What Athletes, Trainers, Dancers and More Actually Wear When They Exercise

Australia is a country that loves to move, so, naturally, we love a bit of athleisure. The portmanteau gets to the heart of how our lifestyles have blended active movement and everyday functionality. It’s not unusual for our exercise gear to accompany us from a gym workout to a cafe catch-up, followed by an errand run. But recently, activewear trends have been changing.

Matching, skin-tight activewear sets have been knocked off the top spot for aspirational workout gear. Instead, the fashion- and fitness-inclined are injecting personal style into their exercise clothes, favouring more relaxed silhouettes and vintage styles. 

While this conversation is mostly trained on aesthetics, the efficacy of activewear is of utmost importance for athletes, both professional and recreational. Nine fitness and sports professionals weigh in on what they’re wearing for exercise, and why.  

Cat Webb, founder and CEO of Good Times Pilates

What do you like to wear when exercising?

I usually start in an oversized tee for the warm-up and then move into a crop once I get a bit sweaty, and it gets annoying. For a crop, I look for something supportive, slightly longer through the torso and comfortable enough to forget about while I’m moving. I like pieces that feel considered without being over-styled, so I’ll mix activewear brands with everyday pieces. Colour, texture and fit matter more to me than logos.

The ideal outfit feels functional, comfortable, a bit playful, and something I could wear before or after class without needing to change. In warmer weather, I’ve been leaning into high or mid-rise, looser shorts that feel easier, breezier and a bit more me. Like Jungles Jungles’ Panel track short, Lululemon’s Stretch Woven ruffle-waist high-rise short,  Needles x Up There’s HD track short and Bassike’s Piping Detail basketball short. For crops, some of my current favourites are Girlfriend’s Paloma racerback bra, Pinky and Kamal’s halter top, Leelo Active’s Sculpt Shape tank.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

Comfort and how it feels on my body come first. I move a lot and run warm, so breathability, softness and pieces that don’t cling or feel restrictive are important … Support without restriction is the goal. Fabric has become a bigger consideration, too. I’m more aware of synthetic materials sitting on my skin for long periods, so I’m exploring natural fibres and blends where possible.

Style matters too. I want to feel like me, and wear things I’d happily head to Morning Market in after class – colourful grip socks and Birkenstocks included. I’m not into looking polished. I want to feel like myself and not locked into the same activewear look everyone else is wearing.

Marcus Morelli, principal dancer at The Australian Ballet

What do you like to wear when exercising?

When I’m in the ballet studio, I prefer wearing thigh- or knee-length shorts or bike shorts so I can see the line of my leg as I work on classical technique. I’ll pair that with either a loose T-shirt or top, so my upper body feels free to move.

As for running or weight training, a good supportive pair of shoes is imperative, along with a singlet or T-shirt, compression shorts, and comfortable socks. My go-to brand for any fitness-related gear is easily 2XU. I find I’m the most comfortable in their garments, but they’re also designed for athletes who move to the human body’s extremes. As a professional ballet dancer, this is super important, especially in an industry where you have to try and be better than you were yesterday.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

My main consideration when choosing gear to exercise in is comfort. How are you expecting your body to cope with the demands of being in a ballet class, lifting weights and running frequently if your focus is constantly being pulled to fix your shirt or pull up your shorts? I ask myself: does this gear make me feel like I can physically execute on the high demands of my training regime? Is it comfortable? Will it last?

Steph Claire Smith, co-founder of Kic app

What do you like to wear when exercising?

If we’re talking running, I’m breastfeeding at the moment, so a supportive crop is an absolute must. My runners need to be lightweight and bouncy (I feel like they help me run faster), so I’m loving New Balance’s Ellipse shoes right now. I usually keep them on after a run because they’re so comfy.

I get pretty hot when I run, so I usually stick to bike shorts and a crop – but living in Melbourne, the leggings definitely come out when it gets cold! Having layers is pretty key, so sometimes I’ll start my run with a lightweight jacket, then tie it around my waist once I’ve warmed up. Oh, and of course SPF. Outside Beauty SPF 50+ face creme has been my go-to for years. 

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

Comfort and quality. I don’t like feeling restricted when I’m moving my body, so I love a buttery (you know when the fabric feels like it’s a part of you, and doesn’t dig in?) crop and leggings set when I’m doing Pilates or yoga at home. In saying that, I’ll often roll out of bed and do a Kic app Pilates class in my pyjamas before the kids wake up, so I’m honestly not too fussy.

Cody Weightman, Western Bulldogs AFL player

What do you like to wear when exercising?

I keep it pretty simple when I’m training. Usually, it’s runners instead of boots and a pair of loose, baggy shorts. That’s about it. Once I get into a run or a harder session, I’ll often end up shirtless because it just feels a lot freer compared to wearing the GPS tracking vest and a jersey as we do during team training.

If I am wearing a top, I tend to go for retro-style gear. I really like old ’90s singlets and training shirts; they’re a bit more relaxed and have more personality than a lot of the newer performance stuff. I’ve always liked vintage Nike pieces in particular. They’ve got great colours and just feel easy to train in.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

Comfort is probably the biggest thing. If something feels restrictive or heavy, you notice it straightaway when you’re running or training. Breathability is also really important, especially when I’m doing longer runs or training in the off-season. I also like wearing stuff with a bit of character to it. A lot of training gear can look pretty similar, so I enjoy mixing in retro pieces or older shirts that stand out a bit more. But mainly it just comes down to feeling comfortable and being able to move freely while I’m training.

Mackenzie Arnold, Matildas and Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper

What do you like to wear when exercising?

I’m with Nike, so I’m always in Nike. We would only really wear our own stuff in the off-season, or if we’re home. I usually like to wear tights on the bottom, long or short. I don't love working out in shorts, especially if I’m running. I’d usually like to wear a tank top, not a tight one – definitely not running in a tight top – but just, like, a loose singlet. It’s usually black. If anything, maybe a white singlet, if the black ones are in the wash. I’m so minimalist, I just wear everything black. I can then wear a black hat with it, and I’m out the door. But I will say, I usually wear white shoes. Hahn Brewery also approached me and put forward an idea of wanting to create a sports duffle bag … I travel with it, I take it into camp, I use it as an overnight bag.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

It’s just what I’m most comfortable in. I’m not a person who likes to put themselves out there or be the centre of attention or anything. If I’m in a very casual black outfit, I can just go and do my work, come home and just be chill.

Olive Snell, communications lead at Trimob

What do you like to wear when exercising?

The gear that I like to work out in has always been what’s most comfortable on that particular day, so I do have a bit of a rotating selection of favourite pieces. Some days, I like loose shorts and other days, tight ones. Sometimes I want to run in a sports bra, and other days the baggiest T-shirt I can find. But always at the top of that list are pieces that represent mob. 

My go-to running tops have always been the Trimon x Wyn Republic singlets. Wearing clothes that represent my values, from brands that echo that, is important to me. I prioritise supporting brands that I connect with and those that are designed by athletes, for athletes (especially when they’re Australia-based).

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

My priorities are comfort and practicality. As an endurance athlete, I need pieces that are going to stand the test of time, day after day. There’s nothing worse than feeling the chafe between your thighs getting worse with every stride for two hours non-stop, or worse, being uncomfortable on a bike seat for four hours. 

I’d say my entire workout collection comprises five different brands (Wyn Republic, Asics, LSKD, Lululemon and Budgy Smuggler) and that’s from shoes and socks to running, cycling, swimming and triathlon gear. Of course, there’s an element of fashion involved in finding pieces that I want to wear, too … I think it’s important for me as an Aboriginal woman to show up representing mob, particularly in spaces so dominated by whiteness, such as triathlons. 

Kath Ebbs, content creator, presenter and line dancer

What do you like to wear when exercising?

For my run days, I focus on what is going to best support me, especially in the sports bra department. I typically go for the Swift high-support bra. It’s slick, chic and supportive. For apparel, I’ll chuck on the Nike Swift shorts or tights, depending on the weather. Shoes-wise, for my speed runs, I love the Nike Alphafly, and for my longer, steadier runs, I’ve always been a Nike Pegasus girly.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

Breast support for minimal breast bounce. When people think of breast bounce, they think about the conscious discomfort it can create when training, but most pressing is the health implications that not wearing the right bra can have on you. It can cause tissue damage, strain on your back and impaired posture. It also means you’re not getting the most out of your training, as poor support reduces your stride length and speed, and also increases energy expenditure, therefore fatigue can set in quicker. Finding the proper sports bra is everything.

Koula Ruggeri, co-founder of Kaya Health Clubs

What do you like to wear when exercising?

Comfort, flexibility and confidence are key for me. That’s why I love 2XU. Their leggings offer support in all the right places while still feeling incredible – almost like a second skin. I personally prefer a more relaxed fit through the top, so I tend to lean towards their lightweight, breathable T-shirts that are flattering while still feeling effortless and comfortable.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

Breathable, comfortable, and supportive activewear that allows me to move with confidence. It’s important that what I wear not only supports me during my Pilates class, but also carries me seamlessly through the rest of my day.

Louis Phillips, founder of Intvl app and co-host of the On It Off It podcast

What do you like to wear when exercising?

For anything gym-related, I keep it pretty simple. Shorts and a singlet are my go-to. I’ll usually start the session with a jumper on as a pump cover, then take it off once I’m warmed up. I’ve got longer hair, so I almost always wear a hat as well. Footwear-wise, I like shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as I do a fair bit of training without shoes, depending on the exercise.

What are your main considerations when choosing activewear?

Breathability is the main thing. I like clothes that feel light and don’t get in the way. I also tend to keep it pretty minimal from a style perspective – nothing too loud. Some of the more extreme gym cuts aren’t really my thing, so I stay away from things like stringer singlets. In winter, I actually love training in trackpants with a singlet. It’s a bit of a contrast, but I reckon it looks good.