I’m continuing on with my mission to find the best workout clothes for women over 40 (you can see all other reviews HERE) because let’s be honest, once you hit midlife, you quickly realise that bum-scrunch leggings and tiny crop tops are not the only options we want in our workout wardrobes.

We want clothes that are:

Comfortable
Flattering
Practical
Good quality
And reasonably priced

So today we’re looking at a brand that has been a staple of the British high street for decades — Marks & Spencer.

I’d heard so many people rave about their Goodmove activewear range, so I decided to do a full haul, buying everything with my own money (this is not sponsored), to see whether it really lives up to the hype.

In this post, I’ll share my honest first impressions, what fits well, what doesn’t, and which pieces are worth buying.

Watch the Full Video Review

My Overall First Impressions of M&S Activewear

Before diving into individual items, here’s what stood out immediately:

✔ Much more stylish than expected
✔ Very affordable compared to premium brands
✔ True-to-size fit (not as generous as M&S used to be)
✔ Excellent quality for the price
✔ Strong focus on practical basics

One thing I quickly noticed is that M&S activewear is very much about wearable, everyday workout basics — which actually makes it perfect for midlife women who want confidence and comfort over trends.

Disclaimer**** The links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I have personally bought, tested, and genuinely recommend.

Flared Leggings Review (Goodmove)

These were one of the first items I tried — and the colour called Brown Haze is absolutely gorgeous.

What I liked:

Beautiful soft feel
Fold-over waistband detail
Comfortable and easy to move in
Very flattering from a distance

Downsides:

Quite thin material
Show lumps and bumps easily
Slightly short in length (I’m 5’4 with long legs)

Because they’re light-coloured and single-layered, they aren’t the most forgiving if you prefer more coverage.

shop flared leggings here

Breathable Mesh Panel T-Shirt

This was a simple white relaxed-fit t-shirt — and honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from M&S basics.

Highlights:

Lightweight and breathable
Mesh back panel
Comfortable relaxed fit
Perfect for layering

It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a solid wardrobe staple.

shop breathable t-shirt here

Ultra Heat Borg Fleece Jacket

If there’s one thing M&S does brilliantly, it’s fleeces — and this did not disappoint.

What I loved:

Super soft inside and out
Warm without being bulky
Flattering split hem detail
Looks very premium

The only thing I’d change is sizing up for a more oversized look.

shop borg fleece here

Thermal Animal Print Leggings

These surprised me — in a good way.

Why they stood out:

Fleece-lined interior
Great contouring seams
Drawstring waist
Zip pocket at the back

They’re perfect for colder workouts or even as a base layer for winter sports.

shop thermal leggings here

Stormwear Hooded Jacket

This is probably the most premium-feeling piece in the haul.

Features:

Lightweight but high quality
Foldaway hood
Breathable lining
Adjustable waist ties

It’s versatile enough for workouts, walking, or everyday wear.

shop stormwear jacket here

Go Balance Lightweight Leggings

These are ultra-soft and very stretchy, almost like a second skin.

Pros:

Extremely comfortable
Beautiful panel detailing
Great for low-impact workouts

Cons:

Very thin material
Light colour not very forgiving

shop leggings here

Best Budget Leggings (Biggest Surprise)

These were the cheapest leggings in the haul — and honestly, they were amazing value.

Why they impressed me:

Squat-proof
Stayed in place well
Soft brushed fabric
Supportive waistband

For the price, these are probably the best value leggings I tried.

shop leggings here

Cool Comfort Leggings (Best All-Rounder)

These felt like the most complete option.

Key features:

Thick smoothing material
Side pockets
Zip pocket
High waist with drawcord

They’re flattering, practical, and comfortable — a great everyday workout legging.

shop leggings here

Black Long Sleeve Base Layer (Super Stretchy Crew Neck)

I also picked up a really simple black crew neck long sleeve as a base layer piece — the kind of top you can throw on for a run, a gym session, or even just when you want something light but with a bit more coverage than a t-shirt.

This one is super stretchy and very lightweight — you can actually see the colour of my skin through it, so it’s definitely more of a breathable performance layer rather than a thick “winter top”.