Before athleisure, you had two ways to dress casual: jeans or sweatpants. Jeans were stiff and uncomfortable, but sweatpants meant you were basically giving up on life.
We were in desperate need of a solution. How could a person be comfy while still showing off their shape and looking presentable?
Enter athleisure: the soft, sexy solution for closeted jean-haters everywhere.
The global athleisure market is projected to reach almost $260 million by the year 2026. People aren’t just buying it for exercise, either: for many, athleisure is a way of life.
But what is athleisure and why has it taken over such a large portion of the fashion market? Read on for our analysis of athleisure and why it’s here to stay.
What Is Athleisure?
So, what is athleisure?
As you might have guessed, the word “athleisure” comes from a combination of “athletic” and “leisure.” In other words, the clothes are designed to be worn for athletic activities, but can also be lived in for pretty much any other activity.
Fans of athleisure don’t even need pajamas anymore. They’re a one-size-fits-all solution to any of life’s basic casual activities. In some cases, you can even wear athleisure clothes to work.
Now, what is athleisure, specifically? Here are some of the most popular clothing items falling into the category:
- Yoga pants, capris, or shorts
- Jogger pants
- Athletic shorts
- Leggings
- Sneakers
- Zip-front pullovers
You’re probably thinking that those sound like regular gym clothes. But what is athleisure and what makes those clothing items count?
The answer comes down to trendiness. There’s a big difference between wearing old gym clothes and dressing in athleisure style. Typically, athleisure clothes are of higher quality, heavily branded, and boldly colorful.
What is athleisure? Well, it’s more than just gym clothes. Here are the facts about athleisure wear.
1. It’s Comfortable
So, what is athleisure and why do so many like it? Well, first and foremost, it’s comfortable. Like ridiculously comfortable. Fabrics are often soft, stretchy, and incredibly lightweight.
2. It’s Trendy
Many lovers of athleisure clothing are constantly looking for the best Athleisure brands, following social media influencers and other trendsetters. The top athleisure brands have very recognizable logos and often make these prominent in their clothing designs.
3. It’s Not Cheap
If you’re asking, “what is athleisure?”, you’re probably wondering how to get some of your own. Well, the hottest brands tend to cost a pretty penny, though most fanatics find them to be well worth the investment.
4. It’s Built to Last
Many athleisure brands use high-quality materials such as cotton, Lycra, or spandex blends in their clothing. This results in a product that is smooth, sleek, and amazingly soft yet surprisingly durable.
5. It’s Not Activewear
What is athleisure, then? Isn’t it the same as activewear? Not quite.
Activewear refers to gym clothes, like mesh shorts and cotton shirts. To qualify as athleisure, it has to be trendier in the community.
Stock Up on Athleisure Now
So what is athleisure? Well, it’s the new dominant category in casual wear.
Consider yourself warned: once you start wearing athleisure, you may never touch a pair of jeans again. With so many styles and color choices, who would?
For more fashion topics, check out our other blog entries.
