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Activewear Trends for Women Over 50 in 2025

By Sandra Roussy July 09, 2025 Beauty

Do you love to work out? Is physical fitness important to you? If you replied yes, then you know how important the clothing you wear while doing any physical exercise is. Comfort is key and style is a fun addition.

What to Look for in Activewear

Activewear, also called athleisure, is designed to be both functional and stylish. Here are some features to look for in active wear or workout clothing for women over 50.

Comfort

Look for comfortable, breathable fabrics that allow for ease of movement and don’t cause chafing or irritation.

Support

Consider workout clothes that provide adequate support, such as sports bras with adjustable straps.

Coverage

Many older women prefer workout clothes that provide more coverage, such as longer tops with long sleeves and leggings with a higher waistband.

Style

Activewear for women over 50 can be both practical and stylish. Look for pieces that are on-trend but also classic and timeless.

Functionality

Choose workout clothes that are versatile and can be worn for different types of exercise, such as yoga, Pilates, or cardio.

Overall, the best activewear for women over 50 are those that make us feel confident, comfortable, and supported during our workouts.

What Are Activewear Trends

Women’s workout clothing trends have evolved over time, with different styles and features gaining popularity at different times.

Remember the 1980s? Workout clothing for women was all about bold colors, tight-fitting leotards, and leg warmers. Sweatbands, headbands, and scrunchies were also popular accessories.

The 1990s saw the rise of the “aerobics” trend, with brightly colored bodysuits, leggings, and high-waisted shorts. Oversized T-shirts and cropped tops also became popular for workouts.

In the 2000s, low-rise pants, halter tops, and tight-fitting camisoles became prevalent. Logos and graphic prints also became more common on workout clothing.

In the 2010s, workout clothing trends shifted towards more minimalistic and functional designs with neutral colors. We also started seeing sports bras with strappy backs. Athleisure became popular at this time, with many women wearing yoga pants and other workout clothing as everyday wear. Everyone was wearing Lululemon yoga pants everywhere!

Overall, women’s workout clothing trends have varied over the years, reflecting changing styles and times.

High-Tech Fabrics for Enhanced Comfort

Advancements in textile technology have led to activewear that offers moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and even activity tracking features. These innovations ensure that garments provide support, reduce muscle fatigue, and keep you comfortable during various activities. 

lululemon Go Further Bra with Support Code Technology High Impact, C/D Cup

lululemon Go Further Bra with Support Code Technology High Impact, C/D Cup

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability in activewear. Brands are incorporating recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable materials into their products. This shift allows you to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on style or performance. 

Sustainable Materials Nike 24.7 PerfectStretc Women's Dri-FIT High-Rise Loose-Fit Wide-Leg Pants

Sustainable Materials Nike 24.7 PerfectStretc Women’s Dri-FIT High-Rise Loose-Fit Wide-Leg Pants

Versatile Athleisure for Everyday Wear

The line between activewear and everyday clothing continues to blur. Versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from workouts to casual outings are in demand. Think high-waisted leggings paired with relaxed tops or stylish sports bras worn under open jackets. 

Athleta Retreat Linen High Rise Wide Leg Pant

Athleta Retreat Linen High Rise Wide Leg Pant

Bold Colors and Patterns

Activewear in 2025 embraces vibrant colors and striking patterns. Color-blocked leggings and floral-printed tops add a fresh twist to your workout wardrobe, allowing for personal expression and a mood boost during exercise. 

Athleta

Athleta

Nike

Nike

Adidas Originals x Liberty London AOP Boyfriend Tee

Adidas Originals x Liberty London AOP Boyfriend Tee

Inclusive Sizing and Body-Positive Designs

Brands are recognizing the importance of inclusivity, offering a wider range of sizes and designs that cater to various body types. This approach ensures that every woman can find activewear that fits well and feels comfortable. 

Adidas Adicolor 3-Stripes Baby Tee (Plus Size)

Adidas Adicolor 3-Stripes Baby Tee (Plus Size)

Functional Details for Convenience

Modern activewear incorporates practical features like multiple pockets, adjustable waistbands, and supportive elements. These details enhance the functionality of the garments, making them suitable for both workouts and daily activities. 

Athleta Venice High Rise Wide Leg Cargo Pant

Athleta Venice High Rise Wide Leg Cargo Pant

Layering for Adaptability

Layered activewear allows for adaptability to different temperatures and settings. Lightweight jackets, long-sleeved tops, and versatile outerwear pieces provide comfort and style, whether you’re heading to the gym or running errands.

Lululemon Always Effortless Classic-Fit Jacket

Lululemon Always Effortless Classic-Fit Jacket

Emphasis on Comfort and Support

Comfort remains a top priority. High-rise leggings, relaxed joggers, and supportive sports bras are designed to offer ease of movement and the necessary support for various activities, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable.

Activewear Brands for Women

Nike

Nike is a well-known athletic wear brand that offers a wide range of products for women, including sports bras, leggings, shorts, and tops.

Lululemon

Lululemon is a popular yoga-inspired brand that offers a range of activewear for women, including leggings, sports bras, tops, and jackets.

Adidas

Adidas is a global sports brand that offers a wide range of products for women, including activewear, running shoes, and sports accessories.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a sports brand that offers a range of activewear for women, including sports bras, leggings, and tops.

Reebok

Reebok is a sports brand that offers a range of activewear for women, including sports bras, leggings, and tops.

Athleta

Athleta, owned by The Gap, is also a brand that offers activewear and sportswear for women, with a focus on high-performance and sustainable materials.

Inner Joy Activewear

Owned by Susan Merry, a Sixty and Me blogger, Inner Joy Activewear is made with the woman over 60 in mind. Susan and her team are on a mission “to inspire fun and empower our inner joy.”

Read more: 10 Must-Have Summer 2025 Accessories for Women Over 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s your favorite brand for activewear? What is your favorite look when you work out? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Lauren

I just want to find an exercise bra that does not make one look like they have a “uni-boob.”

Sara Johnson

I take a cross-fit class twice a week. It’s a combo of aerobics and weights. Usually there are twenty to thirty women, half of whom are sixty plus, and NO one wears anything like the ‘workout’ fashions pictured in this article (except the Adidas). Crop tops? Yikes!

Patti

Nice article except the images reflect crop tops and bulky pants. Sorry. As far as I know there are few women over 60 who wear crop tops, sports bras with little to no support, and baggy pants to work out. Maybe try refreshing images to reflect over sixty?

Clara

Totally agree, and how about a range of pricing; I refuse to pay $100 for a pair of what are essentially stretch pants, even with Higher tech materials.

Patti

The products listed in this article are some of the most expensive brands on the market. You’re buying the label. I buy leggings from Old Navy, yoga pants from Walmart, and once in a great while find something from Big Five or Dick’s Sporting Goods on sale. I don’ shop online for athletic clothing… another place to look is Penny’s, but not the outlet, and be careful of the sale rack for this type of clothing. When I see women writing about clothing for those of us over 60 I tend to wonder exactly who is behind the article. Most are out of touch with the general public.

dyanne

I totally agree there was not one woman shown that was over 50. It happens all the time!

Vanya Drumchiyska

Hi Dyanne.
It’s not that easy to find stores that feature older models. It’s just the truth of it. We try, but it’s almost never possible. It’s frustrating for all of us.

Sandra Roussy

Hi Patti,

This article is about current activewear trends. Some women love staying on top of what’s new and enjoy weaving a few trends into their wardrobe, while others prefer to stick with what works for them, and that’s completely fine.

The photos in the article are simply there to help illustrate each trend, especially the styles of bottoms I’m referencing. The models shown aren’t the focus, and I’m definitely not suggesting that crop tops are trending for women over 60. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find activewear brands using models over 60. I hope this changes one day so I can provide images that reflect our community. :)

Trends come and go, and my goal is to highlight what’s out there right now. I try to pair each trend with a product that reflects it, just to give a visual. There are always more affordable options that reflect the same ideas, and that’s the main message I hope comes through.

Thanks for reading! :)
Sandra

The Author

Sandra is a writer, traveler, and former fashion designer who made a bold midlife pivot to pursue her creative passions. After two decades designing collections for brands like La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she let go of her possessions and reimagined her life on her own terms. Her personal essay about love, loss, and facing fears was hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert and featured in the New York Times bestselling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com.

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