We focus a lot on ‘regular’ clothing on 40+Style. However, for many of us, sport and fitness is an important part of our daily routine. Style shouldn’t step as soon as you enter the fitness room so today we will look at some great fitness clothes for women over 40.
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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 important in fitness clothes for women?
Here is what we find important in fitness clothes.
1. Fitness clothes need to be comfortable
This is very important as fitness clothes have a clear function. It’s hard to focus on your workout or yoga session when your clothes are too tight. Many inbuilt bras are too tight and uncomfortable. comfortable. 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 they prevent you from breathing properly.
ATTRACO Ribbed Athletic Tank Top
2. Light fabrics that are specially created for sports are often better
Although we generally dislike synthetic fabrics, fabrics especially created for sports often perform better than cotton. They do a better job at keeping you cool.
ICTIVE Cross Backless Workout Top
Adaline @sdmomstyles above chooses an outfit perfect for workouts or casual days. You could always add a sporty jacket or shacket over the top if it’s cool.
Recreate her outfit with this similar cropped T-shirt, joggers and shoes.
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.
If it’s very sunny where you are, choose a shirt that offers the same level of sun protection you get from your sun cream. The Coolibar top (below) features moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool, and thumb holes for extra hand coverage.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Sun Protective Devi Fitness T-Shirt
If it’s cold and you’re working out outdoors, then thermals are your answer. The Fulbelle running shirt (below) will keep you cozy while you exercise. Reviewers say it is perfect for adding warmth without extra bulk.
Fulbelle Thermal Fleece Mock Neck Running Shirt
4. Mix and match as much with fitness clothes as your other clothes
Although I sometimes buy ‘sets’. I find it a lot more fun to buy tops and bottoms that I can mix and match with each other. Even if I do buy a set, I will often wear the top or bottom with something else.
If you’re just starting out, or getting back into, your fitness journey, you could always start by buying two or three full outfits. Then you will be able to create different combinations.
The set (below) comes with longer leggings or shorts, and it has a built-in bra. Add a T-shirt or tank top if you want extra coverage.
5. Pay special attention to your underwear!
Hugely important! If you wear pants in 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 and I personally don’t like the look of that.
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 CRZ bra (below) has a stylish cross back, and it’s designed for low-impact sports like yoga and gym workouts.
CRZ YOGA Criss Cross Back Sports Bra
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.
Pinspark Open Back Athletic 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.
Steal her look with this similar tank top (another option here), skirt, 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.
Zengjo Printed Capri Compression Leggings
similar top, leggings and shoes
You can opt for a looser style in pants or a choose a leggings style. In the past, I personally always opted for wider options until I recently embraced close-fitted leggings. Now I prefer the look of those and they are super practical for both yoga and fitness classes.
I like my neutrals just as much as brighter colors. If you normally don’t choose a bright color for your clothes, you may want to give it a go for your fitness class and have some fun with color!
similar top, leggings and shoes
I never really match my shoes to my outfits as may be clear from these photos. I’m actually due for a new pair of trainers as I tend to use these for everything, both fitness and tennis which is a bit silly.
If you’re looking for sneakers for everyday casual wear rather than sportswear, you may also want to take a look at this piece on sneaker styles.
But I always make sure I feel good in the fitness clothes I wear and will mix and match as much as with my regular clothes. I suggest you do too!
Brands to look out for when choosing your fitness clothes
fitness clothes
Now, let’s look at some of our favorite fitness clothes in stores now, and how you can mix and match them all to create workout outfits for all your exercise sessions.
tops
Choose classic t-shirts and tank tops, as well as looking out for tops that feature interesting detailing like twists, drapes and mesh.
Zella Twist Front T-Shirt – Zella Ava V-Neck Active T-Shirt – Beyond Yoga Featherweight Rebalance Tank – Zella Work For It Easy Tank Top
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.
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.
ALO Foundation Zip Hoodie – Zella Studio Luxe Performance Jacket – Zella Rec Room Floral Print Jacket – Alo Airlift Runner Hoodie
Zella Studio Luxe Performance Jacket – Beyond Yoga Featherweight Rebalance Tank – Beyond Yoga Space Dye High Waist Midi Leggings – ON Cloud X Sneakers – ICEIVY Gym Duffle Bag – Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband
Fitness pants, leggings and shorts
Your workout bottoms will depend on the sport you’re doing. Choose shorts or a skort for tennis or running, leggings for the gym and wider pants for yoga. Opt for plain shades or add a fun print.
MWL Flex Flare Leggings – Alo Airlift Game Changer High Waist 7/8 Flare Leggings – Beyond Yoga Space Dye High Waist Midi Leggings – Nike Sportswear Essential Woven High Waist Shorts
Erica @ericabunker above (read her style interview here) opts for a black workout set with a subtle print.
Check out this similar top, leggings, shoes, smartwatch and earbuds.
dresses and skirts
You may usually opt for shorts or leggings, but dresses and skorts are great options for tennis or runnning. Look for built in shorts so you don’t show more than you want to while exercising.
adidas 3-Stripes Recycled Polyester Running Dress – Outdoor Voices The Volley Racerback Dress – Beyond Yoga In Stride Lined Skort – Zella Getaway Wrap Pocket Skort
ALO Foundation Zip Hoodie – adidas 3-Stripes Recycled Polyester Running Dress – adidas Originals NMD_R1 Sneaker – ETRONIK Sports Duffle 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.
ON Cloud X Sneakers – adidas Originals NMD_R1 Sneaker – Vionic Drift Berlin Toggle Closure Active Sneakers – Kapsen Lightweight Running Shoes
Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) opts for a stylish golfing outfit of teal and white.
Get her look with this similar zip top, skirt, 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 tend to go to the gym after work, you’ll want a gym bag to keep your exercise clothes, towel and shower gel in.
Take a look at these bags that will go perfectly with your fitness clothes for women. They all come in lots of different colors so you’re sure to find one that matches.
Rothco Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag – ETRONIK Sports Duffle Bag – ICEIVY Gym Duffle Bag – rag & bone Addison Graphic Print Baseball Cap – Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband
Zella Twist Front T-Shirt – Beyond Yoga In Stride Lined Skort – Vionic Drift Berlin Toggle Closure Active Sneakers – Rothco Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag – rag & bone Addison Graphic Print Baseball Cap
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 combinations so your workout outfits look different each day.
shop the fitness clothes above here:
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:
- Stylish Workout Clothes For Women: How To Look Stylish While Getting Fit And Healthy In 2023
- The Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis That Are Comfortable AND On-Trend
- 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 love your look. You have a great body and you’ve earned the right to show it off. (I don’t want to see anymore loose baggy clothes on you, ha! ha!) I also like how you kept your look simple, minimal make up and no jewellry. One of my pet peeves is women who work out as if they are going to a club.
P.S. Yes, your shoes are “well worn” but that proves you’re exercising!!!
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. The yellow top above is not clingy at all. It fits around the bust and kind of drapes over the tummy area. Something like that may be good too. I usually buy good brands like Adidas 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!
I love the yellow top. 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. You mentioned above you need new shoes (don’t we all … always!). 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 🙂
http://www.sydneyfashionhunter.com/
Thanks for the tip Allison!
Never anything I would wear. Something that would hide my flaws like a little dress or a little flared skirt.
Love the purple here Silvia. And 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 the light green/yellow paired with the brown.
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.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
Yes, I can imagine that. It does have a positive effect on me too!
Nice choices, you look great in exercise clothes too! Top with the tie in back is cool. Have not seen anything like this before. Good tips.
blue hue wonderland
Thanks Ann. Looking at these pictures I feel I could definitely improve on it though. I need to get new shoes!