“It’s Awful!”: Nnedi Okorafor Slams Revealing Gym Outfits, Calls for Dress Code

 

Acclaimed Nigerian-American author Nnedi Okorafor has ignited a flurry of online conversations after expressing frustration over what she describes as inappropriate dressing among women in fitness centers. The multiple award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer, known for her unapologetic voice and fierce intellect, took to Facebook to air her views on a subject she says has long troubled her: gym wear.

Voicing her discontent, Okorafor described a trend she finds disturbing — the increasing popularity of extremely revealing workout attire. Her post, laced with clear exasperation, called for the establishment of a gym dress code, arguing that modesty has all but disappeared in such spaces.

“There needs to be a dress code at the gym,” she began. “I don’t even care who gets offended by me saying this anymore.” Her comments made no attempt to soften the blow. What followed was a blunt depiction of what she encounters during workouts — women wearing clothes that leave very little to the imagination. Okorafor detailed her discomfort at being confronted with scantily-clad individuals while exercising, describing it as “awful” and an intrusion on her personal space.

A notable part of her post targeted the popular retort often given to such complaints: “look somewhere else.” The Hugo and Nebula award-winning writer dismissed this response outright. “The whole ‘look somewhere else’ excuse is bullshit,” she wrote candidly, “when someone’s gigantic ass in barely any clothes (flimsy clothes made to accentuate it) is jiggling in your face when you happen to look up to take a breath.”

These words, heavy with both frustration and a call for introspection, have struck a nerve across social media platforms. While some readers applauded her for speaking out against what they perceive as excessive exposure in public spaces, others accused her of policing women’s bodies and failing to respect bodily autonomy.

Reactions have been swift and polarized. Supporters argued that gym environments should be neutral spaces where everyone feels comfortable, not arenas for showcasing one’s body at the expense of others’ focus and ease. They echoed Okorafor’s sentiment, emphasizing that people go to gyms to improve their health, not to be visually confronted with distractions that can feel overwhelming or invasive.

Critics, however, were not as forgiving. Many interpreted her words as shaming women for their clothing choices and perpetuating a culture that places the burden of modesty squarely on female shoulders. Some contended that gym-goers should wear what feels comfortable for rigorous physical activity and that personal discomfort should not be grounds for regulating other people’s dress.

This isn’t the first time the intersection of dress codes, body image, and personal boundaries has provoked public debate. However, the fact that the commentary comes from a figure like Okorafor — celebrated for her groundbreaking stories and her ability to challenge societal norms — gives the conversation a fresh layer of complexity. It forces a reevaluation of who gets to define appropriateness and what is expected in shared spaces where physicality is on full display.

While the conversation continues to swirl online, what remains clear is Okorafor’s intent: to spark a dialogue around boundaries, modesty, and respect in communal environments. Her choice to speak out, despite anticipating backlash, suggests a willingness to confront uncomfortable topics — a hallmark of her writing and public commentary alike.

Her post leaves readers with more questions than answers. Should gyms implement stricter dress codes? Where do comfort, expression, and respect for others’ space intersect? And can a call for modesty coexist with the advocacy for freedom of expression?

Nnedi Okorafor, never one to shy away from difficult conversations, has once again reminded the public of the power of honest, if uncomfortable, discourse. Whether her stance will influence policy in fitness centers or simply serve as a flashpoint for ongoing debate remains to be seen.