What Is Athleisure Wear?
05 Jun 2024
Our fast-paced and hectic lives demand comfortable and practical clothing more than ever. Of course, giving up on looking stylish is simply not an option. So how can we combine fashion and functionality to create chic yet totally comfortable looks? Athleisure style is the answer here.
Sportswear has suddenly become acceptable for everyday life and even for working in the office, attending classes, or walking around town. While athleisure style was originally distinct from fitness wear, the category has evolved with new textile technologies and now the lines between the two have become blurred. The trend has become popular thanks to high fashion offering its own take on its staples, as well as social media and pop culture.
Even if you haven't paid much attention to fashion lately, you've probably heard of athleisure and probably have a general idea about it. Today we are surrounded by Lululemon leggings, Yeezy sneakers, Nike sports tops, and Outdoor Voices activity dresses. Many celebrities like to wear Gucci and Prada with a simple pair of athleisure style sneakers, hair in a ponytail, for training, and sneakers. For the evening out, the same tights and T-shirt are complemented by a leather jacket and bright lipstick, but the image does not change: it seems that the model has recently sweated in the gym, but she has just left the house.
What is athleisure style and why is it popular, it's worth clarifying what the fashion trend “athleisure” means and how you can style athleisure.
Sportswear has suddenly become acceptable for everyday life and even for working in the office, attending classes, or walking around town. While athleisure style was originally distinct from fitness wear, the category has evolved with new textile technologies and now the lines between the two have become blurred. The trend has become popular thanks to high fashion offering its own take on its staples, as well as social media and pop culture.
Even if you haven't paid much attention to fashion lately, you've probably heard of athleisure and probably have a general idea about it. Today we are surrounded by Lululemon leggings, Yeezy sneakers, Nike sports tops, and Outdoor Voices activity dresses. Many celebrities like to wear Gucci and Prada with a simple pair of athleisure style sneakers, hair in a ponytail, for training, and sneakers. For the evening out, the same tights and T-shirt are complemented by a leather jacket and bright lipstick, but the image does not change: it seems that the model has recently sweated in the gym, but she has just left the house.
What is athleisure style and why is it popular, it's worth clarifying what the fashion trend “athleisure” means and how you can style athleisure.
What Do We Even Call "Athleisure" Now?
Merriam-Webster, the most progressive of the English language dictionaries, which captures social trends every year, recently added the trendy term athleisure (from “athletic” and “leisure”) to its updated version. Lexical dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster found that the term “athleisure” style dates back to at least 1979, when it appeared in the March issue of Nation's Business magazine, though the term didn't become widespread until the 2010s.
The trend with the untranslatable name athleisure, formed from the merger of the two words athletic and leisure, began in the U.S. a couple of decades ago. Using the title of the most athletic nation, Americans did not bother to change their clothes after morning jogs, coming to the office, or appearing at lunch in a strange mix of formal wear and athletic uniforms.
In the early noughties, tracksuits from Juicy Couture were in vogue, combining colorful aesthetics with activewear silhouettes. Along with the way fashion progressed, the desire for comfortable luxury grew stronger, and contemporary streetwear brands saturated the market. In the 2010s, upbeat culture took over, turning athletic pants, hoodies, and other streetwear components into a status symbol. High fashion brands such as Chanel, Fendi, and Prada picked up on this athleisure style trend and began creating designer leggings and branded sports bras from high-quality materials.
The long and convoluted process of how sportswear and formalwear influenced each other - from external design to the technical intricacies of creating materials and garments - eventually gave rise to the style that has become the main fashion trend today. The trend spread especially widely during the pandemic, when for many city dwellers the boundary between leisure and work was erased. The idea is still actively used by designers today.
In 2020, this style has not lost its relevance at all, and on the contrary, after the pandemic, it has only strengthened its position. The only change is that bright colors are gradually replaced by natural and pastel shades because minimalism now rules the fashion world.
Athleisure is more than just a temporary trend, it is a lifestyle where it is acceptable to take care of one's health, choose an activity, self-development, and prioritize casual dressing standards.
The trend with the untranslatable name athleisure, formed from the merger of the two words athletic and leisure, began in the U.S. a couple of decades ago. Using the title of the most athletic nation, Americans did not bother to change their clothes after morning jogs, coming to the office, or appearing at lunch in a strange mix of formal wear and athletic uniforms.
In the early noughties, tracksuits from Juicy Couture were in vogue, combining colorful aesthetics with activewear silhouettes. Along with the way fashion progressed, the desire for comfortable luxury grew stronger, and contemporary streetwear brands saturated the market. In the 2010s, upbeat culture took over, turning athletic pants, hoodies, and other streetwear components into a status symbol. High fashion brands such as Chanel, Fendi, and Prada picked up on this athleisure style trend and began creating designer leggings and branded sports bras from high-quality materials.
The long and convoluted process of how sportswear and formalwear influenced each other - from external design to the technical intricacies of creating materials and garments - eventually gave rise to the style that has become the main fashion trend today. The trend spread especially widely during the pandemic, when for many city dwellers the boundary between leisure and work was erased. The idea is still actively used by designers today.
In 2020, this style has not lost its relevance at all, and on the contrary, after the pandemic, it has only strengthened its position. The only change is that bright colors are gradually replaced by natural and pastel shades because minimalism now rules the fashion world.
Athleisure is more than just a temporary trend, it is a lifestyle where it is acceptable to take care of one's health, choose an activity, self-development, and prioritize casual dressing standards.
Building an Athleisure Wardrobe
Today, no one is surprised by sneakers at a social event: women boldly combine them with dresses or midi-skirts in a pleat, and men - with classic suits. Backpacks have long replaced bags - not only everyday but also business bags (it is certainly more convenient and easier to carry a laptop in them). Create a sporty look by combining functionality with fashion, integrating sportswear into your regular closet. Sportswear, sweatshirts, leggings, sports sweatshirts, bombers, caps ... all these things have also become an integral part of the modern closet.
Fit
Athleisure style combines two opposing ways of wearing clothes: loose and tight. Streamlined silhouettes draw attention to the figure and give the impression of being “fresh from the gym”. At the same time, you don't have to be in shape to wear athleisure clothing. Voluminous hoodies, T-shirts, and oversized pants provide increased comfort for everyone.
Functionality
In addition to the comfort offered, athleisure style clothing is extremely practical and versatile. Most items are complete with hidden zippers and pockets. Some brands are now utilizing patented technical fabrics to provide insulation as well as introducing reflective elements.
As for the closet items themselves, athleisure now offers a wide variety of choices, from sports bras to bikes and windbreakers. All items can be easily combined with each other. In addition, they can be worn paired with normal everyday clothes.
Leggings and cycling shorts
Leggings have long proved that they can serve faithfully not only during gym sessions - this sportswear can be easily incorporated into everyday outfits, and most importantly, they can be used to create ultra-stylish athleisure images in different roles.
Cycling shorts are an alternative to tights for hotter days. You can also wear them not only with T-shirts, and shirts but also with long skirts or dresses! At least products made of transparent material need such a sports partner. Therefore, the same cycling shoes can be safely combined with a dress or skirt. Only watch out for the color scheme - it is better to choose shorts of basic shades.
Sports tops
Tops in general are considered an integral part of a woman's closet, especially the basic ones. The very style can be any - here it is better to focus on your personal preferences. On thin straps, wide or without them at all - it's up to you. For example, bandeau tops perfectly rhyme with transparent blouses or jackets, but in the gym, they will perfectly cope with their task - the main thing is to choose tight-fitting models so that the top does not slip during the class. If tops are not your fashion story, pay attention to shortened sports shirts. They are just as easy to integrate into athleisure daily looks for meetings with girlfriends.
Footwear
When it comes to footwear, athleisure style is a snickerhead's dream. You can opt for regular running sneakers, flip-flops, or a pair of Converse and Vans canvas sneakers to create a skater look. Athletic shoes in neutral colors such as white or black will go with almost any outfit. However, if you want to wear a pair in a bright hue, choose clothes in a more muted palette.
Accessories
Athleisure style clothes will look organic together with accessories. You can add sunglasses, backpacks (and bags in some cases), caps, watches, and small jewelry to your look.
Fit
Athleisure style combines two opposing ways of wearing clothes: loose and tight. Streamlined silhouettes draw attention to the figure and give the impression of being “fresh from the gym”. At the same time, you don't have to be in shape to wear athleisure clothing. Voluminous hoodies, T-shirts, and oversized pants provide increased comfort for everyone.
Functionality
In addition to the comfort offered, athleisure style clothing is extremely practical and versatile. Most items are complete with hidden zippers and pockets. Some brands are now utilizing patented technical fabrics to provide insulation as well as introducing reflective elements.
As for the closet items themselves, athleisure now offers a wide variety of choices, from sports bras to bikes and windbreakers. All items can be easily combined with each other. In addition, they can be worn paired with normal everyday clothes.
Leggings and cycling shorts
Leggings have long proved that they can serve faithfully not only during gym sessions - this sportswear can be easily incorporated into everyday outfits, and most importantly, they can be used to create ultra-stylish athleisure images in different roles.
Cycling shorts are an alternative to tights for hotter days. You can also wear them not only with T-shirts, and shirts but also with long skirts or dresses! At least products made of transparent material need such a sports partner. Therefore, the same cycling shoes can be safely combined with a dress or skirt. Only watch out for the color scheme - it is better to choose shorts of basic shades.
Sports tops
Tops in general are considered an integral part of a woman's closet, especially the basic ones. The very style can be any - here it is better to focus on your personal preferences. On thin straps, wide or without them at all - it's up to you. For example, bandeau tops perfectly rhyme with transparent blouses or jackets, but in the gym, they will perfectly cope with their task - the main thing is to choose tight-fitting models so that the top does not slip during the class. If tops are not your fashion story, pay attention to shortened sports shirts. They are just as easy to integrate into athleisure daily looks for meetings with girlfriends.
Footwear
When it comes to footwear, athleisure style is a snickerhead's dream. You can opt for regular running sneakers, flip-flops, or a pair of Converse and Vans canvas sneakers to create a skater look. Athletic shoes in neutral colors such as white or black will go with almost any outfit. However, if you want to wear a pair in a bright hue, choose clothes in a more muted palette.
Accessories
Athleisure style clothes will look organic together with accessories. You can add sunglasses, backpacks (and bags in some cases), caps, watches, and small jewelry to your look.
How to Style Athleisure?
The trend that made it fashionable to mix sporty and non-sporty things in one look began to take shape a couple of decades ago. Now athleisure is definitely one of the main trends, and the confirmation of this we see not only on the catwalks or in photos from fashion shoots but also every day going out on the street. Sneakers with a delicate dress or a classic suit, joggers or leggings replacing pants or jeans, a sweatshirt or hoodie with a pleated skirt - all these are examples of what is called athleisure.
Try wearing one or two sports-inspired pieces with an otherwise neutral, casual-style set. For example, replace a T-shirt with a sports top or jeans with joggers.
The opposite option: complement your sports kit with a classic or casual piece.
Try on sports shoes with different looks - you may find that many combinations look great.
Replace a sweater or jacket with a bomber jacket.
To protect your face from the sun, wear a sports-style Panama or baseball cap, and take a backpack instead of a bag.
Try combining joggers with model shoes - you may get an interesting image.
If you wear crop tops, try sporty versions combined with casual or classic clothes.
If you haven't joined the ranks of Athleisure fans yet, it's worth a try. The main thing when putting together an ensemble with sportswear is to accentuate the look correctly.
Athleisure outfit ideas for fall and winter
The easiest way to curb the athleisure style is with a down jacket or sneakers. The key to creating current looks is to combine them with contrasting closet items. For example, sneakers can be worn with maxi dresses and voluminous sweaters, classic pantsuits, and coats, while down jackets can be worn with midi and pencil skirts and heeled shoes.
Fashionistas boldly put on classic coats and trench coats over tracksuits, combine hoodies, sneakers, and pants made of suit fabric, combine leather things with sweatshirts, and do not neglect leggings and sports tops for going to a cafe or meeting with friends. The obligatory component of these relaxed bows is traditionally some trendy bag from the latest collections of luxury brands.
Summertime athleisure style looks
A couple of seasons ago, influencers changed their clothes into cycling shoes, which in the same 2024 we could not even imagine in our closet. In the summer of 2020, sport shorts resembling boxer shorts came into fashion. With them, we combined cropped tops, hoodies sweaters, and some even free-cut shirts. Sneakers and sneakers perfectly complemented these bows, as well as images with dresses, tennis skirts, sundresses, and various sets and combinations.
Try wearing one or two sports-inspired pieces with an otherwise neutral, casual-style set. For example, replace a T-shirt with a sports top or jeans with joggers.
The opposite option: complement your sports kit with a classic or casual piece.
Try on sports shoes with different looks - you may find that many combinations look great.
Replace a sweater or jacket with a bomber jacket.
To protect your face from the sun, wear a sports-style Panama or baseball cap, and take a backpack instead of a bag.
Try combining joggers with model shoes - you may get an interesting image.
If you wear crop tops, try sporty versions combined with casual or classic clothes.
If you haven't joined the ranks of Athleisure fans yet, it's worth a try. The main thing when putting together an ensemble with sportswear is to accentuate the look correctly.
Athleisure outfit ideas for fall and winter
The easiest way to curb the athleisure style is with a down jacket or sneakers. The key to creating current looks is to combine them with contrasting closet items. For example, sneakers can be worn with maxi dresses and voluminous sweaters, classic pantsuits, and coats, while down jackets can be worn with midi and pencil skirts and heeled shoes.
Fashionistas boldly put on classic coats and trench coats over tracksuits, combine hoodies, sneakers, and pants made of suit fabric, combine leather things with sweatshirts, and do not neglect leggings and sports tops for going to a cafe or meeting with friends. The obligatory component of these relaxed bows is traditionally some trendy bag from the latest collections of luxury brands.
Summertime athleisure style looks
A couple of seasons ago, influencers changed their clothes into cycling shoes, which in the same 2024 we could not even imagine in our closet. In the summer of 2020, sport shorts resembling boxer shorts came into fashion. With them, we combined cropped tops, hoodies sweaters, and some even free-cut shirts. Sneakers and sneakers perfectly complemented these bows, as well as images with dresses, tennis skirts, sundresses, and various sets and combinations.
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