Let’s be real: working out is rough. I so badly want to be one of women who gleefully rises at 7am anticipating her morning workout, but that will likely never, ever be me. I only recently discovered that I like running…once or twice a week. Working out requires a lot of motivation (like those mysterious pounds that come out of nowhere!) and time I typically don’t have. To add to an already frustrating experience is the lack of (cute) modest workout clothing options for women. According to retailers, it’s impossible for us to get a good workout unless our clothes are tight, short and cropped. Most workout clothes for females are not only designed to enhance our workouts — they are designed to make us feel sexy. It is so tempting to wear figure enhancing clothes for an extra boost of confidence when working out. It is also tempting to show off our bodies when we achieve the healthy bodies we work hard to maintain. But we are called to uphold higher standards — God’s standards — in all situations, gym included.
When I decided to ditch my immodest workout gear, it was a bumpy but relieving transition. If you’re seeking to do the same, below are some tips I picked up along the way (bonus: all of the clothing featured in this post is less than $50).
1) Keep the pants loose.
Instead of gravitating towards popular body-hugging suffocating silhouettes, look for pants that are straight leg or flare out slightly at the bottom. Consider going one size up from your normal pants size for a looser fit that is still functional.
2) Keep the shirt long.
An easy way to cover up while working out is to wear a long shirt that goes past your bottom. This is almost essential for those of us with a little more padding in the backseat. The extra length covers your behind, which is the most difficult part of the body to conceal during a workout, and it doesn’t hinder your ability to move during a high performance workout. You may have to use the one size up trick with this item as well so the shirt doesn’t cling to your every curve.
3) Layer up: wear shorts with your leggings.
I got this idea after watching Muslim women compete in the 2012 Olympics, and it was a total ‘duh’ moment. Shorts are tricky when worn alone because they don’t fully cover the thigh, and leggings are tricky when worn alone for obvious reasons. But when you combine these two tricky clothing items, magic ensues.
4) Wear workout skirts.
I never would’ve thought to wear a skirt while working out, but then I ran across this post from fellow modest fashion blogger, MoMoMod. I’m still undecided about this concept, but I’m including it as an option for diversity’s sake. If you’re in the market for a modest workout skirt, I highly recommend Kosher Casual ($20-$50) or any of the options below, which are primarily from Athleta (and on sale!).
5) Ditch the typical swimsuits.
I’ll be frank: I don’t think most swimsuits are modest, one pieces included. As a former competitive swimmer, I know most swimsuits are designed to a) fit like a second skin to enhance the swimmer’s ability to glide through water, and b) frame women’s curves for a flattering fit. Most swimsuits leave little to the imagination and offer very little coverage for the lower half of the body, so I find it difficult to justify wearing them in any situation.
So what do I wear when I go to beaches or pools? Well, I try to refrain from swimming publicly (I took a page out of the Duggar’s book, apparently). When I do swim, I try to swim at night wearing some combination of a t-shirt (not white!), shorts, and a long coverup. This past week I vacationed in Hawaii, and this was my swimming uniform:
Admittedly there’s a lot of fabric in this uniform. I might not break any records or win a medal, but I’m still able to move freely in the water.
For those who prefer to wear real swimsuits, I highly recommend checking out the modest swimsuit offerings from Coolibar and Hydrochic.
6) Embrace color and patterns.
Any workout clothing can be attractive when it features just the right amount of color and pattern. Don’t be afraid to incorporate neon and stripes into your workout clothing. Who knows? The vibrancy in your clothes may just inspire you to get and run, jump and lay everyday (at the very least they’ll be pretty to look at).
Where to shop
TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are my go-to stores for workout clothing. They carry high quality name brands like Adidas, Nike and New Balance for a third of the retail cost. They also carry an impressive array of affordable workout accessories like armbands and sports headphones. I’ve been able to get whole workout outfits for less than $50. If you’re more interested in internet shopping, my links above include items on sale at other retailers like Lady Footlocker, Gap, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
ThredUP seems to have some fabulously cheap options as well, but I have yet to use this site. If you have purchased from ThredUP or plan to in the near future, let me know! I’ve come so close to buying from ThredUP, but I’m hesitant to take the plunge without trying on the clothes.
I’d love to know: Do you have your own tips for finding modest workout clothing? Where do you buy your workout clothes? Please share!
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The Comments
Sue
These are all great ideas. I once read an article about Indian women who exercise in their saris. It is possible! Why are women supposed to wear tiny shorts to exercise but male basketball players wear the long, loose shorts?
Elizabeth
> SueVery interesting! I’ll have to Google exercising in a sari. Agreed, the double standard in the athletic apparel industry is ridiculous, but fortunately there are a handful of companies creating modest workout clothing for women.
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> SueMost dietary supplements are safe as long as you follow the label instructions, but large doses of certain nutrients can have strong biological effects on the body. While that may be beneficial in some cases, there are times when taking large doses of individual supplements can be dangerous.
M. G.
“Still undecided by this concept” haha that made me laugh.
I don’t wear anything BUT skirts while working out & running. And skirts to my knees.
It’s not a foreign thing.
Elizabeth
> M. G.Apparently, I’m SUPER late to this concept. Where do you typically get your skirts? And they really don’t restrict your movement during workouts? I’m so curious about this!
Christianna
> ElizabethJust gonna jump in here. I get a lot of my skirts from goodwill or thrift stores. There’s usually a ton. It depends on the style and material of the skirt but running in them hasn’t been an issue (though i don’t really run). I’m still trying to figure out how to do yoga in a skirt but that may not be possible. Recently discovered it can be done with leggings and a boxy, oversized t shirt dress from Old Navy.
Hosanna
Just a note about ThredUp…
I’ve only made one purchase so far (jeans), and they turned out too small and non-returnable (anything under $10 can’t be returned). My friend made a large purchase recently and got some fabulous finds though. I’m going to give it another try because I have some credits, and ThredUp really is a great resource for inexpensive modest clothing, but you just have to be careful about choosing from brands you’re familiar with and being aware of pre-shrinkage.
Just thought Id throw that in there! 🙂
Elizabeth
> HosannaAh, thats very helpful information. I didn’t know about the strict policy concerning items under $10 and I definitely would not think to account for pre-shrinkage (my foresight isn’t the best most times). I think I’m going to make a purchase soon though, as I’ve seen so many good reviews of the site. Thank you for the heads up!
hayley
These are great tips! On the heels of the leggings/shorts combo, my sister in law will wear “sliding shorts” beneath all of her loose fitting activewear shorts! They come down to her knee rather than the ankle, but still provide good coverage with allowing her to still move freely!
Elizabeth
> hayleyThat’s an excellent suggestion. I’m going to keep an eye out for well priced sliding shorts. Do you know where your sister purchases hers?
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Getting fit or playing a game. You must always be wearing the right outfit or top to be comfortable and to move with ease.
C.S.
I live in FL, so I love the beach!!! I typically wear a tankini top ( I try to find one loose enough to not be clingy but tight enough not to float up) and shorts. Heads up though: when I read you go swimming at night, I thought you should be warned that shark feeding times are typically dawn and dusk and they are attracted by shining things (earrings, etc…) I’m definitely not trying to discourage anyone from swimming! 😉 Just something good to note with swimming season upon us.
Thanks for your blog! God bless your work! 🙂
Elizabeth
> C.S.Oh! Thank you for that really important note! I’ll be sure to ditch the shiny objects when I go swimming at night! And a tankini is also a solid idea. I’m writing a post on modest swimsuits that will go up Apr. 2nd. I’ll be sure to include that! 🙂
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> ElizabethExercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence.
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Play with style and comfort that you need. Having the proper sportswear is always a must and you can still look good.
Elizabeth
> womens exercise skirtsAgreed! Thanks for the comment.
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> womens fitness clothingMost yogis report a huge reduction in the amount of hostility they feel as well as a sense of control when anger flares. This calm effect is likely from the relaxation and meditation that is incorporated in their yoga practice that leads to an overall calming of the nervous system. Less hostility means lower blood pressure and stress and a healthier approach to life.
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> yoga instructor courses NYCIf you’re wondering why you’re working out like crazy and not seeing the lean muscle mass you want, then it’s likely that you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet. One of the primary benefits of protein is its role in building muscles, but the average person doesn’t consume enough of it to build substantial muscle mass.
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> EVL sports nutrition ENGNTo make things easier, choose a wheelchair ramp that bridges the gap between thresholds. These are particularly helpful if your home or office has a doorway that requires a person to step up from the ground level. A wheelchair ramp of this sort is often portable, so you can simply use it as needed, and pack it away during other times.
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> Aluminum RampsGo for a pair of good all-rounders. The soles of your shoes should be able to absorb the impact of your feet hitting the ground in fitness classes and should also be able to cope with sideways movements. Ideally, shoes should be nonslip and support your balance completely.
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> womens workout clothingNormally, you should be able to get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet. However, taking supplements can provide additional nutrients when your diet is lacking or when certain health conditions cause you to develop an insufficiency or deficiency. In most cases, multiple-vitamin supplements provide all the basic micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) your body needs.
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Sports wear is a must also on activities that such requires you to move a lot. Like exercise. Not only you’ll be comfortable but it also provides the help you need on movements that you need to do.
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> brazilian workout tops for womenGreat skirts to fit your fitness activities that you do. Let’s you move and feel comfy.
Michael Lee
My wife will love these tips that you provided! I always look like a chump come valentines day because I know she’s loves gym clothes, but I always buy modest ones! Thank you for taking the time to show me what cute gym apparel actually looks like.
Elizabeth
> Michael LeeThank you so much for the positive feedback. I do hope your wife finds the tips helpful! (And don’t worry, it’s a hard task for any one to find cute + modest gym clothes!)
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> Michael LeeWearing the right clothing can make the difference between an enjoyable workout and an hour of misery. And investing in some stylish yet comfortable workout clothing is the perfect motivation to get you moving, whether you’re hitting the gym, heading for the hills or exercising in the comfort of your own home. I
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Fitness with fashion. Great combination. Feel beautiful while stretching those muscles or doing sports.
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Getting fit or playing a game. You must always be wearing the right outfit or pants to be comfortable and to move with ease.
Shyra Sanchez
Make up your mind on the style you want – Do you like shorts and a tank top? Or are you a crops route and t-shirt kind of a person? Visualize the gym where you will be working out. Put yourself in that space and then try out the clothes you see on the rack. Or if you are planning to jog and run, then adjust the kind of clothes you would prefer to be running in. Remember to buy clothes that would suit the weather as you will be all by yourself when jogging.
Elden Gatley
I agree that you should keep the shirt long. I think that’s a great way to stay modest because it’s less revealing. Long shirts can actually often be more comfortable, as well.
Pole Crastina
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Kevin ucan
Very good tips on modest workout clothing. In my view anything that’s comfortable to exercise goes best. Exercising in a sari was an astonishing fact for me, though.
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Anne Calderson
You have great trips here! A lot of women today don’t know the right clothes to wear when they workout and they don’t know where to shop for their exercise gear.
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Work out those muscles and trim those fats by using some diet supplements with your workout routine.
Faylinn
I am always lost when it comes to knowing where to shop for modest workout clothing. However, I have never been to Marshall’s or ThredUP before, and so I am definitely going to have to check those places out. So far, I have been shopping in the boy’s section at Kohl’s for my workout gear so that I can keep modest.
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Workout supplements does not make you lazy. It just helps you to be more effective in your workout.
Kaitlyn
These are all great tips! Being comfortable in your clothes is always important – especially when exercising.
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Christina
Your tips on length and fit are especially useful for staying modest. Loose fitting pants and long shirts definitely amp up the modesty factor, just as you shared.
Chloe Montefiore
The information you have provided is valuable and I want to give you a huge thumbs up for it.
I think the materials utilised in workout attire should be a significant consideration. You want that brick that is able to move moisture away from your skin, leave your skin to breathe and raise mobility.
Keep sharing..
Elizabeth
> Chloe MontefioreCouldn’t agree more! Fabric and construction are key for all workout clothing, even modest workout clothes. Thank you for the encouragement, dear!
Tushar Garg
Nice collection of clothes. i will follow you.
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Sports wear is a must also on activities that such requires you to move a lot. Like exercise. Not only you’ll be comfortable but it also provides the help you need on movements that you need to do.