A Reddit user sparked thousands of responses after posting a dilemma about whether to speak up to a fellow gym-goer whose workout leggings appeared to become see-through during certain exercise moves.

The post, titled “Should I say something? At the gym, lady’s pants are see-through when she bends over,” was shared by u/GLsunshine1188 in the r/NoStupidQuestions subreddit. It has received 5,800 upvotes and 2,100 comments since it was shared on March 29.

“A woman in one of my classes wears leggings and I can see right through them when she squats or does anything bending over,” the poster wrote. “I can see EVERYTHING. Should I tell her or just mind my business?”

In a later comment, the poster clarified that she is a woman, which influenced the advice many Reddit users gave on how to handle the sensitive situation.

The post comes as a January 2025 study in Wellbeing, Space and Society found that “women often feel judged for their appearance and performance, leading to a persistent sense of inadequacy, as well as having to fight for space in the gym and to be taken seriously, while navigating harassment and unsolicited comments from men.”

The study noted: “Despite this, women showed signs of resistance towards gendered and appearance ideals permeating gym environments and some experienced empowerment through skill acquisition, breaking gender norms, and exercising in supportive environments.”

‘Discreetly Let Her Know’

Reddit users emphasized tact and discretion, particularly around issues that could cause embarrassment.

The consensus favored a private and respectful notification—ideally from another woman or through gym staff—to spare the woman continued public exposure without adding to her discomfort.

U/PicklesHL7 wrote: “Let a female staff member know. They have probably dealt with wardrobe malfunctions before and would know how to approach her” in a comment that received 10,000 upvotes.

That suggestion was echoed by several others, including u/Express_Hyena5992, who said: “I agree this is the best approach.”

Others encouraged a more direct approach, given that the original poster is also a woman.

“If you’re a woman tell her. If you’re a man ask another woman to tell her,” advised u/schwarzmalerin.

Similarly, u/Comfortable_Date6945 recommended a discreet heads-up: “If you’re a woman I would discreetly let her know in the locker room/when nobody is around. I’d hope another lady would let me know.”

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.

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