Athleisure is a fashion trend that combines athletic wear with leisure wear, blurring the lines between gym clothes and street fashion. It has evolved over time and become an accepted form of street style. The term “athleisure” is a combination of the words “athletic” and “leisure” and refers to athletic clothing that is worn as everyday wear, whether the wearer is exercising or not .
The evolution of athleisure can be traced back to the late 20th century. In 1994, the term “athleisure” was used to describe a style of dressing that was not just for exercising . However, it was still considered a separate category from formal wear or everyday style, focusing on practicality and comfort . Over time, athleisure has become more versatile, comfortable, and fashionable, thanks to improved textile materials This has enabled sportswear to be worn in various settings, including outside the gym.
Athleisure gained popularity in the 2010s, especially in North America, as more people started wearing gym clothes outside of the gym. It became a fashion industry movement and a retail clothing category . The rise of athleisure can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing emphasis on health and wellness, the desire for comfortable clothing, and the influence of celebrities and social media .
Today, athleisure has become a prominent trend in the fashion industry, not only for women but also for men. Men’s athleisure has seen significant growth and has become a prominent trend, combining comfort and style . The athleisure market has also seen a rise in sustainable and high-quality materials, as consumers continue to invest in products that align with their values .