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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:
Original poster
Peae · 28/12/2023 10:56

Thank you to everyone who has commented. I’m already remembering how fab it feels to swim and lift! (Still pondering on how to spend my pennies over everyone’s recommendations 😁).

OP posts:
cardibach · 28/12/2023 11:09

I'm size 18/20. I've lost 2 stone and a dress size since I started. I wore tight buttons and top right from the start as it's easier to move and actually despite our own judgement of ourselves does make you look better.
I really like Snag leggings. They fit well, don't slip, are soft cotton type feel and are 'squat proof' so nobody sees your knickers!

Tryingtoget · 28/12/2023 11:26

They are danskin I got them in tkmaxx

BuddyBuddyBumBum · 28/12/2023 12:14

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!

The LeJoggers from Llama Leggings are a great alternative to leggings.

I also love these for yoga classes
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B46GJM3K/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A3U0CAVL0TOJZU&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B46GJM3K/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A3U0CAVL0TOJZU&th=1&psc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-style-and-beauty-4971175-gym-wear-for-40s-overweight-woman

PUGMEISTER21 · 28/12/2023 13:26

Yes, defo embrace the lycra, wearing baggie clothes will make you look bigger than you really are. Embrace your curves and congrats on getting yourself back to the gym. :-)

NTmumAutisticteenagemeltdowns · 28/12/2023 13:54

Hello, 51, size 16 to 18 here. Nearer a 16 now after getting back to exercise.

I love sweaty Betty zero gravity leggings ( do amazing things for my arse!) and Lulu lemon align yoga pants. I pair with a skimming longline vest (sweaty Betty) or loose t-shirt. Loose hoodie for before and after

Everyone was friendly from the start and super friendly once I became a regular. I'm typically at the upper end of the size range but absolutely not an outlier (including at posh studio yoga).

Yes I'm bigger than some of the others, but I genuinely feel that I look good 🤗

Good luck and most importantly enjoy xx

Outd00rs · 28/12/2023 14:06

Look on ' lucy locket loves' website - for inspiring women wearing whatever they want at any size. But for nice loose fitting but work out clothes i wear BAM clothing - yoga pants are great...

margotsdevil · 28/12/2023 14:21

Under armour are fab (I'm a 20-22) and I feel like I blend in. ASOS as well for T-shirts but I find the leggings a bit more hit or miss!

wasanneofcleves · 28/12/2023 14:29

I agree the M&S stuff is really nice. I think you'll feel better in some proper gym stuff and it helps to suck you in too.

snygghygge · 28/12/2023 14:34

Embrace the lycra! I do a lot of yoga and strength training and would never be accused of being slim - but lycra really is the way to go. It wicks away the sweat when lifting weights and sits tight when turning yourself upside down doing yoga. Proper lycra had the added benefit of holding everything in and under control. Enjoy the exercise 😊

LittleMissSunshiner · 28/12/2023 18:29

I love the colours and designs of Sweaty Betty but it's way out of my price range for now.

There's one nearby so I get to see the designs every season, I just popped in on my way past and the only thing in my size XXL was a pair of plain grey leggings with cuffs on the bottom for £65 in the sale (that was the reduced price), which was disappointing.

I reckon if you're already slim and fit and going to knock about wearing your lovely leggings as sport casual day wear then SB price range would make more sense.

But I'm a bit overweight and am quite heavy on my clothes and also want to lose weight so would be wearing them same as the OP for actual exercise.

dementedpixie · 28/12/2023 19:29

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.

Souluxe range of leggings at Matalan are great. I have several pairs of their capri leggings and also some shorts.

dementedpixie · 28/12/2023 19:30

My tops are mainly from Curvissa as they do brands in larger sizes

Original poster
Peae · 29/12/2023 17:18

I have bought a couple of pairs of leggings and a couple of over-sized tees. I did want to splash out on the Sweaty Betty leggings, but they're just too pricey for me. I'm going to sort through my old gym kit and be ruthless regarding clothes too small or shabby.

(I went for a look around the gym and it's very different to what I used to attend. It's small and busy. There were about 12 people crammed in when I went for a tour, all men. Reminded me of when I started lifting about 12 years ago and you only used to get men in the weights area. I'd be the only woman, or one of two back then and it was great to see younger women taking up space. Well, I've done it once, I can do it again!).

OP posts:
suki1964 · 29/12/2023 20:58

I actually buy a lot of my leggings from Lidl, and have done from a size 16 Im now in their size 8 . I find as long as you dont fib to yourself about what size you are, the fit and fit well without going saggy around the legs and ankles . I had a lot of my larger pairs for 2+ years as they wore really well, and Ive now passed them on so they are still being worn

Summerhillsquare · 30/12/2023 05:14

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=pidpg1pip48g2r8c11prodflaggNewprodflagplpptsQPHH26

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 Smile

I wear these too and the matching cotton top. Relatively flattering, and comfy. Cant bear too much synthetic fabric since onset of menopause.

RTHJ14 · 30/12/2023 09:48

I love BAM leggings - super high waisted, 7/8 length so more flattering. Very comfortable… I wear with fitted tops but you could pop an oversized tee on top of the matching crops/vests and they make a nice set! There is a sale on too now! Xx

Zanatdy · 30/12/2023 10:05

I’d wear gym leggings and a baggy T-shirt personally

AnxiousPangolin · 30/12/2023 10:19

Lululemon wundertrain leggings are really good. High waisted and don’t roll down or lose shape. They are expensive but I have five pairs which I’ve used nearly every day for two years.

In terms of tops, I struggle to find loose ones. Currently, I use Gap racer back vests with a Gymshark oversized vest on top.

Christmasisspecial · 30/12/2023 10:37

Leggings or yoga pants, and a tight vest top, underneath a swing type vest top, will keep you decent and look good. Or A tight vest top under a loose t shirt, if you want your shoulders covered. Tight vest top will avoid accidental exposures (I do pilates).

qazxc · 30/12/2023 11:12

120 kg in this pic. I generally wear high waisted leggings ( don't roll down during exercise), m and s sports bra ( the type that zips at the front) and baggy top. I find it comfortable, practical and provides enough coverage.

Gym wear for 40s, overweight woman?
TrishTrix · 30/12/2023 12:10

I would say proper leggings. Another vote for sweaty betty power ones. I bought a pair intending to return them but liked them so much I now own several pairs.

Sweaty Betty do several baggier tops, the breathe range is baggier.

Lululemon also have a bigger size range than sweaty betty.

At my gym most people just wear standard exercise gear. I genuinely don't think people care if you are carrying a bit of extra weight and you mostly don't have to look at yourself.

TrishTrix · 30/12/2023 12:11

I buy most of my sweaty betty stuff in the sales. There are power leggings for £40 quid if you aren't fussy about the colour.

ClemFandango1 · 30/12/2023 12:16

I strength train and I generally wear lulu lemon align leggings (super soft and incredible stretch) and an oversize t shirt. And headphones!

Also 40 and v overweight.

christmaspawpaws · 30/12/2023 12:37

High waisted are definitely the way to go! I'm overweight and find them much more flattering plus I'm tall so low waisted ones sit too low if that makes sense