The Best Athleisurewear for Women Over 50 (That You’ll Actually Want to Wear)
Athleisurewear over 50 used to feel like something we had to explain. Now it’s just what works for the way we move and live. Most of us are also taking exercise more seriously these days because strength, flexibility, and balance matter more than they used to. Some women lift weights with a trainer, others stretch with bands at home, and plenty of us just lace up our sneakers and go for a walk, which feels sensible, doable, and realistic for the way we live now.
I’ve been on a bit of a Pilates streak lately, and it’s made me pay much closer attention to what I’m wearing. If something rolls, rides up, or requires adjusting mid-move, I won’t reach for it again. At this point in life, I’ve got enough distractions. My leggings shouldn’t be one of them.
Most of these are what I wear to actually work out…Pilates, walking, or stretching at home while pretending not to see the dust bunnies under the dresser. But a few of them have made it into regular rotation for the kinds of days when comfort wins and errands still happen.
I’m updating this post with new ideas and fresh links.
Where I Shop for Athleisure that Actually Fits My Life
I buy most of my workout clothes from Vuori, Nordstrom, and Athleta. Their quality is consistent, the fabrics are soft, and the fits work well for my shape. I’ve had especially good luck with Vuori’s joggers and Athleta’s pants because they hold up through actual workouts and still look decent when I’m grabbing groceries afterward. The Zella line at Nordstrom is a fabulous quality at a great price. Lululemon is also extremely popular, but I haven’t tried it yet.
That said, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find pieces that feel good. GapFit Activewear is terrific, and Talbots has a performance line called T by Talbots that’s polished and practical. Chico’s Zenergy collection often blends comfort with just enough structure to wear out and about. And if you’re looking for budget-friendly basics, Amazon carries quite a few styles that look and feel surprisingly similar to pricier brands…just be ready to scroll through a lot of options.
Style Tips for Wearing Athleisure Beyond the Gym
If you’re like me, some of your activewear sneaks into regular life more often than not. These are a few easy ways to make athleisure feel polished—without dressing it up or trying too hard:
- Treat it like an outfit—not a fallback. Even if you’re wearing leggings and a tee, adding a vest or a fresh pair of sneakers makes the whole thing feel more pulled together.
- Play with proportion. If your bottoms are fitted, try a looser top or layer. If you’re in relaxed joggers, a slim tee or zip-up jacket helps balance the look.
- Stick to a cohesive color palette. If your closet leans neutral, your athleisure should too. That way everything mixes and matches easily, and you avoid that “laundry day mishmash” vibe.
- Add one polished piece. A quilted vest, structured hoodie, or even a crossbody bag can take an outfit from “just worked out” to “out and about” in seconds.
- Mind your footwear. A good pair of walking sneakers or slip-ons can make all the difference. Some days, your shoes do the styling for you.
- Refresh regularly. If your leggings have faded, stretched out, or seen better days, it’s time to let them go. Casual shouldn’t mean worn out.
Athleisure Wear and Workout Outfit Inspiration
Many of you readers suggested I give joggers a try, so I ordered these Vuori Performance Joggers, and I never looked back. A benefit I hadn’t considered with the jogger style is the length. The Vuori fabric is so amazingly soft and lightweight that I could live in it all day!
Athleta’s Endless Pant and Brooklyn pants have easily made their way into my everyday wardrobe because the comfort can’t be beat, and they travel like a dream.
I feel totally comfy and polished in outfits like this for running errands on a busy day. These ankle pants are as comfy as sweatpants with tons of stretch.
These Zella pants have side-seam pockets (which I always appreciate), and the slim cut makes them a great alternative to leggings when I want a bit more structure. It should not go unsaid that if I’m not wearing pilates socks, I’m wearing Bombas because they’re incredibly comfortable.
For a long time, wearing athleisure outside the gym felt like something we had to justify—like we were supposed to explain ourselves or promise we used to wear real pants. But at this stage, comfort and ease aren’t a compromise—they’re common sense. Athleisurewear isn’t a cop-out or a style shortcut. It’s simply dressing in a way that supports how we move, live, and show up in the world now. And there’s nothing lazy or “less than” about that.
You may also enjoy Best Sneakers and Walking Shoes for Mature Feet
Has your view of athleisure changed in the last few years? Or does it still feel like a slippery slope to pajamas in public?
Jennifer….what a great post and helpful comments from your readers is a plus. What size pants and tops do you wear from Vuori and Athleta, pants are so difficult for me at 5’3”. I have a pair of LuLu and the waist rolls. I was quite disappointed in them, and they were not cheap. Needless to say I’m searching for another brand. Thank you in advance. Enjoy the Season! 💕
Perfect athleisure wear items. Love! This week’s activities, up at 630von comfey jamas. Flannel with sweater. Pick up grandkids for the day, museum, jeans sweater tennies, happy hour with grown ups, jeans western style booties, sweater, crossbody bag earrings. No extra time. This is a basic schedule. Need ideas for quick changes in the phone booth😁
Perfect post for me! In the morning I exercise (gym, home, outside) and then often go take care of errands. I don’t want to keep changing clothes, so I often wear the workout clothes all day. Appreciate seeing athleisure clothing styled so that it is more of an intentional outfit. I’m over the debate about whether it should or shouldn’t be an outfit. For me, it is. Thank you for recognizing that for many of us, doing what we can do be healthy and feel good about ourselves is a priority. Clothing choices need to support that.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love your blog.
I’m with you entirely on this! It’s my life- walking 2 + miles a day And fitness classes!
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄
Love this!!!
Big thumbs up for athleisure wear! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a Sparkly New Year!
Congratulations on adding Pilates to your movement routine. It is AMAZING for your body and mind. I am a STOTT trainer and it is life changing if you stick with your practice. I also love Athleta stash leggings.
Happy New Year.
I’ve not heard of STOTT… googling now.
I discovered Pilates 3 years ago. I ran regularly for 14 years. After Covid shut down my running club and a major physical move to a new city, I just couldn’t find the urge to run again. Pilates filled the void, and I’m over 1000 classes and counting. I live in workout clothes-unless I’m at work. Don’t waste your money on Lululemon; the Amazon alternatives are better, cheaper and last longer! Having a great fitting pair of shoes for walking is a must! Go get fitted at your local running store by an expert. Keep moving friends! I’m convinced regular exercise is the secret to both physical and mental well being.
I think my initial reluctance to jump on the athleisure bandwagon was due to mentally relating anything with an elastic waistband to the heavy (and itchy) rubber elastic and cheap-looking synthetics of the 60s and 70s. It didn’t help that I had an allergy to latex and a lot of those waistbands were just sewn in after the waistband was constructed. For me, elastic meant cheaply made, horribly uncomfortable to wear, and ugly. Once I learned to sew l had nothing to do with anything that didn’t have a structured and properly fitted waistband. However, time and progress has silenced the voice in my head and I love the flexibility, comfort, and ease of anathleisure wear. As proof, my closet now has a lot of pieces from Chco’s in it.
The Brightener I have is : CEO Vitamin C Brightening Serum by Sunday Riley.
I do not know the order to use it when applying makeup. Before moisturizer, only at night, after moisturizer?? Would appreciate your advice.
Thank you for athleisure suggestions-I teach Silver Sneakers and am always on the hunt for durable clothes.
Bit C gets applied in the AM directly after washing before moisturizer or sunscreen. You can use it in the evening if you don’t use a retinoid.
Can you post the brand/style of the long sleeve cream colored hooded cardigan you are wearing in several photos? It looks fabulous and so versatile. Thanks.
It was from J. Jill a few years ago, as part of their fit collection.
Love reading about everyone being so active. My Mom is 93 and has always said you have to keep moving! She still walks a lot and rakes leaves and gardens. Hope that means good news for me. I have always been active but had a bout of cancer that about did me in – at least that is what everyone has told me. I knew I would be fine. I kept a picture of my horse on the wall in the hospital. It took me over a year to learn to walk again and then i was still weak and my husband would get my horse ready for me (he is NOT a horse person) and then boast me on and walk me around. That was in the spring of 2021. I have a new horse now and I am riding a lot. I just did a fast 8 miles with about 5 at an extended trot. Really working at building my core as I now have a colostomy and nephrostomy tubes. But getting that saddle on a big horse does make you work! I hate that I can no longer swim because of the tubes – but at least I can ride and walk. Also, agree with getting the best fitting shoes you can! And having two pairs are best if you wear them everyday as they actually have to recover – decompress from the pressure. I used to have two pairs and alternated when i was running and racing in my late 40s and 50s. No longer run as i can feel the hips and i knew it was time to stop. Anyway, shoes last about 500 miles so you just keep track of the miles you put on them. I am 67 now – but my primary care doctor is 77 and she rides about every day and does at least 5 miles walking! I want to be her when I grow up!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Jody! You are an amazing woman. Your story gives all of us hope and inspiration!!
Try Feetures for socks. I was plagued with plantar fasciitis. Feetures has socks for certain types of feet ailments. I find the plantar fasciitis socs great for when my flat feet arches are bothering me. You can get socks in various thicknesses. I highly recommend. Every family receives one or two new pairs of these socks each year.
Hi Jennifer, I’m wondering why my comments haven’t been appearing on your blog. I’ve responded to two posts recently including a fairly lengthy comment on this one. The comments appear saying that they’re awaiting moderation, but then they disappear which leads me to think that perhaps you’ve been filtering them out for some reason. I hope I haven’t inadvertently said something that offended you. My comments have been on topic and definitely not controversial. I realize that you might not want to respond to this on the blog, so please feel free to email me. Thanks!
Hi Elaine!! As you know, I do have moderation on but have always published your lovely comments…to the best of my knowledge. Let me dig into my spam folder and see if some of yours are there. I do see several ones latety but will check for more. Please de assured, I only don’t publish porn, mean spirited comments that attack other readers and ones that are off color.
Thank you, Jennifer! I’m so glad to know that I didn’t offend you! As you know, I’ve been enjoying your blog for a very long time.
I’m so glad you join us here, Elaine!
I’m 70. Monday to Friday, I start my day with a 20 minute exercise program that includes some stretches, some exercises for core muscles and knees that were suggested by a physiotherapist, and a few balance exercises. This summer, I challenged myself to walk and/or hike 350 km between May 1 and Oct 31. I passed the 200 km mark by the end of July. I have two pairs of Asics sneakers for walking, one for outdoors and the other for the treadmill in the basement which I use only in the winter. For years, also I lifted weights during the winter months, but the heavy lifting eventually got to be too much for me. In the fall, when I’m no longer golfing, hiking, and kayaking, I’ll start working out with hand weights. I don’t go to a gym because I live in a very small community where there isn’t one. Since I exercise at home where no one but my husband sees me, I’ve never worried much about having nice exercise wear.
It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job staying in shape! It’s so hard to stay motivated when we do it at home!
Athleta lets you fill your cart from Banana Republic, Gap or Old Navy in any combination in order to reach the free shipping threshold. It arrives in one package as one order, usually.
Oh My!! I has no idea!! Thank you so much for sharing that MJ.
Hi Jennifer, thank you for all the research and helpful posts. I enjoy reading them very much. You and I are a very similar size. I’m keen to try the Athleta Brooklyn ankle pants, but have to order them online. Could you please tell me what size you wear?
Thank you,
Sandra
I currently wear the regular 8 because the petite is too short. I used to wear a 6 but they’re just a smidge small (vacation pounds) so I moved up. I just bought myself a black pair today 🙂
THANKS for this post! Between today’s post and yesterday’s, I’ve been able to chip away at much of my fall wardrobe purchase list. (If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’d had a peek at said list! ;D ) And you’ve shared some PETITE athleisure pieces! Do you know how hard they are to find? I’m going to order some to try in just a few minutes. My days start with a power walk in workout gear – six days per week, 2 – 4 miles + resistance training a couple of times a week. I work around the home, do a bit of gardening, and then shower and change into ‘real’ clothes. So, this type of athletic wear comprises the majority of my wardrobe basics. I found On sneakers back in January. They are super comfortable, and they have lasted much longer than other brands which, with the amount of walking that I do, tend to wear out on the inside before the outside shows signs of wear. I live in Texas. Today, our high is predicted to be 109 degrees, and it’s been like that for weeks now. It’s above 90 by, like, 7 am, and it doesn’t cool off until long after sunset. I do my power walking in the house using an app. If it’s appropriate to say here, the app I use is “Walk at Home”. I never was an athlete, and their workouts are so user-friendly and doable. It helps me stay on track because whether or not I work out has nothing to do with our weather. After seasons when consistency was not the case and I kept getting injured while doing workouts that were too intense for me, I’ve been consistent with these walking workouts for years now. I’ve found my ‘jam’. And that is KEY.
Thank you so much for sharing that Pam! I think many ladies could benefit from using that app. I hate to admit I have been overdoing lately, but I have. I think moderation is so important and more so when our bones, joints and ligamnets are older.