Why do people “dress up” to go to the gym? (muscles, treadmill)

[GoAmericaGo]

When I go to the gym I see women wearing the tightest pants they can possibly fit into…often with their boobs on display and belly also showing. Obviously a matching outfit meant to look good. Men often have certain attire they like to wear too…little tank tops, short shorts, trendy kicks, etc. I know this isn’t some new trend among gym rats but wouldn’t loose/older sightly worn clothing be more comfortable? Not really trying to insult anyone…I just seem to remember a time when I was younger when people wore whatever old clothes they had with some well worn sneakers that they’d only wear to the gym. Seems like many people now want to look like the fitness people on tik tok or something.

[elnina]

Maybe they want to look trendy and certainly because they can. Buying gym clothes is a first step forward a new commitment and a great motivator for many.
The gym clothing industries is booming too.

[Brookso]

Originally Posted by GoAmericaGo

When I go to the gym I see women wearing the tightest pants they can possibly fit into…often with their boobs on display and belly also showing. Obviously a matching outfit meant to look good. Men often have certain attire they like to wear too…little tank tops, short shorts, trendy kicks, etc. I know this isn’t some new trend among gym rats but wouldn’t loose/older sightly worn clothing be more comfortable? Not really trying to insult anyone…I just seem to remember a time when I was younger when people wore whatever old clothes they had with some well worn sneakers that they’d only wear to the gym. Seems like many people now want to look like the fitness people on tik tok or something.

Personally, I'm with you on the part that comfortable worn clothes should be much better(that's what I gravitate to), but some points are here to be adressed.
Short shorts: You don;t really want anything longer than you knee, since it might get into the way of you squat/DL movement. You either want short shorts or really baggy pants. Out of 2 my preference is shorts since just feels better.
Tank tops: not a huge fan, but can see where it's coming from. It's once again, much less restriction in the movements(My choice is oversized hoodies).

There are definitely a more fashion driven trends right now in the gym, after all it's not same as it used to. People mostly train to look good now vs people mostly training to be strong.

[RamenAddict]

No, lose clothing is not more comfortable. I find it really annoying when I am In a class and it is warm and the shirt is riding up because it is not tight enough. The same thing can happen with pants. The thought of an oversized hoodie is a nightmare. I would just be so hot. And since you are not a woman, I have to tell you that the more compressive bras are also more comfortable for working out. Having the girls shaking around while you are running on the treadmill or on the elliptical is not comfortable, nor are wearing pants that keep sliding down and have to be pulled up every 5 minutes.

[Rocko20]

Originally Posted by elnina

Maybe they want to look trendy and certainly because they can. Buying gym clothes is a first step forward a new commitment and a great motivator for many.
The gym clothing industries is booming too.

Bingo.

"When you look good, you feel good, when you feel good you play good."

Attire, even in a gym, is an expression of individuality and looking good is a massive motivator to even go to the gym. It can seem a bit "vain" but "showing off" your arms or flat stomach or booty can be an excellent motivator to continue working hard and to be proud of the progress you've made so far. (men stare with envy or admiration at the muscles of other men, just as much as we stare at women in tight clothing)

Granted, those who are not in the same shape might be demoralized at people in good shape, but it's a free country.

[Returning2USA]

Originally Posted by GoAmericaGo

When I go to the gym I see women wearing the tightest pants they can possibly fit into…often with their boobs on display and belly also showing. Obviously a matching outfit meant to look good. Men often have certain attire they like to wear too…little tank tops, short shorts, trendy kicks, etc. I know this isn’t some new trend among gym rats but wouldn’t loose/older sightly worn clothing be more comfortable? Not really trying to insult anyone…I just seem to remember a time when I was younger when people wore whatever old clothes they had with some well worn sneakers that they’d only wear to the gym. Seems like many people now want to look like the fitness people on tik tok or something.

Why?

"Look at me, I'm at attention ho'"

[tamajane]

When I was young and single it was to look cute for the guys, maybe get their attention and they might ask us out. Pretty basic.

[Florida2014]

Maybe they want to show off their bodies? Why do all that hard work if you're going to wear baggie clothing and hide your muscles?

There are certainly people who go WAAAAY overboard (dudes in string tank tops, women who basically wear underwear, etc.) but I generally don't get bothered by it. Good for them, they're showing off their hard work.

[fleetiebelle]

People get criticized for wearing sloppy, baggy clothes in public all the time--why would the gym be any different? People generally want to look presentable, and clothing function in the gym is also important.

[Mikala43]

In form fitting clothes it is easier to check your form, single people want to look good in case they meet someone, and people just like to look good. What's the point to all that working out just to wear sloppy clothes?