wishlist
hi adorables,
let's say you're rummaging through a dusty box in your grandma's attic, and you stumble upon what looks like a wool onesie with... wait, are those bloomers? Congrats, you've just discovered the 1920s equivalent of Alo.
From high-fashion runways to your local coffee shop, retro athletic wear is serving looks that are part nostalgia, part irony, and 100% style.
So, whether you're a dedicated gym rat or someone whose idea of exercise is looking for outfit inspo on pinterest (like me), buckle up. We're about to take a jog down memory lane, exploring how workout wear went from wool nightmares to the athleisure empire we know today. And trust us, by the end of this, you'll be raiding your parents' closets.
The Heroic Age of Gym Wear (1900s-1930s)
Imagine its 1910 and you're a lady heading to your physical culture class. What are you wearing? A full-on wool bodysuit, of course! Because nothing says "I'm ready to sweat" like being wrapped in the warmest fabric known to mankind.
Key Pieces:
- Wool unitards (yes, really)
- Bloomers and middy blouses
- Canvas sneakers (revolutionary for their time)
Modern Twist: Pair high-waisted, wide-leg linen trousers with a fitted crop top for a nod to the middy blouse and bloomer combo. It's giving "I could do calisthenics, but I'd rather not."
The Golden Age of Gym Class (1940s-1950s)
World War II changed everything, including workout wear. Suddenly, practicality was in, and those wool unitards were out (finally!).
Key Pieces:
- One-piece cotton rompers (often in fetching shades of gym-class gray)
- Bobby socks and canvas sneakers
- Men's elastic-waist shorts and cotton T-shirts
Modern Twist: Rock a vintage-inspired playsuit for your next yoga class. Or go full retro with high-waisted shorts and a tucked-in tee for your weekend jog. Don't forget the tube socks!
The Age of Aquarius (and Aerobics) (1960s-1970s)
The 60s brought us the bikini, and workout wear got a whole lot skimpier. Then the 70s said, "Hold my protein shake," and gave us spandex.
Key Pieces:
- Women's terry cloth rompers (because sweat is just glistening in the 70s)
- Men's short-shorts (the shorter, the better)
- Headbands and wristbands (gotta keep that disco sweat in check)
Modern Twist: Channel your inner Jane Fonda with a high-cut bodysuit paired with bike shorts. Throw on some chunky sneakers, and you're ready for brunch or the gym.
The Neon Nightmare (1980s-1990s)
Welcome to the era of "more is more." More color, more spandex, more hair.
Key Pieces:
- Lycra everything (bonus points for neon)
- High-cut leotards worn over tights
- Leg warmers (because cold ankles are the enemy of fitness)
- Windbreakers in every color of the rainbow
Modern Twist: Grab a vintage windbreaker and pair it with sleek, modern leggings. Or go full 80s with a high-cut bodysuit under high-waisted jeans.
Y2K Yoga Chic (Late 1990s-Early 2000s)
As we approached the new millennium, workout wear got low-rise and bedazzled. It was a time of velour tracksuits and yoga pants with messages across the butt.
Key Pieces:
- Velour tracksuits (Juicy Couture, we're looking at you)
- Low-rise yoga pants
- Cropped tanks and baby tees
- Platform sneakers (because regular sneakers are so last century)
Modern Twist: Pair vintage-inspired wide-leg yoga pants with a cropped tank. Or embrace the tracksuit renaissance with a modern, tailored version of the classic velour set.
How to Rock Vintage Workout Wear Without Looking Like You're in Costume
- Mix and Match Eras: Pair those 80s bike shorts with a modern sports bra.
- One Vintage Piece at a Time: Let your vintage windbreaker be the star by keeping the rest of your outfit contemporary.
- Play with Proportions: Balance out a tight vintage leotard with modern, looser-fitting layers.
- Accessorize Wisely: A scrunchie and sweatbands can quickly veer into costume territory. Choose one retro accessory and keep the rest modern.
- Fabric Matters: Opt for vintage-inspired pieces in modern, performance fabrics for actual workouts.
So there you have it, from wool unitards to velour tracksuits, workout wear has come a long way. Whether you're actually hitting the gym or just aiming for that perfect athleisure look, vintage workout wear offers endless possibilities.
stay adorable!
