. There are as many overweight people wearing leggings and crop tops as there are people in joggers and baggy T-shirts

Original poster

Peae · 27/12/2023 15:30

Thank you everyone, I want to name check you all for your ideas and encouragement.

I think I’m going to go for some leggings and baggy t-shirts. The baggy-I-don’t-care joggers are not for me this winter.

OP posts:

twilightcafe · 27/12/2023 15:37

Try asos for activewear. The main range goes up to size 18 but the Curve stuff obviously goes higher.

Overcome2023 · 27/12/2023 15:43

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in but if it helps, I feel most confident in full length plain black gym leggings (I like the Next ones as they hold you in nicely and don’t slip down) and a black nylon tshirt that isn’t skin tight. Lots of women seem to wear this kind of thing, I hope this helps :)

WGACA · 27/12/2023 15:44

TheWayOfTheWorld · 27/12/2023 15:14

I was just over 13 stone earlier this year and wore this jogging bottoms from M&S with a sports t-shirt: https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-side-stripe-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp60636177?color=BLACK#intid=pid pg1pip48g2r8c11prodflaggNew prodflag plppts QPHH26

Less clingy than leggings but not as baggy as traditional leggings.

I've now lost enough weight to feel happy in leggings and bought myself a couple of pairs in the Sweaty Betty sales

I’m going to try these too - thank you

Gettingbysomehow · 27/12/2023 15:45

I just wear a baggy tracksuit and teashirt, I don't care if I look frumpy because I do. Nothing worse than acres of lycra stretched over my fat.

FeelinSpendy · 27/12/2023 16:32

I recommend the Sweaty Betty Garys. Looser than leggings but a bit smarter and lighter than sweat pants.
https://www.sweatybetty.com/sale/sale-bottoms/sale-pants/gary-yoga-pants-SB4620_NavyBlue.html?pid=SB4620_UltraBlackCamoPrint&dwvar_SB4620_UltraBlackCamoPrint_color=navyblue&vgid=SB4620_UltraBlackCamoPrint&cgid=sale-pants&tile=13&newpid=SB4620_NavyBlue&oldpid=SB4620_NavyBlue

Gary Yoga Pants- navyblue | Women's Trousers & Yoga Pants | www.sweatybetty.com

Super soft yoga pants designed for yoga and lounge. Fabric is sweat-wicking and squat proof. Relaxed fit with mid-rise waist and fitted cuffs. Two side pockets. Regular: Inseam length 28" / 71cm, Short: Inseam length 26" / 66cm. Model wears size S, 27"...

https://www.sweatybetty.com/sale/sale-bottoms/sale-pants/gary-yoga-pants-SB4620_NavyBlue.html?pid=SB4620_UltraBlackCamoPrint&dwvar_SB4620_UltraBlackCamoPrint_color=navyblue&vgid=SB4620_UltraBlackCamoPrint&cgid=sale-pants&tile=13&newpid=SB4620_NavyBlue&oldpid=SB4620_NavyBlue

unsync · 27/12/2023 16:56

I've got a fair bit more on than you and I have Lucy Locket Loves leggings. Decathlon for tees and sweats. Really comfy and stretchy. I do pilates and gym. For water I have a mix of Elomi (pool), Deakin & Blue (aqua) and rashies/neoprene for outdoor / scuba.

Dixiechickonhols · 27/12/2023 17:00

I really like the sweaty Betty power leggings really hold everything in. I personally feel better in a nice outfit. I wear a loose fit top.

dementedpixie · 27/12/2023 17:02

Matalan sports leggings are great. I wear the capri length ones and then wear a sports tshirt long enough to cover my tummy and bum

HalfasleepChrisintheMorning · 27/12/2023 17:05

Late 40s size 16.
I wear nice high waisted leggings and a long top from Bam or Asquith London. They do nice ones which don’t ride up as tighter hem but looser/ batwing tops.

christmaspawpaws · 27/12/2023 17:06

I'm a size 16/18 and wear sweaty Betty power leggings or peloton cadent ones, usually with a loose vest or cropped loose t shirt (both high waisted so no flesh on view!)

Upwiththelark76 · 27/12/2023 17:21

Fabletics Powerhold amazing at keeping everything held in

Crafty09 · 27/12/2023 17:29

Im in the 13 stone range, I wear Lycra leggings because I’m apple shaped and my legs are the slimmer bit of me and then tops that knot around the tummy to cover the place most of my weight accumulates: https://shorturl.at/lqY47
theres short and long sleeve versions on Amazon

Tryingtoget · 27/12/2023 18:02

I wear yoga pants tight where needs to be so they don’t fall down but a bit looser fitting so you can’t see all the lumps and bumps