The Changing Face of Women’s Workout Fashion
What you wear can make all the difference to your workout, and many people want their workout gear to be as stylish as it is functional. As such, women’s workout fashion has undergone striking transformations over the years and can serve as a surprisingly accurate mirror of the stylistic and lifestyle preoccupations of the time.
If you’re unsure what to pick out when choosing some women’s running clothes, or worried that other people will be staring at your crop top – even though it’s ideal for working out on hot days – have a look at what people have worn in the past, and take both comfort and confidence from your workout women forbears!
Early practicality and modesty
In the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, exercise for women was limited in both scope and social acceptance. Activities like callisthenics, light gymnastics and walking were considered appropriate, and clothing reflected this caution.
Long skirts, bloomers, high-necked blouses and corsets were common, prioritising modesty over comfort or mobility. While they were extremely uncomfortable and restrictive by modern standards, the fact that ‘walking skirts’ ever existed at all was a big step forward (excuse the pun). It marked a growing understanding that women needed exercise just as much as men, and that we should have clothing that supported this.
The rise of sportswear in the mid-twentieth century
As women became more involved in organised sport during the mid twentieth century, workout clothing began to change. Tennis, swimming and athletics grew in popularity – particularly after the Second World War, during which women had worked many traditional ‘men’s jobs’ and become much more aware of their physical capabilities as a consequence. Shorts, sleeveless tops and lighter fabrics emerged, influenced by broader shifts in women’s fashion and increasing emphasis on health and fitness. Clothing still tended to be structured and tailored, but it allowed far greater freedom of movement than earlier designs.
The aerobics boom of the 1980s
Few periods had as dramatic an impact on women’s workout fashion as the 1980s. Aerobics culture, fuelled by home workout videos and celebrity instructors, brought fitness into living rooms across the UK (many people will remember the Jane Fonda workout VHS in their nan’s or mum’s collection!). Lycra leotards, leggings, leg warmers and headbands became instantly recognisable symbols of the era. Bright colours, bold patterns and body-conscious silhouettes reflected a growing confidence in celebrating the body through movement. Workout wear became something to be seen, not hidden.
Minimalism and performance in the 1990s
By the 1990s, fitness fashion shifted again. The exuberance of the previous decade gave way to a more understated aesthetic. Neutral colours, streamlined designs and technical fabrics became popular, particularly as gyms expanded and strength training gained traction among women. Performance began to take precedence over spectacle. Breathable materials, supportive sports bras and moisture-wicking fabrics reflected an increasingly informed approach to exercise.
The athleisure era of the 2000s and 2010s
The early 21st century blurred the line between workout wear and everyday clothing. Athleisure emerged as a dominant trend, driven by busier lifestyles and a desire for versatility. Leggings, hoodies and fitted tops moved seamlessly from gym sessions to errands and social settings. Comfort became a defining feature, but style remained central. Brands focused on flattering cuts, softer fabrics and designs that suited a range of activities, from yoga to commuting.
Body positivity and inclusivity
More recently, women’s workout fashion has become closely tied to conversations around body image and inclusivity. A broader range of sizes, fits, and representations now features across the industry. There is greater recognition that fitness looks different for everyone, and clothing has adapted accordingly. High-waisted leggings, adjustable supports and varied silhouettes aim to serve diverse bodies and preferences, rather than a single ideal.
Sustainability and mindful design
Current trends also reflect growing awareness of environmental impact. Many consumers now look for workout clothing made from recycled materials or produced through more ethical processes. Durability and longevity have become selling points, marking a shift away from fast fashion approaches. This focus mirrors wider lifestyle changes, where fitness is viewed as part of a long-term commitment to wellbeing rather than a short-lived trend.
Looking ahead
Women’s workout fashion continues to evolve alongside cultural attitudes towards health, work and daily life. What began as restrictive and symbolic has become expressive, adaptable and increasingly personal. As technology, sustainability and inclusivity continue to shape the industry, workout wear will likely remain a reflection of how women balance movement, identity and everyday demands.
From corsets to compression fabrics, the journey of women’s workout fashion tells a broader story about changing freedoms, priorities and self-expression. What we wear to move our bodies has never been just about exercise.
