Athleisure…What is it and why do we care?

If you don’t know what athleisure is, you may know it by one of its other names. Sports luxe, activewear, active fashion… whatever you call it, it’s basically putting a stylish spin on your work-out clothes to combine active living with leisure.

Once upon a time you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing your gym clothes in every day life, but as health and fitness have risen in popularity over the past few years, so has gym-to-street fashion. 

Who started it?

There’s no particular person we can trace it back to, but the idea of wearing active wear as a casual outfit has been growing since women started wearing yoga pants in the 90s, and Juicy Couture tracksuits were the in thing in the early 2000’s. These days almost any celebrity can be spotted swapping stilettos and pencil skirts for sneakers and slouch pants.

There are a couple of modern day athleisure icons though. Throw any search for athleisure into Google, and models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner appear every time. These girls can rock sports leggings and sneakers with high fashion like no others.

 Shop: 1. Black and Olive Reversible Puffer Jacket, 2. Black Waffle Swing Top, 3. Black Active Legging, 4. Black Colombia Sunglasses, 5. Black Turin Canvas Shoes

Why is it popular?

The rise of athleisure has stemmed from two main lifestyle factors.

1.  We are busy people and need clothes that transition through each part of our day. That is, if you're already wearing your leggings and sneakers to the supermarket, just throw your hair up into a ponytail and take off your jacket to be gym ready in a flash.

2. We want to appear active… even if our version of fitness is squatting down to look at the bottom shelf of the fridge. Let’s face it, fitness is fashionable, but not only that, it’s considered sexy to be fit and active.

Who wouldn’t want to look fashionable and sexy in the comfort of their active clothes! Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Biel definitely make it work! 

Shop our Active edit to find your own Athleisure look

Just a fad or here to stay?

Our gut feel? It’s here to stay. This is one fashion trend that isn’t just about the clothes you put on your body. Sure, it’s a style that is comfy, easy to wear, and practical for every day, but it’s also a style that promotes healthy living and inspires people to be more active.

And as for swapping tight jeans and uncomfortable shoes for slouch pants and sneakers… don’t mind if I do!

What’s your favourite things about this active fashion trend? Do you think it’s here to stay?

Show us your favourite athleisure look by tagging us on Instagram (@bluebungalow).