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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