I'm over 50, and these are the athleisure pieces I actually love wearing

CNN

25-02-2025

Athleisure for women over 50 quick picks
Joggers: Athleta Venice High-Rise Joggers
Leggings: Spanx Booty Boost Leggings
Top: Athleta Momentum Seamless Tank
Fitness dress: Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic Jessamy Dress As a woman in my early 50s, the only trend I remember that remotely resembles the current state of athleisure wear is the velour Juicy tracksuit, made famous by Jennifer Lopez in the early aughts. And I can assure you, that bedazzled logo never adorned my behind. However, with the rise of premium activewear brands like Lululemon, Alo and Vuori that double as fashion, looking fit never felt so stylish.
Of course, being of a certain age, I'm not as keen to show off a ton of skin — in or out of the gym. Even in the '90s, when Gwen Stafani was rocking half tanks and huge baggy sweats, I was always covered up for a workout, with old concert T-shirts de rigueur. But now that these sleek outfits can be donned for all-day wear as well as exercise, I've branched out into new silhouettes, colors and materials.
To get the best recommendations for everyday fitness wear for people over 50, I asked two personal stylists for their thoughts on the latest looks and suggestions for women over 50 (or really anyone who wants to be comfy). Both experts highlighted trends like sustainable materials, tennis-inspired looks and functional accessories.
'From long-sleeve shirts to high-rise leggings, moisture-wicking material and antimicrobial fabric, these are some of the hottest fitness wear trends,' celebrity stylist and on-air fashion expert Cindy Conroy says. She also cites fitness dresses and wide-leg sweatpants as currently en vogue.
Allison Berlin, founder and stylist of personal shopping service Style Made Simple, is a fan of a classic, neutral color palette for folks over 50. 'Sticking with a mid-to-dark-tone color palette (black, gray, navy, cream, dark/olive green) is always flattering and easy to mix and match to create different looks,' she says. 'Avoiding trendy items like very bright colors, prints and items that are super short, as it applies to your height, can make for a sophisticated approach to the athleisure category for those over 50 and, really, any age category.'
Most of all, the key is to feel comfortable and secure when you're rocking these pieces, and Conroy suggests layering up if you want to draw focus away from certain areas. 'Look for styles that make you feel secure in your body, ones that keep you focused on your workout instead of feeling self-conscious,' she says. 'It's camouflage, but with an avant-garde spin.'
Whether you're looking to make a statement at the gym or just want to feel comfortable dropping off the kids at school, here are my go-to fitness-forward athleisure pieces that are great for those 50 and up, or any age.
Athleta Venice High-Rise Joggers
One of my all-time favorite trends are joggers because they're a nearly perfect fusion of sweatpants and leggings. I especially like these Athleta pants because the stretchy, superlight fabric is not only ideal for working out but offers full coverage, which is also nice for travel days.
Vuori Women's Performance Joggers
Vuori is a social media darling, and I felt it was my duty to find out why so many celebs, like Gwyneth Paltrow, are donning the brand. The Performance Joggers are so ridiculously soft, it feels like I'm wearing pajamas. Yet, the slim fit and cropped style make them cool enough to wear to yoga or out for a coffee with pals.
Spanx Booty Boost Leggings
I cannot lie: My booty is not what it used to be. I've been adding a 10-minute uphill climb on the treadmill to every workout to try to bring back some volume, but thank goodness, Spanx has my, um, back(side). Though you may think of Spanx more as shapewear, the brand also offers comfy, age-appropriate activewear. And these leggings look as good as they feel, with supportive fabric and a backseam to flatter your behind.
Lululemon Softy Suedy Split-Hem High-Rise Mini-Flare Pants
I love the idea of flared leggings because they offer a more sophisticated silhouette for my gym outfits. These pants are also fabulous for the outside world because they are crafted from what Lululemon calls a 'sueded performance fabric,' which adds a little warmth and texture for the cold winter of New York City.
Varley Form High-Rise Pocket Leggings
These high-rise leggings are one of Conroy's favorites, and I love how they combine form and function so comfortably. The wider waistband ensures everything is sucked in efficiently, and the breathable yet supportive material makes them a go-to for nearly anything I'm doing in or out of the gym.
LSpace Contender Leggings
I was drawn to LSpace because it adds a little fun to my fitness. I got these Contender Leggings in the brand's Flame red, and I dig the lace-up detail. But best of all, the pants are made from moisture-wicking, odor-resistant material, and they fit like a cozy second-skin.
Alo Accolade Crewneck Pullover
Alo is one of our experts' favorite brands for people over 50, and Berlin thinks it's also the most fashion-forward. I happen to adore its Accolade pullover, which is basically an oversized crewneck sweatshirt made of snug French terry with a shiny, silver Alo logo. I can easily throw it on over tank tops for the gym or pair it with the matching Accolade Straight-Leg Sweatpants for travel.
Athleta Momentum Seamless Tank
One of my biggest pet peeves is the crop top. I've had two kids. I'm not down for showing my belly in public while I'm exercising. Which is why this affordable, seamless athletic tank is my working-class hero. I like its lightweight, nylon construction, and I especially appreciate that though it hugs my body, it still comes down past my waist so it won't ride up when I'm in my downward dog.
Lululemon Love Tank Top
Loose-fitting, soft cotton is my preference when it comes to throwing on a fitness top. Both Conroy and Berlin are fans of Lululemon, and I not only revel in this skin-skimming shape but also welcome the low neckline and hint of stretch.
Spanx SoftStretch Open-Back Long-Sleeve Top
Sometimes I want long sleeves when I head to the gym, and this pretty, breathable tee has an open back and a nice low hem. I am a fan of barre class, and I like to throw this on before I get my plié on. It covers me up but doesn't make me sweat.
Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic Jessamy Dress
I remember the first Lilly Pulitzer dress I bought in the '90s. Green, pink, white lace — it was a perfect Palm Beach dream. So, I figured I couldn't go wrong with this pretty yet sporty knit tennis dress as the brand finally turns an eye to activewear. I got it in the navy-and-white style, and it comes with a separate pair of navy undershorts (which makes it easy when I head to the loo). And of course, the folks at Lilly are always looking out for us when it comes to sun protection, adding UPF 50+ to the comfy fabric.
LSpace Barre Dress
This high-necked, ballet-inspired dress takes a slight turn from the usual tenniscore styles. Made of sleek, jersey material, it has a high neck, built-in shorts and low back for a little panache. I have worn it to the tennis club for my lessons, but I'm also looking forward to throwing it on when the warm weather returns to NYC. The following FAQs have been answered by fashion experts Allison Berlin and Cindy Conroy.
What are the best brands for over-50 athleisure?
What are the best brands for over-50 athleisure?
Both Berlin and Conway agree that women over 50 should be looking at Lululemon, Athleta and Varley. Conway also veers toward less well-known brands like Adanola and FP Movement, though she likes Spanx because 'they're so much more than shapewear.'
Berlin adds Alo, On and Vuori to her list of favorite brands for athleisure pieces for women over 50.
Is all athleisure good for exercising?
Is all athleisure good for exercising?
'It depends on your exercise regime,' Berlin says. 'Most athleisure is designed for studio to street wear, meaning workout and daily use. Performance products, like for running or cycling, can be designed more specifically to the exercise.' For example, Vuori joggers are well suited for a yoga class and other activities.
Conroy concedes that not all athleisure is made equal. 'If you're exercising, look for leggings, T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts that are made of stretchy, breathable fabrics. They allow you to move and groove without overheating,' she says.
What athleisure materials are the best for people over 50?
What athleisure materials are the best for people over 50?
Look for fabrics with compression that will fit well, feel comfortable and have a smoothing effect, especially with leggings, Berlin says. She also advises looking for technical fabrics like those that provide moisture wicking. Soft jersey fabrics feel great in tees, sweatshirts and joggers.
'Polyester is your friend,' Conroy says. 'Tech fabrics with built-in sweat wicking are best as well. They absorb moisture and dry quickly, making them perfect for sweaty workout sessions. But if you're over 50 with sensitive skin, bamboo athleisure is a hypoallergenic way to keep your skin cool. It's breathable while being great for the planet.'
For this article, we consulted the following fashion experts to gain their professional insights on the best athleisure for women over 50.
Allison Berlin, founder and stylist of personal shopping service Style Made Simple
Cindy Conroy, celebrity stylist and on-air fashion expert CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Health, fitness and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal has been reviewing tech, beauty, fashion and fitness devices for over 15 years.
Explore trending products
Paplus Compression Running Socks, 6-Pack
Acon Fit 55-Inch Hexagon Rebounder
Bellicon Trampoline
JumpSport Compact Mini Rebounder