What to wear for exercise?

[VernitaGreen]

I've decided to start exercising for the first time ever. Veering towards pilates. But what do you wear?

I don't currently own anything appropriate so need to start from scratch. Never owned a pair of leggings.

What's a typical outfit and what are good brands to try?

Have a look here:

https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/best-activewear

and here:

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/best-sports-brands-for-womens-gym-clothes

and here:

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/gym-wear/a64915337/best-workout-clothes-for-women/

I like to wear natural fibres, so I get mine from BAM (Bamboo Clothing). I mostly do yoga, some weights, HIIT and TRX.

I tend to wear a crop top, with shorts in the summer, and loose or harem yoga trousers the rest of the year (I exercise outside).

BAM's yoga tops with the hidden support are fantastic, as I hate bras at the best of times, but especially when exercising.

If you go somewhere like Decathlon, the sports clothes are sorted by activity.

Tshirt , or long sleeve top over vest and leggings and grippy socks. Top needs to be reasonably close fitting and not ride up. M and S and TU do inexpensive coordinates.

you could wear absolutely anything - I've seen people at my gym in everything from tiny bum shorts, full on hoodie and joggers, jeans and sliders. If you want to fit in with what others are wearing it will vary depending on what you're doing, where, and how old you are.

If you are going to exercise in a gym or do a class like yoga or pilates, you need something comfortable that suits the environment.

If you are going to be doing a high impact activity, you need a decent high impact bra and suitable footwear. Buy running tights and a wicking top. Try a running shop where they will advise you.

Decathlon and M &S are good.

Women’s Sportswear at M&S
Decathlon | Sports Shoes, Sports Gear & Sports Equipment
Start Fitness - Running, Cycling & Sportswear Supplier
Up & Running - Running shoes, trainers, clothing, kit & accessories

I'd wear M&S leggings and a vest/t-shirt of whatever bagginess makes you feel comfortable. Get a sports bra.

A lot of expensive gymwear is just emporer's new clothes, as long as you can move in what you buy you'll be good.

You could go in leggings and t-shirt from Primark. They'd be OK to start with.
If you are going to be running, don't wear cotton or bamboo because if you get caught in a shower they'll be heavy with water.
Don't spend lots on fancy trainers for the gym. Invest if going running, and get your gait analysed.

When I started going, I wore an old t-shirt with cheap leggings.

Pilates has a lot of bending and stretching so just be aware of how see through your leggings are - ones designed for exercise should be fine!

Echoing some previous advice to go with something cheap try to start, as you do the exercise you’ll figure out what’s important to you. I discovered my legs get hot really quick so I prefer shorts or cropped leggings even on cold days, I’d rather be cold then warm up than be warm and get boiling. I hate feeling like I have to keep pulling down my top competes something hip length rather than waist and it irritates me when it twists and moves so I like something quite form fitting that stays in place. I knew none of that till I’d actually been to the gym a few times and discovered what got on my nerves and what felt comfortable.

Thanks for comments. I know a lot of it is personal preferences and there's an element of "wear what you want" but appreciate those who shared what you do.

My original post was longer but I didn't want to bore anyone. I'm 34 with boobs and a mum tum. I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount but I was thinking - as advised by InfoSec - that I might go cheaper to start with while I work out what I like. Plus there's always the sneaky feeling I wont stick it out!

Being see-through is definitely on my radar, thanks Jaws!

For yoga and pilates i had read that close fitting tops were better but I may stick with a looser tee to start with. I dont feel comfortable in tight clothes and given I will be wearing leggings then I reckon I'd feel quite exposed with both being tight, iyswim.

I was you last year, including the physical description. I eventually bought these dance leggings from asos as the bit of flare on the calves made me feel more comfortable. www.asos.com/4505/4505-icon-soft-touch-high-waist-wide-leg-dance-pant-in-black/prd/206698884?acquisitionsource=com.android.chrome

You do need a fitted top or you end up in some positions with your top over your head! So if wearing a looser one definitely pop a vest underneath. I now am a lot more comfortable in myself and have even rocked up in thigh length shorts, which I never imagined would happen a year ago! Enjoy the class and remember to try a few different teachers as you will find that the classes will vary a lot from person to person and you may find you have a few favourites

If you're doing yoga, definitely don't wear a baggy top. As soon as you do downward dog it will be round your neck and your boobs and belly will be on show to the world. You don't have to wear skin tight but something a bit closer will be far more comfortable for you.

Really good points. Maybe I'll just pop a hoody on before and after the class and just wear something closer fitting on the mat.

@VernitaGreen , Don't worry about boobs and tum. Others will be worrying about their own.

If you feel self conscious, wear a longish hoody over the sleek gymwear, and take it off for the actual exercise.
When you start exercising and do it regularly, you'll see an improvement in tone very quickly.

Halara leggings are excellent- you can get them on Tiktok shop - they hold you in, are not see through and have a lovely high waist. I also rate workout tops from Shein - very reasonable.

I like these for yoga/pilates/gym. Not tight, natural fibres and the band round the hips keeps in place if you go upside down.

Don’t wear a hoody to yoga or you will end up cursing it! Good luck🤸🏾🤸🏾😀

At my Pilates class most people wear leggings (m & s or similar sports legs are fine). One lady wears jogging bottoms. Any T-shirt is fine, but be wary of anything too loose around the neck or you will be flashing cleavage when you kneel on all fours. Pilates socks are needed. No trainers during class.

If you wear a loose T-shirt it will expose you when you're doing floor exercises and moving around.

The jogging bottoms need to cuffs at the bottom if the aim is not showing your legs otherwise the legs will fall back.

@UpMyself I'm not worried so much. I am just much more comfortable covered up and with looser items.

Obviously there's an element of self-consciousness but I'm aware enough to know that no-one else gives a shit.

Thank you for your kind words though. I am hoping that part of the outcome of the classes is an improvement in tone but it's primarily for back and other health issues.

I was thinking more you'll probably be facing a mirror, and you can see your body better in closer fitting clothes, and as long as they don't rub, they'll be less annoying.