In this blog post we are going to be discovering the best workout clothes for older, or, shall we say the more mature woman. I’m talking workout clothes for women over 40, 50 and beyond.
Because I for one, am sick of seeing the only workout top being cropped, or bum scrunch leggings. I want workout clothes that are stylish, comfortable, affordable and that we can feel amazing when we wear them as well as catering for many body types and sizes.
Gone are the days of frumpy athleisure wear for older women – today’s workout clothes are designed with both fashion and function in mind because you deserve to look and feel great at any age.
I love watching active wear hauls on YouTube but they are always by super lean and young creators. No shame on them, it’s not their fault they look that way. But let’s face it, they would look good in a bin bag. So I wanted to start a series that would help cater to midlife women. Midlife, midsize, real women with imperfect bodies.
Whether you prefer yoga, running, or hitting the gym, I want to discover the options available that cater to the specific needs of older women.
I am on the search for workout clothes are made with high-quality materials that provide comfort and support, while also being flattering and on-trend without them costing the earth.
I do believe in sometimes investing in key pieces that you know will last, but affordability will also be taking into consideration in this post as well as the size range for the various brands.
Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. These items were purchased myself and all opinions are my own. I earn a commission from purchases made through these links and codes. I appreciate your support in using my links.
Some of my current favourite wears. Jumper from CRZ Yoga it’s the Lululemon Scuba Dupe (I literally want this in every colour going. Leggings from Next Activewear.
Top brands for stylish and comfortable workout clothes for women over 50
I feel the demand for stylish and comfortable workout clothes for older women is only continuing to grow, several leading brands have stepped up to the challenge, offering a wide range of options that cater to this demographic.
Of course there are many of the classic brands which I am hearing many women swear by. Though now many people who are looking for more budget items are turning to high street brands too
I am also hearing many women rave about high street brands such as M&S, Next and even H&M for quality fitness gear as they seem to have come a long way in catering towards fitness and not just cute clothes.
So I am going to be on the hunt and testing out as many brands as I can to see what is out there and which are the brands that I love.
Below is a comprehensive list of brands, then I will link to my own reviews as I complete them.
**Note these may contain affiliate links. This just means I may earn a small comission should you make a purchase using my links with no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.
High End
Their mission statement is ‘Adanola is designed to be as versatile as your lifestyle. We’re on a mission to create high quality activewear and wardrobe essentials accessible to everybody. Every piece is designed to make you feel like your very bestself, whatever you’re doing’
With leggings prices ranging from €60/$70/£50-€80/$90/£70 they are the more conservative side of this higher end price bracket. I am yet to try this brand out, but I do love the look of their designs and they are high on my ‘must try list’
Alo (Alo Yoga) is a premium activewear and lifestyle brand founded in Los Angeles in 2007 by Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge. The name “Alo” stands for air, land, and ocean according to Wikipedia
Their mission centers on inspiring “mindful movement”—fostering a lifestyle that extends the principles of yoga from the studio into everyday life. They describe their vision as empowering people to align with their highest goals and become the best version of themselves.
They have very much become the it girl brand with celebs such as Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid to Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid donning their fitness wear. So with that celebrity endorsement comes the higher price tag. Their leggings range from $98-$128 which is a hefty investment for gym clothes.
Due to their high prices it’s another brand that I have yet to take the plunge in investing into. Once this page has had a few more hits, then maybe I can take the plunge so that you don’t have to to see if they are really worth the price tag.
Fabletics is the activewear brand co-founded in 2013 by actress Kate Hudson alongside Don Ressler and Adam Goldenberg. Their mission has always been about making fitness fashion more accessible—bringing stylish, functional, and affordable workout clothes to the masses without compromising on quality.
Rather than the luxury “it-girl” vibe like Alo, Fabletics built their reputation on inclusivity and community. They offer a wide size range (XXS–4X), trendy designs that update monthly, and their well-known VIP membership program which gives members big discounts and perks. The idea is that fitness fashion shouldn’t just be for the elite—it should be for every woman who wants to look and feel good while moving her body.
You’re less likely to see Kendall Jenner in Fabletics, but you will see millions of everyday women (and quite a few influencers) wearing their gear, because it’s genuinely affordable compared to the higher-end brands. With their VIP pricing, you can often get leggings for as low as $59 for two pairs.
I’ve already done a full breakdown and try-on of Fabletics (you can check out my full review HERE, but the short version is: they’re definitely more budget-friendly, and for the price point, you get a lot of value. I’m just not a huge fan of the subscription model, but I do like their clothes and they make up about 90% of my wardrobe so I have used them a LOT!
Full Review Part 2 with updated line
Fanka is a newer activewear brand that’s been making waves thanks to their sculpting, curve-enhancing leggings and sleek designs. Their mission is about creating flattering, high-performance pieces that help women feel confident both in and out of the gym.
They’ve become especially popular on TikTok for their “butt-lifting” leggings that promise a premium look without the premium price tag. You won’t find A-list celebs in Fanka just yet, but you will find plenty of everyday women raving about how they fit.
With leggings ranging from $40–$70, they’re a much more affordable option compared to Alo or even some Fabletics pieces. I’ve done a full review and try-on of Fanka that you can check out HERE.
Lululemon is pretty much the OG of premium activewear, founded back in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada by Chip Wilson and they have developed a pretty cult like following of their brand. Their mission is centered on elevating the world through the power of practice—bringing technical innovation to activewear while building a strong sense of community around movement and mindfulness.
They’re hugely popular with both fitness lovers and the everyday athleisure crowd. Lululemon is less about chasing celebrity endorsements and more about that loyal fan base who swear by the quality and longevity of their pieces. That said, it’s definitely become a status brand—you spot those logo leggings instantly.
Leggings typically range from $98–$128, similar to Alo, so it’s not a cheap investment. But their reputation for quality, comfort, and durability is what keeps people coming back. I’m yet to do a full review of this brand but I do now have a couple of pieces, a Scuba jumper, a training top and a pair of shorts and I do indeed love these items and always feel good when wearing them. But I do also have to stick to the ‘we made too much’ which is basically their sale section and there can be some good finds to be had throughout the year.
Sweaty Betty is a British activewear brand founded in London in 1998 by Tamara Hill-Norton. Their mission is to empower women through fitness and beyond, with a focus on technical performance fabrics combined with fashion-forward designs.
They’ve built a loyal following, especially among women who want high-quality, stylish activewear that performs well in workouts but also looks chic for everyday wear. Unlike some trend-led brands, Sweaty Betty has cemented itself as a go-to for midlife women who are serious about both comfort and style.
Their leggings usually start around £80/$100 and can go up to £120/$150, so they’re very much in the higher-end category. I haven’t personally invested in Sweaty Betty yet because of the higher price point, but many of my midlife clients absolutely swear by the brand and won’t wear anything else.
I finally tried this brand out for myself and they did not disappoint. You can see the full review HERE
Mid Range
CLICK HERE to see the full review
Marks & Spencer (M&S) might not be the first name that comes to mind for activewear, but they’ve really upped their game in recent years. Their Goodmove collection in particular has become a bit of a hidden gem, offering practical, stylish, and good-quality pieces at a much more affordable price point than the premium brands.
The mission behind M&S activewear is less about hype and more about everyday functionality—helping women feel comfortable and supported in their workouts without spending a fortune. They focus on fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable, but without the designer price tag.
Their leggings usually sit in the £25–£40 ($30–$50) range, making them a solid mid-range choice. While you won’t see celebs hyping them on Instagram, you will see a lot of busy women (including many of my clients) appreciating the fact that they can grab a reliable pair of leggings while doing the weekly food shop. M&S will be next to review.
Next is another UK high street staple that’s jumped into the activewear game, and honestly, they’ve done a decent job. Their collections mix practical basics with trend-led designs, so you can pick up something that feels stylish without spending big.
They don’t really push a big brand “mission” like the premium names do—it’s more about offering everyday women affordable, functional fitness wear that looks good. Think reliable gym leggings you can throw on for a workout, school run, or even just lounging around.
Price-wise, you’re looking at around £25–£45 ($30–$55) for leggings, which firmly puts them in that mid-range, high street category. I’ve done a full try-on and review of Next’s activewear, which you can check out HERE
Oysho is a Spanish brand under the Inditex group (the same company that owns Zara), and they’ve carved out a niche with their sleek, minimal, and fashion-forward activewear. Their mission leans heavily on style meeting function—so you’re getting gym kit that wouldn’t look out of place on a coffee run or styled into an everyday outfit.
They’re especially popular with younger women and anyone who loves that chic, European athleisure vibe without the luxury price tag. Think clean lines, neutral colours, and fabrics that feel surprisingly high-end for the cost.
Their leggings usually come in around £30–£50 ($40–$65), so again firmly mid-range. You get something that feels a lot more premium than the price suggests
Budget
CRZ Yoga is often called the Lulul lookalike brand on Amazon, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Their leggings look and feel surprisingly similar to some of Lulu’s best-sellers, but at a fraction of the price.
They focus on giving women affordable, functional, and flattering activewear that actually performs. If you’re looking for buttery-soft fabrics, squat-proof leggings, and a fit that holds up in workouts, CRZ Yoga has you covered without breaking the bank.
Price-wise, most of their leggings sit around £25–£35 ($30–$40) on Amazon, making them one of the best budget-friendly options out there. I’ve done a full review and try-on of CRZ Yoga which you can check out HERE
Glowmode is Shein’s in-house activewear brand, and it’s definitely one of the better things to come out of the fast-fashion giant. They’ve taken inspiration from higher-end leggings (again, lots of “Lululemon dupe” comparisons) and made them available at super low prices.
The brand’s vibe is all about trendy, flattering designs that still perform decently in the gym. It’s not luxury by any means, but if you’re after affordable, stylish leggings that won’t break the bank, Glowmode is worth a look as I was quite supprised with some of the pieces when I tried it.
Most of their leggings come in at around £20–£30 ($25–$35), so they’re firmly in the budget category. I’ve also done a full review of Glowmode that you can check out HERE.
Halara
Halara are a budget brand that you will likely see all over your social media adverts, but are they any good? The don’t just offer active wear but really market as being also every day wear but a big focus on comfort with their stretchy jeans.
I tried a pair of their tummy control leggings and as a budget pair of leggings (around the £/€/$ 30) they are incredibly good for the price. Super soft and comfortable and I find myself reaching for these quite often.
H&M is another high street go-to that’s stepped into the activewear space with their H&M Move collection. The mission behind it is all about making movement accessible for everyone—simple, functional pieces that don’t cost a fortune.
Their leggings aren’t going to compete with the premium fabrics of Alo or Lululemon, but they do a solid job for everyday workouts, classes, or just comfy loungewear. Plus, H&M often nails those trend-led colours and patterns if you like switching things up without spending too much.
Price-wise, you’re usually looking at £17–£30 ($20–$35), which makes them one of the most affordable high street options
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is the newest place I’ve been testing for activewear, and it’s definitely at the super cheap end of the scale. The quality is about what you’d expect—very similar to Shein—so you’re not getting investment pieces that will last years.
That said, if you’re on a really tight budget but still want some nice-looking items to feel good in when you work out, it could be worth a look. The prices are hard to beat, and for some people, this might be the only realistic option to update their workout wardrobe.
Most of the leggings I’ve seen are around £10–£20 ($12–$25), so they’re as budget as it gets. I’ve only just started testing them out, but I’ll share more as I put them through their paces.
How To Care For & Maintain Workout Clothes To Last Longer
To ensure that these garments last and continue to perform at their best, it’s essential to properly care for and maintain them. By following a few simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your workout clothes and keep them looking and feeling their best without them losing elasticity or getting that little bit stinky.
First and foremost, pay attention to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Different fabrics and construction techniques may require specific washing and drying methods to prevent damage. As a general rule, it’s best to wash your workout clothes in cool wash using a gentle detergent and avoiding fabric softeners, which can break down the moisture-wicking and breathable properties of the fabrics.
When it comes to drying, it’s recommended to air-dry your workout clothes whenever possible. The high heat of a traditional dryer can cause the fabrics to shrink, fade, or lose their elasticity over time. If you do need to use a dryer, opt for a low-heat setting and remove the clothes as soon as they’re dry to prevent over-drying. I never tumble dry my workout clothes and I think it is key for making them last as long as they do.
Additionally, be mindful of properly storing your workout clothes. Avoid folding or hanging them while still damp, as this can lead to the formation of mildew or unpleasant odors. Instead, store your workout gear in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or dresser drawer, to maintain their shape and condition.
Lastly, consider investing in a high-quality garment bag or mesh laundry bag specifically designed for activewear. These bags can help protect your workout clothes from the agitation and friction of the washing machine, reducing the risk of pilling, snagging, or other forms of damage.
Conclusions
I love all things workout gear and am looking forward to exploring more brands. So let me know in the comments which you would like to see next.
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