Is it really that easy to spot a millennial at the gym?

After side parts and skinny jeans, the Gen Z vs millennial debate has, most noticeably, taken the form of arguments against and in favour of one stretchy little garment: leggings. Notably, in November, Vox published an article titled ‘Gen Z’s War Against Leggings’, which, gasp, established leggings as one way to “spot someone who is old”, alongside other biology-induced markers like white hair and bifocals. Meanwhile Fox News proclaimed ‘Leggings No Longer Have a Leg Up’.

What are millennial fitness-loving women actually wearing at the gym, though? Have they ditched their beloved tights in favour of more Gen Z-approved oversized sweats and swishy parachute pants? Are they now learning to make peace with the excess fabric pooling between their thighs as they sweat through their adductions and abductions?

Setting all the TikTok debates aside, I spoke to several cool—and millennial—women I know who document their workouts and their cute fits online. The conclusion: Don’t ditch those leggings just yet.

Pooja Dhingra, 39, founder and chef, Le15 Patisserie

Dhingra recently ran the marathon and has been documenting the highs and lows of her running and fitness journey over the past few months.

What do you wear to work out?

I used to be extremely conscious of what I wore when I started running a few months ago. I would wear leggings or track pants with a loose shirt. Now I dress for efficiency and to make my runs better: shorts and Dri-Fit T-shirts with a light jacket. I think my entire Instagram is tired of seeing me in my Nike running jacket and my bright pink Vomeros! I used to hate figuring out what to wear to the gym. And then I found things that I enjoyed wearing, that felt good, and, honestly, gave me confidence when I showed up in them. I love pieces from Lululemon, Nike, Blissclub, Spirit Animal, and Gym Shark.

Athleisure outside the gym—yes or no?

Pretty much all the time! I've started wearing it to the kitchen because it’s so comfortable and helps me function better. At night, I’ll wear black Lululemon tights with an oversized blazer and sneakers.

Leggings or oversized fits? What’s your take?

I like wearing oversized T-shirts, but I prefer my leggings. It's so much easier to move in. The only time I do wear oversized pants is in yoga or when I do a dance class—I think they work there. But in the gym or for running, it's shorts and leggings all the way! My advice would be to always find materials that breathe and that don’t pinch.

Amrita Thakur, 42, content creator and designer

On Instagram, Thakur gets asked as much about her fitness and nutrition regime as she does about her outfits both in and out of the gym.

What do you wear to work out?

I love wearing co-ordinated sets. For me, fabric is most important. It shouldn’t be too tight, too clingy, or too restrictive, and it definitely shouldn’t be sheer on bending. H&M, Bird Eye, Blissclub, Cava Athleisure, Nike, and Adidas are some of the labels I love. I’m always on the lookout for newer brands. It has to be good-quality and well-priced, and the pieces should last.

Athleisure outside the gym—yes or no?

I only ever wear joggers outside the gym, and that too when taking a flight.

Priyanka Kapadia, 39, creative director and stylist

Mom to a two-year-old, Kapadia is always on the move, whether it’s at a shoot, the gym, or her latest obsession—padel.

What do you wear to work out?

I’m a complete sucker for athleisure—I’m constantly trying homegrown brands, and even when I travel I somehow end up only buying workout clothes.

My current wardrobe is a mix of compression leggings from Oysho, flared leggings and tank bra tops from Bird Eye (I love their quality), square-neck bras from Pace Active, sweats, sweatshirts, and sports bras from Adanola, and a whole lot of Alo. For padel and tennis, I mostly wear Wilson skirts along with Alo and Lululemon tennis wear.

Do you accessorise your gym looks?

Jewellery is key for me—lots of jewels instantly make me feel dressed up and put together. So, you will always see my Hanut Singh stack or tennis bracelets. My Apple watch also has a cool, colourful friendship-band-style strap.

Athleisure outside the gym—yes or no?

Since I got pregnant, I’ve basically been living in athleisure. My son is now two, and as a mom on the go I love being ready for a workout or a sport anywhere, anytime.

Flared leggings are my new go-to—they work for school meetings as well as strength workouts. I almost always have a hoodie, denim jacket or cropped jacket on me. Crew-neck tees are the perfect cover-up.

I usually dress monotone, and cocoa-brown athleisure is my current favourite. One colour head to toe always looks more intentional and less lazy.

On shoots, oversized sweats with a tank top and a sweater are my uniform—studios are always freezing.

What’s your take on the ‘leggings versus oversized fits’ debate?

I go to a gym where almost everyone is under 30, and a lot of them train in oversized track pants. Honestly, for pure strength days—especially upper body—they’re incredibly comfortable. I switch it up.

Anisha Shah, 39, master trainer, Physique 57

Ask those in the know and they’ll tell you there’s no burn like the one from Shah’s barre class.

What do you wear to work out?

I have different pieces for different things and moods. It's mostly Lululemon for the most part along with lots of Adidas, whether I'm working out or teaching barre or weight training. Adidas makes some very comfortable tanks for running that I swear by. When I teach indoor cycling, I like to keep things fun and functional. Athleta has some beautiful colours that stand out on the bike in the dark.

Athleisure outside the gym—yes or no?

Yes, absolutely! I have a black unitard from Ikasu that fits like a dream and is as comfortable as second skin. Heels or sneakers, a blazer, and bling accessories, and I'm good to go for a night out. My butter-soft Lululemon flared leggings are my new travel favourite. I throw my box-fit tanks occasionally over my jeans for a casual day out. The tanks from Tuna Active, which I’ve discovered recently, are possibly the best athleisure tops that elevate the look.

Tavishi Vajpeyi, 30, Balanced Body comprehensive Pilates instructor

Whether she’s teaching or making content, Vajpeyi prefers to keep both the flow of her classes and her fits streamlined.

What do you wear to work out?

A lot of Lululemon—I just find it matches my body the best. For running and padel, I wear Nike and Gym Shark shorts, and on leg days I find myself reaching for five-inch tight shorts. I love monotone sets in red and blue. I always feel that you should wear what gives you comfort but also that motivates you to work out.

Athleisure outside the studio—yes or no?

Leggings and a crop tee or a hoodie and sweatpants. I teach all mornings and then run errands, so oversized tops and leggings often work.

Leggings or oversized fits? What’s your take?

I love my oversized fits, but I can’t say leggings are out completely. For lifting days oversized pieces work, but for Pilates, endurance or HIIT, I choose sleek and sweat-wicking fits that don’t come in the way. I tell my clients to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothes that are not restrictive but that allow me to check form and alignment easily. But you shouldn’t wear anything that restricts deep breathing.