What pants are you wearing to the gym? - YouLookFab Forum

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What pants are you wearing to the gym?

Jeanie

Veteran

I joined a gym a few weeks ago. It was time....enough said My workout wear is rather sad. I noticed that most women are wearing yoga pants or leggings but I am not feeling like wearing anything so bodycon right now. I would really like a nice track pant and I am on the curvy side. I love Athleta but I am not on an Athleta budget right now. Any suggestions?

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

These are on sale and are a fave with me and others on the forum! http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=232220022

Gap Lined City Jogger

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13

Sal

Veteran

I go to the gym with a group of women of all ages and sizes. I am in NZ but I think now people are much less worried about what they wear than they used to at the gym.

We have a mix of
shorts - longer and shorter
tights - short, below the knee and long
baggy capri pants
And all sorts of tees and tanks, some loose and some fitted.

The good thing is that most sports gear dries super quickly so you don't need large amounts of it:)

Enjoy.

Louise

Veteran

My favourite bottoms for the gym are skirted leggings. Mine are quick dry wicking material. I wish I'd bought more pairs as when they're in the wash I have to wear jersey type boot cuts which aren't as practical x

Lisa

Veteran

I used to like Gap but their latest line the material is too thin for my taste. I've had success with Under Armor and Zella. While I wear the Zella capris I noticed a few styles that are not as body con.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....n=category
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....n=category
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....n=category

Nebraskim

Veteran

I buy almost all my gym wear at Target and like the C9 brand by Champion. I am a size 12-14 so not at all thin, but I run three to five miles three times a week and lift weights. I've worked out for 30 years and used to teach aerobics/STEP classes. My advice is be comfortable but try to avoid a lot of loose baggy stuff as it gets in your way, can make you too hot, and makes you look bigger than more form-fitting garments. I prefer compression-type pants in particular because it offers support for muscles and controls the jiggle a bit. I also think the wearing of old, ripped, stained T-shirts is the biggest workout clothing sin. Cotton shirts and socks hold in the sweat and are uncomfortable. Look for items with names like Dri-max as they wick moisture and are more comfortable. You don't need to look fashionale nor spend $99 on pants to get a great workout.

Laurinda

Veteran

Congratulations on getting going at the gym Jeanie!

I wear size 14 or 16 or XL in bodycon exercise gear -- I'm curvy and there is no hiding it! Really, everyone else is too focused on their own form and appearance to care much about others, but wear what is comfortable for you. I would not spend more than $10 - $15 for a pair of workout capris. I like Tek Gear from Kohl's and the Xersion brand from JCP -- both often on sale plus those stores have frequent coupons. Marshall's and TJMaxx are hit or miss for me, but I've found good shorts and capris there. Target is also a good source.

I admit I only wear black or dark gray colors so they go with all my tops and are not so conspicuous. Side panels tend to be more slimming. I agree with Nebraskim on looking for moisture wicking fabrics, I look for some lycra/spandex content for shaping, and a long rise so I don't moon anybody. Oh, and bend over and check the back view in a mirror to see if your knicker color suddenly becomes apparent *blush*.

Mellllls

Veteran

i feel ya...especially now. what type of activity do you do at the gym? i like velour pants for yoga. might be too warm for too much cardio.

Meredith

Veteran

I think your idea of a loose track pant sounds great. I agree with the others that wicking fabrics that aren't too heavy are important for comfort and mobility. Take a look at these options from Khols. They might still be tighter than you want around your backside, but on the whole they are nice and loose. I own the Nike pants.

http://m.kohls.com/kohlsopenap.....earch=true

http://m.kohls.com/kohlsopenap.....earch=true

http://m.kohls.com/kohlsopenap.....earch=true

Meredith

Veteran

More thoughts....

What about these basketball pants? They might be heavy for the gym, though. http://m.adidas.com/us/3-stripes-pants/775640.html

These look amazingly comfy and loose: http://m.adidas.com/us/boyfrie.....30024.html

puppycat

I wear loose fitting yoga pants from Old Navy's workout range and a teeshirt/sweatshirt. I am plus size and have no desire to draw attention at the gym so I just size up a tad and avoid the skintight look.

ATLynn

Veteran

I like basketball pants like what Meredith posted when I'm not feeling the body con.

But... if you do find you need tights/leggings for one of your activities, compression fabric is AMAZING. I like the stuff from Old Navy -
http://www.oldnavy.com/product.....-women.jsp

Nebraskim

Veteran

Adding: if you sweat much during your workout, then I would personally avoid lighter gray bottoms because they will show sweat marks in unflattering ways. While most of my bottoms are plain black (and I agree that Kohl's is a good place to look; hate the store otherwise but they often do have good gear at good prices), I am starting to be enamored of the heavily patterned pants in colors like purple, etc. Patterns can cammoflage (sp?) the lumps and bumps a bit, plus they're just a lot of fun right now.

Jeanie

Veteran

dashielle- thanks for the notice on the Athleta sale. I didn't even look there because they almost never have a sale.
kiwigal - It's nice to know that I won't need too many items.
Louise - I've never tried on skirted leggings but I will have to give them a try. They may be perfect for coverage worries.
Lisa - I like the Zella pants you linked to. I am with you on the thickness of the fabric. Some of the pants I've looked at are just too thin to work for me.
Nebraskaskim - I've haven't tried any of the new compression pants. Maybe all that support would make me feel less self conscious. I have taken note not to wear anything too baggy. I do like having pockets but I notice when I fill them I look like a bag lady.
Laurinda - thanks for the support. I forgot about Kohls. I will check out what they have. They seem to always have sales. I think for now I will be sticking to dark colors on the bottom too.
Melllls - Ahhhh, velour sounds lovely for yoga. I am doing cario and weights at the gym so need something to stay cool but covered. I do wear yoga pants to the yoga studio and in our current 10 degree weather velour sounds lovely.
Meridith - I like those Nike pants and will check them out. Thanks.
puppycat - Looks like there are 2 votes for Old Navy. We have one close by. I will check it out. They have good prices and sales.
ATLynn - I am definitely going to check out some compression pants. I was wearing a compression support on my knee and it was so springy. I am imagining that pants may make me feel springy all over!! Yes?
I love all this advice. Now I can target my shopping.

Thistle

Veteran

Zella from Norstroms. A bit expensive, but they look new after a year and a half of use.

Old Navy is decent too, for the price.