| I remember as a young teen, I would watch this aerobics show called 20 Minute Workout. Sometimes, I recorded the show to mimic the moves of these aerobic athletes, as they lunged forward then back, bending side-to-side. Other times I just watched.
It was the first aerobics show of the ’80s and had reached a decent level of commercial success. A group of well-toned girls demonstrated butt-toning moves to the beat of catchy disco pop against an all-white backdrop, so that the girls were the only focus of the viewer.
Sometimes I felt like I shouldn’t really have been watching, as the cameraman panned in on every – I mean every – angle of these ladies in spandex bodysuits. It felt dirty, as the television screen displayed a big ol’ shot of one of girls bending forward like an Olympic gymnast. It’s not surprising to learn that the creator and director of 20 Minute Workout, Ron Harris, went on to create fitness videos for the soft porn industry in the ’90s.
However, without question, aerobics heavily influenced ’80s fashion. Girls dressed like Jennifer Beals from 1983’s Flashdance movie, sporting the off-the- shoulder sweatshirt with tights and legwarmers. Only, they weren’t working out, they were shopping or going out on the town.
Today, not much has changed – the fitness industry still influences street level fashion, but aerobics has been overtaken by yoga. Athletic gear isn’t just meant for getting the body back into shape, but for common, everyday fashion.
This summer, the athletic item to add to your closet is the bodysuit. It is no longer the bodysuit of the ’80s, made of lycra and spandex, but is made of a cotton blend that is comfortable enough to wear without worrying about the possibility of developing a rash. The bodysuit replaces the exposed lacey bra that Carrie from Sex In the City made so popular – a perfect undergarment to expose this year’s baby doll or shirt dress, that’s made of sheer material or doily eyelet lace. Not only will the bodysuit create an illusion that you’ve worked out all spring to get rid of the tummy rolls you nourished over winter, but it exposes some skin in a tasteful way for the summer. Plus, it lets you go all day without the hindrance of a bra or underwear. Summer heaven.
The cuts are fitted and fluid, with just enough girliness to distinguish it from the pieces you sport at the gym. The unitard bodysuit replicates the look of tights under a short skirt, and the bodysuit with no leggings shows off your gams for the summer. The tops of bodysuits are designed to be a top themselves, paired with a belted skirt, jeans or shorts.
Although I rave about the bodysuit for summer, the only problem I can still find with this ’80s revival is the time it takes to undress and pee. Fashion over function. |
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