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It is a truth universally acknowledged (by my school gym teachers), that I haven’t one single athletic bone in my body.
Despite my mother working in professional sports (go sharks) for most of my childhood, never not once did I ever see the appeal to join a team, league, troupe, squad that trained, practiced, or competitively played in any capacity. I was known for half-jogging an 18 minute mile, blaming childhood asthma for the laughable pace and insisting period cramps were the reason I couldn’t participate in our required high school swim program. I regularly “forgot” my matching P.E. t-shirt and shorts, using our apartment building’s shitty, unreliable washing machine as the scapegoat.
This sentiment carried on throughout my twenties, when I could regularly be found on a weekday evening on my third glass of wine (I worked retail, okay) ordering a Dominoes pizza while my roommates spent their 5-9 at the gym. I was by no means stationary or lethargic, I repeated to myself, as daily existence in a very hilly San Francisco meant cardio and strong walking legs were essential! Exercise to me was skipping the bus and walking the 18 city blocks home from the bar.
It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that a side effect of my raging cabin fever was the realization, through my frontal lobe finally developing, that regular movement is essential to finding a harmonious existence between mind and body, a vital ingredient in fighting off The Big Sads. Like most of America, I got addicted to riding a stationary bike to nowhere and realized that while I’m not competitive with others, I am competitive with myself.
I write this to you nearing my 318-week Peloton (biking, walking, strength) streak, which began with my first week of consistent movement in December 2019. I still don’t consider myself to have an athletic bone in my body—the odds of seeing me on the slopes or swimming laps remain very close to zero—but I can now climb a tall staircase without wanting to die, walk 22,000 steps around Disneyland without feeling like I ran an un-stretched marathon, and lift my cast iron pan successfully with one hand. I suspect, however, that I probably still clock an 18 minute mile. Running is…not for me.
Depression hates a moving target, fascism hates a strong body, and getting an ass like Connor Storrie’s (if that’s what you so desire) won’t happen from sitting on the couch doomscrolling.
Let this be your encouragement to simply MOVE YOUR BODY.
Make a playlist, listen to a podcast, take up bird watching, invite a friend for a gossip walk, trek across your city to the furthest coffee shop in county limits, call someone you haven’t talked to in a minute, go to a city/state/national park you’ve never visited, go to the touristy part of town and people watch, etc etc etc
Because if anything, don’t we all love an excuse to put together a cute outfit?
The question I most often get when talking vintage and secondhand, is whether I think it’s “gross” to buy workout clothes from the thrift.
The short answer is no.
The longer answer is, it always depends on what the item is and your willingness to take the time to clean it.
I’m personally less likely to buy cycling shorts/leggings/things that touch my ass from a thrift unless they’re new with tags. Many big-box stores, like T*rget, donate unsold end-of-season stock to Goodwill, which is how I’ve purchased a decent portion of my core “true” activewear. I’m less picky when it comes to sports bras, and give everything a good vinegar soak, double rinse, and sometimes even a double wash the first go-around for my own sanity. (Check both the activewear and lounge/sleepwear area at the thrift, you never know what you might find!)
Clothes made from synthetic fibers release microplastics every time they’re washed, which pollutes our water! Washing technical fabrics in a microfiber-catching laundry bag (like this one) is one of the best ways to help mitigate the fact that we’ve all got a little plastic in us now!! While high heat is great for killing icky nasties, it eventually breaks down elasticity — I personally lay all my true activewear flat to dry after an initial post thrift dry. Maintaining the lifespan of your clothes, even workout gear, matters!
Y2K athleisure is having a moment, my TikTok feed and Notes overrun with people looking for the perfect spaghetti-strap crop top and Adidas track pants to channel their inner Sporty Spice and 00’s Madonna. And while that’s all well and good, my preferred approach to being ready to sweat, is to go the more thrashed, distressed, well-worn, layered route. Things that have been well-loved and already lived a long life, ready for one! more! chapter!
Without this being a lackluster round-up of badly photographed eBay listings for Champion shorts, wrinkled sports bras, and paint splattered sweatshirts, I’ve made this more into a “outfits to wear to go sweat that aren’t matching sets” kind of curation. This weekend’s Dump (for paid subscribers only!) will have more links to the less sexy but delightfully essential and a section of $30 and under finds!
So with that, let’s get into it.
rhinestone cluster ball necklace ($55, purchase on eBay)
working out with loads of jewelry on isn’t really practical, but if you’re wearing this ‘fit all day, you might as well make a statementmarlboro racing hat ($18.99, purchase on eBay)
prada sport shield sunglasses ($147)
prada sport is a rabbit hole worth going down on both TRR and eBay — some timeless gems00s nautica windbreaker (size m, $40, purchase on eBay)
live laugh LOVE a windbreaker, prepare for a lot of them as you scroll — easy to wash, good for a light sweat, visually interesting layering optiondorsey moissanite sterling silver earrings (new, $280+)
not all their stuff is worth it!!! but these are great for every day if you’re not a huge fancy pants diamond girl (me)USA 1996 olympics shirt (fem XL, $35, purchase on eBay)
russell athletic cobalt blue fleece zip (size m, $29.74, purchase on eBay)
girlfriend collective gray biker short (new, various sizes up to 6X, $78)
girlfriend collective is my favorite athletic gear if i’m buying new, though i do size up bottoms for comfort (i feel they run a little too tight)yves saint laurent nylon gym bag ($357)
a bag for schlepping is essential if you’re an out and about person - instant interesting outfit maker, too!lace up adidas taekwondo ballerina (new, various sizes, $120)
vintage prada sport windbreaker (fem m, $246)
vintage 1988 daytona shirt (vintage m, $39.99, purchase on eBay)
shocked this hasn’t sold, great colors, perfectly worn-in — search “thrashed, paper thin, distressed, paint splatter” with “vintage” also search eras and subjects “racing” “70s” “sports” and if you want long sleeves “vintage raglan”lizzie fortunado tile earrings ($275)
FUNvintage faux leather adidas gym bag ($81.99, purchase on eBay)
these are plentiful around the web and think they would be cool adorned in the “plethora of keychains” trend of the momentleset stirrup leggings (new, various sizes, $200)
loeffler randall black mesh ballet flats (new, various sizes, $250)
mesh ballets for the breakfast date, good sneakers for walking the scenic route homemongolian fur coat (see measurements, $249.97, purchase on eBay)
for the winter layering “running errands before the gym” kind of dayvintage prada sport windbreaker (fem m, $269.50)
nike forest green track pants (size m, $35, purchase on eBay)
dolce and gabbana animal print duffle bag ($255)
if you rolled into my workout class with this bag… COOL GRL ALERTloeffler randall brown leather boat shoe (new, various sizes, $325)
chanel cc floral shield sunglasses ($246)
generally not a huge chanel fan but the rich gold tint on these plus cutie side flower detail is goodpolo ralph lauren corduroy bomber (masc s, $199.99, purchase on eBay)
jockey short sleeve sweatshirt (vintage XL, $23.99, purchase on eBay) (butter yellow alt here)
search “jockey” “champion” “russell athletic” “kirkland” “nike”“i survived the chicago blizzard of ‘79” vintage tee (vintage s, $20.99, purchase on eBay)
!!!!! great vintage shirt alert !!!!banana republic merino-cotton barrel sweats (new, various sizes, $119.99 on sale)
bought these on black friday and have no regrets, they do need a sweater shave but i’m okay with them having a really worn-in feel since i’m wearing them to move inetro top handle bag ($177!)
adidas japan croc effect sneakers (new, various sizes, $120)
escada yellow utility jacket (fem m, $114.75)
vintage 70s led zeppelin thermal (vintage XS, $99.99, purchase on eBay)
let me live vicariously through you rocking this insane vintage findgap “vintage” relaxed sweatpants (new, various sizes, $35 on sale)
obviously a sea of thrift options (like here, here (3X!), and here), but these are the best silhouette if you’re buying new (the fleece inside is soft and very cozy, i have them in two colors)adidas x gucci bag ($973.25)
adidas taekwondo lace-up ballerina (new, various sizes, $100)
polo ralph lauren tuxedo blazer (fem 10, $199.99, purchase on eBay)
love a fancy pants meets thrashed juxtapositionbleach dyed thrashed sweatshirt (size m, $19.95, purchase on eBay)
yes to bleach dye, alwaysadidas black track skirt (fem s, $16.95, purchase on eBay)
layer over your leggings, tights, pilates gear and then zip it off!gucci nylon bag ($260)
apparis faux fur coat (fem s, $276)
larroude black jazz shoes (new various sizes, $203 on sale)
i imagine these bejeweled and bedazzled à la Driessalomon XT-6 shoes (new, various sizes, $200)
i own three pairs of salomons and legit love them for long walks/hikes/inclines on the treadmillprada shield sunglasses ($268)
the side detailing on these is deliciousbrown tie dye thrashed shirt (size 2XL, $15, purchase on eBay)
balenciaga burgundy utility jacket (size XXL, $388.50)
girlfriend collective black compression leggings (new, various sizes up to 6XL!, $118)
vibram v-soul ballerina flats (new, various sizing, $130)
i love a weird shoe and yes, i love these
marilyn monroe vintage tee (vintage XL, $90, purchase on eBay)
vintage wilsons leather jacket (fem m, $74.99, purchase on eBay)
russell atheltic henley sweatshirt (vintage XL, $27.95, purchase on eBay) (honorable mention to this butter yellow one)
this vintage henley style is highly sought after and rightfully so — so goodadidas black pleated skirt (fem m, $18, purchase on eBay)
distressed leather duffle bag ($95, purchase on eBay) (similar here)
!!!tory sport mary jane (new, various sizes, $250)
uniqlo heattech socks (new, $5.90 on sale)
these have great slouch and are good for winter walks because no one wants cold toes!sterling silver multi-chain necklace ($299.99, purchase on eBay)
black hearst castle trucker hat ($8.88, purchase on eBay)
gucci black narrow sunglasses ($293.25)
vintage distressed leather jacket (masc l, $70, purchase on eBay)
ralph lauren wool blend wrap sweater (fem XL, $96, purchase on eBay) (honorable mention to this cashmere option)
so many good wrap sweaters on eBay - look at the related!paloma wool gathered leggings (new, various sizes, $215)
these are expensive but i love the court jester vibes, i really really dovintage grey nike gym bag ($50, purchase on eBay)
loeffler randall black studded flats (new, various sizes, $295)
dorsey odette moissanite earrings (new, $360+)
vintage distressed thrashed sweatshirt (size XXL, $29.95, purchase on eBay)
elegant brooches 🤝 thrashed thingspearl rhinestone cluster brooch ($95, purchase on eBay)
rick owens sheer wool top (fem s, $188)
layering gauzy tops for colder weather workouts is FUN, add a vintage tee over this, tie a sweater around your neck/waist, etcjil sander metallic windbreaker (fem m, $227.50)
for feeling like you just won the marathon or for looking like a really tasty burritochampion grey sweat shorts (masc 32, $9.99, purchase on eBay) (alt here)
banana republic leather duffle bag ($249.99, purchase on eBay) (alert! cheaper listing! here)
comme si merino socks (new, various colors, $75)
converse jack purcell sneakers (new, various sizes, $75)
Dang, she’s rad.
tom ford shield sunglasses ($122.50)
vintage formula 1 monaco grad prix (see measurements, $75, purchase on eBay)
vintage armani long wool coat (fem m, $565)
helmut lang cotton nylon skirt set (fem m, $204)
dorsey odette moissanite earrings (new, $360+)
prada two tone bowling purse ($324.99, purchase on eBay)
escada black trim shorts (fem s, $28)
larroude cream jazz shoes (new, various sizes, $203 on sale)
ralph lauren cap toe sneakers (new, various sizes, $78)
Well, there ya have it! What’s your favorite way to move your body? The best song on your workout playlist? The workout outfit you swear by? Tell us! The people (me) want to know!
Thanks for being here, love you — mean it.
Until next time,
xo,
G
I hope you’re getting payouts for this because this secondhand-only Pilates teacher just bought like 4 things and it would’ve been 27 things if the rest hasn’t sold first. xx
Omg the “I survived the blizzard” shirt… the Midwest’s equivalent of the “I survived hurricane ___” Florida shirts 😂