Ten years ago, if you had mentioned the word “athleisure” to somebody, they’d likely have replied with a confused stare. Today, however, it’s one of fashion’s leading trends. As its name suggests, this is the progression of sportswear into mainstream fashion, and is largely inspired by those of us who choose to flaunt our kit outside of the gym.
Follow our top tips and you can be rocking the athleisure look in no time!
Tops
Love wearing sports tops? If so, who could blame you? They’re not just comfy, they’ve long been the pinnacle of creative design. From bright leotards to fancy sweatshirts, there’s pretty much a top to suit every taste. And they look great with everyday clothes, like a skirt or your favourite pair of jeans. Try pairing Mom jeans with a bold leotard underneath. or why not boost the fit factor of your outfit with a pair of athletic trainers? Whoever said that you need to exercise to be sporty?
Bottoms
Ah, jogging bottoms. Designed for maximum comfort, they’re perhaps the best thing to come out of sports fashion yet. Luckily, this trouser type is no longer being confined to the home — the best dressed are wearing them as a serious style statement. So, why don’t you follow suit? You won’t just look good; you’ll also feel it. If you’re wanting to blend comfort with class, you may want to accompany your soft trousers with a dark t-shirt. For a more breezy, casual get-up, how about a patterned top or sweater in a lighter shade to wear with your joggers? The beauty of this kind of clothing is that it goes with practically anything!
Trainers
Practical, soft and reliable shoes. We could only be talking about trainers. Now, the feature of this shoe design in mainstream fashion is nothing new. In fact, it’s been happening for decades. But it’s fair to say that athleisure is taking casual sports footwear to the next level. Have you spotted the current trainer and feminine dress combo trend, for example? All you need to do is pair a traditionally pretty dress — displaying, say, a floral pattern or a taffeta fabric — and a pair of trainers, typically chunky in build. This juxtaposition of fancy and functional styles makes for huge visual appeal.
Save your pennies
As long as you plan your outfits wisely, athleisure needn’t be a pricey trend. After all, you’re effectively just finding new ways to wear clothes that you already own. With your wardrobe all sorted, you’ve got more time to spend on your life admin, whether it’s sorting those little jobs around the house or doing some financial planning.
Swept up by fashionistas, sports fans and comfort cravers alike, athleisure is one of the hottest styles on the market. With these key tips, you’ll be able to make your own mark on it, hassle-free.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.