Need to lose weight to fit into workout gear??

bluevwgurl

I went to the store today to buy workout gear (moisture wicking, low chafing, supportive stuff), mostly to motivate me to workout a bit more. I took about 6 articles of clothing into the dressing room to determine what size I would need to buy. Well, I figured out what size I would need to buy, but also found that I would NEVER wear it at the gym. So, now its got me thinking...Holy Crap. I have to lose chunk before I can go to the gym to lose chunk. What gives?

I should point out that I dont "dress" for the gym, (there is nobody there I am looking to impress) but because I have a shred of self respect, I am hesitant to wear the pants and shirts I bought because they show every lump. Every one. Because it would only take one person that would snicker or make a remark and I may be embarrassed enough to not go back to the gym.

Has anyone else experienced this?

edited for punctuation

servilia

I assume the only reason they show the lumps is because they're tight? Why not wear something looser?

AreteAndWhimsy

The problem with many items of workout gear is that the synthetic fabrics tend to be shiny as a property of the individual fibers, so even when you get a good fit, the shine highlights every curved surface. While this is great for a glitzy, tailored cocktail gown in a low-lit setting where you are not moving much, it is less desirable when you're wearing nothing but stretchy knits in a brightly lit environment where the whole point is movement.

The other problem that I find is that even workout shirts that fit are not quite long enough for my torso, so if I were to raise my arms above my head, I would be showing my belly button. Cute at 118, but not so much at 290. While I don't wish to be sausaged into workout gear, I also don't want to be drowning in extra material. My compromise is that my gym uniform is a pair of deep, flat black stretchy yoga capris with no shine whatsoever, a high-performance support bra, and a long, lightweight fitted-but-not-tight t-shirt that I would be comfortable wearing with my jeans. Yes, by wearing cotton blends I am missing out on all of the great wicking fabrics available, but I don't have chafing problems and I'd rather be wet than not at the gym.

Once I found something that didn't make me feel self-conscious, I find it's my toys that help motivate me. Awesome new running shoes that don't make my feet hot and have great arch support. My tiny ipod that clips anywhere I need it to. My heart-rate monitor. And my fitbit. I even like my gym lock. These things make my gym time fun, give me joy, and best of all, they give me positive feedback that is independent from how I happen to be feeling about my appearance.

mamosh81

not once have i bought special gym cloths i wear joga pants and a tank top but i also go to a military gym during the day when all the soldiers are at work =P

jzammetti

started with yoga pants and a larger t-shirt with a moisture wicking tank underneath. While I am certain that no one in my gym gives a crap what we look like - I was also very self conscious. Just put your earbuds in and ignore everyone and get your sweat on. You are doing this for you, not other people in the gym. Note: in my gym, the people there would cheer you on.

bumblebums

The only special items you need to wear to the gym (or to run outside, etc.) are sports bras and shoes. T-shirts and regular sweatpants will do just fine. Yes, they are not "moisture-wicking", but who cares--just air them out, dump them in the laundry basket, and be proud of the sweat.

You can definitely reward yourself later with fancier workout outfits--that works as a motivation for many women.

unmitigatedbadassery

Whatever happened to gym shorts and a t-shirt?

RichOC

Spandex! All Spandex!

jennifer_417

I just wear baggy (and getting baggier) t-shirts and basketball-style pants. I wouldn't, especially at this point, wear fancy that 1.) I will probably shrink out of before I get my $'s worth and 2) would fail to hide the lumps and bumps I currently have.
As long as it's comfortable and doesn't restrict my movement, it's fine.

bluevwgurl

What I have been wearing was cotton capris and tshirts. But I was looking at the "fancy" workout gear 1) for motivation to go more often and 2) because after my workout I am drenched in sweat and the capris (that are grey) are plastered to my bottom half (uncomfortable). The large (read: loose) tshirts I have, while covering all this, rub under the arms and at the neckline (when damp)with certain exercises and when I run on the treadmill. Hence, why I was looking at moisture wicking and non chafing.

jennifer_417

What I have been wearing was cotton capris and tshirts. But I was looking at the "fancy" workout gear 1) for motivation to go more often and 2) because after my workout I am drenched in sweat and the capris (that are grey) are plastered to my bottom half (uncomfortable). The large (read: loose) tshirts I have, while covering all this, rub under the arms and at the neckline (when damp)with certain exercises and when I run on the treadmill. Hence, why I was looking at moisture wicking and non chafing.

That's understandable. I hate wearing clothes that are uncomfortable in any way, especially when working out! Hope you find clothes that work!

caribear1984

Maybe try the mens section? I wanted tech shirts, but the store didn't have womens sizes that fit me. I checked out the mens section and found some nice neutral shirts that fit comfortably. They aren't cute, but they get the job done.

Pink_turnip

When I started going to the gym, I wore yoga pants and t shirts. Now that I'm a bit smaller, I have some nice(er) gym clothes. Most of which is pretty tight, but that's also motivation for me.
I'm looking forward to the day where my gym clothes are too big!

wswilliams67

Wear it but throw a looser shirt over it. I see ladies in the gym doing that all the time.

bd12310007

Where did you shop? If it was a fancy workout store, but it could just run small, or only cater to very athletic people. Maybe just keep shopping around. I've also heard that some places make shapewear workout clothes, that have pants and tops with tummy control panels (like Spanx) but I've never tried them so I don't know if they are even comfortable to work out in.