From WTF to Where’d You Get That? The Gymwear Glow-Up Effect

Once upon a time, I walked into the gym wearing a tank top that said, "Still Pretty - Pretty Badass" And let me tell you, the LOOKS I got. Some were amused, some confused, and at least one was the unmistakable side-eye of a woman who had clearly decided I was too much before I even hit the squat rack.

And honestly? That’s fine. Because here’s what I’ve learned: The first reaction to bold gymwear is almost always a moment—a second of judgment, curiosity, or envy wrapped in a furrowed brow. But give it time, and that side-eye? It turns into something else entirely.

Phase One: The Judgy Stare

You know it when you see it. The double-take. The furrowed brow. The look that says, “Wow. That’s… a choice.” Maybe your leggings are a little too loud. Maybe your tank top has a message that makes people uncomfortable with how much you love yourself. Maybe—gasp—you’re just standing there existing in a body that refuses to shrink into the background.

People have thoughts. And you know what? Let them. Because they aren’t actually judging you—they’re confronting their own insecurities.

Phase Two: The Stolen Glance

Fast-forward 15 minutes. You’re mid-workout, absolutely owning your space, and suddenly, the side-eyer is sneaking another peek. Not with disdain, but with curiosity. They’re watching how you move, how you lift, how you stand a little taller in that ridiculously confident outfit. They don’t hate it. They’re just trying to figure out why they… kind of love it?

Maybe—just maybe—they wish they had the guts to wear something that bold, too.

Phase Three: The Unspoken Approval

Ah, the moment we live for. It might be subtle—the quick up-down glance followed by a small nod of respect. It might be more obvious—a compliment at the water fountain, a “Where’d you get that?” in the locker room. But at some point, the judgment transforms into something else: inspiration.

Because confidence is contagious. Because refusing to blend in is a silent permission slip for others to do the same. Because deep down, we all just want to feel strong, seen, and a little badass.

Old Lady Gains Still Pretty Pretty Badass Unisex T-Shirt

Phase Four: The Full-Circle Moment

Cut to a few weeks later, and guess who walks in rocking their own loud leggings or unapologetic tank? That’s right. Side-Eye Sally has become your newest gym fashion convert. And she’s standing a little taller because of it.

So, wear the damn outfit. Turn heads. Take up space. Because today’s side-eye is tomorrow’s respect—and next week’s inspiration. And that, my friend, is how we change the game.

Now tell me—what’s your go-to gymwear that makes people do a double-take? Drop it in the comments, and let’s start a movement.