2024 Activewear Trends – for the Active Woman Over 50
Ever wondered about the latest trends in activewear? Whether you’re revamping your workout wardrobe or just aiming for comfort on the go, activewear is a major player right now. It’s not confined to the gym or yoga studio – it’s a lifestyle.
- Bold Colors – Activewear collections will be loud and bold in 2024! Neons, bold graphics, and even animal prints were seen on the runways.
- Sustainable and Recycled Fabrics – Almost all apparel categories are now offering sustainable production products and recycled fabrics, this includes the activewear category as well.
- Wide Leg Pants – Flare pants have been making a comeback and can now be seen in the activewear departments.
- Oversized Tops – 2024 activewear trends will also put comfort at the forefront with lots of oversized tops.
- Dresses – Dresses are not only for the golf course anymore. They will be seen in almost every athletic brand collection in 2024.
Let’s take a look at the 2024 activewear trends appropriate for active women over 50. From yoga sessions to navigating city streets, activewear isn’t just a fashion shift; it’s a cultural movement we’re all part of.
What Is Activewear
Activewear refers to a category of clothing designed specifically for physical activities, sports, exercise, and other forms of active lifestyles. These garments are crafted to provide comfort, flexibility, and often incorporate moisture-wicking and breathable materials to enhance performance during physical activities.
Activewear includes a wide range of clothing items such as leggings, sports bras, t-shirts, shorts, jackets, and more. Beyond functionality, activewear has become a significant fashion trend, with many people incorporating these garments into their everyday wardrobes, whether or not they are engaged in formal exercise. It even has a name – athleisure. The versatility and comfort of activewear have contributed to its popularity, making it a staple in both fitness routines and casual wear.
2024 Activewear Trends
Here are some top trends in the activewear apparel industry in 2024.
Bold Colors
Neon hues, ranging from electric greens to vibrant pinks, take center stage, ensuring that your workout wardrobe is anything but dull. These bold, eye-catching colors not only make a striking visual impact but also infuse a sense of dynamism into your active pursuits.
Accompanying the neon trend are bold prints that command attention. Geometric patterns, abstract designs, and playful motifs adorn leggings, sports bras, and tops, transforming activewear into a canvas of self-expression.
And let’s not forget the animal prints that prowl into the activewear arena. From leopard spots to zebra stripes, these prints unleash the inner wild side, adding an element of untamed elegance to your gym or yoga ensemble.
Lululemon Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie
Adidas Essentials 3 Stripes Animal-Print 7/8 Leggings at Macy’s
Sustainable and Recycled Fabrics
There has been a definite shift towards a more eco-friendly and socially responsible approach to activewear, and more brands and retailers will be offering recycled materials and sustainable practices in 2024.
In this movement, recycled fabrics take center stage, repurposing materials like recycled plastic bottles, discarded textiles, or regenerated fibers to craft high-performance activewear. These innovative materials not only divert waste from landfills but also show the transformative power of sustainable fashion.
A key player in this trend is the use of organic cotton, which reduces the ecological footprint by eschewing harmful pesticides and chemicals. Bamboo fabric, with its rapid growth and minimal environmental impact, is also making waves in the sustainable activewear realm. Tencel, derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, is known for its softness and biodegradability.
Beyond the materials themselves, there is an emphasis on ethical and transparent production processes. Brands adopting this trend often prioritize fair labor practices, minimizing water usage, and reducing energy consumption to create activewear that not only feels good on your skin but also aligns with your values.
Nike V2K Run made with at least 20% recycled content by weight
Pact On The Go-To Slim Zip Up, made with Organic Cotton in a Fair Trade Factory.
Wide Leg Pants
Departing from the snug fit often associated with traditional workout bottoms, wide-leg activewear pants prioritize freedom of movement and comfort without compromising style.
These pants feature a relaxed, flowing silhouette that flares out from the hips or thighs, offering a breezy and laid-back feel during workouts or other active pursuits. The wide-leg design not only provides ample room for movement but also contributes to a chic and modern aesthetic that seamlessly transitions from the gym or yoga studio to casual settings.
Lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu
Tory Burch Sport SIDE-STRIPED FLARED PANT
Reebok Plus Size Pull-On Drawstring-Waist Tricot Pants at Macy’s
Oversized Tops
Oversized tops redefine the silhouette with a loose and relaxed fit that provides both comfort and a contemporary edge.
Typically characterized by a generous cut and longer lengths, oversized tops offer a versatile option for various activities. Whether you’re engaged in a rigorous workout or simply running errands, these tops provide ample coverage and a laid-back style that transcends traditional athletic wear.
Oversized tops pair seamlessly with leggings, shorts, or even wide-leg pants, creating a balanced and fashionable ensemble. The trend encourages a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Lululemon Back In Action V-Neck Long-Sleeve Shirt
Amazon THE GYM PEOPLE Women’s Casual Oversized T-Shirt
Patagonia Short-Sleeved Capilene® Cool Trail Cropped Shirt
Dresses
2024 marks a departure from the conventional notion of workout attire, introducing a fusion of functionality and feminine flair. Activewear dresses seamlessly combine the ease of a dress with the performance features expected in sportswear, creating a versatile garment.
Typically crafted from lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics, activewear dresses prioritize comfort during various physical activities. They often feature stretchable materials that allow for unrestricted movement, making them suitable for a range of workouts, from yoga and pilates to light cardio exercises.
Some may have built-in shorts or leggings for added coverage. The incorporation of racerback styles, cutouts, and other fashionable elements ensures that these dresses not only perform well but also make a stylish statement.
Activewear dresses are not limited to the gym; they effortlessly transition into casual wear or athleisure settings. Paired with sneakers or sporty sandals, these dresses offer a chic and comfortable option for those who seek a versatile and feminine touch in their activewear collection.
This trend reflects a broader shift in the fitness fashion landscape, acknowledging that activewear is not solely about function but also about expressing one’s style and embracing the dynamic intersection of fashion and fitness.
Nike Sportswear Essential Midi Dress (Plus Size)
Lululemon Classic-Fit Cotton-Blend T-Shirt Dress
Puma Essentials Logo Short-Sleeve French Terry Dress at Macy’s
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you wear activewear or athleisure? What type of clothing do you like when you work out? Do you follow the trends in activewear? Tell us about it in the comments below.
This is a newsletter for over 60 women right? Why are all the models under 30, and super skinny! There are lots of beautiful mature women who would be better suited for this!
Thank you for commenting, Valerie. I couldn’t agree more. However, most brands and stores simply don’t use older models. Sixty and Me is a magazine, not a retailer, and we only use images as illustrations in our articles. We have no say over the models that other companies use. I hope you understand that.
I strongly suggest that you reach out to your favorite brands and let them know you don’t feel represented by their models. They can either get a clue – or you can choose not to buy from them.
As I already mentioned, we only use images as illustrations.
Thank you!
I’ve changed my workout over the years. Now I do gentle yoga, tai chi, meditate. This feels like a focus group for some leisure company.
I wish you were showing photos of older women wearing activewear. This is a post on Sixty and me!
Thank you for commenting, Becky. We understand your frustration – we ourselves feel the same way, and Margaret has mentioned this numerous times. However, please note that these models and photos are taken from retailer’s websites as an illustration for Sixty and Me articles; they are not ours as we do not have a store.
Once in a while we find an older model featured by some brands, but this is rare; older women are either not modeling or not included by brands.
So, one thing you can do is reach out to your favorite brands and tell them you don’t feel represented by their models. If more women take it upon themselves to do that, then, perhaps, brand managers and stores will get a clue.
Until that time, we don’t have much choice with images.
I hope you understand.
I appreciate the return to “old style” yoga pants, but I prefer pants that are closer to the leg so they don’t get in my way. And I wish the dresses would be closer to the body and hit at the knee. The straight ones look great on 6 foot tall models. Not so much on 5-1 curvy people like me. And big shirts — doing yoga in them is not really comfortable. Maybe as a shirt to wear over and for running errands before and after class? And I’m all for bright colors!