There is freedom in the air! No longer are middle aged women afraid to wear Lycra outside of the gym. I’m noticing more and more these days that midlife women in Lycra are everywhere. They are tramping the walking paths, doing yoga or pilates classes, playing tennis, and even rolling lawn bowls down the greens, in their Lycra active wear. Plus we are wearing Lycra at home because it is just too darn comfortable.
We have finally let go of the shackles of body imagery and become more comfortable within our own skins. Even though we all know that Lycra clings to our imperfect bodies and shows our bumps and curves, we still have the confidence to wear it without fear. I for one, am a big fan of Lycra, because it suits my active lifestyle down to a T.
Lycra has been around for years. In fact since 1958 when it was called Spandex. It was first used in form-fitting intimate apparel, and then went on to make a splash in swimwear. Nowadays athletes, gym junkies, water sports enthusiasts, yogis, and a whole realm of other women who like to dress for comfort, wear Lycra active wear.
Wearing clothing that stretches and flexes with our bodies, when we’re exercising, or just relaxing at home, is a godsend. But what I like the most about it is that all ages, shapes and sizes can now wear Lycra activewear without feeling self conscious.
I have noticed in my small town that midlife women are getting out there a lot more. They are no longer sitting on their backsides at home watching soapies on TV during their spare time. They are getting out there trying new things in their Lycra activewear.
When I walk my dog in the mornings I can’t help but notice the amount of midlife women out and about exercising, coming out of yoga classes or just sitting having coffee with their friends in their active wear. It is such a great sight to see that women of my age can be seen in public places looking cool and trendy in their Lycra tights.
Lycra tights can be a bit of a fashion statement too. Pair them with a pair of trendy sneakers, a puffer vest or jacket, a cosy knitted jumper or your favourite t-shirt for a fashionable look.
Another thing I have noticed is that women are also wearing Lycra tights for comfort when they are on long haul flights. I can vouch for their suitability when you are seated for hours on end aboard a flight. They are stretchy, flexible and comfortable to wear and the full length tights provide good coverage over your legs.
They are ideal for travel because they are easy to wash and dry in your hotel room and do not crease. Plus they take up little room in your suitcase when packing. Some of the tights nowadays also have a handy side pocket in them that can hold a phone, keys or wallet.
When you arrive at your travel destination they can be worn when you’re out walking and sightseeing. They really are a practical and versatile addition to your travel wardrobe.
Although Lycra active wear is accepted as casual daytime dress at most places, this is where they should remain. I guess whilst the “fashion police” are going to be out there judging we midlife women for wearing Lycra, there needs to be a few rules for wearing it:
At the end of the day, who should really judge us for what we choose to wear in our midlife and beyond? We are our own person and we should be comfortable in our own skins. Gone are the days of elasticised-waisted capri pants and over-size tops, that make us look twice as large. It’s our time to show off our womanly curves and get out there and shine!
