Womens Active Wear during the 80’s

During the 80’s people started to express their creativity and individuality through the way they dressed. They looked for ways to express their creativity and individuality even while working out. Fitness wear was big, higher and over the top. It was almost more of fashion statement than fitness necessity. Active wear in the 80’s was more conservative but yet very fashionable. It was dominated by bodysuits, spandex leggings, scrunched socks, and Headbands. They would layer their leggings with legwarmers and high –legged leotards over bike shorts. Unlike like today their attire was filled with neon colors, shiny bodysuits and leotards. They also accessorized with toning belts, suspenders, and sweatbands. It was fashionable, fun, and exciting.

 

Like the 80’s era we are still wearing spandex, oversize sweatshirts and bike shorts. Though there is a big difference between today’s active wear and the 80’s active wear. Obviously we don’t layer our gym clothes like they used too, we don’t wear legwarmers and we rarely accessorize while working out.

Today active wear is one of the aspects of fashion that is overlooked most of the times. Either you’re working out in an oversize t-shirt, camis or sports bra and yoga pants. Now in days most of our gym clothes are random picked from t-shirts, hoodies, sweat pants/ athlete pants, leggings, and shorts. Most people aren’t worried about how they look when they work out. Also the active wear that are sold in stores today are mostly in black, white and grey. It’s more casual, has less patterns and less usage of color. Including that active wear has also developed since the 80’s. We are now buying smooth dry and deodorizing garments to keep us cool and fresh in the heat while we work out. The fabrics that are being used to make active wear are very high tech and I believe that this is what’s making active wear grow in the industry.