‘Athleisure’ means looking a little bit sporty even when you are enjoying yourself. It can be done, insists Molly Horne.
The new catwalk is the gym. And even after you’ve come off the exercise machine, you’ll want to be dressed for ‘athleisure’: think streetwear and sportswear combined; with or without a gym membership!
The trend originated among the tanned bods in Sydney, but now athleisure has gone global.
Its attractions include comfort and convenience. Especially for those trying to work fitness into their busy schedule. I mean, who can bear another outfit change in the office loo?
But this does not entitle anyone to hold a staff meeting in their yoga pants (not yet anyway). No, this is still fashion we are talking about, so even a brisk walk in the park means being runway ready.
Whether you are on your way to the gym with green juice in your hand or you’ve just about managed to roll out of bed, athleisure has climbed to the top of the street style tree, making two-piece jogging suits socially acceptable any time or day of the year.
“Wearing leggings, jumpers and trainers all day is every student’s dream,” says Ashley, a 29 year old student at the University of East London. Ashley says that she “loves the idea of sportswear becoming more in demand within the fashion industry.”
Trying to balance time at the gym whilst completing her English Literature degree, Ashley commented on the status of athleisure on campus, “if you look around most students will be rocking this type of fashion because it’s comfortable, light and still looks good.” She went on to say that “what’s great about wearing sportswear on a daily basis is that people will never know if I am actually going to the gym. Probably not – but I like the thought of it anyway!”
Brittany Davisson, a student athlete from the ladies’ rowing team, says “activewear is becoming more fashionable than anything right now, I love the different styles now many other stores like Topshop and New Look are having gym wear in stock.”
The 19 year old added: “A few years ago there was nowhere near as much athlesuire as now – it’s great especially for someone like me who trains five times a week and basically lives in workout gear!”
This trend has appeared on high-end designer runways by the likes of Stella McCartney for Adidas. And who could forget Rihanna’s retro display of ‘Fenty Puma’ at New York Fashion Week? Her latest sportswear line flaunted a gym junkie’s idea of heaven, with all manner of tracksuits at the core of the monochrome-themed show.
I for one am guilty of splashing more cash on my gym wardrobe than any other type of clothing. The thought of coming across old receipts from sport stores still haunts me – but a pair of Nikes over heels any day, right?!