The Background on Athleisure
Let’s be real: some of us have been wearing comfy leggings and sweats at home for the last decade during our newly-discovered remote work time, but wearing gym attire out and about town as an everyday look is a relatively new trend. Activewear wasn’t always made to be shape-flattering, per se. The athleisure clothes of the 2000s and 2010s bring back memories of cheaply-made, see-through spandex and unfortunate sightings of common body insecurities everywhere.
Athleisure of the 2020s has been carefully designed to be a true hybrid of clothes that are strong enough for athletics and sports, but comfortable enough to transition into other sections of our time, all while being fashionably aware and conscious of changing bodies and fashion norms.
Today’s leggings, sports bras, hoodies, joggers, and other exercise clothing typical of the gym have been designed as more “upscale” allowing the range of use to expand from the gym, to work, to dinner, and even after-hours fun like the club or date night. In fact, 2023 is trending toward being the most “athleisure-friendly” year of all, according to fashion experts, and we’re always here for comfort and style. Household names like Lululemon, Athletica, and Under Armour have begun to launch their Fall 2023 activewear lines, and the fashion trend forecast says there’s a high chance of fashionable, luxury (but still affordable) gym wear being in your closet by the end of 2023.
When did athleisure become acceptable, even popular? Well, we have our celebrity friends, in part, to thank for that, due to their constant setting of fashion trends in place. Celebrities like the Kardashians, Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez Affleck, and Hailey Baldwin are often seen walking spritely down LA streets in their yoga pants and sports bras as their OOTD. This trend has exploded for both women and men. Drake, Mark Wahlburg, Prince Harry, and Justin Bieber are all male celebs that have all been seen sporting top-line designers’ takes on activewear specifically made with men in mind. The popular Vuori clothing brand has launched a line of men’s activewear fashion including tech tees, ankle-length pants, and breathable shorts. Luxury designers, such as Gucci, are jumping on the chance to collab with famous activewear lines like ADIDAS to showcase “athleisure for all.”
The Scoop: Fashionable Athleisure Trends and Why We Love Them
Lululemon Athletica’s ABC Pants – These slim fit pants have the working man in mind, providing a sleek and sexy pair of pants that are professional enough for the office, but supportive enough to allow movement in the most important places. Our absolute favorite part: they are machine washable and can be tumble-dried on low, so there are no wrinkles in sight by the time you make it to the office.
Girlfriend Collective’s Tees for Trees – What’s not to love about a comfortable tee that helps the earth thrive? These special t-shirts are made with 50% Texloop™ RCOT™ Primo Recycled Cotton, made from fabric scraps found on cutting room floors, and 50% organic cotton, grown without chemical pesticides or insecticides. Our absolute favorite part: they are made in sizes XXS-6XL, so everyone can partake in athleisure as fashion while helping the planet! Win-win.
Under Armour’s Curry 2 Splash Party Basketball Shoes – Whether you’re on your way to the court or headed to a special dinner with friends at a high-end restaurant, the Curry 2s can take you there. This limited re-release of Steph Curry’s original shoe brings splashes of fun color and full-on comfort. Our absolute favorite part: these are a special release to celebrate Steph Curry’s 35th birthday this month.
Alo Yoga’s Airbrush Real Dress – Your go-to Little Black Dress meets the tennis court in this newly-launched sporty dress. The structure is form-fitting and made with a built-in bra and is as soft as a baby’s bottom. Our absolute favorite part: when 5:00 pm hits, you can pop on a denim jacket over this dress and – voila! – you’re perfectly dressed for happy hour.
Bad Bunz Collection Golden-Brown Seamless Ribbed Leggings – Neutrals – what’s not to love? This stretchy, but beautiful all-active set allows your body to BREATH while also promoting compression. Our absolute favorite part: this gorgeous workout set is made in 4-way stretch material!
The Future of the Athleisure Trend
What we’re also really hoping it means is a new acceptance of wellness and health as priorities in today’s society. More and more people are seeking a healthier balance of work and life. Many attribute the COVID-19 pandemic as their “aha” moment that life isn’t permanent, so we should spend more of our time taking care of ourselves and our bodies than we used to. Wearing clothes that “feel” healthier has enabled folks to embrace the whole healthy and active lifestyle we’ve been putting off. Forget the hustle in stilettos and leather dress shoes. More yoga pants, deep breathing, and wellness memberships for all.
While you’re feeling inspired to own the workout/veg-out look as your new signature style, keep the Trendy Partner, BadBunz Collection in mind. This woman-owned, Latina-owned, local, small business is making it possible for small-to-large-sized babes to feel supported (and self-confident!) in their luxe athleisure wear. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest scoop on their soft, seamless leggings, sports bras, and hoodies made from durable fabric in neutral colors, perfect for a tough workout at the gym or a marathon movie night with friends.
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