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Body Positive Workout Clothes Women's Thing, Not Men's?
Replies
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From an article online...
Mark Simpson, coiner of the terms ‘metrosexual’ and ‘spornosexual', says, “Part of the reason why there are no plus-size male models is that there are no politics behind it. It’s not a controversial issue in the same way that it is for women. Men are objectified all the time in the media, but it’s not called ‘objectification’. There’s no male equivalent of feminist ideology.”
Vox also has some interesting articles from a corporate / advertising perspective.
Body Positivity Is a Scam
https://www.vox.com/2018/6/5/17236212/body-positivity-scam-dove-campaign-ads
When Brands Use Plus-Size Models and Don’t Make Plus-Size Clothes
https://www.vox.com/2018/6/5/17236466/size-appropriation-brands-clothes-plus-size
Well MRA's purport to be the equivalent of feminist ideology for men.
Really though, intersectional feminist theory applies to men too.5 -
Hate to say it, but women will SPEND more money than men on personal improvement. It's why stores cater more to women than men and women are a much bigger advertiser for merchants than men when they are happy or got good service. Even in the fitness industry, the industry caters to women so much so that in the 80's they made up the conceptual term of "toning" to feminize the term of lifting weights so that women didn't think they would end up looking like men. I wrote a whole thread on that.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I can only speak for myself but I have zero interest in body positive anything while I am still technically obese. I am fine with going to the gym in frumpy looking sweat pants and a tshirt.
I remember hearing that the demographic for dieters is largely caucasian women which might explain why a fitness apparel company is directing their money in that direction.
I am with you! I tried wearing the tight leggings to the gym a few times. Just too much for me! I am old school and wear sweats and old tee shirts. I am not there for guys to look at my "nether region"!2 -
I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.2
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I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
men wear leggings too.
what i wear is up to me. what you decide to sexualize is up to you.13 -
I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
I'm much more comfortable running in leggings. There's nothing sexual about it, they're just my legs. I'm not being "subjected" to anything.
If you truly believe in equality, don't make me responsible for what men might think when they see my body while I'm busy running.
If you think my equality can only be legitimate if I manage to use clothing to obscure the fact that I'm a woman, then you misunderstand what equality is all about.
You work out what is in most comfortable to you. I'll work out in what is most comfortable for me. Sweatpants absolutely don't work for the type of exercising that I prefer.16 -
I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
men wear leggings too.
what i wear is up to me. what you decide to sexualize is up to you.
In the summer, I'll also see men running in very short shorts. I trust they know what works best for their preferences and workout, I doubt they've fallen for discriminatory marketing or are somehow trying to tempt onlookers.9 -
janejellyroll wrote: »I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
men wear leggings too.
what i wear is up to me. what you decide to sexualize is up to you.
In the summer, I'll also see men running in very short shorts. I trust they know what works best for their preferences and workout, I doubt they've fallen for discriminatory marketing or are somehow trying to tempt onlookers.
i saw an older man in short shorts and a tank top this weekend. i live in Wisconsin. every race i go to, there are humans in a variety of clothing.
agreedjanejellyroll wrote: »
You work out what is in most comfortable to you. I'll work out in what is most comfortable for me. Sweatpants absolutely don't work for the type of exercising that I prefer.
should i wear sweatpants so i can chafe miserably to hide the fact i'm female, rather than run comfortably?
when i teach or practice in the fabrics, sweatpants can be a danger. they can trip me up. in the air. which is bad. but here, let me wear obfuscating clothing to make you more comfortable..
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1. Running is most comfortable when I'm wearing compression style leggings. If I don't, well, too much jiggle is going on and I find it really awkward.
2. They are legs. People have legs. If someone wants to "sexualize" a woman for wearing leggings that's not her problem. And I pretty much never see anyone's labia while wearing leggings. (I did once I will admit lol)9 -
janejellyroll wrote: »I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
I'm much more comfortable running in leggings. There's nothing sexual about it, they're just my legs. I'm not being "subjected" to anything.
If you truly believe in equality, don't make me responsible for what men might think when they see my body while I'm busy running.
If you think my equality can only be legitimate if I manage to use clothing to obscure the fact that I'm a woman, then you misunderstand what equality is all about.
You work out what is in most comfortable to you. I'll work out in what is most comfortable for me. Sweatpants absolutely don't work for the type of exercising that I prefer.
What a great way to put it. Your responses are always so eloquent. Women shouldn't have to emulate men in order to be equal, that's quite the opposite.
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I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
Leggings are extremely comfortable. They're perfect for a workout. Especially the ones that are sweat wicking. I can't imagine doing cardio or lifting weights in sweat pants. That sounds hot, wet, and uncomfortable.9 -
when i teach or practice in the fabrics, sweatpants can be a danger. they can trip me up. in the air. which is bad. but here, let me wear obfuscating clothing to make you more comfortable..
That's a great point -- there are activities where it isn't just more comfortable to wear clothing that is more form-fitting, it is also safer.5 -
I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
You're entitled to wear what makes you comfortable when working out, but don't judge people who wear form fitting clothes to the gym. I am an overweight woman who felt extremely self-conscious about returning to the gym, I would wear baggy tops and sweats to hide my body, but as I started to get fitter (still overweight though) I would be extremely hot and uncomfortable and not to mention my top would end up around my neck when doing burpies! I changed my gear to suit my workout, high-waist leggings and form fitting t-shirts, I was able to workout harder and feel more secure that my boobs weren't flying out. Now that I do Olympic weightlifting, I wear short high-waist leggings and a tight tank. I'm still overweight and I never thought I would wear clothes so tight and showing so much skin, but I do it because I don't want 30+ kg of barbell dropping on my head if it gets caught on loose clothes on the way up. I don't wear clothes for anyone else, I wear them for function! If people don't like the way I look in them or don't like to see my cellulite legs, don't look.13 -
I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
Men can objectify a woman in sweats and an old tee too. Some men will even find that more attractive (in a negative way). What might discourage one man will encourage another.12 -
I would if I thought it would work. There are people of any gender that do wear things wanting to be sexualized.janejellyroll wrote: »I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
men wear leggings too.
what i wear is up to me. what you decide to sexualize is up to you.
In the summer, I'll also see men running in very short shorts. I trust they know what works best for their preferences and workout, I doubt they've fallen for discriminatory marketing or are somehow trying to tempt onlookers.
But yeah, as at least a practical matter, you probably should assume that self objectifying is not someone's purpose.4 -
magnusthenerd wrote: »
I would if I thought it would work. There are people of any gender that do wear things wanting to be sexualized.janejellyroll wrote: »I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
men wear leggings too.
what i wear is up to me. what you decide to sexualize is up to you.
In the summer, I'll also see men running in very short shorts. I trust they know what works best for their preferences and workout, I doubt they've fallen for discriminatory marketing or are somehow trying to tempt onlookers.
But yeah, as at least a practical matter, you probably should assume that self objectifying is not someone's purpose.
I'm not saying it never happens, I'm just saying my default assumption is that people are wearing what is most comfortable and practical for them.1 -
Don't get me wrong, I think there are a lot of people who wear certain things to *accentuate* body parts and make themselves look more attractive (think leggings that are cinched down the butt crack to make their butt look bigger etc) So it's not all about functionality (unless I'm missing something about the cinch on the butt)
But I mean if someone feels better wearing something that makes them look cuter who am I to judge. People should wear what they want and it's not their responsibility to worry about whether other people like it or not.
I feel like this debate has gone awry lol5 -
magnusthenerd wrote: »
I would if I thought it would work. There are people of any gender that do wear things wanting to be sexualized.janejellyroll wrote: »I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
men wear leggings too.
what i wear is up to me. what you decide to sexualize is up to you.
In the summer, I'll also see men running in very short shorts. I trust they know what works best for their preferences and workout, I doubt they've fallen for discriminatory marketing or are somehow trying to tempt onlookers.
But yeah, as at least a practical matter, you probably should assume that self objectifying is not someone's purpose.
Or that even if it is their purpose it may be only for their own benefit or for the benefit of someone already in their life. The last thing you should assume is that a person is dressed that way specifically for you or your viewing pleasure.
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Don't get me wrong, I think there are a lot of people who wear certain things to *accentuate* body parts and make themselves look more attractive (think leggings that are cinched down the butt crack to make their butt look bigger etc) So it's not all about functionality (unless I'm missing something about the cinch on the butt)
But I mean if someone feels better wearing something that makes them look cuter who am I to judge. People should wear what they want and it's not their responsibility to worry about whether other people like it or not.
I feel like this debate has gone awry lol
I would still argue that women choosing workout clothes they believe are flattering are not being "subjected" to sexualization or somehow undermining the case for women's equality (and I know you are not arguing that is the case). Sometimes you just like the way something looks and, for some people, feeling cute is a way to make a workout more fun.10 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Don't get me wrong, I think there are a lot of people who wear certain things to *accentuate* body parts and make themselves look more attractive (think leggings that are cinched down the butt crack to make their butt look bigger etc) So it's not all about functionality (unless I'm missing something about the cinch on the butt)
But I mean if someone feels better wearing something that makes them look cuter who am I to judge. People should wear what they want and it's not their responsibility to worry about whether other people like it or not.
I feel like this debate has gone awry lol
I would still argue that women choosing workout clothes they believe are flattering are not being "subjected" to sexualization or somehow undermining the case for women's equality (and I know you are not arguing that is the case). Sometimes you just like the way something looks and, for some people, feeling cute is a way to make a workout more fun.
Agreed. Its no different than if a woman wanted to wear a dress that they found flattering to a formal event instead of a pantsuit. People should be able to wear what they are most comfortable in without worrying about whether a stranger is going to sexualize that outfit. There are obviously limits as to what would generally be considered appropriate public attire, and what would border on tasteless, but I don't think form fitting workout clothing comes even close to that line.7 -
I am 55 years old and only wear sweats and old tees to the gym. I am not one to fall for discriminated marketing. So many of the tights are just over the top tight! I just don't understand why women still allow themselves to be subjected to the sexualization of our bodies! Working out should be in a comfortable, stress free environment where we are looked at as equal; not some sex kitten in pants so tight you can see our labia! That's just my, humble opinion.
I'm 64 years old, and wearing leggings to work out when I want to, which is often. (Did so while obese, too, BTW)
Anyone checking to see if my labia are visible is paying too little attention to their own workout (or grocery shopping, when in a different context). (I feel the same about VPL, by the way.)
Back to men: I expect men to stick with what's considered legally acceptable, and I'm not checking out any bumps in the spandex in a lacivious manner. That would be inappropriate and rude. Current legal standards seem to be that as long as our "special parts" are covered with fabric, it's fine.
Men should dress in a way that's functional and comfortable for them. So should women. IMO, it's people who are leering at them who have a problem, and should be called out.7 -
I've never had an issue wearing my sweats and tees in the last 3 decades that I've been wearing them to the gym. They've never got bunched up and I've never tripped or got hung up on any type of machinery. I am comfortable in loose fitting clothing at the gym and I think you guys are judging me because I wear baggy clothes at the gym. I like going to the gym to exercise. The end!1
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I've never had an issue wearing my sweats and tees in the last 3 decades that I've been wearing them to the gym. They've never got bunched up and I've never tripped or got hung up on any type of machinery. I am comfortable in loose fitting clothing at the gym and I think you guys are judging me because I wear baggy clothes at the gym. I like going to the gym to exercise. The end!
All of the discussion I have read was in direct response to you passing judgment on what others wear. Can you point out one post that stated you should wear something other than what you enjoy wearing?5 -
"All of the discussion I have read was in direct response to you passing judgment on what others wear. Can you point out one post that stated you should wear something other than what you enjoy wearing?"
I guess you haven't read them all. All I did was post my opinion then I was bombarded.
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I've never had an issue wearing my sweats and tees in the last 3 decades that I've been wearing them to the gym. They've never got bunched up and I've never tripped or got hung up on any type of machinery. I am comfortable in loose fitting clothing at the gym and I think you guys are judging me because I wear baggy clothes at the gym. I like going to the gym to exercise. The end!
If I'm one of the bombardiers (as I'd guess), I believe you misread me.
I'm happy for you to wear any clothing at the gym that you find comfortable, and that is within any appropriateness guidelines the particular gym may apply. In fact, I think that's exactly what you should do.
I expect the same courtesy in return, without imputations about "sexualization" and "sex kittens".
Specifically, I don't assume that you were "leering", but I think you implied that someone was. Whoever that is - if anyone - deserves our ire.
That's it.5 -
I've never had an issue wearing my sweats and tees in the last 3 decades that I've been wearing them to the gym. They've never got bunched up and I've never tripped or got hung up on any type of machinery. I am comfortable in loose fitting clothing at the gym and I think you guys are judging me because I wear baggy clothes at the gym. I like going to the gym to exercise. The end!
I like going to the gym wearing what I find comfortable.
What I find comfortable is, yes, leggings and tank tops.
I am not wearing leggings and tank tops for people to see me. In fact, honestly, right now my body isn't in a state where I particularly want people to notice it. I wear the leggings and tank tops anyway, because they are what I have, and because I find them far more comfortable to work out in than baggy clothes. I prefer the range of movement I get in clothes that are elasticated, and I find that when I wear looser things, they get caught.
Like the other day- literally on Wednesday morning- when I was trying to roll out my back with a foam roller, and the zip top I'd thrown on over my tank to keep warm for my warm up kept on getting caught between the roller and the floor, and I'd have to reset and start again. Pain in the kitten, it was. Still kept the zip top on, 'cause it's January.
Yeah, sometimes people might want to wear form-fitting clothes for aesthetic reasons- and honestly, far as I'm concerned, good for them! Many people have slogged away for YEARS to achieve the bodies they have, and if they want to show that off, more power to 'em.
But like, sometimes our reasons for dressing a particular way are simply functional.
I think it's great that you feel that baggy tees and sweats are functional for you! I'm really glad you have a way of dressing to work out that feels comfortable and that you're happy in. I only hope you can understand that others of us make different decisions about what to wear for precisely the same reasons you do.
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Don't get me wrong, I think there are a lot of people who wear certain things to *accentuate* body parts and make themselves look more attractive (think leggings that are cinched down the butt crack to make their butt look bigger etc) So it's not all about functionality (unless I'm missing something about the cinch on the butt)
But I mean if someone feels better wearing something that makes them look cuter who am I to judge. People should wear what they want and it's not their responsibility to worry about whether other people like it or not.
I feel like this debate has gone awry lol
I feel like it's gone awry too.1 -
I've never had an issue wearing my sweats and tees in the last 3 decades that I've been wearing them to the gym. They've never got bunched up and I've never tripped or got hung up on any type of machinery. I am comfortable in loose fitting clothing at the gym and I think you guys are judging me because I wear baggy clothes at the gym. I like going to the gym to exercise. The end!
Nobody is judging you for wearing what you prefer and is most comfortable for you. We're simply pointing out that not everyone shares your preferences.3 -
I have not read the whole thread so apologies if someone has already said similar. I live in a part of the UK where men take as much interest in their appearance as women. There are at least as many specialist barbers as hairdressers on our high street and you see plenty of men in health/relaxation spas. They take a great deal of care about and interest in how they dress. However, at the gym, even while their hair may be pomaded their apparel is purely functional. For all I know they are wearing designer kit but it looks the same as everything else. I've never seen a man turn up in shorts with fancy mesh panels or a bright print. The loudest their tops get is hi-vis yellow all over, but normally it would be a regular T shirt or a muscle vest in a grisly shade of grey. All the above points apply regardless of their physique.0
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This advertising appeals to me because, when I first wanted to invest in actual workout clothes that would be comfortable and whisk away sweat, I COULD NOT FIND THEM IN MY SIZE. And this was going to serious sportswear stores and being portly but not obese.
Color me cynical, but they aren’t being body positive so much as they are exploiting the fact that they are producing clothes for a market that is drastically underserved.4
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