Gaining momentum in the mid-2010’s, ​Athleisure ​is currently the fastest growing market in the fashion industry. Studies reveal that a vast percentage of consumers are now looking for more numerous and more fashionable options in their workout and fitness clothing. If perceived as a fashion trend, Athleisure may be defined as a movement in which activewear; clothes designed for athletic activities are worn for other purposes such as work clothes, casuals, to school or social occasions. The most frequently purchased athleisure outfits include leggings, yoga pants, sweatpants, gym tanks, sports bras, hoodies, tights, shorts, sneakers and many more. 

The growth of the trend has been unprecedentedly quick meaning that athleisure may now be termed as a fashion industry movement.

How Athleisure Became a Trend

With the rise of casual workplaces and environments which would’ve been regarded as stiflingly formal even a decade ago, ​Activewear ​quickly crept into the zeitgeist. Breathable, lightweight, waterproof and highly absorbent fitness & sportswear made rapid inroads into the casual wear market due to innovations by athletic brands. Therefore, athleisure turned into a substitute to changing your wardrobe in between various casual and fitness related activities.

Athleisure has become a mascot for a healthy lifestyle at this point in time. Features such as odour reduction, stretchability, sweat-wicking and protection from dirt are quickly becoming the norm for apparel production due to innovations by brands and the Follower-Market-Ecosystem. Activewear has now become such a norm that it is now not unprecedented for one to go for a run in the park and thereon to work straightaway.

Way More Than What Meets The Eye

Athleisure and Activewear isn’t just a choice of clothing or a hipster fad anymore - it’s perhaps the most common lifestyle statement as the world enters the 2020s. ​It has become a way of life! In a world of instagrammable moments and influencers, an athletic and actively fit lifestyle is what the populace aspires towards. This trend has also paved the way for a whole new genre of innovation and skillful development in the Apparel & Casualwear industry and that is something to look forward to for the average joe as well. 

With the advent of numerous apparel and fashion wear players into the Athleisure & Activewear market, a bright future looms over the horizon for the athletes and common consumers alike. The dawn of a fit humanity? 

We’ll wait and see!