https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:12:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/5#post-1681650 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 00:12:01 +0000 Gigi 1681650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I'm the same way. For me, it comes down to the fact that I am not a sporty person in the least. Even though the gear may be comfy, it's not *me*--it's something I wear because I need to in order to participate in a certain activity. I will leave gear on if it is almost bedtime, but otherwise not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/5#post-1681509 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 18:33:47 +0000 Angie 1681509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. This thread has exploded. Thanks for your thoughts, ladies. </p> <p>Two camps have emerged and few bat for both teams. Going with what makes you feel fab is what it's all about. Those who choose to wear gear as casual wear &nbsp;- I'm thrilled it works for you. Those of you who cannot under any circumstances wear gear outside the workout setting like me - we're going with what makes <i>us</i> feel fabulous. This is 2016 and there is room for both sets of styles to live in peace. Life is too short to not be happy with what you wear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/5#post-1681500 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 18:20:41 +0000 Suz 1681500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Una</b> said: <i>"And I also feel very uncomfortable in crisp wovens, like the proverbial white button down or a structured shift dress or blazer with no stretch. I imagine this is the kind of discomfort you're talking about - not physical but mental, like "I can't wait to get out of these clothes!"<br /></i><br />Remember the butt-vest?? &nbsp; That's how I felt in that.&nbsp;</p> <p>No wonder I don't wear gear as clothes....</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681489 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 17:43:07 +0000 anchie 1681489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am liitle confused here, but isn't exercise gear supposed to ba packed in a gym bag and then you change in and out of it before and after excersise? Isn't what changing rooms are for? I get all sweaty after the excersise and can not imagine going anywere in that clothes. And only people in excersise gear that I see on the street are people that are actually running or biking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681381 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 14:48:24 +0000 Tanya 1681381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am another European who likes to get out of gear<br /> "as soon as the sporting is done" :)&nbsp; This was the case in the past when I was doing a lot of yoga/Pilates, and it is the same case now when I practice&nbsp;</p> <p>ballroom dancing, which has the prettiest gear imaginable: sexy tops, full swishy skirts etc. (attached a few images for fun).&nbsp; I feel great in my gear while doing appropriate stuff but not the like the feel of those materials on my skin otherwise.&nbsp; At home I mainly in comfy loose loungewear, that is cotton rich in the summer and wear my of cashmere sweaters in the winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681333 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 09:30:23 +0000 Chelle 1681333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love wearing my yoga gear -- it's super comfy to me.&nbsp; Since I teach yoga as a side gig, I am always out &amp; about in my gear before/after classes.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681321 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 08:55:38 +0000 rachylou 1681321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Velcro upsets me. I usually get it stuck to another piece of clothing, which then gets shredded... the Velcro on my sleeping bag is special trouble, also... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681267 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 03:28:33 +0000 Sally 1681267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel the same way about shoes in the house too Una and clothes without stretch.<br /> I've been at my mother's who is 80. I went in my exercise gear (see picture below) because I was helping to clean a fish tank. We were talking about me going to a new job and she said "I wouldn't wear those pants straight away...just ease into it and see how people are. " I said "mum these are exercise pants" I would never wear to work. " </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681215 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 00:28:10 +0000 kerlyn 1681215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, love your attitude on this! &nbsp;And while I don't think we live in the same part of the world now, I did live in Fairbanks for a couple of years!</p> <p>This discussion has been so interesting. &nbsp;Lots of food for thought!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681180 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 22:29:27 +0000 Carla 1681180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is interesting that our two best/favourite yoga teachers don't wear Lycra. The guy wears white cotton trousers like the bottoms of a martial arts gi, and cotton T's from yoga retreats he has attended. The other teacher wears loose cotton harem pants, fitness bras, and loose cotton tank tops. </p> <p>Also interesting, we have a lot of guys who are rock solid regular, and often outnumber the women attendees! It is an intermediate 90 min Hatha class. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681171 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 21:46:52 +0000 Anonymous 1681171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681167 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 21:26:23 +0000 approprio 1681167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I talk like that too, lisap. Imagine BBC English with extra expletives and you're halfway there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681163 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 20:51:04 +0000 Anonymous 1681163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*as soon as the sporting is done* &nbsp;- ah, I love Europeans &nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681160 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 20:47:43 +0000 approprio 1681160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, this is such an interesting observation. I too have some very conflicted feelings on this topic.</p> <p>Let's be honest, most of what we know as gear is terrible. Truly, truly awful. Too hideous to contemplate. Overdesigned garments in horrible fabrics with loads of unnecessary zippers. And Velcro. I could cry.</p> <p>That said, I love the practicality of gear, which I associate with outdoor sporting activities. Fun, in other words. Being quite particular, I always try to find pieces which marry the need for practicality with an aesthetic awareness and as with anything else in my closet, I buy the best I can afford. There are a few brands who seem to appreciate this, such as Arc'teryx, Falke and Icebreaker, but really good technical fabrics don't come cheap.&nbsp;</p> <p>I feel much the same as you about getting out of the gear as soon as the sporting is done and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I want my gear to be as good as anything else in my closet, but I'm not going to wear it for other activities. Simple as that.</p> <p>Incidentally, I did a post about bike gear a while ago. As you can imagine, it's important around here and some of it is really very good. It's not a total coincidence that I met my new business partner in a Rapha store. ;)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681157 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 20:30:51 +0000 Janet 1681157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was out running errands the other day, and with this thread in mind, I took an informal inventory of what I saw people wearing out and about. HUGE amounts of gear being worn around town in my area. We're not talking just Lululemon yoga pants as daytime casual wear, we're talking women out in full-fledged workout outfits, from sneakers to capris to tank tops, to caps in many cases. Lots of Lulu but also Under Armour and other not-so-high-end brands as well. Lots of color-coordinated outfits, and to me, they look quite cute and sporty -- about as fashionable as workout gear can be.&nbsp;</p> <p>So it's no wonder I feel absolutely no self-consciousness about being out and about in my running/workout gear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bicycling gear is another story. Those padded shorts do no one any favors, and especially not someone like me with an excess in the hip/thigh area! ;-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681152 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 20:17:29 +0000 catgirl 1681152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kerlyn, do we live in the same town? When I see someone with mud up the back of their leg I know they've been biking and it makes me happy. Couldn't have said it better! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1681134 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 19:24:02 +0000 kerlyn 1681134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with a lot of what Jenn wrote above. &nbsp;</p> <p>My days are varied and unstructured as well, and my husband's schedule is different day to day and week to week. &nbsp;So sometimes that spontaneous activity accounts for a good portion of our exercise. &nbsp;For instance, yesterday I put on gear shorts and a tank first thing. &nbsp;Did some work around the house, got in a weight workout in my basement, fixed lunch for the &nbsp;family, worked in the garden a bit, and then decided to go for a long walk. &nbsp;It was a hot day, and I probably wouldn't have done the walk if I'd already been showered and dressed in the sundress I wore that day.</p> <p>I also live in an outdoorsy town, where you see lots of people running, biking, walking dogs, going hiking, etc. &nbsp;When we go to our favorite brewpub on a summer evening, probably half the people there are in some gear, having just returned from a long hike or bike ride. &nbsp;They may be a bit disheveled, sunburnt, have a bit of mud on their pants; but they're happy as clams, tired, and relaxing with a good beer and their friends. &nbsp;It's never bothered me to see someone in gear. &nbsp;In fact, I like the energy and vibrancy of the community. &nbsp;I find it contagious!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680973 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 08:34:56 +0000 Astrid 1680973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Gaylene, I also walk a lot everyday and fast. I also take the stairs whenever possible and not the escalator. I do everything by foot and with public transport. But I would never think of this as exercise, so I'm not wearing gear to do it. My everyday clothes need to be comfortable and appropriate and sometimes that means wearing my gear rain jacket out and about. But that's it. I guess for me it comes down to the fact that classic exercise was never "fun" to me. There are a lot of things I would rather do, so why would I wear those clothes any longer than necessary? I far prefer swimming, walking, hiking... And I don't need exercise clothes for those, just a few pieces of gear in moderation (and thoughtfully picked everyday clothes). And with swimming the point is moot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680756 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:56:53 +0000 Elizabeth P 1680756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to go and read all the responses.&nbsp; The few I glanced at look fascinating.</p> <p>I do not wear gear that I actually exercise in, for anything other than exercising (and maybe travel ling to and fro).&nbsp; However I DO hang out in Lululemon yoga pants at home in the evenings and on weekends.&nbsp; The pants I have are not skin tight typical yoga pants though, they are the "still" pants which look like wide leg trousers.&nbsp; I wear these with tees and a hoodie if needed.&nbsp; Perfectly acceptable to be in if someone comes to the door, or for a walk to the mailbox.&nbsp; But I generally do change to go out.&nbsp; Unless it's to Walmart :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680657 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:41:03 +0000 catgirl 1680657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread.&nbsp; It's not that I go out of my way to dress in actual gear, just that I don't feel any sense of discomfort wearing a gear outfit should it occur.&nbsp; The boundaries for me are quite fluid.&nbsp; On the other hand, I feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable wearing outdoor shoes in the house - that's&nbsp;a very clear boundary for me.&nbsp; </p> <p>And I also feel very uncomfortable in crisp wovens, like the proverbial white button down or a structured shift dress or blazer with no stretch. I imagine this is the kind of discomfort you're talking about - not physical but mental, like "I can't wait to get out of these clothes!"</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680646 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:29:44 +0000 Anonymous 1680646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quote from an unknown source:</p> <p>"Small kids, drunks, and yoga pants always tell the truth."</p> <p>Good to know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680642 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:24:05 +0000 CocoLion 1680642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I used to go to yoga in LA I was in the minority as one who changed in and out of yoga clothes at the studio. &nbsp;I think the way the clothes were sweaty etc had something to do with it. &nbsp;Once a friend talked me into going to an art opening after yoga and I did not have regular clothes with me. &nbsp;Even though the yoga pants were flowing, so could pass for a cropped knit palazzo, I felt so uncomfortable the whole evening. &nbsp;I remember nothing about the art opening except it was in Santa Monica, and that I was so uncomfortable. &nbsp;</p> <p>If that friend had asked me to have coffee or to go grocery shopping I think I would have been fine. &nbsp;So I'm probably in the middle with this question. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680640 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:20:09 +0000 DonnaF 1680640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No yoga classes, Pilates, or gym membership.&nbsp; I've never even tried on yoga pants!&nbsp; I wear hiking gear pants and gear tops for my exercise walking, only.&nbsp; They are too ugly and disgusting looking to wear elsewhere, but they are super functional.&nbsp; I need to replace everything, especially the pants, but I haven't seen anything nearly as functional with all the pockets that I like.</p> <p>The Athleisure and Sporty Luxe looks are so not me -- unless you count shiny silver and gold sneakers!&nbsp; I think I am more comfortable with a more urban look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680608 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 18:37:39 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1680608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love my exercise gear but the most I ever wear it to not exercise is a quick trip to the grocery store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680585 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:47:43 +0000 Gaylene 1680585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The responses on this thread are all fascinating, but I had to laugh at Krishnidoux refusal to use walking for "utilitarian" purposes to avoid sullying the exercise experience. I'm her total opposite number: I refuse to consider my daily walking as "exercise" even though I regularly walk 6-10 miles a day at a fast clip doing my errands. Same goes for bike riding: I ride in my regular clothes unless I'm riding 15-20+ miles without stopping. I enjoy using my body to get me from place to place and put daily mobility in a totally different category than "exercise" </p> <p>Activities like hiking, skiing, and bike touring are recreational activities to me, so I do wear specialized "recreational" clothing during those days, usually from sun up to sundown. I'll spend serious money on good gear and many pieces have transitioned into my everyday wardrobe like a MonCler ski vest or a Barbour field jacket. It amuses me to see these pieces now count as Sporty Luxe. </p> <p>"Going to the gym for a workout", though, has never been a big part of my life, so my gym wear capsule is very utilitarian--a pair of yoga-ish capris bought at Costco and an old T-shirt and hoodie--and not fit for public display. </p> <p>So, technically, I never wear gear in public nor do I go to the gym. But I do have toned arms at 67 and have no qualms about wearing sleeveless tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680541 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 16:09:43 +0000 Marilyn 1680541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said, <b>Angie</b>.&nbsp; I'm all for supporting happiness.&nbsp; Do and wear whatever makes you feel great. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680530 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:41:37 +0000 Angie 1680530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It has been fascinating reading your feelings and responses to my question. I'm going to tie it all together by saying rock on YOUR way. Keep on assessing <b>how you feel in an outfit</b>. If it makes you feel less than fab - take it off. If it makes you feel fab - leave it on!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680528 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:32:23 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1680528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I felt this way about scrubs - I worked in a medical office, and everyone on staff wore them, including the business office. &nbsp; They were mandatory. &nbsp; I hated everything about them.</p> <p>&nbsp;I would bring a change of clothes to work, and put those on before leaving work for the day. &nbsp; I was increasingly unhappy at my job, and I found that even at 4:30 in the afteroon, changing into something that was my choice, made me unspeakably happy for the rush hour commute home.</p> <p>For dance classes or rehearsals, I try to wear something that layers or transitions well to street, because I frequently do errands, or go out for casual food or coffee with the other students. &nbsp; I don't mind this, because it means I've just done something that makes me happy, with people who make me happy :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I only change if I'm horribly sweaty. &nbsp; Otherwise I wait until I get home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680519 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:16:52 +0000 citygirldc 1680519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear sports gear outside of the gym unless I have just left the gym to go home. &nbsp;And you know I commute to work wearing my dressy casual clothes on my bike just because I don't like wearing sports gear. LOL! That's just me though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-anyone-else-feel-this-way-about-wearing-sports-gear/page/4#post-1680517 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:00:57 +0000 Jenn 1680517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about this since you posted it, Angie. I don't mind wearing gear as casual wear at home or out for everyday errands, and I think it comes down to a few factors:</p> <p>1. I read a study that said that people who wore more athletic clothing during the day were more likely to squeeze in unstructured exercise. Because I prefer that to fitness classes or regular morning runs (ugh), it's important to me to feel comfortable for a mid-day walk to the post office, an after-dinner game of Frisbee, or a quick hike through the trails at the sculpture park next to the mall.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. I live in a small town, surrounded by nature. If I lived in a city center, I suspect I'd be less likely to feel comfortable in gear. Here, it suits the environment and the environmental norm. People are used to stopping off for ice cream after a hike or riding bikes to the cafe for lunch, so outdoorsy activity is built into our lives.</p> <p>3. My gear silhouettes aren't significantly different from other silhouettes I wear regularly.</p> <p>4. I work from home, so my days are varied and unstructured. Changing clothes per activity seems less practical when the activities are jumbled together willy-nilly.</p> <p></p> <p>(ETA: I missed Una's response earlier, but I agree with this 100%:</p> <p><i>"It's part of my lifestyle to be prepared for any opportunity to be outside. Plus I am not a disciplined gym class person at all, so I don't have defined moments of "yoga time vs. rest of life". But I may hike in the mountains, then go to the Rack or dinner or hang with a friend on the deck, all in the same outfit."&nbsp;</i></p> <p>Yes!)<i><br /></i></p> </p>