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Original poster

Gym wear for 40s, overweight woman?

87 replies

Peae · 27/12/2023 15:00

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?

OP posts:
WGACA · 27/12/2023 18:14

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

Which brand please?

N0tfinished · 27/12/2023 18:25

I like these joggers from M&S.

Like a cross between sports leggings and joggers. I'm going to buy another pair as I've worn these ones constantly.

theduchessofspork · 27/12/2023 18:27

M and S yoga pants are good - more flattering than joggers, on me anyway

www.marksandspencer.com/high-waisted-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp60488082

And a longish t shirt

Britpopbaby · 27/12/2023 18:56

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Marks and Spencer Good Move is good.

Wisenotboring · 27/12/2023 19:09

I wear Sweaty Betty. I can't avoid the chubster look as I am overweight. However, I find SB smoothes everything out and most importantly I feel comfortable and reasonably well turned out. Embrace whatever feels good as you work on making your body fit and strong. Good luck!

Timeforsnacks · 27/12/2023 21:11

I would go for lululemon high rise leggings and a baggy t shirt. The leggings hug your body so that it doesn't feel too jiggly and they're on sale right now!
You should feel pretty great in them

SideshowAuntSallyx · 27/12/2023 22:00

I wear leggings(well Nike pro running tights) and a fitted gym top from Bravissimo (needs replacing but they don't sell them anymore). I can't do loose in the gym, a t-shirt moving about whilst doing circuits would do my head in, I also hate sleeves of any kind when working out, the sweaty material sticking to me would be nasty. Proper gym tops are made from material that wicks sweat away as well.

I'm not slim either but because it's all black it's deceptive.

Bladedancer · 27/12/2023 22:01

Llama Leggings are great:- really comfortable fit, come in full length or capri and have dozens of patterns, some quite subtle, others bolder. Quick delivery and they have a sale on at the moment!

doriangraybutimthepaintingintheattic · 27/12/2023 22:15

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.

Go you!

I wear baggy bottoms and a baggy top. I'm 5 stone too heavy (4 if you're being nice) so I do look awful but I do whatever I wear.

LittleMissSunshiner · 27/12/2023 23:33

Since it's winter (if you live in the UK)

I should set about buying some leggings that let your legs feel free and easy to move (ie tight lycra is very good for not getting the 'chub rub') but wear long thin top and a thin lightweight raincoat style outer garment, the sort that comes down to your thighs, and take up really long walks. Get a great pair of outdoor walking trainers. That's what I'm going to do. This avoids feeling self conscious in the gym / pool
And since it's not even january yet then guaranteed you've got four months of cold and crappy weather in which to get out there exercising

I lost 8 stone doing that when I recovered from a serious illness. Now I've gained weight through waiting for surgery and as soon as I'm healed up, I'll be on it. Can't beat walking in parks. It was Trisha Goddard who use to say that on her TV show - no matter how crap or self conscious you feel put on a big coat and leggings and trainers and get out the door.

suki1964 · 27/12/2023 23:34

Peae · 27/12/2023 15:00

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?

Seriously, are you going to a fashion show, or just wanting to get fit and healthy again?

Last year I climbed a mountain. I needed layers and I couldn't find a lightweight coat in my fat as fuck female size so I got a mans one. I was climbing that mountain

I climbed it, I looked like pure shite but as a fat middle aged woman - I climbed the highest peak and I wasnt last and the pride I felt then, I still hold

Who gives a fiddlers what you look like? If anyone is looking at you and making judgments , they are there for the wrong reasons. Wear what is comfortable

If you are comfortable and engaged in what exercise you are taking part in, your shape will change and your clothes will. Because you put the effort in. Dont let being a fattie stop you, I did for so long, now this wee fattie ( short arsed fattie ) thinks feck it, Im doing it, badly and messily , but Im doing it

LumiB · 27/12/2023 23:35

I buy souluxe leggings from matalan and have their long sleeve tshirts too. The leggings aren't super tight and thankfully are not see through, I don't like baggy trousers when exercising.

The tshirts are a little loose bit I prefer that.

Cheap and cheerful. Last a long time too.

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 28/12/2023 07:27

Gym shark look tiny but they stretch over fat and make me look great!

NotFastButFurious · 28/12/2023 08:49

I can’t even wear long leggings in the gym so I’d melt in jogging bottoms! The M&S good move leggings and capris are really comfy and high waisted so suck everything in with good support. I wear baggier T-shirts as I carry my fat round my middle and can rarely get vest tops to fit. Just make sure your leggings are squat proof!

Soccermumamir · 28/12/2023 08:56

You would be surprised how nice the lycra leggings are. I wear them with an oversized T Shirt on top. I'm not overweight, but not confident enough to wear a fitted top as well yet.

ItWillBeDone · 28/12/2023 09:17

I'm a similar weight to you. Sweaty Betty leggings are amazing. All day comfort are so soft. High waisted and they don't slip down.

DoraDont · 28/12/2023 09:46

I am 15 stone. I go to the gym. The more comfortable I feel in my gym wear, the more confident I feel. Sweaty Betty power leggings all day every day. They are amazing. Some of the prints can be a little unflattering, but the fit is perfect.

NeurodivergentBurnout · 28/12/2023 09:51

I started going to the gym a couple of years ago. I was 18-20, now more 16-18. I love Rainbow and Sprinkles leggings. Fun designs, don’t slide down, feel lovely and look flattering. Top tip is to size down with their leggings. My comfiest ones are 14/16. There’s a second hand Facebook group if you don’t want to fork out for new ones initially.

I tend to wear a vest (Under armour tanks are good) and a football shirt! The latter because it’s designed for exercise and men’s shirts tend to be roomier and longer (I hate my belly showing).

Bobsledgirl · 28/12/2023 10:04

Any suggestions for leggings that aren’t hugely expensive? Even in the sake SB leggings are too expensive for me.

NotFastButFurious · 28/12/2023 10:14

@Bobsledgirl M&S good move are really good

dudsville · 28/12/2023 10:29

I loathe gym clothes, lycra, and tight fitting stuff in general. I have two outfits on rotation. One was bought especially and consists ofan oversized hoodie with slightly loose track bottoms that have the ankle cuff - in summer I'll just wear a tee shirt. The other outfit is a bit ridiculous, a cotton jumper with a pair of barrel legged trousers that are really loose and comfortable, and I'll just wear a tee-shirt in summer. I'm not a professional and I'm not spending all day every day at the gym so i don't think the high tech moisture wicking stuff is a must.

MalcolmTuckersDisdainfulSneer · 28/12/2023 10:30

I'm in a very similar boat! I like wearing cotton rather than lycra leggings, a big tshirt and a warm hoodie, or a matching sweatshirt and joggers set with a more fitted tshirt.

I started at the gym earlier this month and honestly, most people are not super fit looking. Just ordinary on the whole. There are one or two absolutely amazing looking people but everyone else just looks like what they are - people trying to get fitter! Also, people in gym classes have been so nice to me (a fat fucker who can't do anything much yet Grin) and so supportive.

MalcolmTuckersDisdainfulSneer · 28/12/2023 10:39

Also, if you're planning on changing into your swimsuit at the gym, I'd recommend not getting one with a proper bra strap unless you absolutely cannot do without it. I started with a tankini with built in bra, but found it so hard to get into in an open changing room, especially after a gym workout when I was a bit sweaty! I've just bought a pull on sports one piece instead. Not quite as flattering but much easier.

Original poster
Peae · 28/12/2023 10:50

LittleMissSunshiner · 27/12/2023 23:33

Since it's winter (if you live in the UK)

I should set about buying some leggings that let your legs feel free and easy to move (ie tight lycra is very good for not getting the 'chub rub') but wear long thin top and a thin lightweight raincoat style outer garment, the sort that comes down to your thighs, and take up really long walks. Get a great pair of outdoor walking trainers. That's what I'm going to do. This avoids feeling self conscious in the gym / pool
And since it's not even january yet then guaranteed you've got four months of cold and crappy weather in which to get out there exercising

I lost 8 stone doing that when I recovered from a serious illness. Now I've gained weight through waiting for surgery and as soon as I'm healed up, I'll be on it. Can't beat walking in parks. It was Trisha Goddard who use to say that on her TV show - no matter how crap or self conscious you feel put on a big coat and leggings and trainers and get out the door.

Thank you for your thoughts, but I already do lots and lots of walking. I agree that it’s great - I always feel better for a walk, but it’s not making me stronger, fitter or more flexible.

OP posts:
Original poster
Peae · 28/12/2023 10:52

suki1964 · 27/12/2023 23:34

Seriously, are you going to a fashion show, or just wanting to get fit and healthy again?

Last year I climbed a mountain. I needed layers and I couldn't find a lightweight coat in my fat as fuck female size so I got a mans one. I was climbing that mountain

I climbed it, I looked like pure shite but as a fat middle aged woman - I climbed the highest peak and I wasnt last and the pride I felt then, I still hold

Who gives a fiddlers what you look like? If anyone is looking at you and making judgments , they are there for the wrong reasons. Wear what is comfortable

If you are comfortable and engaged in what exercise you are taking part in, your shape will change and your clothes will. Because you put the effort in. Dont let being a fattie stop you, I did for so long, now this wee fattie ( short arsed fattie ) thinks feck it, Im doing it, badly and messily , but Im doing it

Show quote history

I care what I look like. I’ve been the fat woman in the weights area, looking grumpy but focused on myself. This time I want to take my appearance more seriously and kindly.

OP posts: