Trend alert: the ’70s are back (with a gym class twist)

The '70s revival is here, with striped and graphic pieces from Adidas, Tory Sport, Nike, and more.

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Photo: Without Walls

If one look at athleisure’s buzziest pieces—from Stan Smiths to the (almost instantly sold-out) Tory Sport track pants —had you flashing back to middle school gym class (or at the very least, Dazed and Confused), you’re not alone: Activewear is having a seriously ’70s moment.

While the high-fashion runways’ embrace of the decade was more boho than baseball, in the world of spandex and sneakers this nostalgia translates into primary colors, graphic stripes, and even some faux knee socks that will convince just about anyone in your barre class that you always got picked first for dodgeball.

While the aesthetic is subtle, the silhouette of these pieces are all classically ’70s, from wide-leg track pants to piped short-shorts and football jersey tees. The key to this look is a casual fit (sorry, body-con lovers); think of it as the sweaty version of boyfriend jeans. And yes, you better love stripes.

Scroll through to see our picks for (the new) gym class hero:

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Adidas Tiro 15 Training jacket, $65

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Gap gSprint shorts, $27.99

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Topshop Side Stripe Track Pant, $68

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Monrow ’70s Football Tee, $90

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Tory Sport Tech-Knit Striped Jacket, $250

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Alala Mesh Performance Tank Top, $69

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Sundry Side Shapes Sweatpants, $77

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Melody Ehsani x Reebok Striped Graphic Windbreaker, $75

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Y-3 Lux Track Pants, $255

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Without Walls Stripey Racy Bra, $39

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Bombshell Sportswear Sock legging, $82

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Nike Women’s 95 Graphic Tee, $55

This gym class revival isn’t the only way the ’70s are influencing activewear; these tops are making feminist statements in a powerful way.

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