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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

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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:
Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 15:16

Ok thank you everyone

OP posts:
Twinkie1 · 23/04/2018 15:24

You'll just look bigger and self conscious in baggy gear at a gym, all women no matter what size wear properly fitting tights/capris and a vest or t shirt mostly body hugging ones at the gym I attend. Proper gym gear wicks away sweat and stops chaffing.

BitOutOfPractice · 23/04/2018 15:29

Proper running leggings aren't sweaty or hot. They are designed to move the sweat away from your skin and keep you cool.

Wear a baggy top half if you want to feel less "skin tight"

But honestly OP, nobody at the gym is looking at what you're wearing - and people wear all sorts of stuff, skimpy, baggy, tight, whatever.

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 15:49

I agree that it's possible to find decent women's stuff but come on! Of course women's workout gear is skimpier and designed to be ogled at. Victoria's Secret got shit about sexy sports bras.

And don't get me started on board shorts! DD has a pair of boys ones because the girls are all tiny. Which defeats the object of preventing board rash. Because presumably boys are surfing while girls are watching.

And running tops are too skimpy with terrible coverage if you burn. And they don't cover my bum 90% of the time.

And swimming gear? Most of it you can't swim in seriously. And why are Speedos yuk and skimpy women's is great? Male gaze, that's why.

Also, while everyone is trying to prove the OP wrong and find decent workout gear... could you find me a running top that has half sleeves? I need less sleeve for the summer but I get terrible chafing if my arm band is on skin. I basically need a t-shirt with slightly longer arms. TIA. Wink

BitOutOfPractice · 23/04/2018 16:01

How are running leggings "more skimpy" than men's running shorts? Hmm

BitOutOfPractice · 23/04/2018 16:02

What do yo umean by half sleeves? This sort of thing?

deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 16:07

I don't think anything is more skimpy than speedos...

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 16:11

Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s both have long workout vests that cover your bum (I think they’re a bit weird and flappy but clearly there is a market for bum covering here!). I have shed loads of gym clothes, I also have a massive ass and have no problems finding none skimpy shorts-Nike are good and Ron hill for running.

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 16:13

Exactly like that @deydododatdodontdeydo

Now I'm 'not a pastel colour'. I will have a look on there. Thanks!

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 16:15

www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens-ua-run-seamless-3%2F4-sleeve/1248743.html

Or this mrs?

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 16:19

Thanks you lot. I won't have to either boil or chafe all summer!

BusterTheBulldog · 23/04/2018 16:20

Haha! No probs Smile I bloody love looking at gym wear. I’m also now SURE that I need a 3/4 running top Wink

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2018 16:26

I did that! Grin

deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 16:29

I have a fantastic running top, but I can't remember the brand.
It's black, full sleeve length, really low friction so it never chases, as also wicks.
It's certainly not sexy or skimpy, but I love it.

deydododatdodontdeydo · 23/04/2018 16:30

Never chafes, not chases. I do a lot a chasing :)

Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 16:46

These look good, they are the double shorts @Ifonlyus talked about, but I hadn't considered pockets @CertainHalfDesertedStreets that's a good point, it helps to have somewhere to put the locker key.

@MrsTerryPratchett I really don't like women's swimwear, again men get to wear nice loose genital covering shorts and we are compelled to expose our inner thighs and feel self-conscious about pubic hair. I bought some men's swimming shorts but I'm an odd one out when I wear them. I really hate swimming costumes they're so tight.

OP posts:
LassWiADelicateAir · 23/04/2018 17:52

I really don't like women's swimwear, again men get to wear nice loose genital covering shorts and we are compelled to expose our inner thighs and feel self-conscious about pubic hair

Much as I hate the term "modest" being used in relation to clothing it is a useful short cut to find non- revealing swimwear. And as with work out wear this is a non-existent problem. I'm not even referring to Islamic "burkini" type swimwear - there are loads of options for women who don't want skimpy costumes.

You are also being illogical. If you genuinely can't find non revealing costumes it seems quite bizarre to ditch an alternative which you like just because they were men's shorts and you were the odd one out. Do you really think anyone else cares ? Or even notices once you are in the water?

CertainHalfDesertedStreets · 23/04/2018 17:52

My ds's trousers have pockets. He's 4, he keeps conkers in them.

My running clothes do not have pockets in them. I am 45. I need keys, cash card, emergency tenner and a phone minimum. WHAT TWAT DESIGNS THINGS THIS WAY???????

TheNoseyProject · 23/04/2018 17:56

I agree with the OP. Light weight non-skin tight bottoms are hard to find, most places only do either leggings or the occasional heavy-weight jogger. Shorts are too short, I want mid-thigh at the shortest, even those up thread are (v) high thigh. Short shorts ride up on me.

Tops are less of an issue for me.

Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 18:16

I don't like revealing clothing and I don't like to stand out, sorry if that's illogical to you.

OP posts:
LassWiADelicateAir · 23/04/2018 18:21

I don't like revealing clothing and I don't like to stand out, sorry if that's illogical to you

There are plenty of options in women's swimwear which are not revealing. You seem determined to make life difficult for yourself.

Original poster
CarrotyO · 23/04/2018 18:27

I'm only expressing an opinion. I don't like what is the predominant style of women's swimwear. I don't know why people are getting so narky about that. I'm glad to hear there are modest options out there I will certainly keep my eye out. A thousand apologies for not having noticed them before.

OP posts:
PlatypusPie · 23/04/2018 19:20

Google Swimdress, OP, or Dresskini - lots of results from online and high street brands for what may fulfil your desire for a more modest style of swimwear.

LassWiADelicateAir · 23/04/2018 19:31

Or just google "long swimming shorts for women"