Vintage Athletic Wear is Making a Comeback in 2026
There seems to be a huge trend in workout clothes and athleisure for this upcoming Spring. This can be with popular workout brands such as SET Active and Lululemon, but also with secondhand active wear from the early 2000s. Workout clothes have become increasingly pricey, and it seems like it’s time for a new style to enter the scene. Goodbye matching sets and hello vintage athletic wear!
Fashion trends in 2026 will see less cookie-cutter style in the workout world and more of a look that feels more personal and true to oneself. I’m not referring to the tight aerobics outfits in the '90s, where a small leotard was worn over leggings. Instead, we’re looking at a Britney Spears-inspired workout look from the 2000s. The key to this? Sweatpants, a sports bra, and running sneakers. There should be an emphasis on comfort and character rather than a fashion template that we see every day in society.
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Influencers are emphasizing secondhand vintage shopping on Depop. Individuals like TikToker Estelle Lebourgeois emphasize thrifting vintage athletic wear, mixing and matching vibrant colors, and allowing yourself to feel truly authentic in what you’re wearing. Fitness has become a content opportunity for so many creators, so it is no surprise that people want their workouts and athleisure to reflect their individuality.
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There’s no hate for those who are matching set fans. I sure am! However, it’s great to see some uniqueness within the fashion industry. People are constantly trying to look like someone who has inspired them in fashion, but it’s important to recognize that you should wear what you want, in the colors that look best on you, and what makes you feel confident.
The styles of current athleticwear are repetitive, something we’ve seen for years. If you walk into a pilates class, you see the traditional Alo workout set in a space grey color. I own this exact set if I’m going to be completely honest, but it makes me think, where’s the fun in it all? They’re not super comfortable, and they’re tight and restrictive. Instead, wear more breathable vintage athletic wear, and you can exercise more freely while expressing yourself through a creative outlet.
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There’s a deeper need to go back to a time when vintage athletic wear was trending, and that has to do with cost. One nice workout set can sometimes cost $200. Instead, thrifting a vintage tank and a pair of sweats is significantly cheaper and allows you to express who you really are. Fashion shouldn’t feel like a uniform, but a sense of individuality. Vintage athletic wear reminds us that personal style, comfort, and confidence matter far more than matching the latest trend.
