Athleisure is a unique clothing style that combines leisure fashion and sportswear.
The unique style blends both types into something new, something comfortable, functional, and stylish in equal measure.
Nowadays it’s an inseparable part of the fashion world. High-class and mainstream brands brought this sport-inspired style as part of their collections.
History of Athleisure
1. Early Development
While the earliest concept of clothing type designed for both leisure wear and sport was found in the late 19th century, the form is still too rudimentary compared to what we have today.
Starting in the 1970s and 1980s, athleisure began to show up as a fashion phenomenon.
Aerobics and fitness culture started to rise during this period and made way for a new wave of athletic apparel that made for maximum comfort. In no time, athleisure wear has become more popular than ever.
It was no longer athletes who sported this kind of attire; it was mere individuals seeking stylish and comfortable clothes.
2. Key Moments in Athleisure’s History
The development can be seen through several key moments such as:
- Fitness was a big boom in the 1970s and 1980s when home workouts were growing in popularity, which created more demand for activewear that supported mobility while still looking stylish.
- Tracksuits, usually worn only during exercise sessions, have crossed the road and became part of everyday attire in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Wellness lifestyle growing in popularity, along with a more diverse approach to work outfits, has brought athleisure forward, with an emphasis on style, versatility, and comfort.
- The rise of social media and influencer culture, which love to flaunt their sporty and stylish gym-style clothing, has pushed people to embrace athleisure as part of their lifestyle.
Characteristics of Athleisure Clothing
Athleisure clothing places a deep attention on form and function. It has similar characteristics to active wear. But the difference lies in how it looks. Activewear puts more attention on its function than fashion, while this works the other way around: fashion first and then function.
As that said, this clothing has these characteristics that set it apart from the others:
1. Versatile
Versatile is what this is all about. The clothes should fit nicely in a gym environment or any cafe.
To achieve that, each piece is designed to fit the wearer, with close attention to detail, and gorgeous cuts. The whole idea is to make the wearer feel comfortable and look good in it.
2. Speciality Fabric
The main idea of athleisure is to cater hectic lifestyle. The clothing is supposed to give people the ability to do anything comfortably.
Specialty fabric is chosen to support that idea. The clothes were made from stretchy and lightweight materials, for example: spandex, nylon, and mesh.
The same material should also be able to withstand active movement, dirt, and sweat, along with a washer and dryer. The final result is functional clothing without sacrificing style.
3. Solid Colors
Athleisure clothing usually comes in solid colors. It gives such stylish versatility that allows the wearer to hop from a gym to any location seamlessly.
Athleisure Fashion Components
To understand more about athleisure that has gone beyond the boundaries of the gym, let’s take a look at some basic components of it:
1. Sweatshirts and Hoodies
Bring that stylish and comfortable look with hoodies and sweatshirts. Layer it over a T-shirt or under the jacket. Get a fitted or oversized one, depending on preference and occasion. Wear it with jeans for a simple yet fashionable style.
2. Leggings
Leggings are a must-have part of everyone’s wardrobe collection. It gives comfort during any activity. Opt for the neutral colors to get that classic look, or be brave by wearing the printed bright patterns.
3. Joggers
Joggers are versatile and functional. The design makes it perfect for hanging out during lunchtime or practicing daily exercise. Make it look more sporty with sneakers or pair it down with stylish shoes.
4. Sneakers
Athleisure fashion is not good enough without sneakers. They offer total sporty function and also complete the overall look. Options are varied, from basic white sneakers to bold-colored designs.
5. Sports Bra
A sports bra provides athletic support to its wearer. With the variety of colors, patterns, and straps, the sports bra has become a fashion statement on its own. Often used as crop tops, this particular piece has its rightful place in athleisure fashion.
Conclusion
Our lifestyle keeps changing and evolves from time to time. Athleisure is proof of that.
Starting from its beginnings as workout wear to its current status as a clothing style, athleisure manages to inspire and innovate. It blurs the difference between a leisurely look and a sporty style with such ease.
Next time, whether you’re going to the gym, hanging out, or running an errand, athleisure is the go-to attire for you.
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