A woman’s gym outfit has unleashed a huge debate

A video of a woman innocently working out at the gym is going viral and has kicked off a huge debate online – for all the wrong reasons.

COMMENT

“Is this a proper way to dress at the gym?”

This question regarding a woman’s gym outfit has racked up over 14 million views and opened up far more than a can of misogyny; try a vat.

A popular X account posted a video of social media creator Sarah Caus working out in a crop top and shorts.

Sure, men often work shirtless or wear those concerningly tight bike shorts, but if a woman is baring skin, men like to jump on the internet and discuss ways they can police the issue.

This outfit sparked a wild question. Picture: TikTok/sarahcaus

She's working out. Picture: TikTok/sarahcaus

The response to the viral tweet was mammoth, and while people were defending the outfit and pointing out how ridiculous it is to comment on women’s clothing, the male response was nothing short of alarming. Truth be told, it was a little scary to realise how women are still spoken about in 2024.

All the classic sexist remarks were rolled out in response to the question. Men joking that her dad must be proud of her or arguing she’s desperate for attention.

Some men took to the comment section to mock women who wore revealing outfits to the gym and then complained about men looking at them.

It was just that ancient argument pushing the idea that what a woman wears should change how she is treated – and yes, this is still something people believe.

The post has been viewed over 14 million times. Picture: TikTok/sarahcaus

She's received sexist comments over her gym outfit. Picture: TikTok/sarahcaus

Then, there was a slew of men claiming that if a woman wore an outfit like that, she should expect to be leered at. (They might have used the word “stared”, but the message is basically the same.)

“Some women dress like that and then get mad if a guy checks them out. If you wear that in front of me, I’m looking, so get over it,” one social media user wrote.

Another claimed a woman wearing a crop top and shorts meant that gyms were becoming pornographic. This response seemed like a stretch; you could argue his response was borderline hysterical.

One woman jumped in and said that gyms must start dress codes because women were taking things too far with their fashion choices.

“Agree with me or not, but I think gyms need to start a dress code. Women nowadays have no respect for themselves!” she claimed.

Of course, there was no mention of policing men that wear those clingy bike shorts that outline every nook and cranny, because men get to wear what they want without it being debated.

She often posts gym pics. Picture: TikTok/sarahcaus

People pointed out Olympic Athletes wear similar outfits. Picture: Alex Coppel.

It wasn’t a complete sexist cesspit. While they were in the minority, there were people pointing out that the outrage was simply ridiculous.

One wrote that her outfit was “completely fine” and then asked everyone why they were so shocked by the perfectly normal attire.

“Ya’ll train at Amish gyms?” he joked.

Someone else pointed out that the outfit is actually similar to what Olympic female athletes wear so they can move and perform at their best.

“If it is okay for Olympic track and field and beach volleyball, then it is okay for gym too,” he argued.

One woman said she was just surprised to see men finding this “offensive” clothing to wear to the gym.

“Why do men find this offensive at the gym but then love it when female athletes have to wear the exact same outfit for competitions that are aired on national television?” she asked.