Motivating Workout Clothes for Women 0ver 50
Hi Deborah, I’m 57 and just joined a gym, but my sweatpants and old T-shirt are dated and don’t excite me about working out. I want something new but not too junior or skimpy. Can you suggest some motivating workout clothes for women over 50? Thanks, Jeni
Camo leggings | white tee (similar)
Motivating Workout Clothes for Women 0ver 50
Hi Jeni, Congratulations on starting a fitness program! It’s always tough, but cute, comfy workout clothes can lift your mood and energy, help you exercise more effectively, and inspire you to stick with it.
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Here’s what to look for when shopping for motivating fitness clothes!
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Bright Colors Energize
Color is energy and has a psychological effect on the wearer. Bright colors are energizing and will get you off the couch, while pastels and muted shades are calming and make you want to relax (Think yoga).
I like wearing black, navy, or teal leggings with a bright-colored top. It gets me motivated and adds a youthful vibrance to my skin, which makes me feel good. Bright pink, orange, and red are my favorites, but any color that makes you feel alive will do.
Another way to wear bright colors while working out is to create a column of color. Wear a dark color, like black, head-to-toe, then slip on a hoodie or an athletic jacket in a bright, trending color and leave your jacket unzipped to look long and lean.
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Baggy = Low Energy
Many gals mistakenly think that if we wear something loose and baggy, we can hide our heavy bits while we get in shape. The truth is, no one looks good in a big, baggy T-shirt or sweatpants, and these frumpy clothes lower our energy.
The best workout clothes follow your shape without being tight or clingy. If your top is loose, fine, but baggy and sloppy, it will make you look larger and heavier than you are.
I also suggest a good sports bra for great support. It will perk up your bust and improve your shape—an instant motivator.
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The Right Workout Pants Get You Going
Skinny, leg-hugging workout pants like Lululemon Align are like a second skin. If you have a heavy bottom half and these make you feel too self-conscious, try bootcut, flare workout leggings, or yoga pants to help balance wide hips and a wide bottom.
Bootcut leggings are trending and are easier to wear than skinny leggings. I like the ones with the high waistband, like the Salutation Stash Flare pants from Athleta.
I find workout pants with side pockets are handy because I walk in the mornings and need to take my cell phone and house key.
Relaxed cropped styles like this sporty navy blue top are trending.
Trending Styles & Colors Inspire
I’m the first to admit that workout clothes are often at the bottom of my shopping list. However, recently, I made a point to treat myself to some new women’s gym wear more than once in a blue moon, and I challenge you to do the same.
Since I’ve started wearing these outfits in the latest colors and styles, I’ve been keener to work out. When you look good, you feel good, and everything is much more enjoyable, including exercise.
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Cute Sneakers Motivate You to Move
When your feet are comfy, you feel like moving! Sneakers are constantly changing and are a fun way to show off your personality, so let loose!
Whether you like working out at a gym or prefer hiking or jogging, choose fun, sweat-wicking athletic shoes that are cool, modern, and maybe even a conversation starter!
Buy a few pairs of sneakers and switch them up with different types of activewear. Sneakers are your best workout accessories.
Sports Socks Keep Your Feet Happy
Finally, socks! Cotton socks don’t deal well with moisture unless they have some nylon in them—for example, these cotton/nylon performance ankle socks from Zella.
All-nylon polyester and bamboo socks are more comfortable and do a better job of drawing moisture away from the skin and keeping your feet dry and cool.
These nylon Power Stride ankle socks from Lululemon are also bestsellers.
Best Brands for Cute Workout Clothes for Women
Now that you know what to look for to keep you motivated, let’s go shopping! These are some of my favorites for style, fit, and comfort.
Alo Yoga
If you see a photo of a supermodel dressed in workout clothes, they are likely wearing Alo Yoga! This high-quality brand is a celebrity favorite, and it’s not just for the gym or yoga studio. It’s an everyday look for many gals in Southern California who treat it more like athleisurewear than workout wear and feel right at home wearing it in shopping malls and cafes.
Alo’s collection includes leggings, joggers, shorts, bras, tops, jackets, and accessories, like hats, sneakers, and more, and is designed to power you through strenuous and relaxing workouts.
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Amazon
Not everyone wants to spend over $100 on workout leggings. Amazon has become the place to go for designer workout dupes. You can find almost exact replicas for many of the popular brands I’m featuring in this post for a lot less on Amazon.
Amazon’s house brand, Amazon Essentials, has everything you need to look fab at the gym, and there are many other brands, too. With many, the quality is comparable, and other than the absence of a logo, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the Amazon item and the name-brand one.
If you’re trying to stick to a budget while sticking to your fitness goals, Amazon is the first place to shop.
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Athleta
Who better to design high-performance athletic wear than women athletes? That’s the idea behind Athleta, a popular GAP-owned brand. Whether you are a runner, a yogi, or dabble in tennis and pickleball, Athleta has clothing and gear for every type of workout.
Like vibrant colors? Athleta has brights and tons of color? More of a neutrals gal? They have lots of those, too. Want to twin with a granddaughter? Athleta Girl offers sizes from 6 to 16. For women, by women, it’s a great brand!
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Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga celebrates diversity in body size and shape by creating clothes for everyone at any stage of life. This female-founded company is known for its very comfortable clothing made of super soft Spacedye fabric.
All of their buttery, soft performance fabrics will motivate you through a barre class, a Pilates workout, or a trip to the grocery store. The clothes are so good that you’ll want to wear them long after your workout.
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Carbon38
Carbon38 pairs fashion and function to create clothes that look just as fabulous in the gym as out. Pilates, then dinner? Carbon38 is your go-to for an outfit that will seamlessly transition from bench pressing to a glass of wine.
I love this brand because it makes booking an early evening workout class and dinner with girlfriends easy and still looks chic for both. I love pairing leggings with a wrap top or an off-the-shoulder sweater to create a relaxed and evening-ready look.
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Fabletics
Do you regularly update your workout wear and would like to get a deal? Fabletics started as a membership-based brand in 2014 that fused fashion and activewear. Their goal is to offer high-quality, luxury activewear at accessible prices.
Today, Fabletics still offers memberships for the best prices, but you don’t have to be a member to shop. Fabletics has retail stores in malls across the country, so you can shop in person.
I love Fabletics’s bold prints and bright colors because they help me feel more lively when working out.
Lululemon
Lululemon is one of the most recognizable luxury workout brands in the world! Their logo is unmistakable and covers everything from leggings to bags to sweatshirts. Head to toe, if you are wearing Lululemon, you have chosen a brand that focuses on quality and well-being, both physical and mental.
Lululemon’s Align collection has a cult following. This soft, buttery, weightless, stretchy, seamless line of workout wear is just as popular for lounging as for moving. They are my go-to leggings, but I also like the performance leggings in winter, which are thicker and heavier. Either way, you can’t go wrong with anything from Lululemon.
Oh, and in case you didn’t know, Lululemon also has a generous return policy and will buy back gently worn items to resell on the site!
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Nordstrom
Of all the department stores, Nordstrom has hands-down the best selection of workout wear. You’ll find a wide variety of activewear brands, including Adidas, Nike, Bandier, DKNY Sport, FP Movement by Free People, Spiritual Gangster, Zella, and many more.
Nordstrom carries everything from performance pieces for beating personal bests to comfy, stylish pieces for everyday wear and lounging. You’re sure to find something you like and can afford since Nordstrom has fitness brands at all price points.
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Booty Boost Full-Length Leggings
Spanx
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Spanx is likely to be amazing shapewear. But did you know that Spanx also makes activewear that smooths and shapes?
Be prepared for compliments when you wear their famous booty-boosting leggings, made from Spanx’s signature 4-way stretch performance fabric. These leggings have targeted shaping and a contoured waistband and are engineered to give you the best rear view.
But Spanx doesn’t stop there. It also offers activewear for tennis, golf, walking, running, and yoga.
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Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty is a London-based activewear brand that empowers women worldwide to take action to become the woman they want to be through fitness.
A pair of leggings or a tank top won’t change who you are, but with the support of other fitness-minded women, you can change the world and yourself.
So, grab a piece of paper and a pen and list your fitness goals. Then grab a pair of Sweaty Betty’s “bum sculpting” leggings and start crossing off items on the list. If you love fun prints and bold colors, Sweaty Betty was made with you in mind.
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Vuori
You may know Vuori by its incredibly popular joggers. But Vuori is not just a brand of comfy joggers; it’s also a way of life.
This coastal California-inspired brand integrates sport, surf, fitness, and art. And, yes, they make one of the best pairs of joggers around!
But don’t stop scrolling if you aren’t looking for joggers; Vuori has so much more to choose from.
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leggings (solid colors only) | tee | fleece jacket
Ladies, I’m going to say it again!
When you have the right clothes – comfortable workout wear that looks cute and makes you feel confident – your fitness journey suddenly seems doable. Check out these fitness essentials, and then, as Nike says, Do It!
Are you a curvy gal looking for women’s fitness clothes? Then check out this post I wrote on Cute Plus-Size Workout Clothes.
Fabulous after 40 has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. So, Thank You!
I love these tips—especially the one about wearing bright colors! It’s amazing how the right outfit can boost your energy and confidence. A good sports bra makes all the difference in how comfortable I feel during workouts. If anyone’s looking for options, I’ve been loving the ADIRA sports bras. They’re super comfy and supportive!
Thanks for the tip Lilly. That bra is new to me. I’ve been wearing the Spanx Bra- llelujah lately and love that one! Here’s the link if you want to take a look:https://rstyle.me/+lU2W3ql07f2Fwdb4qns7jg
I have been browsing your blog, Deborah. It’s true about bright colors giving you good energy. It’ll not only give you a positive vibe but will also help you relax during yoga time. That’s why I’m picky about what color I wear.
Thanks for making it so easy and motivating to choose the perfect activewear for women. I have always believed that “Age is Just a number.” I agree with your points as colors give us energy, better fitting clothes help us exercise more efficiently and comfortably. I wI would keep these points in mind whenever I choose clothes for my workout.
I’m sorry, but these clothing styles seem to be aimed at 20-40-year-olds. As an active woman in her 60s, it would be nice to have more appropriate choices.
I am 68 and love these choices as I update my fitness wardrobe, especially the tops.
When it comes to sportswear or gym wear, the trend is shifting, as women want to be up to date with the latest fashion & at the same time, give utmost priority to leisure & comfort. I do not hesitate to spend a bit of money if it is for fitness.These suggestions help us fitness freaks, so thanks!
Nice collection! These fitness clothes look fantastic and will be great to wear during my workout. I will give them a try. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this blog. It really motivates women over 40 to get up an move!
Nice leggings for Yoga and workouts!
I am the type of person that is highly influenced by what I wear. For some reason, it has never really occurred to me that I might be more motivated to work out if I had some great clothes, but a friend finally pointed this out to me. Bright colors are a great idea; sometimes, this is the only time you can pull them off. I’ll take your suggestions and look for the perfect clothes for me; thank you!
This time of year, you can find exercise clothing on clearance racks. Target and Kmart have some great choices, and outgrowing a size won’t break the bank to replace at the low price point. But do spend money on good sneakers! Your feet being sore will have you avoiding the gym! That is where spending the extra money will pay off.
Hi Kelly, Check out the sneakers in this post. The last ones are my favorites.
Hi Deborah – this fall, I launched a new line of yoga/workout wear specifically engineered for Women Over 40. It minimizes the tummy and lifts the booty. I started it after finding that my yoga wear was a little too tight in the stomach after I hit menopause. Stillsassysister.com was made to eliminate buying fitness clothes that don’t fit quite right. This line is cute and trendy but shaped to fit Women over 40. I hope you and your readers will check out stillsassysister.com.
PS- Big fan of your blog!
Judy DiVincenzo, Still Sassy Sister
This is a great post, Deborah.
Putting thought into your workout attire helps to motivate you to go to the gym. A bonus to wearing fitted tops and pants/shorts is that they don’t gape or ride up when exercising. So, you can end up covering more skin with fitted clothes than oversized t-shirts and gaping shorts, not to mention avoid the frustration of constantly tugging on them to keep them down!
Also, one needs to emphasize the slimming effect of the all-black silhouette! I always add a colorful headband and tennies.
Shellie
Thanks for this. I love working out, but I find It challenging to buy myself nice clothes, although I have been longing for Them for a long time. I am rather skinny, and I find it difficult to find pants that fit!
Also, do NOT think of your body as the enemy or something that has to change, that way, you will never get the desired results!
Agree with some of the other comments. Though fit, most women in our age group carry curves and love the ensembles, but I am not ready for spandex just yet.?. I would love to see your ideas for 12+ ladies. I know they would be awesome!
Great tips. But …all the style pictures you posted are of thin women in workout outfits. How about pics of larger sizes – 14+? A pair of workout pants you have pictured might look great on the slimmer model but horrible on someone like myself (size 14 right now – but I am working on it) :-)
And I will check out gym wraps.
Have a blessed day!
The clothes look nice, but I have to stick with the light-colored oversized T-shirt and black sweatpants as I am a thin, pear-shaped person. Yoga and flared pants may look ok if I lose another 10-15 pounds. I lack on top; anything fitted, plus mini love handles, would emphasize this awful body type.
I may try to reduce dairy at first before eliminating it, as suggested by one of your posters, and I will do the same with sugar. I may not have arthritis yet, but I get post-exercmuscle muscle soreness and, at times, bones that can last up to a week, depending on how hot the workout was.
I go to the gym almost everyday and can tell you there are a TON of clothing options. Most of the pants are fitted now like the ones in the picture above, but you can also find workout skorts, not unlike the tennis ones of old. They’re a little shorter now but are great for those summer and spring months. TJMaxx has GREAT prices, but if you also have a Burlington Coat Factory then be sure to check them out. I’ve had the best luck with them by far. WalMart has some cute stuff too, but you might see the same outfit on some others at the gym. :) I’ve gotten the majority of my pieces at Burlington, and hit a great sale at Gap (yes, Gap). They are pricey but with a sale it can be worth it.
The important thing is that you’re working out — so find what you’re most comfortable in, get a few pieces to switch out, and get moving. :)
Hi Heather, Right on!!! And you are so right…I agree,just get up and move! Thanks!!
My problem is finding the right underwear to go under my capris. I tried going without but noticed the dreaded cameltoe. I have looked online but have not had much luck. I haven’t gotten brave enough to try the thing yet.
Hi PJ, I don’t know if a thing will help with cameltoe, but it will help with panty lines at the back. Try something a couple of times, and you will never think about it again. It’s like the first time you wear a bra. You think it will be a big deal and feel weird, but you get used to it immediately. As for cameltoe with exercise clothes, try a heavier pair of stretchy capris (some of the thin ones could be the problem), or maybe you are just pulling your pants up too high. You could Try a thin pad or check this out. They have made a camel toe fix. It is called the Zucchini Camel Toe guard. I have never tried it, but it looks pretty good:http://rstyle.me/n/cs24y6b52f7.
Best of luck!
Great advice. I stopped thinking what people think about the way I dress a long time ago.
Hi Janie,
As we mature…hopefully we gain more confidence and stop worrying so much! But..it’s always good to see that others feel that way too! Love our community here where we can chat openly about these issues!
These are GREAT tips. I think it is good for our morale to have some good looking workout clothes when we head to the gym. The only thing I would do different is to put shorts on the list. I prefer shorts for workouts as opposed over long pants. Nothing drives me crazier than pants sliding up my legs when I am doing leg lifts and such. And pants can get pretty warm if oyu are doing a good workout. If you try to look good at whatever size you are currently at, you will feel more like working out and you won’t be so inclined toward self-loathing when you look in the mirror at the gym.
Don’t worry about what other people will think. As a general rule, people are so focused on their own workouts that they don’t notice you and don’t care what you look like. If you are heavy, they give you credit for getting your butt to the gym like they did before you. And if you are already buff, they give you credit for having the good sense to keep coming to the gym. My experience – and most of it was as a pudgy 40-to-50-something – is that the gym is actually a pretty safe environment. Once you get to know which piece of equipment to use, it is a really great place to go.
So ditch the baggy T and sweats. Swing by Target or TJ Maxx or Winners (in Canada) and get yourself some reasonably priced workout gear. As you move down in size, toss it in the Goodwill bin and go buy some more. I found that treating myself to some new workout gear every 20 lbs was a nice reward.
Hi Wanda,
Thanks for your words of wisdom…especially the part about, “don’t worry about why other people think.” You are so right that people are not there to judge others, they are there to work out! We can certainly be hard on ourselves when it comes to looking in the mirror. But bottom line, a cute outfit will make anyone look and feel better! We heard that you lost a lot of weight recently…congratulations on that!!
Hi Heather,
Thanks for chiming in. Workout shorts can be a great option as well especially if you are doing hot yoga or live in a warm climate or just like to keep cool when working out! Thanks for sharing your shopping tips…all just perfect!