I wear my running tights around the place...actually I just walk for an hour these days. I need to buy more gear as it gets to the laundry and I have nothing to wear. I'm quite casual and I'm into incidental exercise...I never go to the gym, so it suits me to be ready to do something. I'll bike but mainly walk as much as I can.

Angie, I hear you. The gear is so associated with the actual activity it seems not at its place outside of it. And in a sense, it's right. This falls in the same category as why we do some activities at certain times on certain days on a regular basis: a trick to get us psyched to do the activity. For me, having gear just for my physical activity is a way to insure I keep doing that activity, and that it doesn't just degenerate into something else. I once tried to get a very sedentary friend to start walking/running with me. He couldn't understand why I would use precious walking for something that didn't involve anything practical like going to buy some bread or running an errand. And I spent the entire time we had explaining that this was precisely the point: walking with no other purpose than working out one's body. He never understood. But for me, it's almost sinful to "use" that time for some functional, utilitarian goal, it's profane! This logic extends to the clothes. Although I have tried to bring my working out gear out of its working out gear drawer, it doesn't feel right. I have tried in the past to justify my lavish, overpriced Lululemon indulgences in that way - Oh, but I could use that to also do this... and that... . And the only times it has worked for me was while travelling. Workout gear can be useful if you have to keep it on you for a long time, because the fabric is made for handling your sweat and keeping your body at a certain temperature, and because it is less of a drama if it gets dirty, it dries very quickly, and wrinkle less. But other than travel, it doesn't happen. I am not a miss casual-cargo-yoga pants gal. I dress normally (i.e. outfits) to go to the gym and change there. It takes me a little more time on the spot, but saves me a ton once at home, as I am already changed and showered. I have started in the last couple of years to re-equip myself at Winners, and so far, it has served me and my wallet well.

I've already posted that I'm in camp gear for the gym/workouts. Just
adding that I have no problem being seen out and about in gear.....I
sometimes take the bus to and from the gym IN my Lulu gear and could care less what anyone thinks. It's just
not my preferred look for the rest of the day.

As for feeling "strong and athletic" when wearing gear or needing to wear gear to get motivated to exercise.....I don't understand this. At almost 53 I'm working out harder than I ever have in my life and it shows. I feel strong and athletic and healthy no matter what I'm wearing. And, my motivation is how I look and feel....I just stick to my workout schedule and don't make excuses.

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:

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.

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.

3. My gear silhouettes aren't significantly different from other silhouettes I wear regularly.

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.

(ETA: I missed Una's response earlier, but I agree with this 100%:

"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."

Yes!)

I can't wear sports gear outside of the gym unless I have just left the gym to go home. 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.

I felt this way about scrubs - I worked in a medical office, and everyone on staff wore them, including the business office. They were mandatory. I hated everything about them.

I would bring a change of clothes to work, and put those on before leaving work for the day. 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.

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. I don't mind this, because it means I've just done something that makes me happy, with people who make me happy

I only change if I'm horribly sweaty. Otherwise I wait until I get home.

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 how you feel in an outfit. If it makes you feel less than fab - take it off. If it makes you feel fab - leave it on!

Well said, Angie. I'm all for supporting happiness. Do and wear whatever makes you feel great.

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"

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.

"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.

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.

I love my exercise gear but the most I ever wear it to not exercise is a quick trip to the grocery store.

No yoga classes, Pilates, or gym membership. I've never even tried on yoga pants! I wear hiking gear pants and gear tops for my exercise walking, only. They are too ugly and disgusting looking to wear elsewhere, but they are super functional. I need to replace everything, especially the pants, but I haven't seen anything nearly as functional with all the pockets that I like.

The Athleisure and Sporty Luxe looks are so not me -- unless you count shiny silver and gold sneakers! I think I am more comfortable with a more urban look.

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. I think the way the clothes were sweaty etc had something to do with it. Once a friend talked me into going to an art opening after yoga and I did not have regular clothes with me. Even though the yoga pants were flowing, so could pass for a cropped knit palazzo, I felt so uncomfortable the whole evening. I remember nothing about the art opening except it was in Santa Monica, and that I was so uncomfortable.

If that friend had asked me to have coffee or to go grocery shopping I think I would have been fine. So I'm probably in the middle with this question.

Quote from an unknown source:

"Small kids, drunks, and yoga pants always tell the truth."

Good to know!

This is such an interesting thread. 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. The boundaries for me are quite fluid. On the other hand, I feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable wearing outdoor shoes in the house - that's a very clear boundary for me.

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!"

I need to go and read all the responses. The few I glanced at look fascinating.

I do not wear gear that I actually exercise in, for anything other than exercising (and maybe travel ling to and fro). However I DO hang out in Lululemon yoga pants at home in the evenings and on weekends. The pants I have are not skin tight typical yoga pants though, they are the "still" pants which look like wide leg trousers. I wear these with tees and a hoodie if needed. Perfectly acceptable to be in if someone comes to the door, or for a walk to the mailbox. But I generally do change to go out. Unless it's to Walmart

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.

Agreeing with a lot of what Jenn wrote above.

My days are varied and unstructured as well, and my husband's schedule is different day to day and week to week. So sometimes that spontaneous activity accounts for a good portion of our exercise. For instance, yesterday I put on gear shorts and a tank first thing. Did some work around the house, got in a weight workout in my basement, fixed lunch for the family, worked in the garden a bit, and then decided to go for a long walk. 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.

I also live in an outdoorsy town, where you see lots of people running, biking, walking dogs, going hiking, etc. 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. 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. It's never bothered me to see someone in gear. In fact, I like the energy and vibrancy of the community. I find it contagious!

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!

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.

So it's no wonder I feel absolutely no self-consciousness about being out and about in my running/workout gear.

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!

Angie, this is such an interesting observation. I too have some very conflicted feelings on this topic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

*as soon as the sporting is done* - ah, I love Europeans

I talk like that too, lisap. Imagine BBC English with extra expletives and you're halfway there.

I love it!

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.

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.

Una, love your attitude on this! 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!

This discussion has been so interesting. Lots of food for thought!

I feel the same way about shoes in the house too Una and clothes without stretch.
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. "

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...

I love wearing my yoga gear -- it's super comfy to me. Since I teach yoga as a side gig, I am always out & about in my gear before/after classes.

I am another European who likes to get out of gear
"as soon as the sporting is done" 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

ballroom dancing, which has the prettiest gear imaginable: sexy tops, full swishy skirts etc. (attached a few images for fun). I feel great in my gear while doing appropriate stuff but not the like the feel of those materials on my skin otherwise. At home I mainly in comfy loose loungewear, that is cotton rich in the summer and wear my of cashmere sweaters in the winter.

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.