Ever wondered if it really is ok to be seen in our exercise gear?  Well wonder no more, its official!  Wearing Activewear is regarded as empowering for women.

Exercise attire has come a long way, especially within Fitness League. Look back to the days of the Women’s League of Health and Beauty.  Mary Baggot Stack had a vision for all women, regardless of race, religion or stature, to have the opportunity to engage in exercise.  Part of this vision was the idea to leave all ‘levels’ of difference at the door (this included clothing and jewellery).  In place was a uniform for all to wear.  Black knickers and a white silk blouse and was worn from to 1930 -1974.  An all-in-one black leotard was then introduced along with a white zip collared blouse and black form fitting pants.  It’s unclear when the change from this uniform to wearing other gym gear took over. However, in New Zealand the black knickers and white silk blouse, (which was soon changed to a more comfortable cotton top) was worn well into the early 1990s, before wearing our own exercise clothes.

Exercise gear has transitioned from clothing you changed into, then out of, to what we now call Activewear.  Recently covered in an article, posted on a website that reports on university research – The Conversation Published March 31, 2021 2.41pm NZDT, explained how activewear is becoming recognised as very acceptable not only for exercise but for everyday life as well.  It even goes as far to state that it is seen not just as a trend, but attire that is comfortable, functional and empowering for women.