A TikTok user has ignited a fierce online debate across the UK after she voiced strong opinions against people wearing skin-tight activewear in public spaces like shopping centres.
The Viral Rant That Divided The Internet
The controversy began earlier this month when a TikToker named Poppy shared a video expressing her frustration about seeing women wearing sculpting biker shorts and leggings while out shopping. While acknowledging the benefits of such clothing for workouts, including muscle support and comfort, she questioned its appropriateness for everyday errands.
Poppy specifically called out ensembles that, in her words, 'leave little to the imagination'. She stated, 'Those women who wear activewear, those short shorts, I think it’s great that you’re confident, you have a great figure. But do you realize when you walk, we can actually see the shape of your [assets]?'
She defended her perspective against anticipated criticism, adding, 'Don’t come at me and say, "Why did you look? How could you not look?" It’s right there, and you’re walking towards me. It’s like, hello, can you see the shape of my [assets]? I can, you can’t avoid it.'
A Clash of Opinions in the Comments
The clip spread rapidly, amassing thousands of comments from users fiercely divided on the issue. Many applauded Poppy for her candour, with one commenter agreeing, 'She’s got a point – there’s such a thing as decency in public.' Another simply wrote, 'Amen, finally someone said it.'
This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed activewear apathy, with one user stating, 'I hate this new trend, activewear belongs in the gym.'
However, a significant portion of users slammed Poppy's take. One critic responded, 'Just look away, let me mind my own business. I’m not changing clothes, and I work hard for this body.' Another questioned, 'Imagine being so bothered by other peoples clothing.'
Practicality was also a key argument for defenders of the trend. A user pointed out, 'Not gonna go home to change out of my gym wear clothes and then go to the shop, no I'm gonna go to the shop on my way home.' Another highlighted the potential for causing insecurity, retorting, 'Girls are already self-conscious walking around in activewear, so calling them out doesn’t make it better.'
Poppy's Response and the Athleisure Boom
Poppy later responded to the backlash with a follow-up video. In it, she addressed claims that her opinion was rooted in jealousy, with a text overlay reading: 'Apparently having an opinion on activewear means I'm jealous now.'
She brazenly told her critics, 'Some of your comments are f**king hilarious, my post was about the tights that women wear in the shopping centres, the skin coloured ones, the light pink ones, the blue ones that make it look like your wearing next to nothing.'
She framed her original video as a 'public awareness' message, concluding, 'I'm not f**king jealous... Those of you who got offended, I'm sorry but its the f**king truth. I'm saying what everyone else is saying.'
This online spat highlights the growing prevalence of athleisure wear, a clothing industry segment that has experienced a massive boom in recent years. The trend sees people wearing athletic clothes like leggings and biker shorts in everyday settings, not just the gym. High-profile celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, have been spotted numerous times running errands in exercise outfits, further cementing its place in modern fashion.
