We focus a lot on ‘regular’ clothing on 40+Style. However, for many of us, sports and fitness are important parts of our daily routines. Style shouldn’t stop as soon as you enter the fitness room, so today we will look at some great fitness clothes for women over 40.
If you feel good about what you’re wearing before you hit the gym, take to the courts, hop on your bike, go for a hike, or whatever your exercise of choice is, you’re much more likely to feel motivated once you start your workout.
What is the best clothing for a workout?
Workout clothes need to work hard. You need clothes that stretch, dry quickly, are comfortable, and look great. Read on for our tips for choosing your next workout outfit.
Which clothing is better for exercise?
This will depend on your own style and where you are exercising. You can choose tank tops or t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, leggings, track pants, shorts, and skorts to suit your activity, the weather and whether you are working out in or outdoors.
What is important in fitness clothes for women?
Below you will see what we find essential in fitness clothes.
1. Fitness clothes need to be comfortable
This is very important as fitness clothes have a clear function. Focusing on your workout or yoga session is hard when your clothes are too tight. Many inbuilt bras are too tight and uncomfortable. So, for tops with inbuilt bras, think about going up a size or two. This will still give enough support while not being so tight that it prevents you from breathing properly. Or opt for a separate sports bra and soft tank.
Zella Liana Restore Soft Lite Tank
2. Light fabrics that are specially created for sports are often better
Although we generally dislike synthetic fabrics, fabrics specially created for sports often perform better than cotton. They do a better job at keeping you cool. You want fabrics that wick moisture away from than becoming wet and heavy when you sweat.
ICTIVE Cross Backless Workout Top
3. Choose tops that match your climate
In warmer climates, you’ll want more open tops that allow air to circulate. In colder climates, choose more coverage.
For tennis clothes and other outdoor workouts, choose covered tops during the day to protect you from the sun, but you could choose tank tops when the sun goes down.
The Mippo workout top (below) is made from modal to keep you cool, with a bit of spandex to ensure it keeps its shape. The mesh back should keep you cool. It comes in a huge choice of colors, and reviewers say they love the fit and overall style. One said she has this top in three different shades.
Erica @ericabunker above (read her style interview here) opts for a black workout set with a subtle print.
Check out these similar top, leggings, shoes, smartwatch and earbuds.
If it’s very sunny where you are, choose a shirt that offers the same sun protection you get from your sun cream. The TACVASEN T-Shirt (below) features moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool, it comes in lots of colors and has a UPF 50+.
TACVASEN Sun Protection T-Shirt
If it’s cold and you’re working out outdoors, then thermals are your answer. The BALEAF shirt (below) will keep you cozy while you exercise. Reviewers say it is perfect for adding warmth without extra bulk.
4. Mix and match as much with fitness clothes as your other clothes
Although we sometimes buy ‘sets’, we find it a lot more fun to buy tops and bottoms that we can mix and match with each other. Even if we do buy a set, we often wear the top or bottom with something else.
If you’re starting or returning to your fitness journey, you could always start by buying two or three complete outfits. Then, you will be able to create different combinations.
5. Pay special attention to your underwear!
Hugely important! If you wear pants made of stretchy fabrics, you can clearly see the outline of your panties. Choose super thin seamless underpants that are invisible, and select some of the items we featured in this article on no-show underwear. Although you can wear g-strings too, they often create very defined buttocks outlines of which you need to like the look of. Also, g-strings can be very uncomfortable.
The Wealurre seamless underwear (below) promises a seamless look, even under leggings.
Wealurre Seamless No Show Underwear
You’ll also need a good, supportive sports bra. The Heathyoga sports bras (below)are designed for high-impact sports and exercises.
Heathyoga High Impact Sports Bras
6. Think about the type of workout you’ll be doing.
You will need, for example, tightly fitting clothes if you are doing yoga so that your top doesn’t ride up while doing the downward dog! But you will have greater flexibility in what you wear if you are heading for a run or a brisk walk.
BALEAF Long Sleeve Running Athletic T-Shirt
You could also choose a dress like Claudia @beafitmom.nl above. Look out for one with inbuilt shorts, or wear a pair of short cycle shorts underneath.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tank top, skort, shoes and gym bag.
7. Make sure your pants are not sheer!
Leggings can be quite sheer, and in clear light, you can see everything. Be sure to choose a fabric that is not sheer to avoid this. The Satina leggings (below) have good reviews from women who say they are thin and lightweight, yet not see-through.
8. Durability
You may wish to spend more than you would on a pair of leggings for your workouts, as your fitness clothing needs to retain its shape and have durability. You will be putting it through its paces as you bend, stretch, or run, and you’ll also be washing it after every workout. So choose clothes you’re confident will wash well. The ODODOS tummy control leggings (below) are well-reviewed for their longevity.
What is the best brand of activewear?
Here are some of our favorite brands for workouts – chosen because they combine style with comfort and functionality. Don’t forget to tell us your favorite brands in the comments below.
fitness clothes
Now, look at some of our favorite fitness clothes in stores and how you can mix and match them to create workout outfits for all your exercise sessions.
What top to wear to the gym?
If you have a pair of black leggings, you can change up your outfits by investing in a few fitness tops. So, let’s start our fitness capsule with your tops.
tops
Choose classic t-shirts and tank tops, as well as look out for tops that feature interesting detailing like twists, drapes, and mesh.
Zella Breathe Active T-Shirt – Kimmery Quick Dry Top – Sweaty Betty Soft Flow 2-In-1 Bra Tank – Zengjo Ruched Side Atheltic Shirt
Shauna @chicover50 above (read her style interview here) opts for a knotted top and leggings for her workout. A bright red shade is a great option for workouts as it’s a very motivational color.
Get her look with this similar tank top, leggings and shoes.
sports bras
You must have a supportive bra no matter what kind of workout you’re doing. Look out for bras that offer high, low, or medium impact support to suit the exercise you are doing.
Zella Thrive Rib Bra Tank – Sweaty Betty Spirit Restored Yoga Bra – Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Bra – Sweaty Betty Stamina Seamless Sports Bra
Zella Breathe Active T-Shirt – Sweaty Betty Spirit Restored Yoga Bra – Sweaty Betty At Ease Wide Leg Pant – ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26 Shoes – Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat Bag – Yoga Design Lab Combo Yoga Mat 5.5mm 2-in-1
Fitness jackets, hoodies & sweatshirts
Depending on the weather where you are, you’ll want a warmer top or jacket for exercising outside, or just getting to and from the gym.
Sweaty Betty After Class Hoodie – Zella Soft Scuba Funnel Neck Modal Blend Top – Zella Corduroy Puffer Vest – Zella Kickback Ottoman Half Zip Pullover
Zella Kickback Ottoman Half Zip Pullover – Sweaty Betty Soft Flow 2-In-1 Bra Tank – Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings – VIONIC Walk Max Lace-Up Sneakers – Ceneda 20″ Gym Duffel Bag – GRV Fitness Tracker Watch
Fitness pants, leggings and shorts
Your workout bottoms will depend on the sport you’re doing. Choose shorts or a skirt for tennis or running, leggings for the gym, and wider pants for yoga. Opt for plain shades or add a fun print.
Sweaty Betty At Ease Wide Leg Pant – Zella Ultra Soft Scuba High Waist Joggers – Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings – Zella Studio Luxe Pocket Bike Shorts
Dorrie @seniorstylebible above (read her style interview here)
Steal her look with this similar jacket, leggings and shoes.
Dresses and skirts
You may usually opt for shorts or leggings, but dresses and skorts are great options for tennis or running. Look for built-in shorts so you don’t show more than you want to while exercising.
Sweaty Betty All Round Asymmetric Dress – Sweaty Betty Explorer Jumpsuit – BLEVONH Athletic Skort – Sweaty Betty Power Skort
Zella Soft Scuba Funnel Neck Modal Blend Top – Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Bra – Sweaty Betty Power Skort – On Cloudmonster Shoes – adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag
shoes
Your shoe choice is always important. But it’s more important than ever that your shoes are comfortable when exercising. Choose sneakers especially designed for your sport of choice. Look out for arch support, cushioned insoles and soles that reduce impact.
VIONIC Walk Max Lace-Up Sneakers – On Cloudmonster Shoes – New Balance Classics 997R Shoes – ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26 Shoes
Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) opts for a stylish golfing outfit of teal and white.
Recreate her outfit with this similar zip top, skort, shoes and visor.
Fitness accessories to go with your fitness clothes for women
Of course, if you’re heading out for a run, you won’t want to be carrying too much with you. But a fitness tracker to monitor how far you’ve gone and a cap to keep the sun off your face will be good ideas. If you go to the gym after work, you’ll want a gym bag to keep your exercise clothes, towel and shower gel in.
Look at these bags that will go perfectly with your fitness clothes for women. They all come in many different colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches.
Ceneda 20″ Gym Duffel Bag – adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag – Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat Bag – Yoga Design Lab Combo Yoga Mat 5.5mm 2-in-1 – adidas Mini Trefoil Relaxed Strap Back Hat – GRV Fitness Tracker Watch – STANLEY IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler
Sweaty Betty All Round Asymmetric Dress – New Balance Classics 997R Shoes – adidas Mini Trefoil Relaxed Strap Back Hat – GRV Fitness Tracker Watch – STANLEY IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler
Your fitness clothes together in one capsule
Below, you can see the clothes and sneakers from above together in one capsule. You can put together many different outfits so your workout outfits look different each day.
shop the fitness clothes above below:
Do you pay attention to your fitness clothes? What do you like to wear? What are your favorite brands for fitness clothes for women?
Continue reading:
- What To Wear For Yoga: All The Best Yoga Outfits For Your Next Class
- Stylish Hiking Outfits For Women To Keep You Comfy On A Casual Stroll Or Longer Trek
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Feature image by Claudia @beafitmom.nl
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This is great, but I’d like to add a couple comments:
– A good bra is essential and you should get fitted – running shops are great for this (if you can, look for a woman owned one for that more knowledge and attention).
–It can be spendy, but will save your back, and make your workout that much more comfortable. Nothing like a making a workout worse, especially if you are just starting or getting back into it, than the gals getting in the way or getting sore.
–I’ve heard that your bra shouldn’t have a birthday, especially if it gets lots of wear and you do medium to high impact activities.
-Good shoes are imparative and you should get fitted.
–If your shoes don’t have the proper support, or are wearing out, you can cause other injury, and again ruin an otherwise good workout, or make a hard one worse.
-The right clothes, those that are comfortable and wick away sweat, don’t hold stink, and don’t cause chafing, can make a huge difference in enjoying/survivng a workout and keeping you at your chosen exercice.
-Look for flat lock seams that won’t chafe, or added layers that can help, such as an athletic skirt with built in shorts (skort) to deal with thigh rub.
-BodyGlide and the like can help problem chafing areas – I haven’t used this kind of thing, but know a lot of women that do and swear by it.
I’ve had some success with clothes from the GAP brands: Old Navy, Gap, and Athleta, Champion’s C9 at Target, and Fabletics, I’m also a Runningskirts devotee, and one or two Skirt Sports skirts. I used to only wear Champion JogBras, and now am sold on Brooks/Moving Comfort bras – their Fiona is a good basic in lots of sizes.
I like what the Accidental Icon has to say about the effects of wearing exercise clothing. Whenever I’ve worn it in the past I always feel I am one of “those” women who is always active, healthy, and puts great importance on a fitness regime. I am NOT one of those women in real life! But I do like the feeling whenever I wear anything remotely “sporty”. I love all the gorgeous sporty styles out there, especially the lounge-wear range – I would love to wear this style all the time, even tho’ I’m not sporty in any way. Now that I’m living in a slightly cooler climate, perhaps I could fit this type of gear into my wardrobe and see what happens 🙂 Would love to read more about this (hint hint)!!!
I love wearing T- shirts, especially the ones that have broad neck, but for the last 4/5 years I have put on weight around my waist, due to menopause and its side effects. No amount of exercising , eating healthy( both of which I have been doing for years) has any effect on me.
I have lots of beautiful leggings/ tights, but no proper exercise tops to wear which can hide my tummy. I feel very conscious, because I am a fitness instructor. I end up choosing some slightly loose daudy cotton tops to wear.
And another thing I hate with these T-shirts is that they look okay as long as they are new, once they have been washed they lose their fitting, they look nice only on thin people like you.
Do you have some ideas to help me?
Thank you.
Hi Rama. Sport tops can be tough. Ruched tops would be best but they are not easy to find. However, there are plenty of tops that are not clingy at all yet still stretchy. Some tops fit around the bust and then fall losely over the tummy area. Something like that may be good too. I usually buy good brands like Adidas, Lululemon and Nike and have found my tops keep their shape well. I think it pays to buy good quality. What also helps is to have leggings that cover your tummy That way your tops will fit and drape nicer. Hope that helps a bit… Good luck finding some great tops!
My fitness wardrobe is almost entirely black. In terms of your tip of dressing for your climate that is not exactly ideal in a Sydney Summer so I will be trying to introduce a few lighter colours this season to beat the heat. I love Mizuno sneakers. I have never found anything that fits my narrow foot better. I’m currently on the hunt for a new pair 🙂
Thanks for the tip Allison!
Great advice though I still go for comfy when doing yoga. But I will be doing that at home. When running definitely tight. And layers!
I love some of these choices.
I must admit I hate buying workout clothes. Hard to believe that I hate shopping for any clothes but I really dislike it. I workout at home and no one sees it so I find it a bit of a chore. I have at one time run on the treadmill in just a bra and panties. LOL
bisous
Suzanne
lol That is what I would wear if I exercized at home!
There is an interesting article in the Atlantic about the effects of wearing exercise clothes on your desire to work out and how the company Luleumon has used this research in their brand. In my post “Grey Matters” I write more about the effect clothing has on how you think, feel and act. Do you feel different (e.g.more fit) when you wear your fitness clothes? I do! Paying attention to what you wear to exercise is more important than you think! Thanks for bringing our attention to it Sylvia.
Yes, I can imagine that. It does have a positive effect on me too!
Thanks Ann. Looking at these pictures I feel I could definitely improve on it though. I need to get new shoes!