YouLookFab Forum » Topic: out and about in your active wear

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: out and about in your active wear https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:31:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sally on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear/page/2#post-2195157 Fri, 14 May 2021 07:37:57 +0000 Sally 2195157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow thank you everyone for your input.   @Janet I am so sorry to hear about your friend and yes clothing shouldn't come in the way of seeing a friend.   I was wearing cotton leggings and even though my jeans were very fitting, they feel less revealing than leggings which I feel so shows more and I wasn't wearing a long top too.  To those who said it seemed weird that he should comment on my clothes, yes I think so.  He is very new to the workplace and seems a little over-familiar commenting on things like that when you've only worked with someone for about 5 days.   I often pop into a cafe for a takeaway or do other jobs in my leggings on my way home from yoga.  I do feel a little scruffy but can't be bothered going and changing and then going out but as this was a work situation, I didn't feel like sitting around in yoga pants. Another lady hadn't brought a change of clothes and said she felt uncomfortable too.  I realise now it is a good idea to have a change of clothes in the car for situations like this. Anonymous on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear/page/2#post-2195148 Fri, 14 May 2021 05:09:55 +0000 Anonymous 2195148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with you. I do not even own gear. I would be wearing nice jeans and top ( ptobably silk). rachylou on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear/page/2#post-2195138 Fri, 14 May 2021 04:26:26 +0000 rachylou 2195138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t workout so I don’t wear gear I’ve worked out in anywhere, hehe... But I wear ‘workout gear’ all over the place. The grocery, for morning croissants, to walk the dog and window shop. It’s the norm where I live. Everyone is leading ‘the active life.’ But it’s not exactly workout gear to be truthful. It’s clearly not for working out. Karie on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear/page/2#post-2195132 Fri, 14 May 2021 02:49:08 +0000 Karie 2195132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ll wear sweatpants, and sometimes yoga pants, when I’m out and about running errands, but other types of workout gear, no. Kayaking and hiking gear only gets worn for it’s intended purpose. And that’s mostly because I just don’t care for the look of the technical quick dry fabrics for everyday wear. Jaime on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear/page/2#post-2195129 Fri, 14 May 2021 02:35:41 +0000 Jaime 2195129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will go to the mini-market two doors down in my house uniform (tee and sweats) but that is about it. I work out at home and those clothes are only worn for working out after which I shower anyway. Janet on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195095 Thu, 13 May 2021 23:48:36 +0000 Janet 2195095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, and invariably, when I show up at Whole Foods in my worst workout clothes, that’s when I will run into someone I know. Every. Time. DonnaF on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195093 Thu, 13 May 2021 23:47:14 +0000 DonnaF 2195093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We shop at Trader Joe’s at 8 a.m. when it opens. I like to exercise either before or after breakfast. TJs is my one exception for going out in ugly gear which for me is REI hiking pants. Now I feel like I am going out in cognito due to my mask, but at the point when I go out mask free I may break down and wear real clothing and put up with the hassle of an outfit change. It’s the shoe change and getting the laces right that’s my biggest barrier. Stagiaire Fash on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195055 Thu, 13 May 2021 21:10:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2195055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s so funny how we can dislike how we look, even if we realize no one else is looking! That’s how I felt about some shoes I tried in recently, no matter what anyone else said. Janet, I’m so glad you went to spend the time with friends! kellygirl on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195047 Thu, 13 May 2021 20:30:24 +0000 kellygirl 2195047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would have changed too! This is one aspect of my fashion persona that I wish I could change. I think wearing workout gear in public is totally fine but I can't seem to do it. On me and to me, it just looks wrong--but I'm sure no one would bat an eye.   Style Fan on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195040 Thu, 13 May 2021 19:29:28 +0000 Style Fan 2195040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I only wear my workout/gear clothes to Yoga and for hiking. However, if I were at a Yoga class and had errands to do on the way home, I would be wearing Yoga clothes.   Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195034 Thu, 13 May 2021 18:42:41 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2195034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Janet said!   But to actually answer Sally's query, how I feel about it depends on my mood at the moment, I think, as well as my surroundings.   If this were a work scenario, I would definitely have changed into something else, casual training day or no. Echo on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195021 Thu, 13 May 2021 17:40:33 +0000 Echo 2195021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I am so sorry about your friend. I wholeheartedly agree that clothing should not keep us from living! I, too, would not have turned down an opportunity to see a friend based on clothing alone. I am glad you took that opportunity, and it's a powerful lesson for everyone. Janet on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195016 Thu, 13 May 2021 17:21:06 +0000 Janet 2195016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An aside, but relevant to the topic. Of course I always prefer to be dressed for whatever I’m doing on a given day. However... One day in winter 2019/2020, one of my BFFs called me when I was out finishing up a run. She was making an impromptu two-hour drive to pick up a bunch of lunch items at the Wegmans hot food bar to deliver to our other BFF who was recovering from cancer surgery. She wanted to know if I wanted to come with her. I ignored the fact that I was wearing my gear and turned my car around so I could go join them for lunch and an afternoon of chatting and spoiling our friend. We did not know it at the time, but that would be the last time we got to see our friend before she went into hospice and passed away. So I am forever thankful I didn’t let the lack of wearing the “right clothes” prevent me from taking that very special opportunity. I’m sure she didn’t give a hoot that I was wearing leggings and a workout jacket. Stagiaire Fash on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2195000 Thu, 13 May 2021 16:39:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2195000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I read this post this morning, I was deciding whether to go with workout clothes or loungewear. I chose flannel pants. Now it’s nearly 7 pm and I’m trying to decide if I am going to put on workout clothes or just do it tomorrow. Not that wearing workout clothes always pushes me over that edge, but I might be closer. JAileen on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194999 Thu, 13 May 2021 16:37:24 +0000 JAileen 2194999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess I wear gear all the time.  In the winter I wore nylon hiking pants everyday, and now that it’s warm, I’ve started wearing skorts.  Right now, I’m wearing Patagonia baggie shorts and a tee.  I was working out in the garden.  Am I going to change?  If I had a doctor’s appointment I would.  If I were going to the nursery for plants, no, I’d go as is.   Echo on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194990 Thu, 13 May 2021 16:23:31 +0000 Echo 2194990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I make a point of buying the BRIGHTEST, LOUDEST workout gear I can find because it makes me happy and keeps me motivated. However, that also makes it uncomfortable to wear elsewhere. I absolutely would have changed, too. Black gear I can get away with for casual affairs, but I don't really wear black gear (the only category of clothing I don't prefer in black!). Isabel on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194981 Thu, 13 May 2021 15:55:52 +0000 Isabel 2194981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am also team casual....and I don't wear yoga pants for anything. Not even yoga. LOL  but I wouldn't want to stay in my exercise clothes.  I HATE wearing my hiking boots anywhere accept hiking.  I think it's especially true when you wore those clothes on purpose to exercise.  Not to work. I have seen people "dress" up yoga pants a bit and they look good running around.  And I am a tech fabric fan. FWIW, I think you made the correct call.  slim cat on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194963 Thu, 13 May 2021 15:19:04 +0000 slim cat 2194963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can do some errands in my hiking pants but would change from my leggings ( worn mostly for PT and such ). I may need longer layering pieces to wear over leggings to feel more myself ( jeans - that's me as well ). In general I'll ignore dress/clothes comments from unknown people but might try to explain to my co-workers the reasoning for the outfit. Sisi on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194959 Thu, 13 May 2021 15:09:22 +0000 Sisi 2194959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear active wear only for exercising (or to go to the physiotherapist, or for a massage). I would have done like you. Of course there can be some exceptions as Janet mentions. I understand that sportsweear is very comfortable and many people nowadays wear it for going out and about, but I cannot get myself to do so. I always feel a little frumpy.  Small anecdote. A few weeks ago I took a long walk from the suburbs (where I live) to the beginning of the town where my dear 90 years old friend lives. I decided to pop in for a coffee (she loves to offer me coffee when I visit her). While I was there her doctor came for a visit. I was not happy  to be caught in exercise clothes! Thanks Heaven, I thought, that at least I always put on makeup!  smittie on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194926 Thu, 13 May 2021 12:58:57 +0000 smittie 2194926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am team casual and in 2020-21, I started wearing leggings out and about, usually with a coat and nicer shoes. I prefer cotton leggings over poly/nylon. The change occurred mostly because I gained weight but also because I think I look better in leggings. RobinF on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194922 Thu, 13 May 2021 12:38:46 +0000 RobinF 2194922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am team casual too but I am more likely to wear jeans than workout gear. My workout clothes are leggings and tees and I don't find the leggings comfortable for hanging out in.  Murph11 on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194918 Thu, 13 May 2021 12:12:11 +0000 Murph11 2194918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I only wear gear for my (sweaty) workouts. If I had gear-for-leisure-only, I might wear it all day, but the fact that I own zero in 2021 is a good sign it’s not my preferred look. Bijou on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194912 Thu, 13 May 2021 12:00:28 +0000 Bijou 2194912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always get changed out of my gear and most definitely would have done the same thing as you and brought a change of clothes for a work function.  Janet on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194901 Thu, 13 May 2021 11:49:03 +0000 Janet 2194901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah, I can’t imagine going to work in gear in any of the jobs I’ve had — even the radio station where no one could see me! One day I went to do my shift and discovered that a local news photographer was going to be shooting us, so I’m glad I always dressed professionally (for the job at least, it was very casual!). kkards on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194899 Thu, 13 May 2021 11:29:13 +0000 kkards 2194899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve become more ok with wearing gear out and about, BUT and this is a big BUT...for work events, for me, unless we are actually working out i feel gear isn’t what i want to be seen in. I would have done what you did, brought a change of clothes and changed after the activity. Janet on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194890 Thu, 13 May 2021 11:15:47 +0000 Janet 2194890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will sometimes stay in my gear all day, but usually if I am working from home and want to make sure I get in a good walk/run, or I plan to do some active or messy home chores (taking a gardening break, cleaning, etc). I’ll also happily run a couple of errands in my gear on the way home from a workout. It’s super common around here so no one ever bats an eye, and my workout gear is certainly comfortable enough physically. That said, I would rather be dressed in real clothes to be out and about. But it’s often a waste of time to finish a run or a bike ride (I often drive to trails for these activities), drive home, shower and change and then go back out, when the grocery store, etc, would be a quick stop on the way home. If I lived in a city or in an area where it was safer to bike everywhere, I might do differently, but around here too many cyclists on the roads die at the hands of distracted drivers. Anonymous on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194886 Thu, 13 May 2021 11:08:34 +0000 Anonymous 2194886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've done what I call "half-leisure", 1 piece of gear with the rest of the outfit normal clothes. So gear leggings, tunic, booties or gear tank, wrap skirt, sandals. When I go paddleboarding or hiking outside my neighborhood, I wear gear skorts so if I go anywhere on the way home it feels a little more "normal." ETA- I live quite a ways from everything, so once I'm home I don't go out again! Stagiaire Fash on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194871 Thu, 13 May 2021 07:52:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2194871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You and I don’t care, but apparently your coworker did. I think it’s weird that he noticed/cared what you had on. Sal on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194868 Thu, 13 May 2021 07:32:26 +0000 Sal 2194868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting - what people notice. I mostly just wear my gear to exercise except for the occasional weekend day that might have a variety of activities in it (eg walk with friend, bike to watch sport, walk to local shops etc..)  In that case I usually choose particular leggings that feel better for being out and about. Sally on "out and about in your active wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-and-about-in-your-active-wear#post-2194867 Thu, 13 May 2021 07:05:05 +0000 Sally 2194867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @chewyspaghetti.  I am the same.  I find my yoga pants very comfortable for wearing to do yoga and for walking in the park but I feel undressed in other situations.  Even though my jeans were skinny, they felt more together and modest.   @fashionIntern. I don't care what other people wear either but he questioned me as to why I would change out of it.