Gen Z vs. Millennials: The Gymwear Showdown and the Future of Fitness Fashion Trend

Are Leggings Out? Why Gen Z is Redefining Gymwear trends with Baggy Fits and Individuality

Photos: Courtesy of Nike, Getty Images Vogue Business

We’ve seen generational clashes over jeans (skinny vs. baggy), socks (ankle vs. crew), and now, activewear is the latest style battleground. According to Vogue Business, if you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen Gen Z taking shots at the ultra-fitted leggings and crop top combos that dominated millennial gymwear trends. Instead, they’re all about comfort, individuality, and yes—baggy gymwear.

The Rise of Baggy Gymwear

Looser bottoms and outerwear are on the rise, up 50 per cent year-on-year. This more integrated approach is accompanied by a growing emphasis on comfort, autonomy and self-expression. Photo: Rachpoot/MEGA/GC Images

This isn’t just another passing TikTok trend. Data from Pinterest shows searches for “baggy gym outfits” have skyrocketed by over 400% in the past year, particularly among 18 to 24-year-olds. Meanwhile, the dominance of leggings is shrinking fast. In 2021, they made up nearly half of activewear bottoms on the market. Now? They’re down to just 32% as joggers, loose-fitting track pants, and even workout skirts gain popularity.

So why the shift? Part of it comes down to how Gen Z views fitness. Unlike millennials, who often tied working out to an aspirational, Instagram-perfect lifestyle, Gen Z sees it as just another part of their daily routine. Gymwear isn’t just for showing off gains—it’s about feeling comfortable, expressing personal style, and moving freely.

Fashion Meets Function

Millennials still love their matching, sleek gym sets. But Gen Z? They’re mixing it up. Oversized hoodies paired with running shorts. Baggy sweatpants with fitted tanks. Bright colors clashing with muted tones. It’s all about contrast, creativity, and ditching the idea that gymwear has to look a certain way.

Model Hikari Mori attends the Lululemon Together We Grow campaign event. “Brands like Lululemon are still rooted in sleek silhouettes, but they’ve expanded their offering to include more lounge and streetwear-inspired pieces,” says Corrigan. Photo: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

Brands are already catching on. Nike, a Gen Z favorite, has been leading the charge in oversized activewear, while other brands like Lululemon are expanding their collections to include looser, more casual styles. Retailers are shifting their stock, with oversized activewear making up 65% of inventory—a clear sign that this trend isn’t just a fad.

A Response to Gym Culture?

Beyond aesthetics, there’s another possible reason for the rise of baggier gymwear: safety. Viral TikTok videos exposing uncomfortable encounters at the gym have sparked discussions about modesty, boundaries, and feeling secure while working out. Loose-fitting clothing might offer some Gen Z gym-goers an extra layer of comfort and confidence in shared workout spaces.

For Gen Z, it’s less about following a particular look and more about personal curation. These days you might see an ’80s element mixed with Y2K. Photo: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Can Both Styles Coexist?

While TikTok debates can make it seem like there’s a right and wrong way to dress for the gym, the reality is, fashion is always evolving. Just like how millennials once laughed at ‘80s leg warmers before embracing vintage styles, Gen Z’s love for oversized fits might not be permanent. In fact, some younger fashionistas are already blending past trends—think ‘80s sweatbands with Y2K flared leggings or sporty crop tops with parachute pants.

At the end of the day, gymwear—like all fashion—should be about what makes you feel good. Whether you’re rocking head-to-toe compression gear or layering up in oversized sweats, the real win is feeling confident in your own skin. So, leggings or joggers, fitted or oversized—wear what works for you!

What’s your go-to gym fit? Let’s talk in the comments!