Few fashion trends have stood the test of time quite like athleisure. It’s possible you’ll recall the rise of the beloved yoga pant throughout the 2010s. And now, so many more styles mixing athletic and loungewear influences are permeating our wardrobes (read: biker shorts you possibly can wear with blazers, sports bras with denim, and leggings and sneakers you possibly can’t actually do burpees in.)
While the past few years of lockdowns are accountable for the boom in cozy-cute options, “the trend continues today (even after people have been vaccinated),” says Torrid CEO Liz Muñoz. Actually, in response to Technavio, the general athleisure wear market has an expected growth of over $80 billion by 2024.
Why the lasting hype? Athleisure’s hybrid nature blurs the road when moving through spaces in your own home, office, and gym, which makes making a one-and-done outfit for the day pretty darn convenient. “An exceptional athleisure collection delivers all of it—fit, quality, comfort, and elegance,” explains Universal Standard Chief Design Officer Ramon Martin. “A terrific legging or form-fitting bodysuit is just as essential in your wardrobe as a classic tee or on a regular basis jeans.” Enough said.
Thankfully, there are many labels which might be hitting it out of the park on this department. Below, we listed 26 of our favourite athleisure brands and answered more of your most pressing questions on the trend, including style pieces for any and all occasions.
Commercial – Proceed Reading Below
Best for Exercise Dresses
Best Yoga Athleisure Brand
Best Trendy Athleisure Brand
Best Elevated Athleisure Brand
Best Plus Size Athleisure Brand
Best Forward-Considering Athleisure Brand
Most Iconic Athleisure Brand
Best Adaptive Athleisure Brand
Best Classic Athleisure Brand
Best for Ultra-Cozy Leggings
Best Colourful Athleisure Brand
Most Versatile Athleisure Brand
Best Celebrity Athleisure Brand
Best for Casual-Cool Sets
Best Sport Athleisure Brand
Best Gender-Neutral Athleisure Brand
One other Iconic Athleisure Brand
Most Stylish Athleisure Brand
Best Eco-Friendly Athleisure Brand
Made for Women of Color
One other Great Adaptive Athleisure Brand
Best for Basics
One other Great Inclusive Athleisure Brand
Best Durable Athleisure Brand
One other Great Plus Size Athleisure Brand
Best for Edgy, Graphic Prints
What does athleisure mean?
The term “athleisure” was originally coined in 1979 to explain garments and shoes designed for individuals who want to seem athletic. Fast forward to current times, and Merriam-Webster defines the term as “casual clothing—like yoga pants, sweatpants, and hoodies—which might be designed to be worn each for exercising and for doing (almost) all the things else.” Loads of today’s athleisure styles are cross-functional, but take into accout some offerings still aren’t actually made with performance advantages.
The trend arguably took flight within the 2010s as brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas churned out sleek activewear pieces that shoppers began sporting each out and in of the gym. Now, athleisure stays hotter than ever, with a growing variety of brands entering the market to satisfy consumer demands.
How do I style athleisure?
On warmer fall days, Martin suggests pairing a brief bodysuit with a sweater or button-down, sneakers, and folded socks, adding that the highest layers “might be tied across the neck or waist if it gets too hot.” During colder months, he advises a go-to look of leggings, a puffer jacket, and a press release beanie for a sleek yet playful winter outfit.
And with “tons of premium athleisure options available today, it is simple to realize a sophisticated look that is work-appropriate,” Martin says. The important thing to nailing business-casual is creating visual interest together with your outfit, he explains. For instance, consider styling a complicated pair of leggings with a tunic and tailored coat. “The looser fit and length of the tunic will create a phenomenal silhouette, and the tailored coat will act as a very important layering piece,” he shares.
Commercial – Proceed Reading Below
