Best Workout Clothes for Older Women

Keeping a healthy body and mind means adopting a good balance of eating wholesome and staying active. Active can mean a daily stroll around the block or extensive workouts at the gym – and anything in between.

At our age, we need to listen to our bodies and try to keep as fit as we can. We still have many years to go, and we feel better when our muscles are as strong and as flexible as they can be.

Workout clothes don’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but they do need to be comfortable and breathe well. That means they need to be made of stretch and moisture wicking fabrics.

Here are our best workout clothes for older women:

1. Kimmery Raglan Sleeve Irregular Hem Yoga Workout Shirt – Perfect to cover your bottom while working out. 
2. Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Crop with Pockets – Soft and comfortable workout leggings. 
3. WACOAL Sport High-Impact Underwire Bra – Minimizes the movement of the breasts during workouts of any intensity.
4. Define Jacket Luon from Lululemon – Breathable slim fit jacket from Lululemon.

Keep reading to discover more workout clothes ideal for women over 50.

I personally take good care of my workout clothes and keep them for many years. I also don’t practice any extreme sports – mostly yoga, hiking, and some strength training. I tend to go for items that are not a passing fad so that I can feel and look good in them for a long time.

Looking to change up your workout wardrobe? Let’s take a look at the key items and what are the best ones for older women.

What to Look for in Workout Clothes After 50

Choosing the right workout clothes becomes even more important as we age, not just for style, but for comfort, function, and ease of movement. Here are a few things to keep in mind when updating your activewear:

Soft, Breathable Fabrics

Your skin may be more sensitive than it used to be, and heavy or scratchy fabrics can cause irritation. Look for moisture-wicking materials like modal blends, performance polyester, or bamboo fabrics that feel soft against the skin and help regulate temperature.

Support Where You Need It

From sports bras to sneakers, proper support is essential. A good bra should reduce bounce without digging in, and shoes should have arch support, cushioning, and a snug (but not tight) fit. If you’re doing low-impact workouts like yoga or walking, support still matters, just in different ways than high-impact sports.

Easy to Put On and Take Off

Tugging a sports bra over your head or wrestling with a tight pair of leggings isn’t ideal. Look for front-closure bras, zip-up jackets, wide waistbands, and stretchy fabrics that are easy to move in and slide on. If you deal with arthritis or limited mobility, these details make a big difference.

Coverage and Confidence

You deserve to feel good in whatever you’re wearing. Choose tops that cover your midsection if that makes you more comfortable, leggings that don’t slide down, or layers that let you go from studio to grocery store without needing to change. It’s all about finding pieces that make you feel secure and confident while you move.

Quality Over Trendy

Trendy cuts and colors come and go. Look for timeless pieces in colors and fits that match the rest of your wardrobe. Investing in a few high-quality basics will go a long way, and you’ll reach for them again and again.

Remember: the best workout clothes are the ones that make you feel like getting out the door and moving.

Workout Clothes for Women Over 50

Tops

Comfort is key when it comes to workout clothing, and the tops that you choose are no exception. Sure, you can wear a simple everyday cotton t-shirt, but you can also invest in specialized workout tops that are more comfortable and designed to let you move easily and help to wick out moisture.

A workout top can be in the form of a tank top, a t-shirt, and also a long sleeve sweater. You need to dress for your comfort level and also for the activity and the place where you are working out.

Here are a few of my favorite workout tops, bottoms, bras, jackets, and shoes.

Nike Sportswear Club Essentials T-Shirt (Plus Size)

This T‑Shirt offers a relaxed, everyday fit designed for comfort and style. It features a slightly wider cut, a subtly curved hem, and a folded‑up silhouette that finishes just above the hips. Ideal for full coverage without excess length. Made from a soft cotton‑poly blend.

Kimmery Raglan Sleeve Irregular Hem Yoga Workout Shirt

This lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking top keeps you cool and covers your bottom. It hits right below the hips and is perfect for those who like to cover their bottoms when wearing leggings. It comes in several heathered pretty hues.

Under Armour Twist Tech Quarter-Zip Logo Top

This top is a lightweight, versatile pullover made from UA Tech™ fabric that feels soft, dries quickly, and wicks away moisture. It features a subtle heathered twist pattern, a flattering curved hem, and a relaxed fit that layers well or wears comfortably on its own.

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0

Hip Length

This tank top is a performance-driven essential designed for comfort and breathability. It features a slim, hip-length cut with minimal seams to prevent chafing and a mesh-like knit enhanced with elastane for stretch and shape retention.

Bottoms

There are a variety of workout bottoms to choose from – shorts, crops, leggings, and pants. Choose the bottoms that you are the comfiest in and that are appropriate for your type of workout.

And don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear workout leggings because you are older! You know your body best and dress it as you see fit.

Read 7 BEST LEGGINGS FOR OLDER WOMEN.

Also read YES, YOU CAN LOOK GREAT IN YOUR LEGGINGS AFTER 50! HERE’S HOW!

Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Crop with Pockets 

These leggings are my faves! They feel weightless, buttery-soft, and never constrictive. I love the useful added pockets. These are the cropped version, but Lululemon offers full-length and below-the-knee length as well. 

Under Armour Motion Flare Full Leggings

The Under Armour Motion Flare Full Leggings are a soft, lightweight flared-leg pair crafted from UA’s ultra-soft, breathable fabric that features 4-way stretch for ease of movement. They sit at a mid-rise with a wide, flat waistband that stays comfortably in place, and include a handy side drop-in pocket for essentials during workouts or errands.

Adidas Women’s Essentials Warm-Up Slim Tapered 3-Stripes Track Pants, XS-4X

The Adidas Women’s Essentials Warm‑Up Slim Tapered 3‑Stripes Track Pants offer a sleek, tapered silhouette that sits comfortably at the mid-rise, gently hugging your legs without feeling tight. Made from smooth, recycled tricot polyester, they feature a drawcord waist and ribbed cuffs that keep the pants in place—even during squats or brisk steps—while side pockets add handy storage for essentials.

Nike One Women’s High-Waisted 8″ Biker Shorts with Pockets

The Nike One High-Waisted 8″ Biker Shorts are made from soft, non-sheer fabric with sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable. They feature a wide, supportive waistband and convenient side pockets for storing small essentials. Ideal for workouts or everyday wear, these shorts offer a flattering fit with just the right amount of stretch.

Bras

One of the most important pieces in workout clothing is the sports bra – especially if you do high impact workouts like jogging or cardio dancing. Supporting your breasts with a well-fitted bra will make you feel better while you work out.

Many sports bras are slide-in over the head and can be quite uncomfortable to put on and take off. I highly recommend finding a bra that has a front closure.

Nike Indy Women’s Light-Support Padded V-Neck Sports Bra (Plus Size)

The Nike Indy Women’s Light-Support Padded V-Neck Sports Bra is a comfy, everyday option made from soft, sweat-wicking Dri‑FIT fabric with at least 50% recycled polyester. It features easily adjustable straps in the front, a flattering V-neck design with breathable mesh, and removable padding for customizable comfort. With bonded flat seams and a snug, racerback fit, it provides gentle support ideal for light-impact workouts or all-day wear.

YEYELE Medium Support Racerback Sports Bra

This best-selling sports bra on Amazon is offred in a 2-pack, 3-pack, or 5-pack in a variety of colors and prints.

GLAMORISE Full Figure Plus Size MagicLift Active Wirefree Support Bra

The wire-free MagicLift bra is designed with a cushioned support band that lifts and defines the bust while the cotton blend cups keep you cool and dry. The padded straps provide a comfortable fit and the two-way stretch back moves with you, preventing ride up.

WACOAL Sport High-Impact Underwire Bra

This best selling Wacoal Sport High-Impact Underwire Bra has a unique outside underwire that minimizes the movement of the breasts during workouts of any intensity. It comes in sizes up to I cups.

Jackets/Cover-Ups

Workout jackets come in handy when you are working out in a chilly gym or outside in changing temperatures.

Define Jacket Luon from Lululemon

This slim-fit zip up jacket from Lululemon is breathable and is made of moisture wicking fabric to keep you warm and dry.

Nike Sportswear Everything Wovens Women’s Oversized Repel UV Protection Jacket

The Nike Sportswear Everything Wovens Women’s Oversized Repel UV Protection Jacket is made from 100% textured, recycled nylon with a water-repellent finish and built-in UVA/UVB protection. Ideal for outdoor workouts or breezy walks. It features an oversized fit with a cropped length, elastic cuffs and hem, and a full zip with a high collar for extra coverage. Practical details like side seam pockets and a subtle Swoosh logo make this lightweight jacket both functional and stylish.

Under Armour Women’s Motion Zippered Mock-Neck Jacket

The Under Armour Women’s Motion Zippered Mock-Neck Jacket is a soft, full-zip layer made with double-knit fabric and 4-way stretch for easy movement. It features a mock neck for added warmth, a front zipper for convenience, and side pockets for essentials. The breathable, sweat-wicking material makes it a great choice for workouts, walks, or casual wear.

KUHL Hygge Long Jacket 

The KUHL Hygge Long Jacket is a cozy, thigh-length fleece coat made from plush mélange sherpa polyester that provides warmth without the bulk. It features a drawcord hood, heritage-inspired jacquard trim along the zipper, and angled hand pockets for practicality and style. Thoughtful design touches like a rear kick pleat and side hem slits add ease of movement, while the longer length offers excellent coverage.

Shoes

Another important thing not to neglect is the type of shoes you choose to wear during your workouts. There are many options out there and some brands even offer specialized footwear to accommodate the activity that you do – jogging, tennis, or golf for example.

Nike Free Metcon 6 Women’s Workout Shoes

The Nike Free Metcon 6 Women’s Workout Shoes are designed for a mix of strength training, HIIT, and agility workouts. They feature a flexible forefoot for quick movements, a reinforced heel for stability during lifts, and a snug, supportive fit. Lightweight and breathable, these shoes also offer great traction.

I always have a pair (or two) of multi-purpose Nike shoes in my closet ready for any activity. I replace them when I feel that they aren’t as supportive as they used to be and if they are showing signs of wear and tear.

Ryka Women’s Devotion X Max RS Walking Sneakers

The Ryka Devotion X Max RS Women’s Walking Sneakers are designed for maximum comfort and impact absorption, featuring full-length RE-ZORB® cushioning with extra padding in the forefoot and heel. They include a breathable mesh upper, molded heel overlay for stability, and an anatomical insole that offers solid arch support. These sneakers are lightweight, have a roomy toe box, and are APMA-approved, making them a great choice for long walks or daily wear.

Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

The Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof hiking boots offer reliable comfort, support, and protection for outdoor adventures. They feature a waterproof membrane, durable suede and mesh upper, and a Vibram® outsole for traction on varied terrain. With cushioned midsoles and a supportive fit, they’re a solid choice for hikes in wet or dry conditions.

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

The New Balance® Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is a versatile sneaker suitable for any occasion. Made with a plush Fresh Foam cushioned midsole, a breathable mesh upper, and a robust rubber outsole. It comes in a variety of fun color combos.

Read BEST WALKING SHOES FOR SENIOR WOMEN.

Mix and Match

Create a type of capsule workout wardrobe where every item goes well together. All my workout clothing was not purchased in the same place or at the same time, but they all match.

I have a preference that leans towards blacks, greys, blues, and whites. Sometimes a colorful printed legging will catch my eye, but I make sure that I have tops at home that will look good with them before I purchase them.

Read 10 TRICKS TO SQUEEZE EXERCISE INTO YOUR DAY IN YOUR 60S.

Also read 6 TIPS TO SAFELY GET BACK INTO EXERCISE, EVEN IF IT’S BEEN A WHILE!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s your workout style? How do you choose the workout clothes/shoes you wear? Do you have any favorite items or brands you wish to share with the community? Let’s have a conversation!