I’ve been dressing celebrities for the gym for a decade and this is why Gen Z are wrong to call out tight activewear as ‘cringe’

Has there ever been a more complex wardrobe dilemma than getting dressed for the gym? Having the right workout wear has the power to improve our confidence and our performance (we’ll take that magic please). But what we feel good in and what best supports our workouts evolves with age. 

I have been styling midlife celebrities in gymwear for the past decade so I know the shapes that can be flattering and functional that can make you want to run, not walk, to the gym.

Forget squeezing into anything that doesn’t move with you – this is about gymwear that supports your body, flatters your shape and still looks effortlessly chic. 

From breathable fabrics to smart cuts and timeless silhouettes, the right essentials make every workout feel like a confidence boost. Whether you’re powering through spin, stretching in yoga or weight training, these are the carefully curated gymwear essentials that are perfect for your Second Act. 

High Waisted Functional Leggings

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Gen Z might be side-eyeing your leggings, but when it comes to the perfect midlife workout kit, this style staple isn’t going anywhere. A decent pair of compression leggings don’t just sculpt (but that smoothing effect is a happy bonus), they peak your performance by boosting blood circulation and oxygenation, and prevent muscle fatigue. A snug fit at the waist can improve posture and core stability, and if you’re taking direction from a personal trainer, a tight fit allows them to see your form and correct it if needed. Gen Z might be working out in parachute pants, but honestly, they’re missing out. 

Saskia’s top picks:

Medium-to-High Impact Sports Bras

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Serious sports bras are a midlife woman’s secret weapon – delivering crucial support, reducing strain and protecting breast tissue (your boobs can travel up to 6 inches during dynamic movement – basically their own mini workout). And whilst ‘serious’ used to mean unsexy, now high impact sports bras can be a thing of beauty. We love Alo’s Airlift Endurance bra – so sleek – and luluemon’s stylish Levitation bra. With comfy fits and breathable fabrics, they stop bounce, boost posture, and let you train hard without thinking twice.

Saskia’s top picks:

Alo Yoga

Lululemon

Bravissimo

Layering Gym Jackets

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An incredible jacket has the ability to elevate your gymwear, taking your workout wardrobe way beyond the gym. School run pre-class? No problem. Coffee, post-workout? Yes please. Just pick one that oozes style. Quilted gymwear jackets are an on-trend option and sports luxe shell jackets with funnel necks. Plus throwing on a jacket post workout helps reduce injury, stopping you cooling down too fast and giving your muscles a gentle, cosy transition back to rest, keeping stiffness and strains at bay. It’s the little post-workout hug your body will thank you for.

Saskia’s top picks:

Matchy Matchy Gymwear Sets

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This is basically the “I woke up like this” of workout gear – as busy women on the go, we don’t have oodles of time to overthink outfits, and this is an easy win to look polished. Think coordinated colors, sleek lines and that satisfying feeling when your leggings and top actually match. 

Brands like TALA and Alo are expert at this and they have entire ranges that are colour coded which make shopping them the dream. Just filter according to your shade of choice and whole collections pop up in a range of cuts, so it’s super easy to find the perfect top to toe look.

Saskia’s top picks:

Breezy Fitness Tops

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When it comes to working out, technical cooling fitness tops are a quiet midlife gymwear essential – especially when your body insists on doing its own thing. Clever, breathable fabrics help regulate temperature and wick away moisture, helping you stay comfortable when hormones aren’t playing ball. 

Add in flattering, feel-good fits – we love the trending ballet wrap styles – and suddenly workouts feel far less like a battle and far more like something you actually want to keep showing up for. Because our workouts deserve a little style + confidence, right?

Saskia’s top picks:

Whether you have been exercising since your 20s or just trying it out in midlife for the first time to improve your health longevity, we all could do with getting down the gym and moving more. And choosing the right gym styles for you is one way to motivate you to make the change! 

Follow Saskia on Instagram @saskiaquirke.