Viewing the message boards in:

Socially Acceptable Amount of Skin

Posts: 518 Member
edited February 22 in Fitness and Exercise
Alright, so I am new to the working-out scene. I want to start jogging around my neighborhood, but had a question about attire.

I live in a very hot and humid climate. I would like to work out in just shorts and a sports bra, that is what I wear in my home when I work out. But I don't know if that is acceptable in public? Should I wear a tank top?

What do ya'll wear when working out outside? What would you consider socially acceptable work out attire?

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
«1

Replies

  • Posts: 17,525 Member
    I prefer running shirtless- I wear carpis and a sports bra.

    BUT- I will now only do that at the track- I won't do it down my street- I don't feel like it's worth the negative attention.

    I get a fair bit of hollaring as it is WITH a shirt on- so w/o I'm sure would cause issues.

    Really it's up to you and what amount of heckling you might receive.

    it's not uncommon in certain areas (any place with trails/parks- or good sidewalks) to see runners in itty bitty running shorts and nothing else- men and women alike. totally normal.

    If those same said people went running through Trenton- it would be a different story.

    So- just chose carefully.
  • Posts: 13,049 Member
    Wear whatever you're not afraid of seeing posted on Facebook.
  • Posts: 3,661 Member
    i guess you'd have to check your local laws for that one lol.

    it wouldn't seem out of place to me at all to see a girl running in shorts and a sports bra
  • Posts: 34,415 Member
    I prefer running shirtless- I wear carpis and a sports bra.

    BUT- I will now only do that at the track- I won't do it down my street- I don't feel like it's worth the negative attention.

    I get a fair bit of hollaring as it is WITH a shirt on- so w/o I'm sure would cause issues.

    Really it's up to you and what amount of heckling you might receive.

    it's not uncommon in certain areas (any place with trails/parks- or good sidewalks) to see runners in itty bitty running shorts and nothing else- men and women alike. totally normal.

    If those same said people went running through Trenton- it would be a different story.

    So- just chose carefully.

    And on some trail runs, I've seen guys wearing much much less.

    *shudder*

    :noway:
  • Posts: 1,276 Member
    I prefer running shirtless- I wear carpis and a sports bra.

    BUT- I will now only do that at the track- I won't do it down my street- I don't feel like it's worth the negative attention.

    I get a fair bit of hollaring as it is WITH a shirt on- so w/o I'm sure would cause issues.

    Really it's up to you and what amount of heckling you might receive.

    it's not uncommon in certain areas (any place with trails/parks- or good sidewalks) to see runners in itty bitty running shorts and nothing else- men and women alike. totally normal.

    If those same said people went running through Trenton- it would be a different story.

    So- just chose carefully.

    So where are you that women are running topless?

    OP: wear what you are comfortable with - both temperature-wise and skin-wise.
  • Posts: 17,525 Member

    And on some trail runs, I've seen guys wearing much much less.

    *shudder*

    :noway:

    GO GO RANGER PANTIES!!!
    So where are you that women are running topless?

    think in Canada it's cool LMAO
  • Posts: 1,821 Member
    What about those tank style shirts that are all cut up?
  • Posts: 27,167 Member

    So where are you that women are running topless?

    OP: wear what you are comfortable with - both temperature-wise and skin-wise.

    Ouch! And this.

    Here, it isn't very common, other places I've been to everyone is wearing a bra top. You will likely get more attention here. Some people like that, some people hate it, others couldn't care either way. It's up to you.
    I couldn't wait to go running down south in my bra top, but it isn't something I'm comfortable doing here.

    I don't think there is a set rule unless you are in a race.

    (I'm in Canada :laugh: )


    ETA- I'm guessing in a hot, humid climate it is much more common and acceptable. If you are comfortable, do it.
  • Posts: 960 Member
    It would probably be best if you jogged in just a thong and boobie tassles.
  • Posts: 518 Member
    I'm going to go to my neighborhood track tomorrow and see what other people are wearing. I'll wear a t-shirt and it it seems common to wear just a sports bra I'll peel down a layer lol.
  • Posts: 518 Member
    It would probably be best if you jogged in just a thong and boobie tassles.

    Tempting offer, but I will probably still need more support than tassles. :P
  • Posts: 1,821 Member

    Tempting offer, but I will probably still need more support than tassles. :P

    You're not helping. :drinker:
  • Posts: 960 Member

    Tempting offer, but I will probably still need more support than tassles. :P

    Granted, so you're still down with the thong though right?
  • Posts: 450 Member
    I live in Houston (does it get any more humid than this?) and I see gals all the time in shorts/sports bras.
  • Posts: 518 Member
    I live in Houston (does it get any more humid than this?) and I see gals all the time in shorts/sports bras.

    Thank you for this! (and no I don't think it does get much more humid than this lol)
  • Posts: 16,356 Member

    think in Canada it's cool LMAO

    I clutched at my chest in phantom pain at the thought of attempting that.
  • Posts: 812 Member
    Wear whatever you're not afraid of seeing posted on Facebook.

    This is a good rule of thumb actually.
  • Posts: 575 Member
    Nothing wrong with covering all but nip.
  • Posts: 597 Member
    Wear whatever makes your feel sexy and or confident. You're much more likely to stick with it if YOU feel good about yourself while you are jogging/running/walking/etc.

    Social acceptability really shouldn't be an issue unless you are jogging in a thong :p
  • Posts: 263 Member
    shorts and sports bra is totally acceptable. I don't think anyone will catch you and tell you to go back home and change. But some people might stare and you have to get used to it.
  • Posts: 138 Member
    I can't drive through my neighborhood without seeing at least 4 middle-aged men, at any given time, mowing their lawns in holey gym shorts from 1982 and nothing to cover their moobs but swirls of salt-and-pepper chest hair... so I figure if the neighborhood can handle that, they can handle me in a sports bra.
  • Posts: 62 Member
    Wear what your comfortable in. I see plenty of women in a sports bra and shorts. I would if I wasn't so pale, so its t-shirt or LOTS of sunblock. T-shirt is easier.
  • Posts: 7,001 Member
    It's all about what you're comfortable in. I used to run in short shorts and a good supportive sports bra with a tank top. I had my iPod, and I ran in the country, so I could ignore the occasional yell or honk. I also took a small can of mace or my large 1/2 wolf dog with me to discourage anyone from stopping by since our area was fairly isolated.
  • Posts: 16,947 Member

    GO GO RANGER PANTIES!!!

    think in Canada it's cool LMAO

    only in Toronto
  • Posts: 7,334 Member
    Gauge your audience. Good idea to go in layers, and if you see someone else sporting your desired look, then go for it.

    When I jog, if I'm jogging on my road (which is scarcely traveled) or at the park... I'll often go in shorts and a sports bra. If there's no one else around, or if I'm not the only one - then I go for it.

    At the gym... I wear a tank (though I hate it), because I would stand out in just a sports bra.
  • Posts: 9,420 Member
    I'll run on a trail with just a sport bra. My local track is mostly older people getting fit by walking, so it's less acceptable there, though I'll do it when there's nobody else there. When I'm running on the street, I'll wear a singlet or tshirt.

    My gym is at my work, so I wear more than I typically would there.
  • Posts: 142 Member
    Wear what you are comfortable wearing.

    I personally would not run in just a sports bra and shorts because you'll be cooler (and therefore able to run farther) if you shield your skin with loose fitting clothing than have it exposed to the sun. But if you just want the fashion statement, go right ahead...
  • Posts: 2,037 Member
    It really depends.

    If I'm on a beach, I wear a bikini top and usually shorts because I don't like running in bikini bottoms. It's great in theory, but if the swimsuit rides up in the back, it really slows the pace. That, and I run barefoot and often into the surf. If the thighs rub together even a little, the skin exfoliates right off.

    If in my neighborhood and it's hot and humid, a more modest sports bra with some padding and running capris.
  • Posts: 4,489 Member
    Wear whatever it takes to get the job done. Just watch out for sketchy FedEx drivers...
  • Posts: 702 Member
    When I used to go running in Southern Italy - 30 °C degrees at least at 8 PM - I would wear shorts and a sleeveless top. Needless to say it would have been hot to run even skinless.
This discussion has been closed.