Exercise Trends: The Evolution Of Workout Clothes
Posted on Jul 10, 2015
Posted in: Exercise Trends
Workout clothes or recently coined “active wear” is a big topic of conversation recently. These days, people are wearing less black, gray and blue and more zebra print, polka dots and the most ridiculous patterns I’ve never seen before. I am definitely guilty of following this outrageous new trend, but I’m not the only one. When it’s all said and done, does it really matter if you look fabulous when you go to the gym? Are these new trends actually better or are they just a fashion statement? Let’s first take a look back at some of the trends through time courtesy of the Huffington Post.
14th December 1937: Women participating in an exercise class run by Miss Majorie Mc Killop (right), a twenty five year old Australian heiress and socialite. (Photo by H. Allen/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
UNITED KINGDOM – FEBRUARY 23: Woman lifting weights, 29 February 1956. Woman lifting weights, 29 February 1956. ‘Using the practice barbell is 18-year-old Cathie Glen, a typist from Shettleston, Glasgow.’ (Photo by Daily Herald Archive/SSPL/Getty Images)
1980’S, Two Women In Workout Clothes Doing Aerobics. (Photo by Education Images/UIG via Getty Images)
HAMBURG, GERMANY – JUNE 10: JOGGEN 1999, Hamburg; – MODEL RELEASED – (Photo by Lutz Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Are these new clothes trends better?
It really depends on your personal preference for material, fit and color. Some of the new technology that they have come up with like dry-fit and other materials are awesome. Compared to our regular cotton shirts, these new types of shirts help wick away sweat and some even help to keep us warmer for longer. Also, the new colors and patterns we are seeing are more than just a fashion statement. With bright greens, yellows, pinks and even reflective material on the clothing themselves, have proved to be beneficial for safely. If you’re one who likes to run in the wee hours of the morning or just as the sun is going down, these bright colors and reflective surfaces help other runners, bikers, walkers and even cars know that you’re there. What you choose to wear also completely depends on what type of activity you do and what you’re most comfortable in. It may take some trial and error, but you’ll be sure to find whatever style, fit and color best suits you and your activity.
Through all the crazy patterns, obnoxious colors and strange dry-fit style, Peak’s PT Brad, likes to keep it plain and simple. Not trying to make any fashion statements, Brad dresses for practicality by keeping it simple with mesh shorts and t-shirt. I think this brings up a great point- does it really matter what you look like when you’re working out? If you’re just going to be sweating in it in about 2 minutes is there really a point to spending copious amounts of money on the latest exercise attires?
For many of us, cotton is just another thing of the past.