Several weeks ago I posed this question on Facebook: what do you wear when you workout?
Most responses were pretty standard: stretchy pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Other women noted that their workout gear was dependent on their workout (running, kickboxing, walking) or their workout location (indoors, outdoors, in the privacy of one’s home).
One question that popped up during the discussion: Where can I find modest workout skirts?
Three ladies tell us how they purchased/purchase their workout skirts:
1. Brittany:Brittany recently completed a 21 day walk from Houston to Dallas in support of the Back to Life Movement. From Brittany: “I am wearing [a skirt] from Target; I found it in the regular clothing section. I also have a few similar ones that I found in Marshall‘s regular clothing section also. I have a hard time finding fitness skirts that are long enough. I highly recommend scouring eBay with search terms such as “fitness skirt”, because you will find skirts that are long enough. I have a few knee-length Puma skirts I bought from eBay, but they all came from France! I cannot seem to find them here, even at Puma outlet. I also found skirts by “Skirtsports” that are perfect for running, gym, etc. They are around $70 and you can find them at Luke’s Locker (and other running/sports stores) and online.”
1. Misha: Misha is MoMoMod’s running and fitness expert. She’s completed several races and half marathons and completes all of her races and training in a skirt. From Misha: “The skirts I purchased were through Athleta and they do not sell them anymore. I’ve tried making my own but I can’t seem to find the right fabric. Athleta is the way to go, though, if you’re looking for skirts. Mine are a little tight, because the size up falls off when I run. They do have knee length A-line skirt available, as opposed to the pencil skirt version I have. The skirts are not cheap, but well worth it because they are MADE for athletics. They have wicking and the stretch needed so your clothing doesn’t stay wet from sweat and it works with you as you move.”
Michelle: Michelle works out with a group 4 times a week and she’s rocked 12 races (no longer than a 10K) in skirts. From Michelle: “I find a lot of [my skirts] at the thrift store. If they have Lycra in them or stretch I snatch them up! I have some cotton blend ones which are great for winter time. Due to sweating in the summer the Lycra/spandex ones are best. I have found some swimsuit cover ups that are meant to be up around your chest, I put them on my waist & they work just fine & dry quickly.” The skirt Michelle is wearing is made by Max Studio – 92% viscose and 8% spandex. She went up one size because the skirt is form fitting.
Me: I tend to spend less cash on the skirt and more money on the items I put under the skirt. When I find inexpensive printed Lycra or stretchy cotton blend skirts I buy them. I make sure that my leggings a durable, comfortable, and have the proper wicking. I’ve taken kickboxing, spinning, and yoga classes wearing stretchy a-line skirts and leggings. I’ve purchased Athleta and LuLu Lemon leggings at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. I’ve also purchased workout leggings from Wal-Mart, Target, and Old Navy.
1. Tabeez This is not listed as a workout skirt, but can be worn as one $24.99 Check out all of the skirts on Overstock. They have several skirts that might make your workout skirt list.
2. Old Navy: You can find these comfy fold over skirts online and in-store. I was recently in Old Navy and found these fold over skirts to be comfortable; I just didn’t purchase the skirt because it’s a little short for me, but figured it should make the list because it comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes online. $12-17
3. Kosher Casual: This skirt has built in leggings, a light stretchy fabric, and has seven 5-star reviews. Kosher Casual also has a section of its site devoted to workout clothing. $42
4. Athleta: The Crescendo skirt was introduced to me by a friend, and while I don’t own it, she promises it that is her favorite workout skirt because it is lightweight, stretchy, and breathable. $64
Other sites to consider:
Dressing for His Glory (Thanks, Kathy! Kathy is a runner and completed a marathon this year!)
Modest Swim and Activewear (Thank you, Dionna!)
What do you wear when you workout? If you wear skirts, can you add your favorite brands of workout skirts in the comments? Where do you buy your skirts?
Thanks so much for this post! So many wonderful ideas! Thank you everyone who contributed to this blog. Love it!
;o) And thank YOU!
I’m a first time viewer & now a subscriber! Loved Michelle’s advice about thrift store/swimwear! I had never thought of that! Great tips. Thanks!
Hi, Mandy! Thanks for viewing and subscribing! I’d never thought to use swimwear, so I’m glad Michelle suggested it!
The links at the end are really helpful. I am in need of more fitness clothing…this will help me out a lot! I enjoyed reading what the other two ladies had to say. Thanks for posting!
You’re welcome! Thanks for offering up your photo and suggestions!
I wear an athletic exercise skort made by Dressing for His Glory (http://www.dressingforhisglory.com/) It fits great and the fabric is perfect. I wore it when I completed my first marathon and wear it mountain biking as well.
Perfect. Thanks, Kathy. I’m adding your suggestion to the blog post.
My husband picked up an REI skirt for me to hike in. Its “brasion-resistant, moisture-wicking nylon fabric has a touch of spandex for stretch and wrinkle resistance. Fabric provides UPF 20 sun protection, shielding skin from harmful ultraviolet rays” (According to the website) It is A-Line, below my knee and very comfortable! It also has lots of zipper pockets. My other skirt is a longer spandex and stretch A-Line touring skirt for running. This one is also from REI. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection. Love this- and its hot pink
Check out http://www.rei.com. They have close out sales on skirts right now!
Yes! I saw the close outs on skirts and included a link in the post. I was going to post a few skirts, but with so many sizes being sold out I figured a direct link to their store would be best! Thanks!
I usually do weight lifting and running/cycling at the gym so I wear basketball shorts (since they are longer) and t-shirts, in the winter I wear tights under the basketball shorts to stay warm, I recently updated all my workout clothes because I had had them for years! =)
I’ve had mine (workout gear) for awhile, too, and it really is time for an upgrade!
Turning basketball shorts into skirts is a cheap and easy alternative to pricey skirts. It only takes basic sewing knowledge and they are knee length. I have also ordered a skort and swimsuit from this website http://modestactivewear.blogspot.com. They are perfect for any exercise. Thanks Chandra for this post.
Thanks, Dionna! I saw Modest Active Wear in one of my searches, even talked to the lady that makes the items, and then forgot to add it to the post! I’ll edit the post to include the link and your suggestion about turning shorts into skirts.
Oh goodness, what pretty skirts! I love wearing skirts (even while working on the farm) but had never thought of them as workout gear before! Goodbye sweatpants!
Awesome thanks for the idea. I have this one from Patgonia. I am 5’10″ and it hits below my knees great for Disney I can take long steps!
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-kamala-skirt?p=58666-0-576
Hello, I JUST went through a work-out skirt dilemma a couple of months ago. I found THE NORTH FACE “Abby” skirt. It is PERFECT! I bought it from 6pm.com for less than $39 which I though was a great deal compared to other $50+ skirts that were similar. NORTH FACE also makes a “Kayla” wrap skirt that I love. It is very comfortable/versatile and even has a pockey, but as I said it is a wrap, so don’t wear it for a jog on a windy day! Hope this was helpful
I buy running skirts from MiraClothes.com
EXCELLENT skirts!!
Perfect! Thanks for the recommendation!
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I am new to the excercise world! I have just been wearing a stretchy “pencil skirt” from NY&CO with capri leggings from Target. This get up helped me do my first 5K!