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But I'd be lying if I said I hadn't noticed something else happening at the gym.
The ancient T-shirt. The faded track jacket. The shorts that look like they've seen at least one school sports day. All worn together, apparently on purpose.
The Guardian has noticed it too. I'm calling it the vintage sportswear revival: old kit, mixed eras, matching optional.
And, much like the socks, I now have a theory.
01. What Is the Vintage Sportswear Revival?
The polar opposite of the matching set.
Think the T-shirt you've had since university, socks that have seen better days and a cardigan two sizes too big. It's basically the Pilates princess's scruffier, more relaxed sibling.
It isn't just a vibe, either. According to the FT (via the Guardian), eBay searches for "vintage sportswear" and "90s sportswear" each rose 300% between December 2025 and March 2026. Searches for "90s Reebok" were up 700%.
The secondhand retailer Rokit also reports significant growth in brands like Puma and Onitsuka Tiger, and in low-profile trainers.
The thinking behind it is fairly simple. After years of matching sets, people want something that feels a bit more like them.
Which I completely understand.
The problem is that there's a very fine line between "effortlessly mismatched" and "dressed in the dark during a power cut".
So, some rules.
02. Rule One: Keep One Good Piece
Something has to look intentional.
This is the single most important rule.
If everything is old, faded and slightly too big, you look like you've given up. If one thing is sharp, the rest looks deliberate.
That piece might be a great pair of trainers, a structured jacket or a really good bag. People always ask what's in my bag. Mostly spare tops, which I don't need, until someone rocks up in my exact outfit and I quietly add a layer. Which may be the most polished vintage move there is.
The FILA Pro Tennis Heritage Track Top is a good example. FILA was dressing tennis players long before "retro" was a selling point, and this one is from its Heritage tennis range: a women's zip-through in deep navy with ecru, wave-blue and fuchsia trims. It's the real thing, rather than a nod to it, and it's £80.
Kit note: One good piece. Not five. Otherwise it's just an outfit.
03. Rule Two: Mix Eras, Not Chaos
A 90s tee with modern leggings. Not a 90s tee with everything.
The look draws on 70s track and field, 80s aerobics and 90s oversized sportswear.
The polished version takes one vintage-feeling piece and puts it with something modern. A retro tee with technical leggings. A modern sports bra under a faded track jacket.
A striped top is the easiest way in. The Couture Club's Striped Polo Tee in Chocolate has a poplin collar and a stripe straight out of a 70s clubhouse, with no trip to a vintage shop required. It's currently half price at £22.50, although only the smaller sizes are left.
And for the "half-tracksuit" look (you'll know it when you see it), a proper track trouser is a nice way to make it feel considered. River Island's Burgundy Wide Leg Stripe Trousers have the side stripes and popper legs of a proper track pant, in burgundy rather than PE-cupboard navy, for £39. Wear them with something that doesn't match.
Of course, the most authentic version of this is your own. That old university hoodie, the T-shirt from a 10k you ran in 2014, the track jacket you've been meaning to throw out. Preloved is also exactly the point here.
04. Rule Three: Swap the Sculpting Legging
Retro shorts, looser joggers and relaxed flares.
The sculpting legging is having a rest. In its place: retro running shorts, looser joggers and relaxed flares. After years of being sucked in, it feels like a long breath out.
A slightly retro short makes an easy start, especially over a tight or with a crew sock. The Gym King Signature Poplin Stripe Short has a properly sports-day stripe. Also: £14.
And for the oversized-sweatshirt part of the brief, the Gym King 365 Relaxed Fit Hoodie in Cherry Brown is brushed, drop-shouldered and slouchy in exactly the right way, without the faint smell of somebody else's attic. It's rated 4.6/5, and it's £48.
05. The Trainers Pull It Together
Slim, low and slightly retro.
This is where it all comes together.
Chunky soles are giving way to slim, low-profile trainers, and they're perfect for this look. They feel vintage without looking like you've borrowed your dad's.
The PUMA Speedcat OG started life as a motorsport shoe and is about as slim and low as trainers get. In Haute Coffee suede with an ivory stripe, it's £90. Puma is also one of the names Rokit says is selling well secondhand, so you're in good company. For something kinder on the budget, the M&S Suede Side Stripe Retro Runner Trainers do a very similar job for £50.
Then add a crew sock, ideally with a stripe or a bit of colour. As we've previously established, one or two stripes is retro sportswear. Too much enthusiasm is forgotten PE kit. The Couture Club's Double Stripe Copyright Sock in white has exactly two. £7.
Kit note: Slim trainers are a style choice. For actual training, wear what your session needs.
06. The Outfit Formula
Look one: The polished vintage
An old tee, modern leggings, a sharp track jacket and slim trainers. The jacket does the work.
Look two: The weekend version
Track pants, the striped polo, an oversized hoodie and a striped crew sock with the Speedcats.
Look three: The actual workout
Retro running shorts over a tight, a T-shirt you're genuinely fond of and the right trainers for the session. Add chalk if you lift. I use it for everything and can usually be found by following the trail.
More off-duty ideas in our Gym to Brunch edit.
The Conclusion
So, matching set or vintage sportswear?
I'm afraid the answer is both.
Some mornings you want to make one decision and walk out the door in a beautiful co-ord. Other mornings you want to wear the T-shirt that's older than your car.
The key is making it look like you chose.
Even if you didn't.
Nobody needs to know.
Shop the Story
- FILA Pro Tennis Heritage Track Top in Navy, £80
- The Couture Club Striped Polo Tee in Chocolate, £22.50
- River Island Burgundy Wide Leg Stripe Trousers in Burgundy, £39
- Gym King Signature Poplin Stripe Short in Blue Canvas/White Stripe, £14
- Gym King 365 Relaxed Fit Hoodie in Cherry Brown, £48
- PUMA Speedcat OG Sneakers in Haute Coffee-Frosted Ivory, £90
- M&S Suede Side Stripe Retro Runner Trainers, £50
- The Couture Club Double Stripe Copyright Sock in White, £7
Some, but not all, links on Kit & Grit are affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked on 21 October 2026 and may change.
Overthinking athleisure so you don't have to.
Kit x
