YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Athletics and style?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Athletics and style? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:29:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Carol on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style/page/2#post-2409256 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:14:14 +0000 Carol 2409256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JAileen--then the latest Olympics must have been exciting for you! I did not watch, but I heard about the ice skating, and the men's hockey win (exciting if you are American). I think a lot of people wear hiking stuff around--I grew up in Colorado, where it was common for people to wear hiking boots as winter boots, etc. Dee--that is probably true! There are many serious athletes who also have killer style.  Some of those items you mention---especially winter ones, can look good on the streets if they are cool enough. Janet-- I am similar. I am ultimately better at dancing, but there are a couple of things I was good at--I could pitch underhanded accurately...stuff like that. La Ped--Maybe that's the way it is for a lot of us? Sports seems to appeal to people with that innate competitiveness. But not me--I much prefer solo activities like dancing, biking, etc.  Carol on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style/page/2#post-2409254 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:01:28 +0000 Carol 2409254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lise--it is nice to wear sporty pieces mixed in, but only if it is "you," as some people are saying.  Sometimes something subtle, like a baseball cap, looks great. LJP--interesting that it is "gear" to you--I think Carla said the same.  Probably the way most athletes operate--getting completely out of their uniform/gear to put on a regular outfit. Judy--hmm, a great "chicken or egg" question. I do like hoodies as well, but don't own any right now, as I am into crew neck sweatshirts. Lisa--I do like your style, and know you have many wearable sporty pieces.  That reminds me that I would like to  get some joggers again...so much better for leaving the house than leggings. Suz--you are pointing out that a lot of casual clothes have sporty vibes--good reminder. I also love crew sweatshirts, stripes, and even a baseball cap.  Sal on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409253 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:58:07 +0000 Sal 2409253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol - yes I am in NZ, about 1.5-2 hours South of JenniNZ. We are pretty good at laughing at ourselves here - or maybe we are just used to it.... Carol on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409252 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:53:17 +0000 Carol 2409252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou--wow, these are beautiful clothes, and now I am thinking on martial arts. I think that should be added to the womens' checklist for shopping. "Can I defend myself?" Janet--I love those items at the bottom, which seem like regular clothes just sportswear inspired. I really like the shirt, which is so simple, but so striking. Sal--sounds like you know how to mix those items in and out. Are you in NZ? I saw a funny cartoon series, "people of New Zealand." And everyone is wearing some mix of casual or outdoor gear. Jaime--I, too, work out in my home, and I find that I don't need much in the way of clothing or gear. I guess that has saved me some money! Cookie--sneakers with dresses is a good look. Not everyone loves athleisure! Carol on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409251 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:46:08 +0000 Carol 2409251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RobinF--authenticity in footwear is important! That is why I entirely avoided the white sneaker phenomenon--was not for me. Jenni NZ--I also love dancing, and dance wear. I think the reason I also feel confident in athleisure is that that style does bleed into dancing--techno, raves, and hip hop. Carla--I am loving that first photo, which I find stylish for sportswear. It has a very French/Tour de France feel, which makes it fun. Good on you for doing all that activity--I need to do more, but have trouble getting it going. Bonnie --yes, I also like hiking/outdoors clothing. I am drawn to a nice, fitting base layer or a gator...so many things. Carla--had to look that up. Is that just what the athletes wear for public events? I have always loved some athletes's styles. I used to watch the Nuggets games not for the game, but to see what Carmelo Anthony was wearing. Carol on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409250 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:32:17 +0000 Carol 2409250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie--the American in me loves athleisure, but I am not sure I know examples of sporty luxe. I did see a video recently of a Parisian girl, who zipped up a track top to her chin, then covered it with a vest or sweater, and blazer. Just a subtle way to play with sporty. Roberta--I love track suits, but do not own one. If I had to pick, I might get  the retro Juicy Couture in pink, or something. Kkards--so funny, I am not "sporty," either, in the sense that I do not watch sports. I had an "NYU football" tee that looked like that, and the big joke was that there is no football. Angie--I could go for an Adidas version--maybe something new, like a white one. Irina--nice to separate each out for the proper activity. I would like to get a pool swimming suit, but don't particularly need one.   LaPed on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409185 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:43:26 +0000 LaPed 2409185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm another who is very active without being sporty. Gym was my *least favorite* class all through school, but once I had some agency I started hiking, trail running, backpacking, and cycle touring. Solo sports! I log about 1000 miles/year on trail right now so I have a sizable four-season backcountry-focused gear "capsule" and spend a lot of time in it. My casual clothes skew pretty outdoorsy too (jeans, flannels, cozy hoodies, Blundstones) since I spend a lot of time just mucking around outside and more delicate things don't usually make sense for me. But I only wear my more technical clothes when I'm actually in the mountains (or stopping for groceries on the way home!).   Janet on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409161 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:28:55 +0000 Janet 2409161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JAileen, you are so right. Those experiences really turned me off of any team sport activity when I was young, and convinced me I was not good at anything physical. Truth is, what looked like weakness was just the fact that I was not a physically assertive or competitive girl — but I had it in me. I think my reputation as a shy, artistic bookworm also contributed. But I have a quiet competitiveness that really emerged when I started running at the age of 45. I would challenge myself to keep going on training runs (as long as I felt fine), when my teammates of the same age were stopping for breaks that I felt were not necessary. And when my husband and I have played pickleball, he comments that I’m way better than I think I am — and he is a lifelong athlete who has played baseball and basketball since he was a kid (and ran the Boston marathon dribbling a basketball!). Nevertheless, I have now embraced enough sporty identity that I enjoy integrating a bit of it into my style, even if the gear doesn’t cross over into my day-to-day wardrobe! Dee on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409160 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:17:56 +0000 Dee 2409160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, just to disspell the notion that sporty people aren't as interested in fashion, I played a lot of team sports in high school and beyond. I was big time into track and field as a high jumper and still enjoy swimming and skiing but I've always had a keen interest in fashion from a very early age. However, I dont really incorporate that much athletic style elements into my everyday outfits. Sure, I may wear fashion style sneakers, or maybe the occasional fashion style sweatpant or zip jacket but thats pretty much it. My gym wear doesn't really cross over. My ski jacket is only ever worn skiing but I can see the appeal and the fun juxaposition of these athletic items being worn with other fashiony pieces. JAileen on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409030 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:50:42 +0000 JAileen 2409030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All of these picked last for teams is very sad.  Teachers should change how they do things. We go on birding trips and I wear all gear.  I wear a lot of it in real life, too.  My nylon hiking pants look fairly normal, and the hoodies and jackets are part of my everyday outfits.  <div> <div>I root for my college’s team and my husband’s unless they’re playing my college’s team.  I never watch sports on TV unless it’s the Olympics, then I watch all of it.   </div><div><div> </div></div> </div> Suz on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409026 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:19:00 +0000 Suz 2409026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another last-picked-for-any-team person here...and totally non-competitive...but... I always loved ice skating, roller skating, and swimming, anc cycling as a kid and teen. I later became a huge urban walker. Then got more into hiking...and kettlebells and other weights, and yoga, and eventually worked for a fitness company! I was working for them when I joined the forum, in fact. And I'm still super active.  But I tend not to do much crossover. My gear is my gear, and my regular clothes are my regular clothes. The exception would be for my neighbourhood walks, which don't require full on gear, but also don't work with some of my regular footwear.  I do wear clothes with sporty elements, though -- stripes, sweatshirts, fashion sneakers, etc. And I definitely want clothes in which I can easily move. Lisa on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2409011 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:43:17 +0000 Lisa 2409011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a sporty style, watch sports, and play sports. I'll wear gear for activities. I enjoy sporty touches in my loungewear and WFH wear such as joggers, and I'll even pop on a hoodie or fleece when running errands with jeans.  Carol on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408934 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:31:44 +0000 Carol 2408934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, everyone, for your fun responses. I hope to respond when I can. I realized just now that one reason I am enthusiastic about athletic wear as regular clothes is because I love hip hop style, and breakdancing--track pants, visors and many other things would be a part of this.  To see a tracksuit in action, here is Vin Diesel when he is very young, doing an instructional break dance video: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Y0tlWp89E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Y0tlWp89E</a> judy on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408922 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:23:12 +0000 judy 2408922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Were we picked last for the team because we were always into fashion...or did we get into fashion because we were picked last for the team?  Though there are many physical things I've enjoyed in my life from teen years on...yoga, running, walking...they have been for the most part non sporty, with the exception of a few running races which I loved.  But again, solo competing rather than team.  I love many aspects of sporty style, though I don't own much of it.  I don't feel comfortable wearing leggings for everyday outside the house, too exposed and I feel undressed.  I think the only sporty things I own are a neoprene oversized zip up heather grey hoodie I got from Zara a few years ago, which I wear all the time, inside the house and out, as well as a big oversized but thinner pullover navy hoodie which is also great for under some outerwear.      LJP on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408920 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:40:53 +0000 LJP 2408920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up in a sports family - professional and amateur, and competed myself in 3 different sports.  That informed my style preferences during my formative years as those were the clothes I literally lived in and was surrounded by.  After that part of my life was over when I had a child, I lived in a gym and thus wore those clothes all the time too. I never felt inauthentic.  I love sports and watch a lot of it on tv too.   I no longer dress like that as it's not my lifestyle now , but I certainly wear "gear" when cycling, walking/hiking , and in the gym. I think there are different ideas as to what constitutes "gear" too.  Performance fabrics and styles determine that designation for me.  I don't wander the stores/library/medical offices etc  in leggings now, but I have been known to wear Adidas soccer pants out of the house from time to time.   Star (Lise) on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408912 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:16:39 +0000 Star (Lise) 2408912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Queen Non-Sporty checking in. I feel totally uninspired in actual sports gear. My daily walk is done in regular clothes. However in recent years I am drawn to a sporty piece here and there. It can look kind of cool when mixed up with Non-Sporty pieces. Cookie on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408907 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:25:30 +0000 Cookie 2408907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another last-picked-in-gym person and I’m afraid I am completely unmoved by sporty looks to this day. I do like sneakers with dresses but that’s about it. Jaime on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408896 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:09:08 +0000 Jaime 2408896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Team non-sporty here too! Although I work out regularly and have done so for a long time, it is alone in my home. Sporty to me implies teamwork or at least public facing (although I am already arguing against that assumption in my head). Anyway, I don't wear sneakers or training gear to work out and rarely wear it day to day, although I do like the look of striped track pants. Sal on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408895 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:06:25 +0000 Sal 2408895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is a fun question - thanks Carol! I think sporty/gear is great for fit - leggings ease over muscular calves and stretchy tops accommodate shoulders.   I am active and sporty without being especially good.  I am drawn to sporty influences such as racerback tanks and tops, sweatshirts and tracksuit tops, sneakers, stripes and also outdoor gear looks...  I do mix these things in with my regular wardrobe at times- but I don't wear all gear unless I am exercising.  I will play pickleball or cycle and then go to a cafe in my gear....... I do have a pool swimsuit and a beach swimsuit - and I keep them for those uses.   Whilst doing a lot of dancing as a teen I am not drawn to dancing looks now.  Mine was jazz not ballet, and ballet looks do not feel like me.  And I won't wear rugby jerseys - there are too many worn here that wearing them as clothing feels wrong as a non rugby player. Janet on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408894 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:59:39 +0000 Janet 2408894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never related to being athletic — another one here who was picked towards the end for any sporting teams as a kid! I scoffed at the label “athlete” even after running my first half marathon, and my trainer looked me dead in the eye and said, “You ARE an athlete!” So…I guess I am, or have been. So despite enjoying casual swimming and cycling my whole life and becoming more serious about activity as I’ve gotten older, I never considered myself sporty. I don’t have the athletic body type either — big boobs, wide hips. I’m not built for speed, LOL. However I do enjoy adding elements of sporty/athleisure to my style! I love my side stripe track pants, Adidas sneakers, Athleta jackets… but those aren’t things I wear to actually work out. I don’t love to wear my gear out and about, but that gear is more leggings and Brooks trail shoes. Bijou on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408893 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:33:29 +0000 Bijou 2408893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol, you always ask interesting questions, this one is a fun one! I do karate and am drawn to clothes that have a similar vibe to a karate gi and obi belts. There is a certain formality in wearing a karate uniform and that is reflected in my own style. More importantly, how I can move in clothes and whether a garment restricts my ability to move for defensive action is something I consider. Carla on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408888 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:23:07 +0000 Carla 2408888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve been getting women’s sports team ‘tunnel walks’ on my Instagram.  Hockey, Basketball, Soccer.  There’s some fierce style happening! Bonnie on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408885 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:56:46 +0000 Bonnie 2408885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm another non sporty person but for many years I've loved to hike. I'm pretty sure it's influenced my style. I love pants with pockets, hats, sunglasses, long sleeve shirts, and backpacks.  Carla on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408879 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:16:51 +0000 Carla 2408879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sporty person here!  From the time I first started running at age 13 to my last 5K on my 60th birthday, I’ve preferred to keep my sports capsule separate from what I wore on the regular.  In the 5 years since retiring from amateur competitive events, I’ve let sporty items like joggers, and sneakers meant for running, cross over into my everyday outfits - and there’s some crossover with my day-wear being worn for fitness activities.   <div> </div><div>For example, I wear joggers, a t-shirt, and wool sweater, plus any old sneakers to Tai Chi, and leggings with a wool sweater to Pilates and Yoga.  I wear regular day clothes over my bathing suit on the way to the pool, and after showering put on regular day clothes.  Like Irina I don’t wear my Speedo on the beach, nor do I wear ‘vacation ‘ swimwear to the pool. Probably the biggest impact an active (or athletic) lifestyle has had on my fashion style is related to hair. During peak training (run, bike, swim, lift) I would work out two times a day, and therefore shower twice a day as well.  I opted to keep my hair on the shorter side for quick drying, and because chlorine is hard on hair.  Now that my fitness activities are less ‘sweaty’ and swimming is 3x a week, I'm washing my hair less frequently and have let it grow a little longer.  </div><div> </div><div>#1 in triathlon kit (after the event) #2 what I wore travelling to the triathlon (8 years ago) #3 what I wore travelling to a vacation destination last month  (no sports involved!)</div> Jenni NZ on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408875 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:54:29 +0000 Jenni NZ 2408875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yet another non-sporty person here! Always picked last for teams at school. It caused some misery at the time. I did later become a runner for a while aged about 16 through to early 20s, and enjoyed Jazzercise in the mid 80s with leotards and leg warmers. I do like dance and have dabbled in that. Being so non-sporty and not following sports much either I feel inauthentic in athleisure. I feel more able to wear dance inspired items like ballet flats and my new “sneakerinas”. I don’t feel inauthentic in those as I have danced. RobinF on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408874 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:31:07 +0000 RobinF 2408874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another non-sporty person here and I don't really wear athleisure much at all. I'll throw on sweats if I am working around the house but not out in public. It even took me a while to warm up to wearing sneakers for fashion as opposed to just for walking or working out. I guess it feels like people would know I am a poser - haha.  Irina on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408870 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:33:12 +0000 Irina 2408870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer authenticity for myself, so I wear gear to my athletic activities and not casually.As a swimmer, I love athletic swimsuits but would not wear it on a beach. Sure, I wear Adidas sneakers, occasionally a sweatshirt but I’m not into a sports wear. I understand when a woman throws a sweatshirt over her leggings on the way to a yoga class but don’t get when it becomes an outfit to go out for coffee with friends.  <div>I also find problematic how much polyester goes into gear clothing, something I definitely avoid if I can. </div> Angie on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408867 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:52:36 +0000 Angie 2408867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Roberta and Carol, actually the "fancy tracksuit" is an '80s look too. The Adidas version is '70s. It has my affection, and I wear it as at-home loungewear!  kkards on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408866 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:50:45 +0000 kkards 2408866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ lol i am not athletic, like at all. i was always the last picked for any/every gym class. but i love love love dressing with an athletic vibe,  sporty luxe or athleisure. it fits where and what i am/need for where i am today. that being said....i am so excited its getting warmer because i can't wait to wear this tee shirt, which just about sums up my sportiness.  Roberta on "Athletics and style?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athletics-and-style#post-2408861 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:32:49 +0000 Roberta 2408861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Adidas black tracksuit is a favorite look. I love a side stripe, and the whole look says "no nonsense, but sharp".