What to Look for in Fitness Clothing Over 50
- Comfort & Fit: Look for pieces that allow full movement without being overly clinging. Soft fabrics and thoughtful cuts offer ease and confidence Feel Good Health & Fitnessa4fitness.com.
- Coverage & Support: Full-length leggings, high-waisted styles, and jacket tunics provide extra coverage—especially appreciated by many in this age group Prime WomenYoursSixty and Me.
- Moisture-wicking & Breathable Fabrics: Stay dry and cool with modern synthetics like poly blends; natural fabrics like bamboo and cotton are gentle and soft but may trap moisture Best Lifemodernlifejourney.coma4fitness.com.
- Safety Features: Reflective elements or bright shades are great for outdoor workouts to enhance visibility a4fitness.comFeel Good Health & Fitness.
- Functional Details: Items with pockets, adjustable fits, or easy layering designs (like front zips) are particularly helpful Woman’s Worldmodernlifejourney.comYours.
Brands & Styles Tailored for Over-50 Active Living
Any Age Activewear
Designed specifically by a founder in her late 60s, this brand aims to address fit and dignity for maturing bodies. Key offerings:
- Long High Collar Jacket: Longer cut for added bum coverage; sizes S–4XL Prime WomenWoman’s World.
- 15″ Skirted Leggings with Pockets: Combines coverage with mobility, featuring tummy-control waistband Woman’s World.
- 18″ X-Long Skort: Stylish yet functional, with built-in Bermuda shorts for activity comfort Woman’s World.
Highly rated by users for flattering fit and comfort:
“These are so flattering and cute… I feel very nice in these” – a “73-yr-old whose body is not thin” Woman’s World.
General Recommendations from Experts & Communities
- Sweaty Betty Seamless Vest: Breathable, chafe-free, and moisture-wicking — great for higher-intensity workouts Yours.
- Lululemon WunderTrain High-Rise Tight: Supports and flatters with soft, squat-proof fabric and adjustable waistband Yours.
- Lululemon Align Crop & Define Jacket, Wacoal High-Impact Underwire Bra, Brooks Ghost 15 Sneakers – excellent for yoga, comfort, support, and walking/running Sixty and Me.
- Lands’ End Active Relaxed Shorts: Moisture-wicking with UPF 50 protection and a flattering mid-rise Woman’s World.
Current Trends in Activewear for Over 50s
- Vibrant Colors & Smart Designs: Leggings like Lululemon’s “Fast and Free” come in bright hues and offer pockets and light support Sixty and Me.
- Eco-Conscious Choices: Girlfriend Collective offers leggings made from recycled materials—stylish and sustainable Sixty and Me.
- Moisture + UV Protection: Like Nike’s Dri-FIT Swift Element UV tops for staying cool and protected outdoors Sixty and Me.
Quick Reference Table
Need / Preference | Recommended Clothing & Features |
---|---|
Extra coverage & flattering | Long jackets, skirted leggings, high-rise pants (Any Age Activewear) |
Moisture management | Seamless vests, Dri-FIT, breathable synthetics (Sweaty Betty, Nike) |
Comfort & support | High-waisted leggings, supportive bras, cushioned sneakers |
Practical design | Adjustable waistbands, pockets, easy layering |
Fashion-forward & sustainable | Girlfriend Collective, bold colors from Lululemon, eco-fabrics |
🏋️♂️ Gym Wear Essentials for Over-50s
Tops
- Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts & Tanks
- Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics (Nike Dri-FIT, Under Armour Tech, Lululemon Swiftly Tech).
- For women: options with a looser fit around the midsection can feel more flattering.
- For men: performance tees with stretch allow full range of motion.
- Long-Sleeve Layers or Zip Jackets
- Great for warm-up and cooldown without overheating.
- Brands like Any Age Activewear offer longer cuts for extra coverage.
Bottoms
- Leggings or Tights (Women)
- High-waisted for support and coverage (Lululemon Align, Sweaty Betty Power Leggings).
- Skirted leggings (Any Age Activewear) add modesty without restricting movement.
- Track Pants or Training Shorts (Men & Women)
- Elastic waists, tapered ankles for men (Adidas Tiro, Yorkshire Over 50’s Elite Track Pants).
- Shorts with built-in liners or relaxed fit (Lands’ End Active Shorts, Nike Flex).
Supportive Undergarments
- Sports Bras (Women)
- Prioritize comfort and support without digging (Wacoal High-Impact, Anita Active).
- Compression Shorts/Undergarments (Men & Women)
- Helpful for stability, circulation, and preventing chafing.
Footwear
- Cross-Trainers / Gym Sneakers
- Cushioning for cardio + stability for weights.
- Brooks Ghost, Asics Gel-Kayano, or Nike Metcon for more structured training.
Accessories
- Sweatbands or Lightweight Caps for sweat control.
- Fingerless Training Gloves if lifting weights — protects joints and grip.
- Gym Bag with compartments for easy organization.
✅ Quick Shopping Guide
Activity in Gym | Best Clothing Options |
---|---|
Weight Training | Supportive leggings/shorts, breathable tee, training shoes |
Cardio (treadmill, bike) | Moisture-wicking top, compression leggings/shorts, cushioned sneakers |
Group Classes (yoga, Pilates, Zumba) | Stretch leggings, longer top or jacket, flexible sneakers |
General Training | Pockets, adjustable waistbands, layers for temp control |
Final Thoughts
For over-50 activewear, the sweet spot balances comfort, support, and dignity—with pieces that move with you, flatter your figure, and suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re after specialist brands like Any Age Activewear, or evergreen favourites like Lululemon and Sweaty Betty, there’s plenty to feel confident and comfortable in.