What Genderfluid People Are Wearing to the Gym Right Now
It's safe to say that the athleisure trend is here to stay. (Remember when everyone swore leggings were a passing fad, way back in the early 2000s? Nope.) But whether you love athletic wear as daily wear or you just want to restock your gym wardrobe, if you're genderfluid, athleisure may be a harder style to really feel like you're nailing.
Case in point: When TikToker @tastedestroyer asked their following: "What are the non-binary people doing for athleisure?" the video went super viral, amassing over one million views and 150K likes.
The TikToker explained that they want to up their athleisure game, but are having trouble coming up with outfits that felt fresh. "If I'm wearing shorts, I'm tired of the 5" inseam baggy short with the giant shirt combo. It's kinda tired," they say, "Like what else do I do?"
Luckily, TikTok pulled through, with commenters throwing out their best suggestions. And reading through them is a great reminder about how many affirming options there really are for people, depending on their personal style and preferences. One commenter said, "I wear the clean girl matching sets but I don't shave 💅" while another said, "adam sandler core but all the t shirts are cropped or have the sleeves cut off."
We were so inspired by the conversation that we decided to keep it going. We asked our closest genderfluid friends for their most gender-affirming, inclusive athleisure pieces they plan on wearing all summer long. Here, the gender neutral activewear recommendations they couldn't stop gushing about.
Multitasking Boy Shorts
Tomboy X Boy Shorts Underwear ($20)
After initially having a hard time finding shorts they liked, Shelly finally discovered the Tomboy X Boy Shorts. "They make me feel like myself and they're super soft. They're also not just underwear either. Sometimes, I wear them out as shorts," they tell PS.
Just-Right Biker Shorts
Yogalicious Lux Biker Shorts ($26)
If you want more coverage than the Tomboy X boy shorts but still prefer a bike short for your look, these Amazon options are a favorite. "I'm a big fan of my Yogalicious Lux shorts. They're a good in-between length that makes me feel covered and still cute and fun," Ky, a genderfluid person in their 20s suggests, "And they've also held up really well over years of washing, and the pocket is perfect for my ID and keys."
5" Inseam Shorts
Wize Co Lite Compression Shorts ($50)
Although the original TikTok called out the 5" inseam short, Ken, a non-binary person in their 20s, can't get enough of the Wize Co's compression shorts, which come in a 5" inseam. They're super functional, with a built-in liner (with a pocket for your phone), side splits, and an adjustable waistband. And they have that cool factor. "These have given me the best gender-gym euphoria, I can't even explain it," Ken tells PS.
Wide-Legged Sweatpants
Asos Design Unisex Wide Leg Sweatpants With Cargo Pockets ($32, originally $40)
Several people in the comments of the TikTok suggested ditching the "small bottoms big top" formula for a "big bottoms small top" combo instead. Think: basketball shorts or baggy sweats and a sports bra or tiny crop tank. Naomi, a genderqueer, 32-year-old LGBTQ+ advocate, calls out the Old Navy gender-neutral sweatpants as their fave, but they're often sold out. While you wait for them to restock, consider the ASOS Design wide-leg option instead, which delivers on the "big bottoms" part of the formula, and has cargo pockets for stashing your phone.
Elevated Cargos
Alo Sheer Effusion Cargo Wide-Leg Trouser ($148)
Sheer is in. And if you're looking to add some spice to your athleisure this summer, consider trying out the trend with these sheer wide-leg cargo trousers from Alo. They're not necessarily meant for the gym (although they are crafted from comfy and breathable mesh), but they still bring an athleisure feel to your 'fits. "These are so my jam," Kristin, a 22 year old person who loves to play with her gender through style says, "I wasn't sure about the sheer at first but they actually feel really great. And they don't feel too masc or femme. It's just right."
Affirming Sports Bra
Underworks MagiCotton Sports Bra and Binder ($35)
There are a lot of sports bra options out there, but according to a Reddit user who fluctuates on the gender spectrum, this one is where it's at. "I always recommend the Magicotton from Underworks," they say, "It's gender neutral looking and binds really well. It fits up to a 44 inch bust. They're pretty true to size, so I don't recommend a smaller one. The regular one will squish you down just fine, if that's what you're looking for."
Foolproof Crop Top
Parade Breezy Crop Top ($10, originally $28)
Looking for a gender-neutral crop top option to wear on hot days this summer? Try out this inexpensive, super-wearable crop top made for folks across the gender spectrum. "In summer, I live in crop tops but I also don't want to spend a ton of money on them," Jules, a 27 year old genderfluid person told us, "The Parade ones are my go-to."
Thoughtful Muscle Tee
All+None The Muscle Tee ($45)
Another brand many folks call out as a favorite is All+None, which makes "activewear for humans in all bodies who move." The muscle tee is intended for people who want a slightly boxier fit, and is especially perfect for anyone wearing a binder. (We also love All+None's sizing system, which uses names like "heart" and "horseshoe" instead of your typical S-L.)
Breathable Cutout Hoodie
Telfar Sideless Hoodie ($110)
25-year-old Sydney says they struggled for a long time to find athleisure outfits that helped them feel true to themselves. After a lot of trial and error with different gender-neutral brands, they found Telfar. "I love their hoodies," Sydney tells PS. "It completely matches my vibe and how I want to feel in my clothes."
Versatile Jumpsuit
Cilium Upsidowner ($200)
Cilium makes clothes that can be worn multiple different ways and fit all different bodies. Theresa, a genderqueer and plus-sized person, recommends the Upsidowner: "It's not just a top or a bottom. It can be a shirt, or pants. But I like to wear mine as a jumpsuit best. It's so comfy, too!"
Everyday Baseball Cap
Me Vale Cap ($30)
Many people we spoke to called out a cap as an often-overlooked finishing touch. You can go for a beanie or a headband, but you can't go wrong with a classic baseball cap. The Me Vale cap (meaning: I don't care), from the queer, Latina-owned brand Shop JZD, encapsulates the care-free energy we're wishing you this Pride.
Essential Belt Bag
Bearpaw Belt Bag ($25)
Another accessory that can make your usual athleisure outfit look more intentional is a belt bag. "I'm obsessed with my Bearpaw Everywhere Belt Bag," Ky, a genderfluid person in their 20s recommends, "It's plenty of space for phone, wallet, keys, it sits super comfortable while I'm out running, and also goes with whatever I'm wearing that day without looking ultra feminine."
Hayley Folk (she/her) is a freelance writer, editor, and podcast host based in New York City. She is the host of the "Naked Folk" podcast — a sexual wellness and relationships podcast — and she writes for major publications about the LGBTQ+ community, travel, lifestyle, sex, and wellness. In 2022, she received her master of fine arts in creative writing from The New School.