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It used to be that the people with the best gym outfits were dependably the least sporty. Real athletes sweated it out in old Cotton Ginny jogging pants and an AC/DC concert T.

But a funny thing happened on the way to 2008: This January marks the return of the well-dressed gym bunny. With big names such as Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen designing fitness gear (for Adidas and Puma, respectively), the fashion guns are trained on the locker rooms of the world. And yes, just as eighties nostalgia has taken over every other part of our closets, we are again hearing the campy strain of Let's Get Physical as we peruse gym-wear purveyors, looking for gear in which to execute our fresh resolutions.

It was in the eighties that Jane Fonda whipped us into a communal aerobics frenzy and we embraced its attendant glammed-up style: bodysuits, stirrups, thongs over stirrups. In those days, women wore full maquillage to scissor-kick their way to maximum glutes. Before Starbucks, the gym was the social hub.

Elliptical networking still exists, says Lorna Smith-Caldwell, the general manager at the Toronto Athletic Club, a financial district favourite for the senior partner set. “Clients here dress well at work and they dress well working out; contacts are made and deals are brokered.”

At sister gym the Adelaide Club, she says, the look is young and funky. “Bright colour is back.” Picture Cameron Diaz headed out to a trainer session. Or Kate Moss (though we doubt she works out). Can't you see them showing off their lean pipes in a see-through Stella McCartney tank top (a trend brought straight from the runways for spring) with a zippy, bright pink bra top underneath and slouchy short-shorts?

But the latest looks are not mere pretty things. The yoga craze drove a lot of investment in gear technology: chicer support systems for the chest, antimicrobial pieces that resist odour. And design has improved to make us more comfortable in awkward poses. Longer tops to cover the bulge even the thinnest of us have when doing push-ups. Low-slung waistbands flatter tummies and backsides.

How you feel is the point, says David Peereboom, owner of Aiyoku, a boutique gym in Toronto's Liberty Village. Cozy with Asian-inspired accents and intense reds, the “cardio lounge” is a chic place to perform body maintenance.

“I work 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. I like to wear nice clothes. I work hard on my body,” he says, sporting bike shorts and a tank (he is also adorned with giant rings and a flashy array of earrings).

Gym goers who have not exercised since a jog on the beach last summer will find comfort in a forgiving trend coming out of body-conscious Los Angeles, of all places. Take a look at recent tabloid shots of Heidi Klum leaving a sweat session: She's wearing cargo pants.

Some of the funkiest are from PureLime, a Scandinavian label. “We make workout clothes for women who don't want to abandon fashion. Women who don't want to wear tight bunny gear,” says sales director Diane Grundy. The pants, which verge on hip-hop style, are made of nylon Tactel with a crinkle finish but have a soft jersey waist. They can be cinched under the knee or hang down straight to midcalf. It's a chic alternative to thigh-grabbing Spandex.

“The cargos are high-tech, the waistband is comfortable, but the look is cool,” Grundy says.

Speaking of Spandex, it's one eighties trend we encourage you to skip. The best eighties rerun, Smith-Caldwell says, is a simple accessory: “Headbands are back big time.” You can tune up your look for just $10! If only the body was as easy.

Gym gear trends

Eighties Clothes are sexy, tight, even slightly tacky.

Transparent Stella McCartney for Adidas brings a runway trend to the gym: Her baggy see-through tank is meant to be worn with a bright workout bra showing through.

Leggings Yoga flare is out, tight is in. Unless you are a Victoria's Secret model, you'll likely want to go long on top.

Cargos Specially adapted nylon cargos are the Hollywood trend.

Brights Go bold, especially on top. Pick from the yellows and blues of the runway or even hot fuchsia and neons.

Headbands This is the easiest way to hip up your gear.

A towel for your mat Roots has the most genius thing: a slip-resistant towel to top your mat ($60) for floor exercise.