The Rise of Athlesiure
The Rise of Athlesiure
Athletic wear has transformed into a medium that transcends the initial associations that come with the phrase. No longer just a phrase to describe what athletes wear to practice but is now commonly associated with what is known as “athleisure.”
What is athleisure?
Athleisure is clothing that has the ability to be worn for leisurely activities. It looks seamlessly portrays both sportiness and laid-back auras. Many choose to wear these looks out of convenience for their day that could contain both exercise and more menial activities, while others choose to dress in athleisure solely for comfort and style.
Leggings CAN be pants?
The infamous saying “leggings are not pants” seems to have dissolved, as leggings are the base of most athleisure looks. Brands like Lululemon, SET Active, and Alo Yoga have become increasingly popular outside of their initial athletic wear concepts. Each brand has established itself as being trendy, stylish and able to be worn in non-athletic circumstances. These brands, as well as other athletic brands, continue to sell out of inventory due to the popularity of people wanting to dress in athleisure in their everyday lives. People wear athleisure in a variety of activities, including running errands, going to class, shopping and even dining at nice restaurants. The idea that athletic wear can be fashionable is not out of the ordinary. A cute pair of leggings, a matching sports bra or workout top, and an athletic sweatshirt is a common uniform for many. This look can be made more sporty with athletic shoes or can be more casual and fashion-focused with a trendy sneaker and nicely styled hair. Joggers have also become a staple of athleisure. They portray the perfect balance between sportiness and casualty and are able to be dressed up or down.
The rise of athleisure is also seen in current popular trends, such as tennis skirts. For the past year, tennis skirts have been increasingly sought after. The classic high-waisted pleated tennis skirt look has been around for many years and became very popular around 2014 when American Apparel created their iconic white tennis skirts. Today, the more sporty, mid-waisted styles of tennis skirts are also popular. From looks with these more athletic tennis skirts, it becomes clear that athletic wear can truly break the boundaries of its initial use and be a component of a fashionable look.
Athleisure is not only seen in clothes, but accessories as well. An athletic accessory that has made itself apparent in athleisure is the fanny pack. Fanny packs have commonly been used by runners, but have made the jump from being athletic to being acceptable aspects of a fashionable look. Lululemon, in particular, has made fanny packs a new staple of athleisure. Their sherpa-lined fanny packs are consistently sold out . The fashionability of fanny packs is also represented in several high end brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior.
Athleisure has provided a means for being both sporty and fashionable. It allows for utility and the expression of style that does not limit comfortability or movement. Brands will continue to create items that appeal to both athletes and the common person. Essential items like leggings, joggers, and sports bras will persist in flying off the shelves, and new patterns, color ways, and styles will continue to be on the sights of the many people who keep athleisure on the rise and popular in fashion today.
Victoria de la Mora