Leggings etiquette : As a 61 year old, I don't... - Bridge to 10K

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Leggings etiquette

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10
71 Replies

As a 61 year old, I don't think twice about running round my local town wearing leggings.

As a 61 year old, I can't bring myself to walk round the countryside wearing leggings, even though they're more comfortable than any of my berghaus walking trousers. 🤷‍♀️

Is this reasonable or do I need to get a grip?

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Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60
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71 Replies
Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10

Get a grip 🤣

As lovely as I am sure you are, I don’t think anyone has the slight interest in what you are wearing. Wear the leggings 🤣

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toTasha99

That's what I always tell new runners. 🙈

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

🤣

Timotea profile image
TimoteaGraduate10

Have to say everyone I know is in leggings or running gear. Defends against nettles, ticks and other creepy crawlies that are trying to climb up legs. Plus super comfy.

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

I’m not much younger than you, I run right through winter in shorts. As soon as there’s a blink of sunshine I wear shorts all the time - supermarket, cafe etc. My 90 year old father is the same! If you’re happy in leggings - go for it with pride. Happy running 🤗

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

I wouldn't wear shorts for walking because of ticks, brambles and stinging nettles, but I wear them at home.

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

I wear shorts for walking if it is along the canal, but you are right, best not worn where you might get bitten or stung.

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10 in reply toRunaroundSue

It occurs to me that leggings might snag on brambles, unlike sturdier walking trousers. But most of the time they will be fine.

Another thought - maybe wear a longer t-shirt if it makes you feel more comfortable

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10

Yes, it is ridiculous! But I was the same for quite some time. No idea why unless it is because I am running so fast that I am just a blur and no-one can tell it is me :) OK, maybe not!

It doesn't bother me now though. PS, I am nearly 64

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toRunaroundSue

I'm definitely going to go for it on holiday next week x

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

Yeah, go for it !

I spend a lot of time wearing Ron Hill Tracksters, although they are a bit warm at the moment. I never think twice about wearing those for walking.

My husband thought I didn't wash them frequently enough, until I told him that I have about 6 pairs - they were reduced in Go Outdoors a couple of times, plus I bought another pair in the charity shop :)

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toRunaroundSue

Love Ron Hill 👍 Just discovered Sweaty Betty, that's what prompted the post.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

I’m older than you and oh dear, I used to wear proper clothes to work but for the last year we change into scrubs when we get there and so I just wear leggings to and from work, round the shops and of course walking and running 😂

Oldrockchick profile image
Oldrockchick60minGraduate in reply toSueAppleRun

👍 I’ve said the only positive from pandemic is my reduced ironing! Always going to wear scrubs now instead of suited and booted for work. Plus bonus that’s it’s harder to put off going for run if you’ve gone to work in your running gear🤣

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldrockchick

There is that, if i only have to change my shoes when i get in i’m more likely to go

Comfortnotspeed profile image
ComfortnotspeedGraduate10

Get a grip for sure 😀Wear those leggings!

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate10

Well, I’m not far off 60 and I wear a skort, (shorts with a short skirt - like a tennis skirt) most of the year for running, otherwise I’m in shorts..the leggings only come out if it’s really cold......i’m past caring what I might look like, I’m comfortable...that’s all that matters.......I take your point about the nettles and brambles though.....I’ve had a few near misses.....😱.....especially times like now when the sun and rain makes all the wild plants and nettles grow like crazy!

I say.....just be comfortable......don’t be bothered about what others might think!

Mx

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10 in reply toMadge50

Yup! Comfort before fashion :)

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate10

I'm 60 and in the cooler months leggings, with tunics or long tops/jumpers, were pretty much my standard wear for work! Wouldn't occur to me to be concerned about walking round the countryside in them.

There again I'm currently dressed in a wide leg, strappy top navy linen jumpsuit that's doubtless intended for someone a third of my age. Who cares, it's comfortable and I like it.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toCmoi

I like your style 👌

Frenc profile image
FrencGraduate1060minGraduate

Leggings all the way! They are so comfy, and there’s so many styles out there - I have best shiny leather look leggings (not for running 😆), running leggings, gym leggings, tired and full of holes leggings, short ones, long ones. You get the picture! I wear them with my walking boots if I’m going for a yomp and they look absolutely fine. 😊👍

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10

63 year old here, some of the things I've learnt that may be useful:- now I'm older I have a superpower, invisibility, so can wear what I like.

- I've realised that the imperfections I stressed about when I was young and beautiful eg spots and bulges weren't noticed by anybody else. This means that it doesn't matter if my invisibility isn't working, I can still wear what I like

- at my age I deserve to be comfortable so I'm going to wear what I like

...see where I'm going? Maybe you should just wear the leggings? I admit it was a hurdle to cross the first time I wore them but they are SO much better suited to running. Try it, you'll be converted 😁 Good luck and go for it!

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toYesletsgo

Just wear the leggings? Mind if I wear a top too? 😆

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

Thats entirely up to you, not sure I'd want to be freeing the nips on a run 😂😂😂

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toYesletsgo

🤣🤣🤣

Comfortnotspeed profile image
ComfortnotspeedGraduate10

When I’m out running I often pass (she’s an avid Walker) my French teacher from secondary school. I’m 57, so I’m not sure of her age, but she’s out in shorts and looks amazing.

She’s my inspiration. But- she’s so confident that it doesn’t really matter.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10

Thanks everyone, leggings it is! 💕

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

Crikey, I’m 57 and live in leggings in the winter for running and every day use - not the same ones - and shorts in the summer. Cycle type shorts for running and proper ones when not. I don’t even think twice about it!

Wear your leggings!

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

You put me to shame; I need to get over myself. 🙈

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

Maybe I should rethink my wardrobe! 😂

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

No, don't do that! It's overthinking that's got me into this mess!

limu_mu profile image
limu_muGraduate10

Go for it and set the countryside trend! Also leggings are super comfy. I would reccomend skins which are perfect for summer.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply tolimu_mu

A trip to Sweaty Betty prompted my post.😊The problem I can foresee is that they're so comfortable, I have to keep checking I've actually got clothes on! 😆

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

I hope for your sake never to read a post from you saying...'accidentally went out in only my t-shirt and running shoes, the damn leggings are so comfy I thought I had them on' 😳😂

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toRun46

🤣🤣🤣😳

TotalNewbie1 profile image
TotalNewbie1Graduate10

I am just the same. Happily run in leggings but can’t bring myself to wear them for any other reason unless I am alone in the house. I tell myself this is madness as so many other people do wear them and look fine. For me I think it is a confidence thing, and it would be new and strange and take me out of my comfort zone …………and people would talk about the way I look. Then I try to tell myself they have better things to do and they may comment on it once or twice but then what?

Think I may just try to get the courage to try it. Hope you enjoy wearing yours when you first do it, bet we never look back once we have started wearing them out and will laugh at why it took so long 😃

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toTotalNewbie1

That's exactly it. I think I don't mind when I'm running because the trade off is worth it. I can run quite long distances and I need the right gear to do it. When I'm walking I feel like I'm being a bit of an exhibitionist. 🙈

The irony is that thirty years ago I was overweight, now I have a healthy BMI 🤷‍♀️

Kat332zz profile image
Kat332zzGraduate10

I’m a snap with you on age, but I like to wear skirts when not running. Trouble is my feet like their comfort and I do feel foolish in trainers and skirt. Necessity is a great thing, I’m learning to ignore my feelings and just go for comfort, I haven’t had any weird looks or nasty comments. I don’t think most people care. I’ve even got a pair of shorts for running now too, which was way out of my mind’s comfort zone but my body was happy. Conclusion, go for the leggings, we’re our own worst critics.

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10 in reply toKat332zz

scottishpoetrylibrary.org.u...

As a guy, I'd be even more self-conscious going out in leggings when not running. I have, however, been wearing weird toe shoes for over a decade. The feelings of awkwardness wore off after a few weeks.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply tonowster

Now that's just weird! 🤣😉

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toKat332zz

I'm absolutely sure nobody else cares, it's all in my head. I don't think I'd wear leggings round sainsburys; it's not my style, but I am a great walker and leggings are just so comfortable.

Raisemeup profile image
Raisemeup60minGraduate

Of course Speedy, you should wear what is most comfortable and helps you get the most from your activity. I'm also in my 60s and wear running leggings and, for me I wear a loose top that comes down to top of thigh and that feels better than exposing tummy and bum, but in hot weather I go shorter!Just find the right top that gives you the cover you feel more comfortable with, but keep the leggings that give you the supported, free movement you prefer. In time you might feel you can change the top and feel less self-conscious.

It's amazing to be running at a later time of life and that's the main thing - don't worry about what anyone might think of your attire, chances are they couldn't run alongside you. Go Speedy go! 😉

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toRaisemeup

Thanks for the encouragement, Raisemeup. That's exactly my attitude when I'm running - don't even think about criticising me unless you can run a half marathon. It's quite empowering! 💪

So you're saying even though I've just taken out a mortgage on Sweaty Betty leggings, I need to go back and get some new tops. I like your thinking. 😁

Raisemeup profile image
Raisemeup60minGraduate in reply toSpeedy60

Yes, absolutely - that's a small prize for a half marathon runner in my book! If you can't find what you like, maybe do what I do, my top is light cotton teeshirt, loose, airy and longish. I've got my late son's image on the front so he comes on my run with me!. You could have a loved one's image printed onto a similar style teeshirt or whatever you like. Best wishes ☺️

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toRaisemeup

💕

Oldrockchick profile image
Oldrockchick60minGraduate

Whatever’s comfy or for me what will work best if I’ll need to call on the shewee 🙈

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate10

I wouldn't wear leggings outside of running

Not because of what people would think, but because when I get my leggings on, it's guaranteed that I go for a run, I've never gotten dressed for a run and not gone. I think if I wore them all the time, they would lose their superpower :D

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply tobackintime

🦸‍♀️😊

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

This string makes me smile! When I started running (age 66) I was so worried about what I would look like and what people would say, I drove the 2 minutes to the local Walkway car park, and paid £1 for the privilege, just to avoid walking past neighbours houses! I quickly realised that my running gear was like a cloak of invisibility; nobody cared, and very quickly I didn’t care either. Importantly, I found out that I could run!! If you can’t do your thing and not care about what people think as a mature (or old in my case) adult when can you? Just do your thing and really enjoy your running!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

Exactly! You put on your costume and you're "another runner".

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

I'm glad you're smiling, Beachcomber 😊

I also used to walk a long way from home before I started running, and I live in a cul de sac. I discovered, after a few months that far from laughing at me, two of my neighbours were actually envious and wanted to know more about couch to 5k. You never really know the influence you have on others.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

A few people have asked about C25k and one friend put doing the GNR in her 70th year on her bucket list; she did it !!

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

Love this. I don't think any of my neighbours have done the GNR (if they have I'm well jealous). One neighbour has signed up for the Bristol 10k though, inspired by yours truly 😇

Newbie59 profile image
Newbie59

The u3a ran a survey recently on people's attitude to how older people dress. 54% felt that 'older' people should 'dress their age' (no skinny jeans, no short skirts, no baseball caps, etc), however only 24% of those same people said that when they got older they would dress for their age!

The good news was that 33% of over 65s said they dressed exactly how they pleased, they wore clothes they liked and would try out new fashions. My late mum would go out in leopard print leggings in her 70s and she didn't give a toss what anyone thought.

Wear your leggings with pride! 👍🚶‍♀️

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toNewbie59

The daft thing is, I wear skinny jeans which look much like leggings from a distance 🤷‍♀️

Raisemeup profile image
Raisemeup60minGraduate in reply toNewbie59

Love that. You've eased my guilt (although I don't really have any - why should we!). I'm in my 60s and I wear:Skinny jeans

Biker jacket

Baseball hat on runs

Baker boy caps in winter

Stretchy leggings on runs

Leopard print bumpers

Why? because that's who I am.

Be who you are, from teenager to 100 year old - you know the song by Rod, "you wear it well...", if you wear it well embrace it!

Have a good, stylish day. 🙋

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10 in reply toRaisemeup

If you aren't going to be yourself, who are you going to be?

Raisemeup profile image
Raisemeup60minGraduate in reply tonowster

Yes Nowster. Be yourself as opposed to being someone else's version of you. 😉

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieGraduate10

I think you should wear leggings at all times but I lived in Sydney when this went viral 🤣

youtu.be/CYRENWT8lz8

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate10

I would definitely not say ‘get a grip’ but honestly, there’s not a lot of difference between the two things. They are both exercise that you need to be comfortable for, and *feel* comfortable for (if that makes sense).

I’ll be 56 next month and I now feel fine wearing my bright Tikiboo (other brands are available) leggings and capris to walk the dogs over the fields, but wouldn’t wear any of my bright running shorts to do the same thing (but might wear my plain trail shorts). I don’t know why it’s different. It just is.

This morning while out on a bike ride with husband we met a few people wearing bright leggings out for their Sunday morning ‘constitutionals’ and one amazing older lady in a tartan skort by a company called ‘Flanci’ (?)

Husband I were wearing these, with padded cycle undies beneath them.

Cookie Monster running shorts
Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toMaddee_6333

Love those. At least on a bike you're out of sight before most people clock you. 😊

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

Not the speed I go 😀

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toMaddee_6333

🤣🤣🤣

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2

Haha this is very funny. GET A GRIP for sure. Just make sure they are super bright or day glow so you wear them with pride and stand out a mile ;-) Wear whatever is most practical for the occasion.

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10

I’m on a walking holiday and did consider wearing leggings but chickened out not because I was worried about how I look. At 68 I’m not that bothered but I was worried about nettles and ticks. So walking trousers it was. Not sure if leggings would protect me from them and considering the number of nettles I’ve had to manoeuvre through in Ross on Wye I think it was the right choice. However on all other occasions I wear them and if I think I should wear ‘normal’ clothes I forget what I have in the wardrobe! 😂.

But one day i will be brave and go out strong like Julia Bradbury.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toKnittingrunner

Julia Bradbury would look good in just about anything. Very annoying. I've watched her on tv and thought I could totally rock that look. Then I look in the mirror. 😆

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

I know and I’m a long way from her silth like look! But it looks so comfortable. 🤣

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toKnittingrunner

Good for you! Enjoy your holiday. X

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

Thank you. It’s not turning out as hoped for as hubby in A&E yesterday with dehydration! Discovered after he fell down a ditch and I had to call for help to get him out!! But he’s better this morning so 🤞🏻we get to enjoy the rest of the week. 🥴

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10 in reply toKnittingrunner

Oh no! Really sorry to hear that. Look after yourselves 🧡

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10 in reply toSpeedy60

Thank you. It wasn’t what I hoped for but all part of life’s adventure.

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