The Evolution of Women’s Gym-wear

Hiiii everyone and welcome back to another day of Haute Take!!  

Today we have a super fun topic...the evolution of women’s gymwear!! Get ready to take a trip through time as we explore how women’s workout fashion has transformed from restrictive corsets to trendy, performance-enhancing activewear! Let’s get into it!!! 

1920s: The Roaring 20s 

The 1920s were all about totally changing things up, and when women gained newfound independence, the fashion followed suit. They said goodbye to restrictive corsets, and hello to looser and comfier outfits. Women started wearing shorter, more flowy skirts and sleeveless tops for activities like dancing, swimming, and tennis. With more financial autonomy after World War I, gym wear became a symbol of personal freedom and self-expression. 

1930s: The Rise of the Jumpsuit 

Enter the jumpsuit—a one-piece wonder made from lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. It was made originally for men, however, women embraced jumpsuits for their ease of movement and flexibility. Functional yet still stylish, this piece started breaking traditional views of feminine clothing. 

1940s: The War Years 

With World War II came an increase in physical labor, fitness, as well as women’s activewear. Clothing became more durable, functional, and breathable. Jogging, aerobics, and dance were on the rise, so women typically sported shorts, pants, and sleeveless tops made of lightweight materials, such as cotton. Workout fashion shift to prioritizing movement and independence. 

1950s: The Official Rise of Sportswear 

The ‘50s brought the birth of true sportswear. Fitted tops and stretchy shorts made of spandex became must-haves for active women. Sweatpants and sweatshirts, also originally for men, found their way into women’s wardrobes, thanks to their cozy comfort. With a cultural shift toward leisure and relaxation, sports like tennis, golf, and swimming highly influenced women’s workout wardrobes. 

1960s: The Age of Revolution  

the introduction of form-fitting gymwear

The ‘60s were all about social liberation and experimentation, and gymwear was no exception to this. This is when the iconic leotard took center stage. It was form-fitting, flexible, and perfect for movement. Women also embraced bright colors, bold prints, and geometric patterns, making fitness fashion both functional and personality expressive. Aerobics really took off during this decade, reinforcing the importance of staying active and looking stylish while doing it! 

1970s: The Era of Aerobics  

The ‘70s made working out a full-on fashion moment. Neon spandex leotards paired with tights or leggings became the go-to. And let’s not forget headbands, made of terrycloth and kept sweat in control while also making a major style statement. The ultimate trend of the decade, however, was leg warmers! Originally created for function to keep the calves warm (hence the name obviously), they quickly became a must-have both in and out of the gym. 

1980s: The Decade of Spandex 

We all know of the bold, bright, and form-fitting era of women’s gym-wear. The ‘80s were all about tight-fitting, flashy gymwear. Leotards, high-cut shorts, and layered leg warmers were extremely popular throughout this decade. However, the most popular yet controversial item of the decade was the thong leotard. Celebs and fitness icons rocked them, making workout fashion more daring than ever. 

1990s: The Casual Era - Laid-back & Cool 

The ‘90s took a step back from flashy and went all-in on comfort. Oversized t-shirts, sweatpants, and biker shorts were the staple of gym fashion. Graphic tees and slogan shirts were everywhere, while sports bras also became a staple, worn alone or under loose layers. Leggings paired with crop tops or baggy shirts were also featured often in this ultimate chill gym look. 

2000s: The Tech Takeover - Performance Meets Style 

The 2000s saw a major shift with technology-driven workout wear. Moisture-wicking fabrics kept sweat away, and compression wear supported muscles and improved recovery. Seamless leggings became a favorite for activities like yoga and weightlifting. But the real MVP? The YOGA PANT! Stylish, comfy, and form-hugging, it quickly became a closet essential of the time and is still extremely popular today. 

2010s: The Rise of Athleisure 

The 2010s blurred the line between gymwear and everyday fashion. Enter athleisure—functional yet stylish pieces that transitioned seamlessly from workouts to coffee runs. Leggings became a wardrobe staple (bonus points for mesh panels), sports bras became standalone tops, and crop tops ruled the fitness scene.  

2020s: Performance Meets Aesthetic  

Today, the gym is basically a runway. Brands like Alo Yoga, Lululemon, and Gymshark have transformed workout wear into an aesthetic fashion moment. Matching sets, trend-driven designs, and body-positive sizing make gymwear more inclusive than ever. Plus, with sustainability on the rise, eco-friendly materials are the new go-to. 

And there you have it!! The workout fashion evolution throughout the decades :) From corsets to compression wear, women’s gymwear has come so far. Let me know what your favorite era of fitness fashion was!! 

Until next time!! 

 xoxo, 

Leah <3