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.

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.

Thanks for sharing your views and comments all.

It’s always interesting to see others perspectives.

Oh! Just reading about the woman running sans bra makes me wince! I’m on the lower end of bust size, but I want the girls locked and loaded when I’m doing anything vigorous! 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!

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 work and walking around town.

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.

So I think workout clothes are probably unnecessary for most people, unless that is part of their regular wardrobe.

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.

https://www.popflexactive.com/.....lARIsABGGt

For me sports bra (often not that cute) and specialist shoes are a must..... It depends what you do and where you go.

I attend a lot of sports events for my not for profit role - and I know a lot of athletes (mostly age groupers). 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. They should have the gear on - I get that. 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".

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.

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. And that there is a different perspective.

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.

That said, for light hiking and archery, my regular clothes are just fine!

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.

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

FWIW, if I was a serious runner, skier, swimmer, or cyclist - I would absolutely deck out in gear!

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.

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!

It’s awesome when you see that type of participation.

I actually like sports gear and could wear it happily all day - and sometimes do.