A Brief History of the Athletic Top

Though they are now an essential part of any woman's wardrobe, athletic tops did not always enjoy the same level of popularity. In fact, it wasn't until the late 20th century that they truly began to take off. So, how did we get from there to here? Let's take a quick stroll down memory lane and find out.

The Early Days

Athletic tops trace their origins back to the 19th century, when women first began participating in organized sports. Back then, the tops were little more than modified versions of men's shirts, with buttons replaced by laces or drawstrings. They were functional, but hardly stylish.

The Rise of Fitness Culture

It wasn't until the 1970s that athletic tops really began to come into their own. This was the decade when fitness culture first began to take off, thanks in part to the popularization of jogging and aerobics. As women flocked to gyms and exercise classes in droves, manufacturers scrambled to meet the demand for fashionable workout clothing. The result was a new breed of athletic top designed specifically for women. These tops were usually made from Lycra or nylon, which allowed them to stretch and move with the body. They were also often brightly colored and patterned, which helped women stand out from the boys in the gym.

The Modern Day

Athletic tops have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 19th century. Today's crop of workout gear is designed to be both stylish and functional, with features like built-in bras and moisture-wicking fabrics. Whether you're hitting the gym or just running errands, there's an athletic top out there that's perfect for you.

Athletic tops have come a long way since their early days as modified men's shirts. Today, they are an essential part of any woman's wardrobe, thanks to their style and functionality. Next time you pull on your favorite athletic top, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that went into making it look so good.