https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:57:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2365136 Sat, 13 Jul 2024 22:00:54 +0000 Sal 2365136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s awesome when you see that type of participation.</p> <p>I actually like sports gear and could wear it happily all day - and sometimes do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2365013 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:53:30 +0000 Janet 2365013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, last night in San Antonio, hubs and I were walking back to our hotel from dinner, and a huge outdoor yoga class was getting started. We sat and watched for a while. Neither one of us was wearing anything appropriate — especially me wearing a dress! — so despite how appealing the idea was, we didn’t join in. </p> <p>But one of the things that struck us was how wonderfully diverse the group was — all ages, shapes, genders, sizes — and also that people were dressed in all kinds of clothing. Everything from coordinated specialized yoga gear to shorts or track pants and tees. It was great to see. So yes, I absolutely love for people to wear whatever makes them comfortable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364986 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:32:44 +0000 Angie 2364986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can barely stand wearing, or buying gear - but I do so for yoga practice because it's BY FAR the best way to practice! I need a sports bra, salutation pants, and a tight top to move the way I want to. Wearing regular clothes interferes with my practice.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for outdoorsy trails, woodsy walks, and hikes with our doggies - I don't wear gear. I wear jeans, utility pants, and sneakers or casual waterproof boots. Short puffer, sweater or shirt. Works well and I'm very comfortable :)</p> <p>FWIW, if I was a serious runner, skier, swimmer, or cyclist - I would absolutely deck out in gear!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364968 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:39:17 +0000 Suntiger 2364968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having specialty gear for some things is important. My bike shorts make riding much more comfortable, and my neon cycling jersey keeps me visible on the road. Swimming needs chlorine resistant fabric, but my tankini tops can do double duty for paddleboarding. Any activity that would cause sweating, I wouldn't do in regular clothes, and I wouldn't wear my running shoes for anything that's not fitness related.</p> <p>That said, for light hiking and archery, my regular clothes are just fine! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364951 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:31:25 +0000 Sal 2364951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me sports bra (often not that cute) and specialist shoes are a must..... It depends what you do and where you go.</p> <p>I attend a lot of sports events for my not for profit role - and I know a lot of athletes (mostly age groupers).&nbsp; As someone who is not elite at sport, being in a group of athletes prior to a trail run or triathlon is intimidating - they all have the gear on, both for warm up and the event.&nbsp; They should have the gear on - I get that.&nbsp; But if you wanted to get into the sport it is overwhelming to think not only of the shoes but also the other gear that can feel essential to be "in the club".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>There are yoga studios similar where turning up in an older tee and tracksuit pants could make you feel out of place when everyone else is in matching sets.</p> <p>The post was not to get anyone to change their behaviour - I am not planning to change mine as it feels right and realistic for me - but more to show that there are barriers for some people to doing sports around gear and bodies and cost of entry.&nbsp; And that there is a different perspective. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364926 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 22:24:45 +0000 Carol 2364926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a low-impact sports bra that I mostly use for comfort when at home instead of a regular bra. I, of course, have a couple pairs of sneakers for&nbsp; work and walking around town.</p> <p>But I have not had any workout clothes per se in a long time. I exercise at home, and I live alone. I usually wear a tank, no bra, and some shorts.</p> <p>So I think workout clothes are probably unnecessary for most people, unless that is part of their regular wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do have fantasies of getting some great workout clothes. I love the ones by Cassie Ho of Blogilates and Popflex. They're sooo girly, and yet somehow so many ages could wear them.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.popflexactive.com/?sscid=71k8_c3mny&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwhb60BhClARIsABGGtw_KuGWPecC1WpLiX-MgAIDxKMdOT4kJM82RIJIrIQRXA1_qB51gFToaAlTCEALw_wcB">https://www.popflexactive.com/.....lARIsABGGt</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364918 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:11:06 +0000 Carla 2364918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! &nbsp;Just reading about the woman running sans bra makes me wince! &nbsp;I’m on the lower end of bust size, but I want the girls locked and loaded when I’m doing anything vigorous! &nbsp;I’ll get out of the compression bra asap when the activities are done (since wearing it too long can cause shoulder impingements) - but for the duration, I want security! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364915 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:02:44 +0000 Sal 2364915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing your views and comments all. </p> <p>It’s always interesting to see others perspectives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective/page/2#post-2364797 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:50:06 +0000 Janet 2364797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, no. Not for me. If I’m truly exercising and not just walking around town, I am *moving* and sweating. Brisk hiking, bicycling, a little running, Pilates, swimming… I feel best and most motivated and serious about getting a good workout if I wear dedicated gear. I’m a sweaty person so all the more reason to change clothes for workouts. And ain’t no way I’m doing anything vigorous with a regular bra on — smaller busted ladies can get away with that but not me. </p> <p>I’m all for people wearing whatever makes them most likely to enjoy activity. I don’t care if someone else wants to hike or do yoga in street clothes, and I would hope nobody cares that I have dedicated gear instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364795 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:36:36 +0000 Bijou 2364795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene - it's so fab to hear your perspective on this and such wise words! I consider myself very fortunate to be able to purchase gear for my activities. I like swimming in the ocean year-round and find my light-weight wetsuit jacket so useful in winter... Yes, I could swim without it, but it really makes that initial plunge into the ocean that bit easier in the cooler months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364792 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 01:45:42 +0000 Gaylene 2364792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“…are we being manipulated into a whole lot of kit we don't need?”</p> <p><div>Well, as one of the more ancient YLF members who hasn’t been on the forum much these days, this question brought back so many memories of being involved in sports when the only available “gear” was a pair of shoes that didn’t have slippery leather soles. And, yes, it wasn’t unheard of to see people hiking 10-15 miles on mountain trails in light dress shoes—not a great idea, but better than not hiking, I guess.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>In those “good old days” I swam, hiked, skied, ran, played tennis and basketball —you name it—in whatever I could scrounge from my wardrobe. Buying my first pair of Adidas in the 60s was a revelation (foam cushioning!) as was wearing high-top, canvas “basketball” Cons when I played university basketball (ankle support from lacing instead of yards of duct tape!) And my first pair of ski pants (a dry butt instead of waterlogged jeans which weighted a ton and kept sliding off my hips every time I bent over!) &nbsp;And stretch fabrics and fleece which meant you didn’t have to wear oversized bulky layers and could actually move in…wow!</p> <p>So, yes, you can be involved in many sports without purchasing armfuls of super specialized gear, and no one should be sneered at or made to feel bad about not wearing the latest gear fads. Wearing gear doesn’t make you an athlete but choosing the right gear can make a sport easier and safer for a beginner to have fun while learning. And, when you have fun, you keep at it, so you get more proficient and can choose well designed gear that makes sense for you, regardless of the marketing which swirls around the stuff.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364775 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:09:43 +0000 Style Fan 2364775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I walk every day in all kinds of weather. I also do Yoga four or five times a week and occasionally do a class with light weights.<br />When I walk, I wear good walking shoes. They are not trendy, but they keep my feet happy. The rest of my outfit is weather-dependent.&nbsp; It is not gear, but I do wear a bra!&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />When I do Yoga, I wear leggings, a tank top, a sports bra, and a jacket. Most of my Yoga clothes are from Lululemon. They fit me well and last a long time. My outfit has to be stretchy and stay in place. I don't want to have to adjust my clothes.<br />When I put on my Yoga outfit, I feel ready to do a class. If I wore the same clothes, it wouldn't be the same experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364774 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:30:01 +0000 Sal 2364774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point cjh!&nbsp; I have an Asics long sleeve top from the 1990s in good shape and several running tanks that are 6-8 years old.&nbsp; Leggings seem to last more like four years for me, but shorts often last a lot longer.</p> <p>My sports tops last a lot longer than my cotton tees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364771 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:18:36 +0000 cjh 2364771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just coming back to say a good word and agree with others for the positive feature of longevity of much sports and athletic wear. Perhaps this prompts marketing because updated styles need promotion when sports gear lasts forever - otherwise, who would buy much?</p> <p>My oldest long sleeve top layer shirt is almost 20 years old.i bought it for myself as a 50th birthday present after I’d been running for a whole year. I have other items which are in the 12-15+ year old range, and some from every year since, I’m sure. They still work and look pretty decent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364760 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 20:05:12 +0000 Sal 2364760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such good interesting responses. I posted it because it was thought provoking not because I agreed with it. </p> <p>Dee - you don’t look like a burglar but I know the feeling when running in normal clothes!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364753 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:37:43 +0000 cat2 2364753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gear is the last thing I am going to get worried about. My view is that anything that helps get you off the sofa and out on an adventure pays for itself. Sports bras, tights that fit properly and good shoes can be life changing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364752 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:32:01 +0000 Dee 2364752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, me again, a few years back I wanted to start running, so I put on my athletic sneakers with a regular old top and shorts. Nothing considered gear, and as I’m running along it occurred to me that I might look rather strange running around my neighbourhood in this particular outfit, especially since I’m over 60. Did I look like I was late and running for the bus? Or was I being chased or something?<br />Heck, I know I shouldn’t be bothered by what other people thought but somehow it just felt odd. So the next day I went out and bought some running leggings and an athletic style top just to signal to anyone who might see me that I was indeed simply running for exercise because that’s what runners are expected to wear now. Yep I succumbed to the marketing.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364751 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:32:09 +0000 sarah 2364751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on the active end of the spectrum - I roller-ski, run, hike, do pilates, bike, and (all winter long) cross-country ski. I couldn't do any of these activities in my regular clothes - the fabrics don't wick (or insulate in the winter) and the clothes would be ruined (I often finish my workouts drenched in sweat). Even walking briskly in the summer is something I can't do in my regular bra and tees or they would quickly be ruined. But I recognize that I'm a bit of an outlier! </p> <p>That said, I have found reasonable prices with Target, Champion, and other brands.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364750 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:13:03 +0000 Echo 2364750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In warm weather, I exercise (walking, biking) outdoors and end up very sweaty, so I do wear devoted "gear" for it. However, it is the same for both activities because I wear sun-protective gear so I only have to wear sunscreen on my face and hands.&nbsp;</p> <p>I very much agree that a person doesn't need devoted gear for almost anything, and I agree that we shouldn't think we do. I often get 15K steps in a day at work, and I am certainly not wearing gear for that. I have no issue if people go to a gym in repurposed everyday wear, and actually lots of people here do that, esepecially for weights. I agree about the "gatekeeping." People should do the activities they love in the clothing they have available and not worry about gear. If they have the funds and the desire to wear something special, then they should do that. But people shouldn't think they cannot run or walk or bike or go to the gym in whatever they have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364749 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:35:30 +0000 EuroTomGirl 2364749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a runner and do have waaay more running tops than I need, but most are freebies from races (thankfully the free race t-shirt appears to be on the wane). The ‘right’ gear, in terms of moisture wicking, high performance fabric, does make a difference to how comfortable I feel when exercising (and I mean comfort both physical and mental, ie, I look and therefore feel like I belong to the running community.)</p> <p>But two things spring to mind: one, the saying ‘all the gear and no idea’. And second, the first finisher at my local parkrun last weekend ran in jeans. Although he did acknowledge it wasn’t ideal running kit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364745 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:07:28 +0000 SW prof 2364745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do low-impact exercise (walking/hiking) and I do wear gear most of the time. But this is because - similar to what Karie said - the weather can require it. I don't wear sleeveless tops to work because the air conditioning is so fierce, but when it's 90+ degrees outside, you bet I'm in a sleeveless, moisture-wicking top for my walk. And conversely, in winter I'm wearing those fleece-lined gear pants that are way too warm for indoors, but necessary in order to stay outside for any length of time. It's just what makes me comfortable - essential if I'm going to be willing to exercise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364741 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:53:04 +0000 Karie 2364741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting article, and I am nodding my head to the other responses here. As someone who is active in all seasons, there is no way I’m hiking up a mountain in anything but moisture wicking gear. I don’t need to look like I stepped out of a fashion magazine, but I do need to look like I had enough sense in my head to attempt to stay dry. That’s both smart and safe.<br /> I don’t like the thought of anything hanging out in a landfill forever, but I do keep my gear clothes for a very long time and I take extra good care of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364740 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:51:06 +0000 Jules 2364740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will come back and read everyone's comment later - but am happy to see the discussion! I hate any gatekeeping around activity based on having the "right" gear and dislike what I see as the "gearification" of formerly simple activities like going for a bike ride.&nbsp; And despite the seemingly wide availability of active gear right now, there are still dominant trends and I struggle to find things that work for me at 50, including sports bras that check all requirements, and tops with a high neckline. I've decided to default to a bare minimum of very basic items, and have taken to sometimes wearing an old, comfortable but tired underwire bra to the gym to do my low impact workout. Why not? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364738 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:48:40 +0000 Suz 2364738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If the point is merely that marketing for sports gear has become extreme and we may not always need the newest of the new, I certainly agree with that. Also, <b>Sal,</b> I'd agree I am slightly influenced by fashion in workout gear -- but much less so than I'm influenced by fashion in streetwear. I think I tend to adopt trends in gear only to the extent that I <b>have</b> to because I need new gear and find out it is now made in xyz shape or fabric. So I go with that (sometimes reluctantly.) </p> <p>Whereas I'm much more likely in my streetwear to see a trend and say: that looks fun! So if anything, I'm far more wasteful in my streetwear and get a lower CPW from some items in my regular closet than any in my gear capsule.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364726 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:03:08 +0000 Staysfit 2364726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer specialty gear for my favorite activities. &nbsp;For Pilates I prefer clothing that stretches and is form fitting. &nbsp;It prevents shirts riding up and hem edges getting caught in my equipment. &nbsp;It helps with my focus to not be pulling at my clothes. &nbsp; For running I wear what the weather dictates. &nbsp;I have previously used old cotton tees and cut off shorts but then developed hypothermia on a rainy day that wasn’t particularly cold, &nbsp;Now I only wear tech fibers and/or wool for outdoor hikes, kayaking, and running. &nbsp;Distance runners who have experienced chafing (me) are also not fond of soggy cotton tops, rough seams on shirts or ill fitting bras. &nbsp;I wear a bra and admit I have never tried to go without while working out.</p> <p>Any exercise gear I purchase lasts many years. &nbsp;I have leggings that are on their 5th year of heavy use, and shirts that are 8 years and still going strong, &nbsp;As I replace worn items I am trying to add more washable wool, but this material doesn’t work for some items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364725 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:58:11 +0000 Helena 2364725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"My view: if you're wearing it and it makes a healthy pursuit easier, go for it."</p> <p>April nailed it! For me, this means sometimes gear (e.g. for Uber sweaty workouts, or yoga classes where I want my clothes to stay firmly on place so I don't accidentally flash the class), sometimes this means regular day clothes (e.g to squeeze a walk in or a light workout), sometimes this means jammies (quick stretch or relaxing pre bed workout)!</p> <p>That said, the idea that you *must* have particular gear for particular activities can most certainly be exclusionary and fair enough to call that out. </p> <p>As to the marketing piece, well, add that to the list of things we are aggressively marketed! I don't feel there is anything particularly unique about sports gear in this sense. Unfair though it may be, I think we all have to accept we are indeed influenced by marketing and then be as mindful as we can about our intentions and our choices. To the extent the author is raging against the machine with her 2nd hand ts, more power to her </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364722 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:26:44 +0000 Dee 2364722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that you should wear whatever you need and like to wear for the various sport activities and yes there are wonderful products that are very helpful in doing them, <b>but </b>we are also being heavily marketed to believe <b></b>that we need so much more than we probably actually need in order to enjoy these various sport activities.<br />There are so many types of sport shoes now, everything from tennis, running basketball, walking, hiking shoes.etc.. and all types of technical clothing for yoga, hiking, running, tennis, golf, and cycling.etc..Do we really need all this specialized clothing in order to participate? &nbsp;Probably not, but we might enjoy the activity more because we look the part and the clothing is designed to make it easier to participate. However, as I said earlier in this post the <i>Portlandia</i> “Get the Gear” episode shows how crazy things have become with the gear industry.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364716 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:57:06 +0000 April 2364716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My view: if you're wearing it and it makes a healthy pursuit easier, go for it.</p> <p>Like Jaime, I only do my stretches and strength exercises at home and don't need a ton of gear. But when Mr. A and I sit in our spa, I have learned that my head-to-toe sun protection bathing gear (yes, down the ankles, down to the wrists, up to the neck) is worth it.</p> <p>Correct (in my book this means comfortable, no balance issues from a highly molded sole) footwear is also essential. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364703 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:51:49 +0000 Sal 2364703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of all the places where I waste money in my wardrobe, I don't see active wear and gear as one of them.&nbsp; So I found it interesting.</p> <p>I have dresses and blouses that were much worse investments than my gear - from all perspectives.</p> <p>For me there is enclothed recognition - if I like my outfit I can be keener to do the exercise. I was certainly that way around running.</p> <p>In saying that - there is an industry surrounding gear that I am influenced by.&nbsp; Yoga used to be done in loose clothing when I first started in the 1990s - now its crop tops and leggings in subdued colours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>There is a yoga look in terms of colours and styles of leggings that is different to the running look. Some of the requirements are different for sure, but there is marketing around it. Let alone the to and from the studio looks. &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/gear-a-different-perspective#post-2364701 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:21:13 +0000 Suz 2364701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is so true, <b>Donna</b> -- i would never want to wear my regular bras for workouts! And as Carla said, you need to be able to throw the stuff in the laundry....</p> <p>I was thinking of the woman who came to work out in a dress because she was going somewhere immediately afterwards and did not want to change and I was wondering: what *was* this supposed workout? And what kind of dress was this, that she could comfortably work out in it?&nbsp; Imagine going to dinner with someone who'd just come from her workout without a shower... or at minimum a sponge bath. </p>