The Best Fall Activewear for Women Over 50: What Actually Matters

Something interesting happens to many of us as we get older.

We don't become less active.

We become less willing to put up with uncomfortable clothes.

Women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond are playing tennis and pickleball, golfing, hiking, traveling, practicing Pilates, walking dogs and going to the gym.

But much of the activewear market still seems designed around a very different customer.

At Sol Sister Sport, most of our customers are over 50. We hear from them every day, and their priorities are remarkably consistent.

They want to be active. They want to look good. And they want their clothes to work.

Here are some of the things we think really matter when choosing fall activewear.

1. Coverage Without Bulk

When temperatures drop, more coverage feels good.

But there's a difference between coverage and bulk.

Heavy sweatpants may be warm, but they're not ideal for a tennis match or brisk hike. The best fall activewear provides additional coverage while remaining stretchy and easy to move in.

This is one reason longer leggings are such a useful fall staple.

2. A Waistband That Stays Put

Few things are more annoying during a workout than constantly pulling up your pants.

A good waistband should feel supportive without digging in and should stay in place when you're bending, lunging, serving or walking.

You shouldn't have to think about it.

3. Pockets You Can Actually Use

Tiny pockets may look streamlined in a product photograph. They're considerably less impressive when you're trying to put something in them.

We are firmly on Team Big Pocket.

For tennis, that might mean a ball. For walking, it's a phone. For travel, it might be a hotel key, credit card or reading glasses.

Practicality doesn't have to make clothing less attractive.

4. More Than One Length

Women aren't all the same height. We don't all participate in the same activities, and we certainly don't all experience temperature the same way.

So why should there be one standard legging length?

Bike-short, capris, midcalf and ankle lengths each serve a purpose.

In fall, the ability to choose more coverage as temperatures drop can extend the usefulness of your active wardrobe well beyond summer.

5. Coverage Around the Hips and Backside

Plenty of women love leggings exactly as they are.

Others would like a little more coverage.

A skirt over leggings creates that coverage without requiring an oversized shirt or a second garment tied around the waist.

And a skirt doesn't have to be fussy or overly feminine. A simple, streamlined skirt can make leggings feel more finished while still allowing complete freedom of movement.

6. Clothing That Works Beyond Exercise

Most of us aren't spending our entire day on a tennis court.

Maybe you're playing pickleball in the morning, stopping at the grocery store afterward, meeting someone for coffee and walking the dog later.

Changing clothes four times isn't particularly appealing.

The best activewear should move easily between sport and everyday life.

We think of it as clothing for an active life—not just exercise.

7. Fall Layers That Come Off Easily

Fall weather can be unpredictable.

A 48-degree morning can become a 68-degree afternoon.

Instead of choosing one heavy garment, start with lightweight layers that can be removed as the day warms up.

Pair longer bottoms with a tank or performance shirt and add a lightweight long-sleeve top or pullover.

You can always take something off.

8. Clothes That Make You Want to Move

This may be the most important one.

The goal isn't to dress younger.

It's to dress for the life you're living now.

If you're 55 and learning pickleball, wonderful.

If you're 65 and still playing competitive tennis, wonderful.

If you're 75 and walking three miles every morning, wonderful.

Your activewear should help you do more of it.

Designed From Experience

Sol Sister Sport didn't begin because I studied fashion trends.

It began because after decades of playing tennis, I couldn't find exactly what I wanted to wear.

I wanted leggings—but I wanted more coverage.

I wanted a skirt—but I wanted my legs covered.

I wanted pockets big enough for tennis balls.

I wanted different lengths.

I wanted clothing that worked on the court but didn't make me feel as though I needed to change before going anywhere else.

Eventually I stopped looking for it and decided to make it.

I'm now 65 and still playing tennis, and the things I wanted then are the things our customers continue telling us they want today: comfort, coverage, performance, practicality and clothing that makes them feel good while they're moving.

Maybe that's what activewear for women over 50 should have been about all along.

Explore Sol Sister Sport and find the skirted-legging style and length that works for the way you move.