Choosing the perfect workout clothes isn't as easy as it seems. It all depends on what era, or style, you prefer.
From the 70s to the 90s and beyond, many different trends have made their mark in the world of fitness fashion.
Do you want to go for a more modest look, or do you prefer something a bit more daring?
Read on to learn about exercise clothes styles and decide which one is best for your workout wardrobe.
1970s:
If you're looking for something comfortable but functional, then the 70s are for you!
The decade was all about loose-fitting garments that allowed plenty of freedom of movement with tracksuits and sweat sets the gym suit of the day and who can forget short running shorts with stripes up the side and terry cloth, nothing like wearing a towel to work out in, ewww!!??!!
Soon aerobics exercise class and step aerobics took over giving us leotards, tights, and the ubiquitous leg warmers.
Don't forget the sweat headbands, tube socks, and what are now called dad sneakers!
adidas Women's Essentials 3-Stripe Track Jacket
Archive style inspires this women's track jacket. It's ideal for layering over workout clothes between sessions. Built with recycled polyester tricot, it has a retro stand-up collar and the signature sheen for an authentic look.
adidas Women's Tiro 21 Track Pants
A classic look that's designed to keep you comfortable. These women's track pants have 3-Stripes on the legs and an adidas Badge of Sport on the hip for plenty of sporty style.
Two Piece Crew Neck Sweatsuits Set
Long Sleeve Two Piece Outfits, Solid Color Sweatsuits Sets, Crew Neck Sweatshirts + Drawstring Sweatpants, Casual Active Tracksuits
Little Beauty Women's Yoga Elastic Waist Running Athletic Shorts
95% Cotton and 5% Spandex Classic women running shorts
Over the Calf Tube Socks
Stripe tube socks have comfortable stretch and unisex size, suitable for most men and women.
1980s & 90s:
The 80s and 90s saw an explosion of bright colors and patterns in workout clothing and finally sports bras.
Neon colors were especially popular during this period, and some of the most popular items included lycra shorts and crop tops, leg warmers, spandex leggings, and even brightly patterned headbands!
Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons were everywhere.
And who could forget Suzanne Somers and the thigh master!
The new big thing was to have in-home equipment like the Nordic Track, still available today!
speerise Womens One Piece Tank High Cut Leotard Thong Bodysuit
- Jazz cut leg line
- Features a thong back
- 80's inspired tank leotard
- Great for gymnastic, dancewear, swimming
- Ideal for wearing under or over tights and leggings
sissycos Women's 80s Leggings Artistic Splash Printed Buttery Soft Stretchy Pants
80s color splash leggings, colorful splattered web design neon pattern, messy art ink blob, paintbrush drawing, bright graffiti; No fading
80s Leg Warmers Set, Women Neon Running Headband Wristbands Knit Outfit Sport Accessories
Package content: the 80s neon running set includes 1 pair of leg warmers, 2 wristbands, 1 piece of neon headband
Danskin Women's Essentials Seven Inch Bike Short
Our basic 7 inch bike short offers the coverage you need for spinning, runs, body sculpting class, and more.
Workout Crop Tops
Cute and flattering workout crop top for most indoor or outdoor activities, such as gym, yoga, running, hiking, beach or relax around the house
Thigh Master Thigh Workout Exerciser
This thigh master inner and outer can meet your need to exercise your arms, leg, inner and outer thighs work. Simple but effective fitness equipment, toning for thighs, triceps, buttocks, hips and arms.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
- Bring Home Interactive Personal Training powered by iFit; 12-month iFit family membership included; create up to 5 individual exercise profiles; Access live, studio, and global workouts ($396 value)
- Immersive 14-inch interactive HD touchscreen streams on-demand iFit workouts directly to your equipment and provides easy stats tracking; SMART-Response motor for effective running and cardio training
Modest Look:
Workout fashion has had multiple revolutions from the 70's styles to the popularity of moisture-wicking fitness clothing of today.
If you're more into comfort and less about letting it all hangout, for a more conservative look, consider wearing a tee or long-sleeved tee with yoga pants.
This combination offers great coverage while still allowing you to move freely during your workouts.
Complete your outfit with a pair of tennis shoes or cross-trainers for extra support during exercise sessions.
Under Armour Women's Tech V-Neck Twist Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
- UA Tech fabric is quick-drying, ultra-soft & has a more natural feel
- Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
- 4-way stretch construction moves better in every direction
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
Ultra-Stretch Fit ( Enough thickness with breathability: No See-through) Featuring the super soft and skin-friendly material, the Workout Leggings are moisture-wicking with a four-way stretch material that promotes both compression and support.
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Womens Shoes
- Breathable open engineered textile mesh upper with seamless synthetic overlays
If you're more prone to being sexy and showing off that tight body you worked so hard to get, go for a cute set that shows off those abs and tight rear. Finish with cross-trainers.
QINSEN Workout Sets for Women Seamless Sports Crop Tops High Waisted Leggings Two Piece Outfits
Seamless sports bra crop top with removable padded cups, one shoulder adjustable criss cross strap design, tummy control high waist back ruched butt lifting leggings. Breathable, quick dry, moisture wicking, high compression but comfortable.
New Balance Women's 411 V1 Training Shoe
Whether you’re stepping out for fitness or fun, the New Balance 411v1 walking shoe is always a welcome walking companion. These casual walking shoes deliver everyday comfort and style with lightweight leather uppers featuring classic New Balance branding and breathable mesh accents.
It's all about tracking progress. Fit bits and Apple watches give you readings on everything to help you work out to your peak performance.
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker
This little health hack on your wrist helps you stay on top of your stress, fitness and sleep—all you have to do is wear it. Track Health Metrics like skin temperature & blood oxygen, plus get daily scores that show how ready you are to work out or how well you’re managing stress.
Apple Watch Ultra
Rugged and capable, built to meet the demands of endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts — with a specialized band for each. Up to 36 hours of battery life, plus all the Apple Watch features that help you stay healthy, safe, and connected.
And it looks like as of this writing Peleton bikes are on sale!!
Check it out and get yours today - the results for users are impressive!!
Original Peloton Bike | Indoor Stationary Exercise Bike with Immersive 22" HD Touchscreen
GAME-CHANGING CARDIO – Clip into Peloton Bike for a workout experience that goes beyond cycling. Stay motivated as you sing, dance, and climb the Leaderboard with other Members.
No matter what decade you prefer or what type of look you’re going for – from modest to sexy – there is sure to be something out there that suits your style perfectly.
Finding the right pieces to create your ideal workout wardrobe can take some trial and error, but once you find the perfect pieces for your body type and personal taste you’ll be ready to hit the gym in style!
With so much variety available today it's easy to mix 'n match items from different decades until you find just what works best for you.
So don't be afraid to experiment with workout clothes 70s 90s today- after all fashion is meant to be fun!
Have fun creating new looks and express yourself through fashion while staying healthy at the same time!
We only recommend products we love and think that you will too. We may receive a portion of sales purchased from this article that was written by our Frilly team.
Happy shopping!!
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