One in 3 women feel self-conscious wearing activewear

By Stephen Beech

Activewear is adding to pressures on women around body image and appearance, suggests new research.

Up to one in three females feel "self-conscious" at least half the time when wearing the trendy skin-tight attire, according to the study.

Originally designed for the gym or dance studio, activewear has become an everyday staple for many.

But a survey of more than 800 Australian women found it is worn for exercise less than half the time, with most wearing activewear for everyday activities such as shopping, studying or relaxing.

Only around one in 10 women wore activewear exclusively for exercise, according to the findings published in the journal Behavioral Sciences.

Psychology researcher Ross Hollett, who led the study, said the women were surveyed to understand how often activewear is worn, where it is worn, and how it relates to fitness habits, body image, and mental well-being.

The study examined not just exercise clothing, but the broader activewear lifestyle that now dominates gyms, social media, and everyday fashion.

Hollett, of Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, said: "Gyms are no longer just fitness spaces they've become highly visible social environments where shifting fashion norms apply.

"This makes clothing choices feel more socially loaded and invites higher levels of judgment."

Women who engaged more with activewear — by wearing it, buying it or following brands online — tended to exercise more, according to the findings.

More from this section

+3

One in 3 women feel self-conscious wearing activewear

The new agentic AI battleground: The case for unified architecture

The missing link in America’s critical minerals push isn’t mining – it’s processing expertise

But the research showed it didn't correspond with higher self-esteem or greater body confidence.

Hollett said: "Being more active doesn't automatically mean feeling better about your body.

"This finding challenges the idea that certain types of gym clothing are inherently empowering."

The study also found higher engagement with activewear was linked to more body comparison, and stronger desires to achieve a toned or "ideal" physique.

Hollett said: "When bodies are constantly visible, evaluated and compared, clothing can increase pressure rather than comfort, even for those who choose to wear it.

"The issue isn't just about specific clothing. It's about a culture that encourages women to constantly assess and manage their appearance."

With gym dress codes becoming a hot topic, the findings suggest both sides of the debate have merit.

Hollett said: "Women should have the freedom to wear what they feel comfortable in.

"But it's also true these environments can heighten body scrutiny and pressure."

He says the focus should be on creating spaces where people feel comfortable to exercise without judgment.

Hollett added: "Activewear can support healthy behaviours like exercise.

"But we need to be aware of the psychological trade-offs and ensure environments support both physical and mental well-being."