For years, the state of workout clothes in Hawai'i has been, well, a bit dreary. Functional? Yes. Fashionable? Not exactly.

Designers have, it seems, been working harder on inventing high-tech fabrics than creating fresh, new styles.

Tennis wear is a notable exception, thanks to the likes of the Williams sisters — Venus and Serena — who love to glam it up on the court. Would you believe pink and silver lame?

Golf attire is finally swinging into fashion with designers such as Jamie Sadock striking innovative silhouettes.

But what about clothes for the gym, a brisk walk, a bike ride, yoga or Pilates?

During the past few months things have started looking up, with more color and styles that can make exercise a little more fun.

It's interesting to note that many creative workout-wear companies are not American. Brazil, Canada and Hungary are producing lines with both form and function.

RIO ROCKS

The Brazilians are better known for bikinis, but they are rapidly gaining a reputation for body wear. Maria Torcia-Burke, owner of Body Balance Center on Ward Avenue, swears by the designs of Garota Carioca Light from Brazil.

She tried stocking workout wear from Sweden and Italy, but the costs became prohibitive and the shipping was a nightmare. Garota isn't easy either; they don't speak English and they won't take credit cards. But Torcia-Burke is willing to put up with it because "the Lycra they use is just fabulous. It holds everything in and lifts everything up."

The styling is strappy and sexy with lots of design details such as keyholes in both tops and bottoms. The collection is mainly black, red and white, but Torcia-Burke expects bright yellows, greens and blues soon. Prices range from about $30 to $55.

The Brazilian Show Room also stocks active wear from Brazil — and it's all about color. Hot pants in Pucci-esque prints and bra tops in brights such as turquoise, chartreuse, hot pink and magenta can be paired with matching or coordinating camisoles. Tankini tops work with yoga pants. Owner Nadia Ribeiro also stocks black yoga pants by Magarela in a slinky lightweight Lycra blend.

The Santa Constantia line specializes in '60s-style retro prints on capris with roll-down waists and coordinating camisoles. Prices range from about $18 to $48.

ISLAND DESIGNS

Pualani, designed by Honolulu's own Iwalani Isbell, has been quietly expanding its popular line of swimwear to include yoga pants, tennis skorts and now fitness shorts and tops.

Isbell finds the Island-inspired fabrics in Italy and Spain and has them shipped to Colombia for manufacturing. Because the workout wear matches her halters and sport tops, it's easy to mix and match an active wear look, or even pull on a pair of Pualani voile pants after workout to go out shopping or to lunch.

Pualani's active wear is available at Bikram's Yoga College in Kaimuki, the neighborhood that has morphed into Yoga Central. Fitness shorts are $45, sport tops are $40 and capris are $60.

HUNGARY FOR GARMENTS

Sundance, a beach and resort wear boutique in Aloha Tower Marketplace, carries a line called Anatomie. Barbara Bako-Schwart, co-owner of Sundance, is originally from Budapest, Hungary, and the Hungarian designer of Anatomie, Katalin Posztos, has been her best friend since their school days. Posztos now designs out of Miami but has the garments made in Hungary.

The fabric is an Italian microfiber with UV and UVB protection built in. Styles are color- blocked in shades such as chartreuse with sky blue, white and taupe or pink with gray.

The shorts, halter tops, pants and jackets in each color grouping are made to mix and match. Some tops look like several layers but are actually attached. Every top has a built-in shelf bra.

Some tops have a slight retro feel to them, reminiscent of the 1940s. Anatomie comes in sizes S, M and L. Prices range from $40 to $70.

SO YOU'RE NOT A SIZE 4?

Many workout-wear companies think everyone who exercises is a size 4. Well, duh. Maybe they're working out to become a size 4, but few start there. (And, of course, many will never — and should never — get there.)

Enter Lotuswear, a Canadian line that goes up to size 16. Vanessa Beaton, owner of Off the Mat, in Kaimuki, who recently gave birth to her second child, said, "I think a lot of women will appreciate this line. Post-baby, I can't squeeze myself into the Brazilian stuff, so I'm looking forward to Lotuswear for myself."

The line offers higher waists and more coverage in capris, pants, sleeveless and V-neck tops. But don't rush down there right now — the line won't arrive at Off the Mat until Nov. 30. They're somewhat pricey at $50 to $90, but Beaton swears by the fabric.

Off the Mat also carries Lululemon from Canada; Om Girl, which has a higher cotton content than most workout wear; and Karma, offering feminine, fashion-forward styling. "It's designed by a size-12 woman, so it's for normal people," Beaton said.

NEW BOUTIQUES

Susan Redpath of Kailua was tired of trekking over the Pali in search of athletic shoes and clothing, so she decided to open a franchise in Kailua called Fleet Feet Sports.

As a lifelong devotee of fitness, especially running and hiking, Redpath knows a thing or two about the gear. She underwent training to enable her to watch a customer's gait, discuss special needs and find the right shoes for ultimate functionality.

Fleet Feet carries shoes by Adidas, Asics, Mizuno, Nike, Saucony and others. It also stocks Super Feet Insoles, an orthotic that assists fallen arches and lu'au feet.

Men's and women's workout wear from Brooks, Hind, Nike and Tyr hang alongside Redpath's favorite sports bras from Moving Comfort. The store also stocks tennis wear.

At Ward Centre, New Balance has arrived. The family-owned company makes footwear for a variety of sports. They also manufacture an ever-increasing line of fitness wear.

All kinds of shoes are available here: tennis, cross-trainers, running, hiking, even steel-toed and dress shoes. The shop also carries the New Balance clothing line, which includes shorts, sports bras, pants, tops and jackets. These fashions are high tech and engineered with thought and precision. Most are made of microfibers or Lycra blends that wick away moisture and give a slim fit.

New for fall are jackets that can unzip to become vests. There are lots of blues and greens along with black, cherry, lime, pink and white. Clothes range from about $25 to $80.

For those who want to lose a few pounds or inches before the holidays, now's a good time to get some new active wear to look sharp while working out.

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.