A reader recently asked what I actually wear to the gym. She’s struggling to find workout gear that looks pulled together without resorting to crop tops and bralettes—and that pretty much sums up how I feel too. I want workout clothes that feel comfortable and functional, but are also flattering (and forgiving) when it comes to midlife weight fluctuations and changing proportions.
Vuori Halo Modern Zip Hoodie // Vuori Energy Long Tank // Vuori Clean Elevation Leggings // On Cloud sneakers (9)
I’m at the gym for strength training and Pilates three to five days a week, and I’ve settled into a few go-to styles that I reach for on repeat. In the heat of summer, I might swap leggings for shorts, but otherwise, I pretty much wear the same general “uniform” year-round.
The Flattering, Functional Gym Gear I Wear on Repeat
Here’s my go-to gym uniform and how it breaks down.
The Tank Top (The Hardest Piece to Get Right)
Vuori Energy Top // Vuori Evolve Leggings // Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie
I have searched high and low for a workout tank that checks all the boxes, and honestly, it feels a bit like a unicorn. I don’t wear racerback sports bras (I prefer traditional straps) so the tank has to fully cover the bra. That alone eliminates a lot of options.
Fit is the other big hurdle. I don’t like tanks that are long and sloppy, but I also don’t want them so short that they don’t cover the fluffy stuff. There’s a very specific sweet-spot length I’m always looking for. I also don’t want anything swingy or overly drapey, and I definitely don’t want it tight or clingy.
So basically what I’m looking for is a tank that skims the body without clinging, offers real bra coverage, and stays put while I move. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found two tanks that actually work.
Zella Breathe Active Tank
Zella Breathe Active Tank (M) // Vuori Clementine Shorts (M) // On Cloud sneakers (9)
The Zella Breathe Active Tank hits almost all of my requirements. It fully covers a traditional sports bra, has great shoulder coverage (my favorite detail), and skims the body without being tight. It’s a tiny bit shorter than my ideal length with leggings, although it’s perfect with shorts. It comes in several colors, although it does seem to be selling out, so if you see your size, don’t wait.
Vuori Energy Top Long
Vuori Halo Modern Zip Hoodie // Vuori Energy Long Tank // Vuori Clean Elevation Leggings // On Cloud sneakers (9)
The Vuori Energy Top Long is the tank that really nails the length for me. It hits the perfect sweet spot with leggings—not so long that it looks schlumpy, but not so short that it feels revealing. It’s sleeveless but still covers the bra, even with a slightly cutaway shoulder. It’s not swingy or clingy. The fabric skims the body beautifully, making it comfortable for both strength training and Pilates. It comes in a bunch of colors and is my go-to at the moment.
The Sports Bra (Support Without Fuss)
Zella Breathe Active Tank // Vuori Clean Elevation Leggings // On Cloud sneakers (9)
I’m pretty particular about my sports bras, too. I want them to be comfortable, supportive, and invisible under my tanks. I don’t love racerback styles because they’re a workout in and of themselves just to get into. While they do tend to offer more support (and can be a good option for high-impact workouts), they’re just not my preference unless they’re truly necessary.
Since my workouts are mostly strength training and Pilates, I don’t need high-impact support, but I do want everything to feel secure. The bra I’ve had the best luck with is the Wacoal Lindsey Sport Contour Underwire Bra. (You can also get it on Amazon and Zappos.)
It’s technically a convertible sports bra, so if you do need racerback straps, that option is there, but I wear it the traditional way. But what I love most is that it separates, molds, and shapes more like a regular bra, while still offering the support of a sports bra. It feels secure without feeling restrictive, which is exactly what I want for my workouts.
The Leggings (The Foundation of the Uniform)
Leggings are the foundation of my gym uniform, so I tend to stick with styles that feel comfortable, move well, and look flattering through a full workout. I want enough stretch for Pilates, enough support for strength training, and a waistband that feels secure without digging in. After trying a lot of pairs over the years, I’ve landed on two favorites that serve slightly different purposes.
Vuori Elevation Leggings
Athleta Inlet Jacket (M) // Athleta tee (M) // Vuori Elevation Leggings (M)
The Vuori Elevation Leggings are my everyday go-to. They’re incredibly soft and stretchy, with a high waistband that doesn’t bind at the waist or create extra lumps and bumps—or highlight pantylines and cellulite. The fabric is forgiving and comfortable, which is why I keep reaching for them.
The tradeoff is that they can slide down a bit during workouts, which I don’t love. That said, I’ve tried countless leggings over the years, and for me, these still strike the best overall balance of comfort, flexibility, and wearability. They’re also available at Nordstrom, and both Vuori and Nordstrom offer free returns, which makes it easy to try a couple of sizes or styles without much risk.
SPANXshape Booty Boost Full Length Leggings
SPANXshape Booty Boost Full Length Leggings (M) // Athleta tank (M) // Xero Wynn c/o (8.5) // workout gloves
I recently discovered the SPANXshape Booty Boost Full Length Leggings, and they’ve become my go-to when I want more compression and shaping. They lift and smooth, and the waistband is high without feeling overly restrictive. They do take a little effort to get on, but once they’re on, they stay put.
They’re seamless, don’t create the dreaded camel toe, and give a more sculpted look overall. I don’t wear these for every workout, but when I want everything locked in and supported, they’re a great option. These are also available at Nordstrom, which offers free shipping and free returns. (SPANX does charge a return fee, so that’s something to keep in mind.)
The Jacket Layer (For Warm-Ups and To & From)
I always wear a lightweight jacket to the gym, especially in cooler weather. It makes getting out the door easier and keeps me comfortable during warm-ups or the first few minutes of a Pilates class, before I’m fully warmed up. I have a few favorites, all from Vuori.
Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie
Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie (M) // Vuori Energy Top Long (M) // Vuori Evolve Leggings (M)
My go-to is the Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie. It slips on easily over a tank, zips up without feeling bulky, and looks good if you need to stop for errands on the way home. The fabric is lightweight and buttery soft, which makes it comfortable enough to keep on during warm-ups or the first 5–10 minutes of Pilates.
Vuori Halo Modern Zip Hoodie
I’ve also recently tried the Vuori Halo Modern Zip Hoodie, which has a more modern, slightly cropped fit. I like it, but I’ll admit it doesn’t look quite as good zipped up as the Halo Performance Hoodie, so I tend to reach for it more when I’m leaving it open.
Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket
When it’s cold but not quite cold enough for a coat, I’ll swap the lightweight hoodie for the Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket. It’s thicker and lightly insulated, so it offers more warmth for those in-between seasons. I won’t keep this one on as long during warm-ups, but it’s perfect when you want an extra layer outside without committing to a full winter coat.
The Winter Add-On: A Long Puffer Coat
Once winter really sets in, I add a long puffer coat over everything for the walk to and from the gym. It’s easy to throw on, makes cold mornings much more tolerable, and layers comfortably over all the workout gear above without feeling restrictive.
Aritzia Super Puff Long Climate (M) // Vuori hoodie (S) // Vuori Energy Top Long (M) // Vuori AllTheFeels™ Legging (M) // On Cloud sneakers (9)
My current favorite is The Super Puff™ Long – cliMATTE™ from Aritzia. It’s big, warm, and bulky in the best possible way, with serious insulation and a water-repellent outer layer that holds up well in winter weather. This is the coat I reach for when it’s truly cold outside.
Shoes & Socks (Quick but Important)
When it comes to footwear, I tend to prefer more minimalist sneaker styles for the gym because they offer better stability than the running shoes I wear for walking or running outside. That said, I’m not overly picky here.
Xero Wynn c/o (8.5) // Vuori Halo Modern Zip Hoodie (M) // Vuori Energy Long Tank (M) // Vuori Clean Elevation Leggings (M)
My current favorites are XERO Shoes, but I also rotate in my On slip-ons and occasionally my Brooks Ghost running shoes. It usually just comes down to what’s most convenient at the time.
For Pilates, I typically wear my On Cloud slip-ons to the studio and then switch into grippy socks once I’m inside.
I’m still firmly in the no-show sock camp for athletic socks, but I keep meaning to order a few crew socks to try with leggings and see how I feel about the look. I still prefer the look of a slimmer ankle, but I’m open to experimenting.
No matter the style, my favorite sock brands are Bombas and Balega. Both are soft and cushiony, hold up really well over time, and don’t shrink or start to feel skimpy after a few washes.
Finding a gym uniform that fits well and feels comfortable makes showing up so much easier, especially when it’s cold and dark outside. I hope this post helps you hone in on a simple uniform that works for you, and maybe discover a few new go-to pieces along the way.
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
33 Responses
Any more affordable active wear. Love the purple
Check Gap, Gap Factory, & Old Navy. I usually can find some good pieces through them. They also carry petites.
Props to you for looking put together to go to the gym, but I just have to chime in here, I’m a personal trainer and group instructor at a gym and a private Pilates studio and I just have to say I see very few women (exception is the 20 somethings who come in with full makeup and matching outfits bc they film and photo themselves) in cute outfits, let alone ones that match coming in to workout, most the women in my classes come to the gym in leggings or some type of sweat pant and a tank or cropped sports bra (for hot power yoga) or a t-shirt, when I teach barre, they add leg warmers and grip socks, they generally don’t even wear the same brand top and bottom or even care for that matter, always good shoes except the yoga and barre people and it’s usually slip on berks or booties but again it’s shoes off in the studio, but I’m in LA – so maybe demographics play into it.
I so appreciate this comment! I go to the “bougie-est” gym in town and very few women ( even the adorable sweet young things) are showing up in matching high-end outfits complete with a third piece.
To be clear, if a cute outfit helps you to get out there and make your health and fitness a priority…that’s awesome. But I would hate for someone to think they would need to add a high end workout wardrobe to the cost of a good gym membership!
I’m sorry if this comes across nasty..I have just spend two days visiting a family member who suffered a cardiac event this week. Fashion is fun but health and fitness needs to be our priority
Rilynne…. These type comments don’t need to be said. Jo- Lynne knows what she is doing and most of us like to look put together when we work out as it helps motivate to even get out the door. Whatever it takes to feel good. So that’s fine if you and your ladies come how they do. Let’s keep comments here positive please. Jo-Lynne works hard to put these post together for us and I appreciate this one.
Have to kindly disagree here – wearing a cute matching set is about the only thing getting me excited to go to the gym these days (I’m 47). Also, I don’t think Jo-Lynne was implying anywhere that anyone “needed” to wear any of these things in matching fashion – she’s just rounding up quality options as it is her job, and I appreciate the effort here. Let’s realize that this is a fashion blog giving fashion advice; nobody needs to infer anything else from it. If this isn’t the way you or people near you dress, no need to take her advice – keep it moving (or scrolling).
If anyone is looking for workout tops with more coverage, look at hiking tops! My go to tops are REI’s in house brand hiking tops, which work for walks and, hikes, but also strength training, aerobics, dance class, etc.
Thank you for this suggestion. I’m going to check these out.
What are the bottoms with the stripes you are wearing?
They’re this pair from Free People Movement.
Would you recommend the Wacoal bra for an everyday bra as well?
I typically like a more delicate bra for everyday, but I don’t sweat much at Pilates, so I don’t usually shower afterwards, and sometimes I keep the Wacoal sports bra when I put on real clothes for the day. It looks fine.
I keep hearing/seeing that The Youths have decided that leggings at the gym are out, but I cannot figure out what wider leg options I would be wearing instead – do we go the trackpants route? Bootcut yoga pants from the mid-2000s? 80’s style sweatpants?
Maybe slim jogger-type pants? When many were buying the Vuori leggings, I was drawn to their joggers. They were made of the same comfortable material but not as constrictive. I still wear mine regularly even though “joggers” aren’t trending now. They still look slimming to me, and there isn’t extra fabric at the legs that track pants or wide-leg athletic pants have. I am still very happy with any Zella (Nordstrom) piece that I ever bought!
No idea, everyone at my Pilates studio wears leggings.
JoLynne, what size are you wearing in the long Vuori tank? I’m really liking the look of it. Curious to know how it runs?
It’s a medium.
When I go to the gym, I need a little more coverage. I’m 123 lbs on a 4’11” height, and I’m 76 years old. I’m not like some people, I do care what I look like. I am chesty and somewhat muscular. What do you suggest for walking and weight training! Thanks for the post? 🌹
Hi Linda – I am also 4’11” and busty and have a very hard time finding supportive and attractive clothing to the gym, and I definitely don’t need to show cleavage. From Athleta, I like the Interval or the Vital sports bra. From Lululemon, I like the Energy bra or the Like a Cloud Longline bra. Then I’ll put a fitted tee or tank top over the top of them and make sure it’s not showing anything. I need support AND I want to look good.
Thank you Jenni!
This is what I wear for weight training… and walking, usually, too. The long puffer on the coldest days, and I love the Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket for in-between weather. Or the Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie in transition season.
Thank you Jo-Lynne!!
Now that I’m retired and have time, I spend quite a lot of it at my health club. I average 5-6 days per week and usually participate in 2 classes each day. Very rarely do I see matching outfits, even among the younger members. While I do understand wanting to look put together, I wear what is comfortable for the activity. I find that Quince has very reasonable prices on athletic wear and the items I’ve purchased are quite comparable to the leading brands. They fit much better and are of far better quality than other discounted brands (Old Navy, Target, etc).
Thanks for the Quince recommendation! I wouldn’t have thought to check that out! I also love Athleta and buy their pieces when they have sales (sometimes pretty deep discounts!!). Also Zella can be found for good prices at Nordstrom Rack. Have you seen the news yesterday about the Lululemon leggings being too thin and see-through (when stretched) and people wanting their money back. Lululemon seems to be admitting their issues and they want to make it right. Were they experimenting with different (cheaper) fabrics and blends?? Wasn’t a good look!!
The Quince workout items I have tried have been very good! Now if they would just put slash pockets in their leggings/bike shorts 🙏
Not having an easy way to carry my phone on walks is the only reason I don’t have many more of their bottoms!
If you don’t care about that, I’d highly recommend them
Where I workout–most just wear regular tanks and dark leggings (black, maroon or dark blue)–many tanks are graphic tanks. I would not spend tons on athletic wear myself–its all about how they fit and feel. Amazon carries Danskin leggings–I’ve had good luck with them. I especially love the grey/black camouflage one and the green camouflage–some Danskins are a different material–so be aware of that. I prefer a more jersey feel then that ugly shiny spandex look. I think Brooks Ghost shoes are the best for workouts.
I agree, I’m all about fit and feel. These are the pieces I’ve found that feel most comfortable to me.
Jo-Lynne, I admire your commitment to exercise and healthy living! That’s inspiring. I appreciate all of your reviews and suggestions; they help us “suit up” for the many roles and activities in our lives.
I buy most of my activewear at Kohls. They carry some name brands (Adidas, Nike, Columbia, etc.). Their house brand Tek Gear is inexpensive and seems to hold up well. They now have a new private label, FLX, an elevated line of athleisure wear. I’ve bought several items in that line and really like them.
I liked your outfits. The bra advice and shoe advice was spot on.
Since I bus to my gym I also like to wear a bit of makeup and stud earrings. I don’t want to scare others on route lol.
The main thing is exercising and I’m happy to see many do so.
I agree, exercising is the most important thing, but you have to wear something, so it might as well be comfortable and functional! 🙂 I don’t usually wear makeup to the gym, but sometimes I do if I have plans afterwards.
Thank you so much for this post! I requested this a couple of weeks ago, you’ve probably had numerous request but I sure appreciate it. It is very timely for me. Thank you for all that you do!
So glad to hear that!
Jolynne,
What shoes do you wear for walking outside? I walk an average of 7-8 miles a day outside and the concrete tears thru the bottom of shoes. Thanks!