I am joining my friend Kim from Northern California Style for our monthly Signature
Style Series. This month we are chatting about Workout Wear. Reaching 50, 60 or 70 is a celebration of wisdom, experience, and a lifetime of accomplishments. As we enter this vibrant stage of life, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle becomes increasingly important. I am trying incorporate more workout time into my schedule. The right workout wear can make a significant difference in ensuring comfort, confidence, and functionality during whatever exercise we choose. Let’s take a look at the best stylish and supportive workout wear for women over 50.
Best Stylish and Supportive Workout Wear for Women over 50
In this post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing workout wear for women over 50 and highlight some stylish and comfortable options. Look for moisture-wicking materials, perhaps fleece lined or merino wool base layer options for this time of year.
Prioritize Comfort
Comfort is the cornerstone of any effective workout, and this becomes even more crucial as we age. Look for workout wear made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics such as spandex, nylon, or polyester. These materials help keep you cool and dry, reducing the risk of skin irritation and discomfort during exercise. Additionally, consider garments with flat seams to minimize chafing and irritation.
This sweatshirt from Old Navy is so good. I have it in nearly every color. I love my athleta crossbody for walks. It holds a water bottle and other necessities. It’s great for travel too.
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Supportive Sports Bras
A well-fitted, supportive sports bra is a non-negotiable when it comes to workout wear for women over 50. As the body undergoes changes with age, proper support is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing injuries. Invest in sports bras that offer ample support for your specific exercise routine, in a sweat-wicking material, whether it’s low-impact activities like yoga or hiking or high-impact exercises like running. I wear this bra from Amazon.
Stylish Designs for Confidence:
Feeling good in your workout wear is an integral part of staying motivated and confident during exercise. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of stylish and flattering options for women over 50. Opt for designs that complement your body shape and personal style. High-waisted leggings, loose-fitting tops, and layering options can provide a fashionable yet functional look for any workout
this jacket from Athleta could be a little longer in my opinion but it is a great weight and quite warm.
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Use Sun Protection:
For outdoor activities, consider workout wear that offers sun protection. Many activewear brands now incorporate UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) into their fabrics, providing an extra layer of defense against harmful UV rays. Look for long-sleeved tops, leggings, or hats that can shield your skin from the sun while keeping you comfortable during your outdoor workouts. If you wear a baseball cap like me be sure you cover your neck ears and face with plenty of sunscreen.
Best Workout Footwear
The best workout footwear includes shoes that are versatile, supportive, and durable. For women our age they also need to accommodate any foot issues we might have. I have been wearing the same basic new balance shoe for several years. I know there are other versions with much more hype but this New Balance shoe comes in a wide and accommodates my bunion. I just ordered this version of the New Balance Fresh Foam. I find if I don’t order the latest and greatest versions I can find better deals.
I have this Athleta vest (purchased last year) in this color and black. It covers the bum and is very flattering. I wear these two vests all winter long.
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The Strategist Best Workout Shoes for Women
Self Best Sneakers for all Types of Workouts
Favorite Workout Pants
The “best” workout, joggers, or yoga pants depend on your preferences, body type and fitness goals. Personally, I prefer ankle leggings with high waistbands because my legs are short. I want pockets when I am walking to stash my phone. I prefer high waisted so they don’t roll down, and I like mine with higher compression so they don’t show all the bumps and lumps. I am a big fan of Athleta. I have yet to try Lululemon but I know serious workout fanatics are big fans. I have also found the all in motion leggings at Target to be very good, if they have the color options I am interested in. I have these fleece lined leggings from Amazon that are great for walking or sitting at your desk!
This jacket from Lululemon is pricey but really well made. I find there items to run really small. I am wearing a large. I am wearing the amazon fleece lined leggings and the inexpensive H&M turtleneck tee.
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Comfortable Workout Tops
If your workout requires a hoodie, long sleeve shirts, tank tops, or a jacket, coverage is key. Sometimes they can show off just a little too much. This is not pretty at my age. Now that everything is cropped, it is really difficult to find shirts with proper coverage. Gap carries tall in their gap fit line. I usually order a tall to get the extra length. I ordered these turtleneck t-shirts on sale. I also have this marywool top from Amazon that is longer in length, light enough to feel like a second skin, and quite cozy this time of year. I also picked up this ribbed 25% recycled cotton shirt at H&M. It is a great baselayer as well.
Women’s Health Long Shirts to wear with Leggings
You might also enjoy my post from last year Workout Wear that will Want to Make you Workout.
I really like these leggings, but as one commenter pointed out, with a top that is too short, they can look “nude”. This shirt is great as a layer but the combo can look like “undergarments” if worn as is.
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This jacket from Zella is great. I purchased mine last year and wear it all the time. It is a great layer without being to heavy. Great for running from the gym to the grocery.
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Best Stylish and Supportive Workout Wear for Women over 50
Staying active and healthy is rewarding at any age, and having the best workout clothes can enhance the experience for those of us over 50 and beyond. Comfort is key. Consider support, and style when selecting your active wear, and remember that feeling good in what you wear is an essential part of staying motivated. With the right workout outfits, you can confidently embrace fitness at fifty and beyond, celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty that come with age. Thank you for reading the best stylish and supportive workout wear for women over 50. Please weigh in with any of your discoveries.
Now let’s pop over and visit my fashionable friend Kim. I know she has some great ideas for you.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
So many great pieces Cindy. I have to agree, it is a privilege to grow old and we have to move it or loose it. As for everything cropped…everything is for the young. Odd considering they say the largest generation of wealth is baby boomers. I guess they don’t want us to spend?
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Elizabeth
I had a horrible bug so I l was unable to do anything for over 10 days. Wow what a difference when you start moving after nothing for 10 days!!
Most of my exercise is ballet studio – so we wear leotard, tights and a longer chiffon wrap skirt in winter. In summer, we wear leggings and loose yoga-style tops.
My white yoga tops for ballet rest above my hipbone which gives me a good line in order to assess position and movement in the mirrors. The tops come from Amazon, as cheap as chips, and the leggings are beautiful high rise Lulu Lemon. Lovely quality.
I also walk my dog in my leggings, runners and a zip-up Lulu lemon top in varying colours – usually subtle and soft that help my complexion along. I always buy a size 14 (I’m usually an 8-10 and 5 foot 3 and slimmish). But the 14 gives me nice length over my bottom and so I just have the sleeves shortened and I nip in the side seams myself. For warmth I wear a quilted zipped UNIQLO jacket size medium/10. I have 3 colours of same.
Nothing is over-budget and everything lasts for an age.
Hi Prue
Lululemon sure does run small doesn’t it? I am going to have to try the leggings everyone raves about them.
I picked up the greatest black, quilted jacket at Walmart in the beginning of December; think it was Avia and something like $29. Most of my leggings come from Costco. I only wear them to exercise class or to walk. I golf about 4 times a week and look for knit pants with pockets to wear when it’s chilly. Talbots and Lands End usually have them.Living in SoCal desert the season for cold weather gear is extremely short so I don’t spend too much on winter gear.
Hi Linda
Don’t you love it when you find a great bargain somewhere when you don’t expect it?!!
My comment might upset some but I’m going to say it anyhow. When did leggings become pants? I see so many wearing them as their pants and their bottoms are not covered. It’s very unattractive when someone and most do, have a big or droopy bottom, young and old. Cover your butts ladies! And keep them for the gym not as everyday wear out to the store or coffee shop. How hard is it to put on a pair of jeans and look presentable?
I only wear mine to the gym with a longer top. When I leave the gym, I go home, shower, and change into jeans. When I walk, which I do daily, I wear jeans.
Leggings are work out bottoms not pants! Rant over!
I’m in agreement with you Joanna.
Ann
Hi Ann
I do like my leggings and I do wear them on errands, but I like to have my but covered!!
Hi Joanna
I wear workout clothes all the time! Guilty as charged but that is why I love the Old Navy sweatshirts that are more of a tunic length. I do keep my bum covered. I wish there weren’t so many cropped tops now!
How do we influence manufacturers to make workout clothing for us older women? Specifically, I find it difficult to find workout tops with short sleeves that aren’t dull fashion-wise, longer tops that cover my stomach, and longer wrap or zip jackets that cover my butt for running errands after a workout; especially in the summer. Also, right now in Colorado, we are having very low temps. I’m finding it hard to find a winter hat with a wide brim. I have been wearing ear muffs with my summer hat and I feel it’s a bad look.
Hi Lemon
Athleta has their CYA line that wqs great for several years. Everyyhing is cropped now which is really unattractive with leggings. Someone should start a line for women over 50!
Cindy great choices as always and you style everything so beautifully. I need one of those vests! Love the green . I have an old black one and find they are so good for sports and at home.
I am a fan of the Lululemon ankle leggings with two pockets and have worn them for years. I could probably use a pair iof your fleece lined ones for Tahoe!
I had the same issue finding shirts to cover my butt. Why do they think everyone wants cropped? Fine if you’re 20! I struggled so ordering tall is. a good tip.
Love doing this as always and Happy New Year!
Hi Kim
I do not understand everything being cropped, it is really annoying.
I go to the gym regularly. And I love leggings, etc and still want to look good……don’t we all? I’m a big fan of Athleta and also Zella brand from Nordstrom. Sports bras are a conundrum. My preference is to pull them down, not over my head. I’m fortunate to be tall and thin but I often size up in both leggings and sports bras. They seem more comfortable. Enjoy your blog
Hi Judy
Good tip about sizing up in sports bras. They certainly can be restricting!
For me, I personally don’t care for anything tight fitting. I prefer a nice drape probably similar to a yoga pant style. Many on the market are tight like leggings. Sports bras that I must pull over my head drive me batty!:0)….I wish more were made with hooks as when I get hot and sweaty it’s so hard to pull those over my head to take off. The vests are helpful in keeping the fanny covered. I’m short and petite so thank goodness many things run long on me for coverage.
The cheesecake recipe story from your friend was so lovely..what a wonderful group of friends you have. So sweet.
Hi Lori
I buy talls if I can to make sure I am covered. I love that vest because you can throw it on if you have errands to do and has a clean flattering look.
I enjoy taking classes at my local recreation center. Combination strength/cardio, with fun music and friendly people are my favorite. The best part is that I work harder than I ever would by myself, and in one short hour, I’ve done it all. The rec center is the most social place in town! It’s just buzzing with people of all ages.
My favorite leggings are by Vuori. I like the Daily, and Clean Elevation. I also like Lululemon Align. They are very soft. I only get dark colors, in case of sweat.
I just saw an article in the New York Times Wirecutter section. They recommended these leggings as their bargain pick- IUGA High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, I ordered a pair, in Forest Green. I was specifically looking for leggings with a phone pocket for long walks outdoors. I hope they work for me!
I recently got a sweatshirt by Athleta that “CYA”. I also got a quilted Barbour jacket that is also a bit longer. Both will help if I need to run a few errands after working out.
I think my New Year plan is to get dressed in comfortable workout clothes every morning, and try to work in some activity every day.
Hi Lisa
Thank you for all the tips. My husband and kids love vuori. Maybe if I lost a few pounds they would be more flattering on me.
At first glance,
The tan leggings make up look naked from the waist down
Hi Cara
Ha that is my point..longer shirts to cover the bum! I should have made that clearer!
I totally agree, tan leggings are the worst! I’ve seen women on the street and at first glance you think they forgot their pants.
Hi Jane
I sure got a big fat X for my tan leggings! I actually like them but with a longer shirt!
Being large breasted and older, I find it challenging to get into many of the sport bras on the market. I like the one you are featuring but it looks like a challenge!!! Do you step into it and pull it up or do you put it on from overhead?? I currently wear Natori Yogi Convertible Sport bra with adjustible straps and hooks in the back. I am not exhausted getting into this one and it offers great support but I would like a change with the same support and ease getting on.
Hi Cathy
I take it over my head because I have a large bottom. They take a little wiggling to get into, but it is a good one!
i found SheFit sports and leisure bras are my go to bras. they front zipp and hook to make getting on eaiser.
i sized up because i find they run tight , so there is no bounce.. they come with removable pads , which i do not use and what best they have a trial period to make sure your comfortable . make sure to get them on sale .
Hi Pamela
I will check out shefit. Fastening in front would be easier11
Do you know of any good lower rise leggings? I don’t care for the high rise ones, but they seem to be the only choices right now.
Hi Kay
Wow that is a good question. I would try ebay or poshmark. I think most people like the higher rise ones because they don’t slip down.