Athleisure has recently become popular, with people choosing comfortable but stylish clothing during workouts. Athleisure is the combination of athletic wear and casual clothing elements. The term itself combines the words “athletic” and “leisure.” It is designed to be comfortable, functional, and stylish, suitable for active routines and everyday activities.
As the demand for athleisure continues to rise, several brands have emerged as the frontrunners in this fashion niche. Investing in athleisure clothing will offer comfort during heavy activities and add versatility to your wardrobe. Once it becomes a part of your closet, it becomes an essential part of your style for everyday events.
Athleisure Brands and Their Growing Popularity
1. Adidas
Adidas has made significant strides in the athleisure world of fashion in the past years. It offers a variety of athleisure products that seamlessly combine functionality with aesthetics. Plus, it offers one-of-a-kind collaborations such as the Adidas Stella McCartney collection and Beyonce’s Ivy Park. However, if you are part of the original gang, the Adidas Originals collection has plenty of stylish options that will always stay in style.
2. Lululemon
Founded in 1998, Lululemon is known for its yoga-inspired activewear. Featuring its high-quality fabrics, beautiful designs, and attention to detail, it became a signature for the brand that attracted many passionate fans. Aside from yoga pants and sports bras, Lululemon offers a wide array of athleisure pieces for everyday wear. An example of Lululemon’s top-notch leggings is Wunder Train High-Rise Tight, Align High-Rise Pant for your yoga classes. Another best seller is Rulu High-Rise Jogger, famous for its more colorful yoga wear.
3. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is at the forefront regarding inclusive and sustainable sports. Committed to its intention to make a sustainable clothing line, Girlfriend Collective became more favorable to consumers because of its notable initiative in using recycled plastic bottles to create its signature Compressive Leggings.
Also, Girlfriend Collective is a brand that proves that making size inclusivity a priority doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, the brand is dedicated to releasing beautiful, on-trend seasonal colors now and then, making it possible but highly cool to own your favorite pieces in many colors.
4. Athleta
Athleta, a subsidiary of Gap Inc., has earned a reputation as an athleisure brand aimed at women. Their inclusivity and commitment to sustainable practices make them a favorite among conscious consumers. Athleta’s versatile sports products suit workouts, outdoor adventures, and casual outings. The brand offers a variety of sportswear ranging from high-rise skorts and ruched tanks to swimwear; Athleta recognizes the need for activewear that accommodates the diversity of women’s bodies and lifestyles.
5. Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga is known for its sleek, modern designs, comfortable fabrics, and innovative features that meet the needs of yoga practitioners and fitness enthusiasts. While the brand’s size range is more inclusive, its well-reviewed sportswear makes it a promising option for different body types and sizes.
Some of the products offered by Alo Yoga include leggings, sports bras, tops, sweatshirts, and outerwear, including its famous Aces Tennis skirt. This brand is popular among fashion stylists who incorporate moisture-wicking, breathable, and sustainable materials into their clothing, making it suitable for various physical activities.
6. Universal Standard
Universal Standard may not have an exclusive sportswear line but offers various activewear and athleisure options for sports and physical activities. As the brand prioritizes size inclusivity, it is known for its committed promise to provide a wide range of sizes, often including 00 to 40.
Universal Standard’s sportswear typically includes leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and other activewear essentials. These products are intended to be comfortable, functional, and stylish for people of all body types. Shoreline Linen Joggers and Roya leggings are just a few of the brand’s newest collections.
7. Fabletics
The brand is known for its stylish and affordable workout clothing and accessories for women, with new styles being released monthly. Fabletics caters primarily to women sports enthusiasts, but its growing fame has also expanded to offer men’s activewear. It operates on a subscription-based model, where customers can become VIP members to receive special discounts and exclusive access to new collections each month. High-waisted leggings and Zone High-waisted leggings are just a few legging variations the brand offers.
8. Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga offers a variety of yoga pants, leggings, tops, bras, and other activewear for women and men. They are known for using premium fabrics and creating designs that prioritize comfort and performance while remaining fashionable for everyday use. Spacedeye High-waisted Midi leggings and cropped tanks offer stylish, high-quality yoga and athleisure clothing.
9. Casablanca
For anyone looking for a classic gym style, the Casablanca chic après sport line offers a unique blend of high-end fashion and streetwear, often called “luxury streetwear.” The brand has gained fame for its attention to detail, top-of-the-line craftsmanship, and ability to create clothing that bridges the gap between street style and high fashion. Casablanca’s collections often feature retro-inspired designs, tennis motifs, and a sense of nostalgia, which adds to its distinct charm.
10. Vitality
Vitality Brands is a privately-owned company that develops ‘wellness’ products that help people feel healthier and happier, positively impacting their lives. It is known for activewear pieces tailored to a confidence boost. With the classic sweat suit for a lazy Sunday, you’ll always be happy adding a Vitality lounge or casual outfit to your wardrobe.
11. IZ Adaptive
IZ Adaptive clothing features innovative designs and functional elements, such as magnetic closures, Velcro closures, and adjustable features that allow individuals to dress more independently and comfortably. This brand’s products are famous for their stylish and diverse designs, providing people with disabilities with clothing choices that are both convenient and fashionable. Their athleisure items range from Seated Dress Pant Yoga Waist to built-in bras.
12. Old Navy
Old Navy features a variety of athletic apparel, including workout leggings, shorts, sports bras, tank tops, and t-shirts. These items are designed for running, yoga, and gym workouts. For example, the brand’s Extra High-Waisted Leggings come in five colors with positive reviews. You can also find sporty outerwear options like lightweight jackets and hoodies for exercise and outdoor activities.
13. Buffbunny
Buffbunny’s products often feature high-quality materials, unique designs, and various body sizes to accommodate different body types. The brand has become popular among fitness enthusiasts and those seeking fashionable activewear options for their workout routines. Its supportive seamless leggings, added with elements including the brand’s quick-drying fabric, are just some of its item pride.
14. Nike
Nike offers a wide range of athleisure products that are performance-driven and fashion-forward. From comfortable sneakers to stylish activewear, Nike caters to the athletes’ needs and fashion enthusiasts alike. With collaborations featuring high-profile celebrities and designers, Nike continues to push the boundaries of athleisure fashion. Men’s Dri-Fit Stride Shorts, women’s padded bandeau sports bras, and tracksuits for kids are some options you can choose from catering to different ages and needs.
Athleisure Clothing Characteristics
Athleisure clothing reflects the growing emphasis on comfort and versatility in modern fashion blended with its functionality for indoor and outdoor physical activities. To gain more perspective, here are some of the clothing characteristics anyone must look for when choosing an athleisure item:
- Comfort and Quality: Athleisure sportswear and pieces are typically made from soft, stretchy, and breathable materials like spandex, polyester, and cotton blends, ensuring maximum comfort for wearers.
- Versatility: Athleisure attire blurs the lines between gym wear and streetwear, allowing people to seamlessly transition from a workout to running errands or socializing with friends without needing an outfit change.
- Performance Features: Many athleisure pieces come equipped with moisture-wicking technology, UV protection, and other performance-enhancing features initially designed for sports and workouts.
- Trendy Style: Athleisure items are designed to be fashionable with attention to detail on modern cut colors with appealing patterns to the consumers.
- Durability: Athleisure clothing is designed to cater to a casual look, whether going out for coffee, running errands, or just lounging at home.
- Athletic-inspired Design: Athleisure clothing often incorporates sporty stripes, logos, and athletic silhouettes, such as joggers, leggings, hoodies, and sneakers.
Conclusion
Numerous athleisure brands are available today, offering their unique take on comfortable and stylish clothing. Whether your only goal is to make a routine trip to the gym or heading out for a quick snack after a heavy workout, athleisure clothing transformed how we dress, balancing comfort, style, and functionality. As the world of sports clothing continues to grow, we can expect these brands to push the boundaries of fashion, technology, and sustainability, shaping the future of how we dress for both active activities and daily life.