Start with what matters
- Comfort and confidence matter more than trends.
- Look for breathable fabric, a waistband or fit that stays put, and opacity when bending.
- You don’t need expensive gear to start strength training.
- The best workout clothes are the ones that let you move without constant adjustments.
Starting, or returning to, strength training after 40 is an investment in your health, energy and independence. The right workout clothes can make it easier to show up, not because you need special gear, but because comfortable, practical pieces help you move freely and focus on what matters: getting stronger.
This guide breaks down what to look for and shares 15 picks across five categories. We’ve prioritised Canadian retailer listings and a range of price points. Product prices and availability change frequently, and sizing and comfort are personal, so use the links to check the current details before buying.
What to look for in workout clothes
Comfortable fabric. Look for a fabric that feels good against your skin and suits how much you sweat. Technical fabrics often dry faster; cotton can be perfectly comfortable for lighter sessions.
A secure fit. Your leggings should stay up without digging in. Tops should not restrict your shoulders. A sports bra should feel supportive without making breathing uncomfortable.
Freedom to move. Try a squat, hinge, overhead reach and a few steps before removing tags. If you keep pulling, tugging or adjusting, that is useful information.
Good value. Start with one or two pieces you will actually wear. You can build a rotation later, once you know what you like.
Leggings
Look for a waistband that stays put, fabric that feels comfortable against your skin, and enough opacity for the way you train.
Old Navy PowerSoft 7/8 Pocket Leggings
Pockets for a phone, sweat-wicking fabric, and petite, regular and tall lengths. Check colour-specific pricing and final-sale terms before ordering.
Check retailer listing
DOMYOS High-Waisted Fitness Leggings with Phone Pocket
A high waistband, phone pocket and breathable, quick-drying fabric make this a practical training option.
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lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
A training-focused option if you prefer a more performance-oriented fit. Try your usual lifting movements in-store if possible.
Check retailer listingWorkout tops
Choose a cut that lets your arms move freely and a fabric you are happy to sweat in. A basic tee is absolutely allowed.
DOMYOS Women's Fitness T-Shirt
A simple, low-cost top for strength sessions and everyday movement.
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DOMYOS Women's Racerback Fitness Tank Top
A lightweight racerback gives the shoulders room to move during presses, rows and overhead work.
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DOMYOS Women's Loose-Fit Breathable Fitness T-Shirt
A looser cut can feel less clingy while still giving you room to move.
Check retailer listingSports bras
Support is personal. Fit, comfort and the activity matter more than the label on the tag. A bra that digs, rides up or leaves you adjusting it every set is not doing its job.
Decathlon Women's High Support Adjustable Sports Bra with Cups
Adjustable straps and high-support construction are useful if you want more hold for higher-impact movement. For lifting alone, your support needs may be different.
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lululemon Energy Bra, Medium Support
Consider this if medium support feels secure for your body and the movements you do. Check current sizing and support notes.
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lululemon Energy Bra, High Support
A higher-support option to consider if you want more hold. Confirm current cup-range guidance and sizing on the product page.
Check retailer listingShorts & alternatives
There is no required amount of leg coverage for strength training. Pick the length and silhouette that let you focus on the movement.
DOMYOS Women's High-Waisted Biker Shorts
A fitted short can reduce fabric shifting and works well if you like less material around your knees.
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DOMYOS Women's 2-in-1 Fitness Shorts
A loose outer short over a fitted inner short gives extra coverage without relying on a longer legging.
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DOMYOS Women's Fitness Fit Cotton Shorts 500
A cotton-rich option for lighter sessions or lounging. Cotton can hold moisture, so technical fabric may feel better for sweaty workouts.
Check retailer listingLayering picks
A layer is useful for warming up, getting to the gym or training in a cool room. It does not need to be technical or expensive.
DOMYOS Women's Zip-Up Jacket FJA 100
A light zip layer for warm-ups, cool rooms and the walk to or from your workout. It is not a weatherproof shell.
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Old Navy PowerSoft Full-Zip Fitted Jacket
A fitted, sweat-wicking layer with a full zip. Check colour, size availability and final-sale terms before ordering.
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QUECHUA Women's Full-Zip Fleece Hiking Jacket MH 100
A fleece is useful for cold starts, outdoor walks and the trip to the gym, but may feel too warm during a full indoor session.
Check retailer listingYour starter kit: keep it small
You can start strength training with clothes you already own. If you want a few dedicated pieces, begin here:
- One comfortable pair of leggings or shorts that stays in place.
- One or two tops that let you move freely.
- A sports bra that fits the activity and feels secure for you.
- One light layer for warm-ups, cool rooms or getting outside.
Wash and wear your first choices a few times before buying duplicates. The little annoyances become clearer after real workouts, and your preferences may surprise you.
What you can skip for now
You do not need a matching set, a premium label, special “anti-ageing” activewear, or a separate outfit for every kind of workout. You also do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe because your body or preferences have changed. Start with the fit and function that help you feel comfortable today.
When it is worth upgrading
Replace a piece when it repeatedly distracts you, no longer fits comfortably, becomes see-through or worn, or cannot handle the movement you want to do. If a low-cost pair works beautifully, there is no prize for replacing it with a more expensive one.
The goal is not to look like someone who works out. It is to feel comfortable enough to keep showing up.