An early morning walker in Australia has written to the popular advice column 'Anxiety Aunt', expressing dismay at the increasingly revealing activewear sported by fellow fitness enthusiasts in public parks.
A Walk in the Park, or a Fashion Show?
The concerned reader, who signs off as 'Offended', detailed their routine of dog walking in a local park over many years. They noted a significant shift in the attire of younger exercisers over the past year. The reader observed men running topless, and women in full makeup and perfume wearing extremely tight, sometimes near-transparent, clothing. Some outfits, they suggested, seemed more appropriate for the beach than a morning jog. Their core question was whether they were being prudish, or if there were actual rules about indecent exposure in such settings.
Anxiety Aunt's Cheeky Take on Modern Attire
In her characteristically witty response published in The West Australian on Saturday, 10 January 2026, Anxiety Aunt acknowledged the cultural shift. She agreed that risqué clothing was once confined to specific venues but now seems ubiquitous. She referenced superstar Jennifer Lopez's recent quip at age 56: "If you had this booty you’d be naked too!" as an example of the 'if you've got it, flaunt it' mentality.
The Aunt, claiming a past in an internationally acclaimed cancan troupe, stated she is no prude. However, she humorously lamented the diminishing size of modern swimwear, comparing thongs to pieces of dental floss. Her ultimate stance on the matter was one of live-and-let-live, noting there is no law against such attire in public exercise settings.
A Fashion Faux Pas and a Look to the Future
The column took a personal turn as Anxiety Aunt confessed to her own activewear mishap. Distracted by a neighbour, she accidentally purchased leggings with a controversial 'bum-sculpting' seam. She joked that while such design might flatter a younger person, on her it resembled a damaged piece of fruit, prompting an apology to any park-goers who might see her.
Addressing 'Offended's' core concern, the Aunt concluded that fashion is cyclical. While impractical past trends like petticoats are unlikely to return, she suggested the current trend for minimal activewear may also evolve. Her final advice was to either 'grin and bear it' or, alternatively, to 'grin and bare it' by joining the trend.
The column, written by Jay Hanna, highlights an ongoing social conversation in Australia about public dress codes, personal freedom, and the ever-evolving line between comfort and confrontation in everyday life.
