The rise of athleisure: The journey from fitness to fashion

The rise of athleisure: The journey from fitness to fashion

In our previous blog post, we talked about how technology and clothing has merged to create modern sportswear, opening the door to a whole new world of sports science. That’s great news for athletes, but something strange has happened – this modern activewear is now seen on the streets in everyday casualwear.

This trend for sportswear goes beyond just wearing leggings and hoodies outside the gym; it’s a lifestyle movement driven by the desire for clothing that transitions seamlessly from sport to work to social settings.

So how and why has modern sportswear made the leap to mainstream fashion? Well, like all good trends, it has its own name: athleisure.

What is athleisure?

Athleisure, a blend of “athletic” and “leisure,” has become a defining fashion trend of the 21st Century, offering a versatile style that bridges the gap between workout wear and casual everyday attire.

Athleisure is simply clothing that blurs the lines between traditional workout clothes and street fashion. It is designed for both athletic activities and casual wear, offering comfort, functionality and style.

Typically made from performance fabrics, such as moisture-wicking materials and stretchable textiles, athleisure pieces can include things like yoga pants, leggings, sports bras, and lightweight jackets, which can be worn during exercise, while running errands or even in professional settings.

The rise of athleisure reflects deeper cultural shifts toward health, wellness and the growing casualisation of fashion.

Is athleisure and activewear the same thing?

The difference between activewear and athleisure is a small one, but important.

Activewear is designed for exercise and physical activities, while athleisure is a style that combines athletic wear with casual wear. Athleisure isn’t actually for sport or exercise.

To put it simply, athleisure is a fashion, activewear is a practicality, prioritising function over fashion.

Why is athleisure so popular?

There are four main reasons why this trend has taken off over the past few years; people are more health conscious, it simplifies your day, social media has popularised it, and dress codes are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Health and wellness culture

As people become more health-conscious, they are looking for clothing that complements their active lifestyles. Athleisure fits perfectly into this culture, offering stylish yet functional clothing for those who want to stay fit and look good doing it.

Versatility

Athleisure’s adaptability is one of its most appealing features. Wearers can easily transition from a workout session to a social engagement without needing to change their outfit. This versatility is a key reason for the trend’s rapid rise in popularity. You can go meet a friend for lunch and then go to the gym directly after without having to change.

Influencer and celebrity endorsement

Social media has changed everything, especially fashion. Social platforms, particularly Instagram, have played a significant role in amplifying athleisure’s visibility. Celebrities like Beyoncé, with her Ivy Park brand, and influencers regularly showcase athleisure outfits, making them desirable for their millions of followers, boosting the trend’s appeal and uptake.

Casualisation of fashion

Even professions that traditionally demanded suits, or at least shirt and tie, are now relaxing their dress code policy as Millennials move into positions of management and decision making.

Add to that the rise of remote working and people are gravitating toward more casual yet polished looks. And while you may not get away with wearing a tracksuit in a posh restaurant, no one will bat an eye if you’re wearing it in Starbucks. Athleisure strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and chic style.

Is athleisure here to stay?

Well, as Coco Chanel once famously said, fashion fades, only style remains, and athleisure is definitely a fashion. But in saying that, it’s a very comfortable one, and once people get comfortable, it’s hard to change their minds.

In the short term at least, the trend isn’t going anywhere. Looking ahead, athleisure is poised for continued growth. By 2026, the global athleisure market is expected to exceed $250 billion. Key drivers include technological advancements in fabrics, such as sweat-wicking materials and eco-friendly textiles, as well as the continued rise of wellness culture.

On a social level, sustainability and inclusivity will become even more critical for the future of athleisure. Consumers are increasingly prioritising ethical fashion choices, leading to innovations in sustainable materials and circular fashion practices. Brands that focus on eco-consciousness and size inclusivity will likely continue to dominate the market.

If your apparel business focuses on sportswear or you’re thinking of moving into that area, then talk to us. With our experience working with brands across the activewear and athleisure markets, we can help with everything from packaging and labelling to local contacts and suppliers all across the world.

Contact us today for a friendly chat about how we can help you and your company.