Some might think that the Athleisure style is a fairly recent dress code, and partly this is true. However, in truth, it has been amongst us for some time now – at least since the post-war era and the emergence of the Casual dress code – and iconic figures like Mr. Reggae Bob Marley or rap’s legends Run-D.M.C. have been showcasing it since the 70’s.
So, if someone asks Is Athleisure and athletic wear stylish? The answer is easy and categorical! It is (!) and it has always been, all the more so nowadays, that fashion and sports’ (and sportswear’s) ties are only getting stronger!
But what exactly does Athleisure really mean?
As the word suggests, it is the crossing, mixing and perfect matching of the athletic – focus on performance – with the leisure – focus on the comfort – ! Athleisure means being comfortable in plural situations and in various places. Athleisure is using clothes with athletic roots and touches but with more formal fits, styles and (sometimes) fabrics.
Athleisure clothing provides all the necessary elements that enable you to use it even when building smarter outfits games! Athleisure really means sporty, polished, liberty and an everyday, flexible elegance that will get you, effortlessly, out of the tough spot when in need of a cosy yet chic attire! And as the Athleisure style guide is only growing, we wouldn’t be surprised if, in the future, it becomes even more multifaceted.
Athletic Wear Vs Athleisure!
Sometimes the use of an example is the best way to describe or explain a certain situation so let’s give it a go. Eliud Kipchoge’s Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 running shoes are athletic wear. The Nike Cortez (running shoes when they were born) are an excellent addition to your Athleisure capsule wardrobe! Timeless shoes and extremely easy-to-combine with tracksuits, joggers or your Chinos (!) if the situation demands it.
Having mentioned tracksuits; England’s football team trousers are made for training and performing under the most harsh conditions, while Stella McCartney’s Adidas line is made to shine in the office, the park or the pub and not so much on the muddy, green ground.
Athleisure is for the outdoors worker, the office struggler, the businessman or the Nando’s cook. That doesn’t mean, of course, that after your shift you can’t use top athletic wear because you feel just like a champ (as you should!)
The rise of Athleisure through Facts and Figures !
- The global athleisure market was valued at £290.31 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.9% from 2022 to 2030
But more importantly,
- The sustainable athleisure market is expected to reach £108.81 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.5%
- The movements of some key players in the Athleisure markets:
In May 2022 Under Armour announced its plan to develop a direct-to-consumer platform, UnderArmour.com, collaborating with Underdog Athletics (as its local distributor and master franchise in India in the near future)
In March 2022 Puma partnered with Serie A (the top Italian professional league football competition). Puma will be a technical partner of the Serie A and the official supplier of athleisure and football clothing for all matches in Europe.
And in February 2022 New Balance partnered with Myntra India, making the company’s products available for retailing in India through this platform.
- Efforts by manufacturers, including the introduction of more advanced, creative and colourful features such as fabrics that ensure more comfort and an even more fashionable Athleisure clothing, celebrity endorsements and a more active social media participation, have shifted millennials’ and young customers’ perceptions towards Athleisure products, leading the Athleisure market to grow
- Big names such as Adidas and Nike still dominate the UK athleisure scene – but challenger brands are seizing opportunities and are growing.
5 Athleisure styles Outfits you should check Right Now!
The 2023 Men’s Athleisure trends? There are so many, but these main 5 different types of Athleisure outfits will inspire you and help you create your own, personal Athleisure style; because, being really stylish is being yourself !
Wear shorts for men in men’s athleisure outfits for a comfortable and stylish look.
1. The Classic Athleisure
Nothing easier and more stylish than the Classic! A tracksuit set and you are set…to do great things comfortably. Opt for blue, grey or black for a forever set, or any other colour that combines easily with your coats and jackets! As for the shoes? Sneakers no doubt! Fred Perries, Kappas, Reeboks or Diadoras are some classically modern choices! Quality menswear for men’s athleisure outfits are essential for a stylish and comfortable look.
2. The Trendy Athleisure
Nothing easier and more stylish than the Classic! A tracksuit set and you are set…to do great things comfortably. Opt for blue, grey or black for a forever set, or any other colour that combines easily with your coats and jackets! As for the shoes? Sneakers no doubt! Fred Perries, Kappas, Reeboks or Diadoras are some classically modern choices!
If the question is why? The answer is because it is trending in the best possible way! Orange parka, blue comfortable shorts or a pair of blue joggers, white socks (only white socks!) and a pair of air maxes! You want to add a cap or another hip accessory? Go ahead! Even better!
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3. The Mix (even if it seems that it doesn’t) Match Athleisure
Athleisure is so cool because it is so open, so versatile and so susceptible to multiple interpretations. Take some of the standards of the basic golf or tennis attire, combine them with some skaty notes, add some iconic and classical 50’s sportswear pinches, mix them up, wear a pair of black shades and then taste and enjoy the most – unexpectedly – creative Athleisure outfit.
4. The Urban Athleisure
You want to be able to ride a bike, to run, to squat and jump, to play football with your friends or daughter just before you have lunch. With a sturdy pair of joggers, a white breathable t-shirt (made with natural fibres or synthetic; just keep it soft and anti-allergenic) a water repellent jacket, a pair of comfortable sneakers and you won’t have to change even when you’ll get back home! Vans are welcome but so are Seavees, Cariumas, Stepnys or even a pair of more high-end sneakers like Kenzo or Dior. If you want to try something different, check out minimalist footwear like Vivo barefoot or Vibram.
5. The Casual Athleisure
Casual and Athleisure and what more can you ask for? Pair a pair of joggers or a tracksuit with a crewneck sweater, wear your Converse, Novestas, Doeks or a pair of Maison Margiela, add a nice scarf, a beanie and a puffer vest (or a bomber jacket) and your winter Casual Athleisure can’t get any smarter!
Conclusion
It is not only because of the recent pandemic, it is a general shift towards a healthier and unfused way of living that has given an extra push to the Athleisure style. The younger generations (and the not so young as well!) are adopting a lifestyle that demands freedom of movement and freedom of thinking. Health, well-being, inclusivity and eco-awareness (among others) are settling in the centre of people’s preoccupations.
Changes to our way of life lead to changes in the way we dress. There is nothing wrong with putting on an elegant men’s jogger to go to work (even if it’s not Casual Friday) combined with a pair of sneakers and a slim-fit shirt! Most probably, nobody will notice the difference.
Consequently, what is the perfect Athleisure style for men? It is the brothering of Flair, Comfort and Panache!
If it is true in science, it should be true in fashion. When we successfully integrate plural elements, if we join them organically, the outcome will always be enriched, more interesting
If it is true in science, it should be true in fashion. When we successfully integrate plural elements, if we join them organically, the outcome will always be enriched, more interesting and more resilient. The secret and common denominator to any healthy situation is diversity. Synergies are vital! And this is what Athleisure is all about. A practical hybrid style that makes life better, easier and – if properly done – much more sustainable!
Author’s Bio:
Joan Calabia operates as the Digital Lead for Dockers® International at Levi Strauss & Co. Joan’s experience spans the intricacies of marketing operations to creating immersive consumer experiences. He continues to lead the brand direction adapting to the new generation of casual consumers in our era, while maintaining the California cool lifestyle that is heritage to the brand.
