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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

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Original poster

Womens workout clothing is crap

55 replies

CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 13:35

I'm aware this isn't the most pressing issue irt women's rights but I find it very frustrating that so many retailers do so many styles of gym clothing but they are all stupid tiny shorts / skirts or leggings. I can't think of anything worse to wear when getting hot and sweaty than leggings. Why are men able to get normal practical breezy shorts but our choice is largely between looking half naked or garments which hug and highlight every curve, it's f stupid.

I wouldn't mind if I could access a women only gym but I can't, all the gyms are mixed sex and I don't want to wear tiny shorts around men I don't know, I feel self-conscious enough as it is around them. So sick of this stupid culture where women are pressured into dressing "sexy" at every opportunity, I don't feel sexy at a gym in tiny shorts I feel on-show and vulnerable. I'm going to the gym to prevent an early death from heart disease and to try and improve my mood, not to look attractive to random gym men. I am grumpy.

OP posts:

Eolian · 23/04/2018 13:42

I wear (plain black or grey) running tights/leggings for running or the gym and normal, non-skimpy t-shirt-style tops. None of them are remotely sexy-looking. Lots of men wear lycra running tights to run in too. I'd be the first to angrily agree with you if I'd evee had trouble finding non-skimpy, non-sexy sports gear, but I genuinely haven't!

HerFemaleness · 23/04/2018 13:44

Buy men's shorts then.

MarshaBradyo · 23/04/2018 13:46

It’s easy to find shorts and loose a tank top
I wear that to run or at the gym

If I need more cover I wear shorts over leggings it all works fine and I’m really comfortable

Eolian · 23/04/2018 13:47

Just looked on Sports Direct women's. They have longish lycra shorts plus quite a few of this kind of non-skimpy shorts.
here

Iamtheresurrection · 23/04/2018 13:47

I’ve seen loads of loose fitting shorts in proper sports shops.

As an aside, the leggings are designed so you don’t get sweaty in them. (Assuming you are talking about sports brands rather than fashion shops)

DuchyDuke · 23/04/2018 13:49

Laziness when it comes to searching for appropriate gym kit. Plenty of non-sexy gym items see below.

www.wiggle.co.uk/ronhill-womens-infinity-marathon-twin-short/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=100379744&kpid=100379744&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Clothing&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mckv%7CslEHIdR5x_dm%7Cmcrid%7C67090792142%7Cmkw%7C%7Cmmt%7C%7Cmrd%7C100379744uk%7Cmslid%7C%7C&mkwid=slEHIdR5x_dm&pcrid=67090792142&prd=100379744uk&pgrid=17507339102&ptaid=pla-127997137742

itallhappensforareason · 23/04/2018 13:51

Proper sports leggings are designed for sweat. I'd definitely rather wear leggings than have a pair of supposedly loose shorts clinging to me.

If you're going to the gym purely for the exercise with no care in the world about looking attractive then it doesn't matter what you wear.

Original poster

CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 13:54

Buy men's shorts then. I assume they will be too wide.

Thank you @Eolian they look good.

OP posts:

Original poster

CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 13:55

Those Ronhill shorts look like they just about cover the bum too.

OP posts:

Original poster

CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 13:57

oh those adidas ones are only in sizes 6-10. I really don't think it should be this difficult to buy shorts which go past the bum.

OP posts:

Ifonlyus · 23/04/2018 14:03

Hi OP. Have you seen the shorts that are short loose fitting shorts with cycling shorts underneath? I think they could be a good option for you. They are less exposing if you prefer not to wear longer length, tight leggings. I think H&M (as well as other shops) sell some like that.

I do agree that a lot of sports clothing is not designed with women's different shapes and sizes, comfort and practicality in mind.

I prefer tops which end below my crotch when I am wearing leggings but my options seem to be tops that skim my figure nicely but end on the top of my hips, shapeless longer t-shirts or long vest tops designed to show off your sports bra via the baggy sleeve hole. And the colour choices are so often pink, peach, lilac or black or grey.

AssignedPuuurfectAtBirth · 23/04/2018 14:21

I don't think running tights are sexy. I wear Nike classic long running tights and I think they are very comfortable even when I'm in full sweaty workout or run. I can assure you that I don't look sexy then nor do I give a shit but I do care about being comfortable and I am. Honestly, give them a try.

OlennasWimple · 23/04/2018 14:22

I can find a wide range of workout clothes that are practical, comfortable and not completely hideous, provided I only want them in pink, purple or grey

AssignedPuuurfectAtBirth · 23/04/2018 14:26

I wear only black Olennas. Don't do colour, not at gym anyway

TravellingFleet · 23/04/2018 14:28

Try looking for ultimate frisbee shorts - they’re longer and looser fitting, very practical.

Original poster

CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 14:30

Thank you @Ifonlyus I will look for those, and maybe I should try the running tights. I shy away from tight fitting clothing generally.

OP posts:

StormTreader · 23/04/2018 14:31

Watching with interest as the bastard washing machine put a hole in my old beloved long yoga pants.
Not easy to find something especially when you need a size 20!

Eolian · 23/04/2018 14:39

oh those adidas ones are only in sizes 6-10. I really don't think it should be this difficult to buy shorts which go past the bum.

It isn't. Sports Direct have a number of others, which go up to a 14 or 16, including these here. There are also other Adidas ones on there (up to size 18) which look very like men's ones, plus 'board shorts' style ones which are even longer. And that's just on one website! Seriously, OP, it took me 30 seconds to find them. Not sure where you've been looking...

Ellabella989 · 23/04/2018 14:42

I agree with PP about H&M. They do some good loose fitting shorts

Eolian · 23/04/2018 14:42

I'm no skinny minny and I wear running tights too. As long as you're wearing a decent length t-shirt-style top, they are not revealing and are very comfortable. They 'hold everything in' better than shorts and don't ride up or flap about in an irritating fashion!

DuchyDuke · 23/04/2018 14:46

I have a big size 14 bum and those ronhill shorts come up to mid thigh of my huge thighs, which is more than adequate.

Bloodmagic · 23/04/2018 14:46

I really like RunningBare. Yes they have tights and croptops but they have looser stuff too, (i wear flared 3/4 leggings and "muscle" tanks). They go up to size 22 (Aus), and they have nice colours and patterns too (most other plus sized gear is grey or beige).

PlatypusPie · 23/04/2018 14:58

I wear Sainsbury’s 3/4 cotton/Lycra mix leggings for the gym - not sexy, not trying to look sexy, they are practical and non-sweaty. I would find loose shorts impractical because of more chance of chafing and riding up. A long line but not too flappy top and a sports bra that pins everything comfortably in place. I think people overestimate how much others judge them in the gym - they are far too concentrated on their own efforts.

deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 15:12

Couldn't disagree more with the OP.
There is a huge range of women's workout clothing available, in many different styles, more so than men's probably.
Colours can be a bit bright for me, I like black or neutral, but what you are describing isn't what I find at all.

CertainHalfDesertedStreets · 23/04/2018 15:14

Just came on to shout POCKETS!!!!!!

As you were...

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