Fashionable Modest Active Wear

If you’re a modest dresser who likes to be active, you always run into the same problem: How can I find clothing that’s both modest and appropriate for my chosen activity?

Whether you’re going to the gym, playing a game of volleyball with friends, or going on a hike, you don’t want to wear anything heavy, uncomfortable, or difficult to move in. But if you wear something too short, loose, or flowy, you may have difficulty staying modest. 

At The Main Street Exchange, we value giving women options for comfortable, modest garments that move with them. That’s why we wrote this blog about the various options women have for modest fashionable active wear.

Five Options for Dressing Modestly At the Gym

Most companies that sell athletic wear offer modest short or long-sleeve tops. Although you may need to add a layering top if the shirt rides up when you’re active or has odd cutouts, the top portion of your outfit is generally not the issue when trying to find modest activewear.  

Instead, the question you’re left with is, how can I find a skirt that’s both modest and allows me to move?

Here are five options to consider:

Option 1: A loose-fitting midi skirt

The simplest solution is to grab a loose-fitting midi skirt, particularly if it’s made from a stretchy knit fabric.

The length and shape will allow you to move freely.

Cons: If you’re doing any activity that involves kicking your legs up, such as riding a bicycle, a loose-fitting midi skirt won’t be very modest. If you're hiking, it also leaves plenty of skin exposed to scratches and bug bites.

Option 2: Leggings under a knee-length skirt

One way to solve the problems of your loose-fitting midi skirt is to add a pair of leggings underneath. Long leggings offer full coverage, cropped leggings cover most of your legs, and biker shorts remain hidden by the skirt but still offer that coverage if your skirt flies up for any reason.

Cons: Adding leggings under your skirt is a great way to be more modest, but it may feel bulky and hot for summer activities. You may also find that not all skirts look very nice with leggings underneath.

Option 3: Skirted leggings

More and more athletic brands are catering to modest dressers by offering skirted leggings or “skleggings.” These leggings have an attached skirt for added modesty, and since the skirt and leggings are one cohesive garment, they’re often cuter and less bulky than simply putting a pair of leggings under a skirt.

Cons: The skirts on most skirted leggings are quite short. Depending on your modesty standards and the type of activity you’re doing, skirted leggings may not be modest enough to make you comfortable. However, at the Main Street Exchange, we offer skirted leggings with knee-length skirts!

Option 4: Loose pants, long loose shorts, or culottes

Although modest dressers of today usually opt to add leggings to a skirt when they want to be modest, historically, women solved this problem by wearing pants that were so loose they resembled a skirt. 

These loose pants, sometimes called “culottes,” can still be purchased today. They’re cooler and breezier than leggings, and they don’t show off the shape of the leg.

Cons: Unfortunately, culottes aren’t really in style right now, so you may struggle to find a fashionable pair. Also, you may be uncomfortable wearing pants even if they’re loose.

Option 5: Athletic skorts

The final option for modest athletic wear is to wear an athletic skort.

Athletic skorts have a pair of long, loose shorts underneath a skirt. Some athletic skorts have a long slit up the side for added movement and flexibility, while other athletic skorts completely hide the shorts and look just like a regular skirt.

Athletic skorts offer the best of both worlds: the loose design keeps you cool in the summer, the skirt look is cute and fashionable, and the hidden shorts keep you covered at all times.

Cons: Athletic skorts can be challenging to find, but you’re in luck! At The Main Street Exchange, we offer a variety of modest, comfortable, athletic skorts. 

How to Look Cute in Modest Activewear

Although you’re now aware of many options for modest activewear, you may be wondering, how can I style my modest activewear to look cute instead of frumpy?

Don’t worry; we’re here to help!

Step 1: Invest in some cute neutral athletic bottoms

Whether you like the look and feel of skirted leggings, skorts, or loose pants, invest in a few bottoms that make you feel comfortable, cute, and modest. These pieces should be in neutral colors so you can wear them with anything. 

Step 2: Buy some cute modest tops

Then, look for cute, whimsical, and stylish athletic tops to pair with your neutral bottoms. Since modest tops are much easier to find, including at thrift stores, you can buy them cheaper and try various styles. This will give you many more options for cute athletic outfits.

Just beware that some cute tops have cutouts in the back, so if you’re buying online, look at all the listing pictures first! (But remember, if you find a cute top with an immodest cutout, you can always add a layering top to make it modest.)

Step 3: Accessorize!

Finally, jazz up your athletic ensemble with some great accessories. For example, simple white sneakers always look classy and cute, and you can pair them with fun socks to add a pop of color to your outfit.

Then, don’t forget to pull your hair out of the way with a cute hair accessory!

(For more ideas, check out our blog posts on accessorizing your modest wardrobe, and styling an athletic skort.)

Tips for Buying Great Activewear Products

Modest activewear can be pricy, so here are some tips for getting the most bang for your buck and acquiring great staple pieces you can use again and again. 

• Fabric: Much of the difference between a great piece and a mediocre or bad piece comes down to the fabric. Start checking the tags of the clothing you already own, noting what works well and feels comfortable, and try to invest in the same fabric types when you buy new pieces.
• Fit: When buying online, measure yourself carefully and buy according to the size chart, and only purchase from a company that has a good return policy. If possible, go to a brick-and-mortar store to try things on in person. 
• Style: Does the piece you’re buying have pockets? Do you prefer a slit or no slit? Know what you like, and be picky when purchasing!
• Pictures: When buying online, look at the listing from all angles to ensure there aren’t any odd cutouts or other immodest or strange features.
• Colors: Finally, choose pieces that compliment your natural coloring. If you’re stuck, we’ve written a guide to color and style analysis to help you pick pieces you’ll gravitate to repeatedly.  

Where to Find Modest Activewear

Most athletic wear brands have modest athletic top options, but it can feel impossible to find modest athletic bottoms. 

While you’ll find some options on popular retail websites like Amazon, ensuring that your find is high-quality, fits well, and looks like the picture can be difficult. The good news is that these websites usually have excellent return policies, but if you can’t find a quality product, that’s still a lot of wasted time.

At The Main Street Exchange, we work hard to provide those modest athletic wear staples you’ve been searching for, including athletic skorts, skirted leggings, layering leggings of various lengths, layering tops, knit skirts, and more!

If you’re buying online and worried about fit, measure yourself carefully before buying, and check out our return policy. You can also visit our store in Gordonvile, PA, to try items on in person before purchasing!

Finally, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. 

We look forward to hearing from you!