What Is Athleisure?
Athleisure—a portmanteau of "athletic" and "leisure"—is your bridge from work to gym. This stylish yet functional apparel is designed with technical fabric and fits to support movement and performance, while boasting primarily solid colors and smooth lines for a versatile aesthetic. When done well, the athleisure look comes off as effortlessly fashionable without sacrificing comfort.
Though the term for it might be new, athleisure's roots stretch back nearly 100 years. In the 1930s, Champion debuted hoodies to be worn by athletes during warmups and on the sidelines; in 1958, a DuPont chemist invented spandex to replace rubber in shapewear fabric; and in the early 1960s, adidas popularized tracksuits—the German brand's first foray into fashion. Then, in 1998, a tipping point: Lululemon introduced the modern yoga pant.
The COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting rise of work-from-home gigs and the increasing prevalence of jam-packed schedules have taken athleisure all the way to the cubicle—and the hiking trail. It's a fashion phenomenon for all genders and all ages, with both toddlers and grandparents rocking roomy joggers and butter-soft hoodies. Though some may bemoan athleisure as a slide toward informality (especially in the workplace), others realize it's here to stay.
This article takes a closer look at:
What defines the athleisure look?
Athleisure is similar to activewear—activewear you'd feel comfortable in when running into your crush. Athleisure, though appropriate for activity, is fashion-first; in contrast, activewear, though suitable for the street, is activity-first and always technical. For most athleisure pieces, here's what to look for:
- Synthetic materials. Because most athleisure clothing is designed to accommodate being active, it's made from the same lightweight, stretchy, moisture-wicking materials that are ideal for workouts, like polyester, nylon and spandex.
- Solid colors. Athleisure often adheres to a solid and/or neutral color palette for stylish versatility, taking you from the gym to the grocery store to the office.
- Durable, washable fabrics. Materials should be able to withstand wear and tear, sweat, dirt, and your washer and dryer. No dry-cleaning here, as casual is the name of the game.
- Smooth lines. Athleisure with a more feminine style tends to include at least one form-fitting element, from tees and tops to skin-tight leggings and yoga pants. Masculine styles often reflect the principles of formalwear: All items should be tapered to drape smoothly and never bunch or sag.
- Functionality. Athleisure pieces should be comfortable and supportive enough that you could wear them on a hike—or on the way to your local pub.
What are the components of an athleisure wardrobe?
Yoga pants and joggers don't seal the deal on their own—athleisure requires commitment to an all-encompassing style. Here's how to complete the look head-to-toe:
Classic tee or tank. Base layers offer a choose-your-own adventure, from crop tops to slim-fit tees. Look for performance material such as nylon, polyester, merino wool and spandex. Keep it logo-free, solid-colored and ideally neutral or jewel-toned.
Hoodie or sweatshirt. Layered over a tee, under a jacket or both, hoodies and sweatshirts should be slightly fitted, as they're often working as a midlayer. Opt for a full-zip hoodie, half-zip pullover, crewneck sweatshirt or hooded sweatshirt. In a rare exception, cotton is acceptable here.
Leggings. Leggings include a wide range of form-fitting bottoms that usually have a full-length or three-quarters-length hem, including yoga pants and running tights. Patterns and bright colors are becoming more common in this basic layer, but black and neutral tones remain classic. You'll want to look for a pair that moves well with you, sits comfortably in the waist and isn't see-through.
Joggers. Close-fitting joggers—pants that cinch at the ankles for functionality—offer a stylish-yet-active silhouette that works for most activities, from grabbing lunch out to practicing a yoga flow to lifting weights. Made of a softer material, they can be made more formal with a structured jacket and shoe.
Simple sneakers. Whether they're leather, suede or canvas, athleisure-style footwear is generally clean and simple—solid-colors, especially white, are staples here, though you may also find options with a bold, bright splash of pattern.
Socks. Anything (mostly) goes with athleisure socks. Light- or midweight hiking, running or cycling socks as well as casual cotton socks fit the bill. Cuts and styles vary, though no-show, ankle and crew are the most common.
How to style your athleisure look
Now that you know the basic components of an athleisure look, here are a few add-ons that can take you from the gym floor to the red carpet.
Sunglasses. Sun protection is the most fashionable accessory, so be sure to choose the right sunglasses. Shapes and styles ranging from aviators to cat-eyes and wraparounds can help complete your athleisure look. Read more about How to Choose Sunglasses.
Hat. The classic solid-color baseball cap or trucker hat works well here, especially for light activity. Often cotton, it's not a great fit for high-level activity or when more sun protection is needed.
Backpack. Just like athleisure wardrobe items, backpacks should generally be on the slimmer side and in solid colors. Look for structure and high-quality materials like weather-resistant canvas or leather. Read How to Choose a Backpack for more information.
Jacket. Wear over your sweatshirt or top. An oversized top layer can emphasize the smooth lines of your base layer, a nod to athleisure's signature blend of comfort and style. Read Layering Basics for more information about choosing the right combination.
A semiformal accessory. Opt for a scarf, messenger bag, button-down coat, watch or other piece of sleek and sophisticated attire to add "camera-ready" to your list of what athleisure can be.
