Workout Clothes as Fashion

Be happy you don't live in Wisconsin were Packer sweatshirts and jeans are considered appropriate for weddings and funerals.

Yeah I wore workout clothes frequently when my kids were younger and we were on the go. After all, being a mom/homemaker is all about moving, stretching, bending, squatting, etc. so workout clothes make sense to me.
And I suppose "comfort" is an individual preference. Yoga pants and other soft, stretchy spandex feels GOOD to me because, well, I don't buy it too small for one thing, it actually fits, and if it's good quality it feels like a second skin, soft and sleek not tight or binding. I find baggy, loose clothing annoying when I'm being active.

Yes and no. For the woman who buy LuLu Lemmon, yes I think those woman wear work out clothes as fashion. I know they do. Because I often ask, did you work out? The answer is usually no. However, I think that as a mom trying to stay fit with small kids, there's not a lot of time for changes of clothes. Especially the effort it takes to get into tight sports bras and spandex. I know I for example often wake up and put on my work out clothes because I know If I"m not all ready wearing them, its one more reason for me not to work out. I see this everywhere where I live. But since most of the moms who do it have great bodies, I give them the benefit of the doubt. I personally restrict my spandex to errands run before or after workouts, around the house, and walks were I may let my kids catch tad poles after.

It's not anything new around here. It's comfortable and I think women wearing work out clothes often look more pulled together than the super casual jeans and t-shirt crowd. Most "Mom" days require lots of walking, schlepping and carrying, that's a bit of a workout in itself.

Can you imagine if we were debating what a man was wearing? Do we even notice unless they are super slobby or really dressed up?

I don't want to pick apart your question but I've really been thinking about this type of thing lately.

The make-up no make-up, heels (or lack of) on the red carpet, over/under dressed, body insecurities etc. I think we as women need to focus more on what's really important in life and not so much on the superficial stuff. Sometimes I feel like it's all just a huge distraction that only females buy into. Imagine what we could do if we focused that energy elsewhere.

I really don't pay much attention to what other people wear.
At work, I have certain guidelines that I must go by to meet the office dress code.
Outside of work, I wear what I damn well please, and I don't care a murine glute what anyone else thinks about it.
I have been known to run around town in sweat pants and a wifebeater with no bra underneath.
I have been known to use a sports bra as a top, especiually for outdoor festivals.

ETA:
KM, why would a woman's level of respect for herself be determined by whether or not she showered between working out and going to the store?
If I've been working in the yard or on the car, and I realize when I finish that we are out of milk and peanut butter, I'm not going to stop and shower and change first just to ensure that I make a good impression on random strangers at Winn-Dixie. That's not a lack of self-respect on my part. It's sufficient self-respect that I don't seek validation in the opinions of strangers who would judge me by the sweat and dirt on my clothing.

Sorry, but I am one of those women, and I'm 45. I love my Lululemon. It is comfortable, fits well and is very flattering to my figure. I can pair yoga pants with a nice sweater, or with a tank top and yoga jacket, or I can pair tights with a long sweater, tunic or long blouse. They are the perfect clothes to wear out with the kids, grocery shopping, running errands etc. They are great to wear when working in schools (think getting down on the carpet with the kindergarten kids). My yoga stuff doesn't look sloppy. It is comfortable and looks put together. I don't wear it to church, or the symphony or for a job interview, but for the rest of my active lifestyle it works just fine. I've been buying Lulu for the last ten years, so I don't know about it being the latest thing.

I will go to the mall or run errands in workout clothes because I will either be going to physical therapy or will workout in my home gym. I wouldn't go to a restaurant in workout clothes but I will go pretty much every where else in exercise clothes. At 45 I simply don't care as much about what people think. Additionally, I think I look good in workout clothes😉

1985 is back in style - stretch (yoga) pants with long shirts, etc...

Personally, I wear what's comfortable. I have to dress a certain way for work, and when I'm not working, I want to be comfortable (and yoga pants are pretty comfortable).

ETA: I just read the other responses and I am taken aback at how strong/judgemental some of the opinions are. I don't really understand why I would care what others wear - I don't really even notice - and I certainly never figured anyone would notice/care what I wear.

(Not including work, where of course I follow the dress code)

Must preface this by saying I'm in California, whole different thing here.

Obviously tights or thin leggings where you can see everything from dimples to undies is completely wrong...Walmart wrong. There is a difference between cheap worn out ones and nice ones.

Good quality ones are completely acceptable and according to my 21 year old daughter they display the booty very well, even in this mom. Must wear a thong, granny panties won't fly. Speaking of flying, these are wonderful when you spend 12 hours in the airport and planes.

Spandex are comfortable for me at the gym, I wear the proper size.

It's completely common and normal on the west coast. So much that I feel rather dressed up when I wear jeans and a cute top and everyone else is in yoga gear. Most of the moms I know wear yoga/workout pants on a regular basis and only wear jeans or normal fabrics when they are going to a more special occasion. Then they break out the higher end fashion. I think it's great that they are comfortable enough to go around in sweats and no make-up. I'm not personally comfortable with that, but love to do that around the house. I live in a very active community though, so it's not unreasonable to assume that the moms wearing active wear are heading to or from a hike, bike, yoga, gym or whatever. We tend to live comfortably so we don't miss out on those experiences. In fact, this summer I've loved my lucy hiking capri's, because I notice that I have been much more active and do spontaneous hikes and workouts, when I wear them all day.

Honestly I think some women who are overweight find them more comfortable than a real waistband etc so are using any excuse to wear them all the time. Ironically, they are the people who should not be wearing them outside the gym. Just one more sign of Americans getting sloppier and sloppier.

ETA: I should add some workout clothes are really nice and I think fine for running around with kids and doing errands. But some people honestly look horrible. Am I judging? Sure. But I cant help but notice. I have eyes. Structured fabric or a skirt would just look much better.

Yes, it's the latest thing! I've read that jeans and regular clothing manufacturers are struggling because women are shlumping it up in workout gear instead.

It's time to bring back What Not to Wear! Can you imagine what Clinton and Stacey would have to say about this look?

I wear my yoga gear to actual yoga class. Workout clothes when working out. I dress in clothes clothes when I'm done.

I personally don't get it. Takes the same effort to put on regular clothes.

ETA: It always makes me wonder if they actually did just exercise? If so, am I about to be greeted with sweaty stink?

I sometimes wear yoga pants (not leggings, not compression pants, not bike shorts) while just out and about with the kid because they are quick and comfortable and a hair nicer than my sweatpants. I don't consider them too tacky but I also don't pair them with my workout shirts unless I'm actually going to work out.

ETA: My 20 yr old SD wears leggings as pants. I hate that whole trend. Leggings (especially sheer ones) are not pants. Tacky.

It drives me crazy. I see so many women in yoga pants I feel overdressed when I wear jeans. I get dressed in workout clothes then take my daughter to school. Then I workout shower and put jeans on. I'm at home almost all day and I do not want my husband to come home and see me dressed like a schlub.

I did see a woman at the grocery store in workout clothes and you could tell that she just got done working out...sweaty hair and all. Why? Do you not have any respect for yourself?

It's a total thing!!! I was in NYC last month for the first time in about a year and WTH??!! For the first time EVER (I used to live there), no one was in jeans anymore. It was all about workout leggings on EVERYONE. Not just pricy designer "lounge sweats" (also still trendy for women and men), or the usual yoga pants we've all been seeing for yeeeears, but full-on, polyester, air-wicking, icky workout leggings. With blazers and scarves and regular purses: Clearly not on the way to or from the gym. I also noticed that in the regular shop windows most big stores had workout wear displays. Even the stores who don't usually carry workout wear. And now, out here in central PA way behind NYC, I'm seeing them on locals too. Just saw a girl in the parking lot at Wegman's wearing spandex athletic leggings with a regular lace-detailed top, normal purse, up-do, nice sunglasses, dangly earrings, not sweaty....

It's not any crazier than any other trend I guess. At my age though, even though I keep my butt in shape, structured jeans are more flattering. I wouldn't wear leggings of any type without a long tunic top over. If I was young I might....I've worn worse :)

@KBell, good points about not getting too distracted by fashion. But I LOVE FASHION. And I'm a well-rounded, intelligent feminist. You don't have to be unstylish to be deep. I get bored with looks for sure and love to see new things. For the most part we don't pick apart men because their styles don't change much. Their world is less fabulously diverse than ours...and I don't pick apart womens fashions or lack thereof. Good fashion brings joy not sorrow...I'm inspired by women who can throw together a great outfit..it makes me up my game and that's not a bad thing...and when someone lacks fashion, that's no crime either!!! I don't mind the moms in their slippers and Spongebob jammies at the bus stop. Whatever floats your boat....I say, if people can't say anything nice..well, you know the rest...

I noticed this TOO in the last year!

When I was on maternity leave from work last year for a couple months and taking my middle daughter to/from preschool every day for the first time, I was like "look at all these b****s in their workout clothes! Must be nice to have time to work out daily!". Finally I realized that this is just what SAHM's wear. Very few of them are actually working out, ha! Though most of them looked damn good and it did not do much for my post-baby body self esteem.

It's totally a thing, and teenage girls wear the workout gear around town too, and to school.

I think I kinda like it for two reasons: 1) workout gear is much cuter than it was 10 year ago, and 2) people are lazy and it's great to wear the same thing that's comfy around your house, to the store, etc.

Personally I would stop worrying about what others wear. Maybe they have ostomy bags they are trying to cover up? Or diabetic pumps they're trying to hold in?

I'd rather see cute, comfortable work out clothes on a busy mom out and about with her kids, because at least she's out and aboutt doing something with her kids and not dressed like Walmart shoppers.

I've never goven it that much thought.
The yoga pants/big sunglasses phase seems to have passed.
I don't really care what anyone wears, not do I care if they approve of what I wear.
Typically, my work out clothes are for the gym.
Traditional "sweatpants"? Wouldn't own a pair. They look sloppy and I imagine O. would feel sloppy in them. Same with matchy-match tops & bottom sets!

Some people just desperately need to wear muumuus and skip the spandex altogether.
After seeing muffin tops, camel toes, and people (not always just women) who look like over stuffed sausages - I don't want to ever advocate burqas but sheesh, I can see they've got a point.

The work out gear I have noticed lately are almost airbrush patterns...I could deal with black...but when your teeny tiny booty is all sparkled and swirly-ed up perched on your teeny tiny bike seat..that hurts my eyes and makes me cring...and wonder why an adult misses 2nd grade so much.

J. G.----it's not a new thing around here.

I love you, Suz T! And also think K-Bell, Mynewnickname, and Fuzzy hit it on the head.

I simply don't care what others wear. None of my business.

There are several grocery stores near my gym. Can't believe anyone would expect me to go home and shower before entering one. I'm not sorry in the least about stopping at any of them to get what our family needs on my way home. Anyone who thinks I should go home to shower and change first? Yeah, right. Should construction workers, pool maintenance folks, landscapers also have to go home to shower and change before entering the grocery? Not be allowed in the sub shop to get lunch? To stop at the drug store to pick up a prescription?

It has nothing to do with self-respect. Has everything to do with my time, which is the most precious commodity we have. Surely not going to waste mine on worrying about what other people think I should be wearing/doing.

Wish you could all see me now. I'm heading outside to paint some chairs!. Lovey old yoga pants and an old Nike workout shirt. I'm a vision. : )
If I run out of paint, I'll put on some lip gloss before heading to home depot!

J. F.

I noticed this too, except it was when I saw the moms wearing the tiny Lululemon skirts with the ruffles across the bottoms. At first I thought they had come from tennis or other workouts, but then I realized it was just because they had great legs and wanted to wear tiny skirts.

If I had a better figure I'd try to find a way to wear those, too.

Yeah, it's a thing around here. I figure that if you spend enough time at the gym to look great in your workout clothes, might as well wear them whenever. Me personally, I'm fairly curvy, so usually I wear my workout gear to the gym, and then I have a whole slew of maxi dresses to wear during the hot summer. I feel like it's cooler to wear clothes that don't compress me so much when it's so hot out!

There so many cute clothes out this summer. It is so darn hot and humid down here, anything that is not cotton, is unbearable, but I still see women wearing these clothes.

When I was in retail I loved when they walked into the store. I knew they wanted to wear something other than work out clothing/yoga pants (gag) , but either hated shopping , did not have time, Or were clueless about what they looked good in. I would throw them into a fitting room and send in fabulous clothes.. They always looked so much better, and they would come back for ore.

Moms are busy. Career women without kids are busy, but we deserve to look good.

If you are not a shopper, grab a friend that is and have her tag along on a shopping trip.. Get out of those old workout clothes and those very tired Yoga pants!

I have no preference or care much for what others wear.

I do despise seeing someone who is grossly overweight wearing the spandex when they needs a few sizes bigger.

It hurts my eyes, lol.

As for me, I like to look nice where ever I go. I dress everyday, typically my cute straightleg jeans and top or shorts and top. I wear anything that enhances my figure and that I look nice in. I do not own a pair of sweats.

My absolute pet peeve is seeing tights (spandex, skin tight pants) EVERYWHERE, with no coverage. I don't know how this became a "thing." They don't even look good on most people.

It's huge in south Florida. Literally and figuratively. :P

Here moms wear yoga pants and zip up jackets/hoodies a lot. I don't even notice it. Nor do I care. It looks comfy. Mind you, this is at the grocery store, dropping kids off, going for walks, hanging out, playing with kids, etc. I don't go anywhere really fancy on a normal day, so seeing moms in this gear doesn't look out of place.

I have not seen the stretchy super workout gear you are describing worn in public yet ...

If I could wear yoga pants and be comfortable, I probably would. Right now, I am not comfortable with my body enough to wear them. While I do physiotherapy, I haven't been able to really exercise properly for years, and so body hugging clothes is not an option for me. I would at home, but not out. I'm really small (my illness has kind of shrunk me) but there are lots of hangy bits. Which I'm ok with, I just don't need to advertise them :)

The only time I find workout gear offensive is when there's just too much information. Like if I can see your anatomy too clearly .. they are either too cheaply made or go up a few sizes. Then it's hard not to notice. You kind of think "really????". But it's their choice. I just find camel toes and what not pretty nasty.

I have friends who rock yoga pants.

And I have a very overweight sister who wears work out gear because it's far more comfy than regular clothes. I get it.

After my pregnancies, I wore workout gear (but more like gym pants with elastic waistbands, not at all clingy) until my stomach resembled a stomach again. I just couldn't handle stuffing my tummy into a zipper and waistband.

Spandex ... not sure I'm dying to see that on most people. My husband at the height of his biking days, wore spandex bike shorts and he still wore regular shorts over them if he was in public. Just too much information :)

YES.

These mom even show up at 5 year olds' birthday parties in these tight spandex clothes. I think they must pay a lot of money because some of these women are showy with money (along with their bodies).