"The Rise of Athleisure: Fashion Meets Function"
Everybody meet Athleisure wear, the child of casual clothing and active attire. Yes, you read that right. For over a year now, the fashion world has been climatising to a new genre of style. Whether it’s due to convenience, comfort or motivation, the reasons behind it are endless.
The term ‘athleisure’ is a mix of athletic and leisure, as I’m sure you’ve all worked out by now. It’s a style formed when active pieces such as seamless leggings or scrunched bum shorts find their way into our everyday wardrobes. Most high street brands have now dipped their toes into the world of casual sportswear, whether this be through sister brands (e.g. Oh Polly and Bo and Tee) or generally integrated it into their usual stock (Primark).
With “gymtok” (Gym related TikTok content) on the never ending incline, labels such as AYBL and DFYNE are doing extremely well in promoting their athleisure wear. The brands push their clothing through videos showing workout routines and demonstrating their pieces in action.
Fashion label TALA promote wearing their gym clothing on a day to day basis, even if you’re “not going to the gym”. They have a range of pieces for sale, including leggings that can be worn for the office or the supermarket, as well as for your leg day. From flares to zip through jackets, you’ll never be without.
As a generation obsessed with low effort and minimal maintenance, maybe the easiness of these outfits appeal to us. Being able to go from the gym, to work and then town for dinner all in one outfit (though you might need some perfume) sounds like a dream to a lazy, fast paced person like me. Who, can I add, is aiming to stay stylish whilst being effortless all at the same time.
The effortless factor isn’t just down to low physical maintenance, it’s also down to looking naturally well presented. It all links in with the clean girl aesthetic we’re all living and breathing. “No makeup -makeup” and “heatless overnight curls”, all add to the whole “I woke up like this” look.
Athleisure wear also gives off an aura, an implication of what your life is. It’s not just fashion, it’s a lifestyle. It’s giving “hot yoga mum” or even “I’ve just done a 5k run”, even if you haven’t!
Not to mention it’s always comfortable and versatile, meaning it’s suitable for all kinds of events.
Fashion isn’t always just about looking good, it’s how the clothes make you feel. By wearing sculpting leggings with a matching sports bra, not only can it increase your confidence but may also motivate you to do that gym workout you’ve been putting off.
See below for some athleisure wear inspo from some of the current leading brands: