Walk into almost any gym now and it’s immediately noticeable: gym clothing is more revealing than it used to be. From minimal shorts to fitted crop tops, the shift is obvious. But the reasons behind it are more complex than simply “fashion” – involving performance, social media and changing attitudes towards body image.
I BEGAN going to the gym in 2010. At that time, weight training among women was relatively uncommon, with typically only one or two women in the weight section (maximum), while most used the cardio equipment.
Over the past 15 years, there has been an increase in the number of women who have discovered weight training. This is a marvellous thing. I’m thrilled ladies are cottoning on to the fact that there are many health benefits of strength training. This includes improved fitness, stronger and leaner muscle tissue, prevention of osteoporosis, enhanced heart health and relief from depression and anxiety, among other advantages.
Back then, the gym ‘fashion’ for women training was crazy-patterned, loud leggings, with a T-shirt or vest. Think black leggings with neon stars all over, or patterned with Christmas trees/Halloween skulls/flowers/multi-coloured zebra prints etc. Us girls were happy to show a little flare, but still covered up, as the gym was a serious environment. And to be honest, we were happy to quietly get on with our training, then go home. To this day, while I may not wear the mad leggings any more, my ethos is to get in the gym, train, then leave.
Let’s fast forward to today. The gym is now a totally different environment. The number of women training has increased dramatically and I’m here for it. Some reports suggest that, in 2010, roughly 17 per cent of women lifted weights. In 2025 it is estimated that about 25 per cent of women are pumping iron.
The meteoritic rise of social media now sees ‘influencers’ posting their daily workouts, their latest booty gains and whatever supplement or discount code they are flogging. This has led to a kind of competition to see who can gain the most followers, clicks and controversy.
These girls have started wearing less and less during their workouts. Now we could argue that these girls are filming for content and it may well be the way they earn their living. But full workouts are being done in a 'gym fashion' that can only be described as photoshoot attire. Tiny shorts that ride up their bottoms and the smallest of sports bras that are very pretty, but don’t offer anything with regards to support or modesty.
As with everything, what is popular on social media has trickled down into popular culture. More and more women are copying the trend of training in next to nothing. It is now seen as normal or the new gym fashion. Gym apparel companies are jumping on the band wagon by selling scrunch bum leggings/shorts and the tiniest of bra tops. They are basically glorified underwear. And as such, a whole new genre of gym fashion, etiquette and potential hurdles has arisen.
Let’s unpack this carefully. In the wake of the explosion of social media and everyone wanting to be an influencer, loads of women are now wearing what I can only describe as inappropriate gym wear. Some are bordering on outright thirsty clothing. This is an obvious attempt at attention seeking and it works! It is nigh on impossible NOT to look at that girl working out in very skimpy clothes, especially in an environment where we are packed close together. And there are mirrors everywhere. I’d argue it’s really hard not to look at a girl working out in next to nothing. They want attention – and they get it. Here’s the kicker though, the same girls who work out in their underwear will be the first to complain if a guy stares.
Why are we so acutely aware of this phenomenon? To make an observation, some individuals arrive at the gym with their tripods, phones and sometimes microphones to record their training sessions for social media content. This has led to instances where innocent gym-goers are accused of staring or being ‘creepy,’ making these individuals feel vulnerable and upset.
The rise of creators such as Joey Swoll shows that the majority of men are not leering but may glance over at women who are exercising while filming. And who wouldn’t when their shorts are so far up their behinds you can see what they had for breakfast?! And they have a whole production set up to film their set). Joey Swoll’s page highlights such situations, bringing much-needed attention for fairness and understanding in these contexts. These individuals often record, zoom in and show those they perceive as ‘predators’. All in the name of views, likes and comments. Pretty disgusting behaviour, if you ask me.
I don’t want to bash women, well… those who think it’s OK to train with all their bits hanging out, maybe. But let’s not forget the fellas. I have seen men train in the tightest leggings and shorts that leave nothing to the imagination. It's borderline indecent. What the hell is wrong with the current gym culture that this is deemed as OK? No one comes to the gym hoping to see a very definite outline of a guy’s lunchbox. It is really off-putting. Like rubbernecking a car crash, it’s basically impossible not to look. But, ugh, I really don’t want to see that. Thanks, but no thanks.
And we haven’t even touched on the health and safety aspect. Just like guys who train without a top on, women who train in tiny shorts and bras are pretty unhygienic. Sweat will have no barrier to drip everywhere. And if I’m honest, I rarely see them wiping their stations down after they have trained.
And don’t get me started on scrunch bum leggings. These truly have to be the most unflattering item of clothing ever invented. Even if you have the most perfect set of glutes or a pert peach, at best it looks tacky and desperately thirsty. And at worst it looks downright ugly. It’s a terrible look in my opinion. How these girls ever expect to be taken seriously is beyond me.
Have I worn them in the past? Unfortunately, yes but, in my defence, it was because I had been sent them and was asked to wear them. But you better believe I only wore them a couple of times. I felt incredibly self-conscious the whole time, then they were relegated to the bottom of the pile. And I just couldn't bring myself to wear them and degrade myself. I have too much self-respect.
So, here's what I've noticed. This new gym fashion trend just doesn't seem to have much class or respect, for themselves or others. Sure, you should wear whatever's comfy for your workout, as long as it fits your gym's dress code. If you're not into all the attention that revealing clothes bring, maybe go for something a bit more appropriate. Let's be real and tackle this issue in a sensible way.
And for all the thirsty girls out there… get a grip and just put it away. We don’t want to see it all hanging out. Signed, every right-minded gym goer.
*Read more from Louise Plumb here.
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