Athleisure is a stylish solution for anyone who wants to look their best all day long and feel completely comfortable, and it’s no wonder the athletic-inspired aesthetic has become phenomenally popular in recent years. While certainly trendy, athleisure wear is here to stay.
A model wearing a neon coat and beanie with a tan zip-front sweatshirt, tan lounge pants and sneakers.
The Benefits of Athleisure Wear.
What is athleisure? This style offers relief from uncomfortable seams, tight waistbands and expensive dry-cleaning bills. The perfect combination of athletic wear and leisure wear, athleisure is:
Comfortable: Less restrictive than traditional clothing, athleisure wear allows for free movement. It’s typically made with lightweight, stretchy, breathable materials, and it stays comfortably in place all day without adjusting.
Flattering: Athleisure wear offers smooth lines and slim-fitting silhouettes. It’s not bulky or oversized, and it keeps its shape without sagging or bunching.
Versatile: Highly functional, athleisure wear is ideal for almost every casual daily activity—there’s virtually no reason to change your outfit throughout the day. It can also be mixed and matched with other items in your closet.
Durable: Its materials stand up beautifully, even when worn every day.
Easy to care for: Most athleisure clothing can be thrown in the washer and dryer. It’s also typically made with stain-resistant performance fabrics.
Economical: Athleisure wear is generally quite affordable, and it lasts a long time. Plus, you’ll never need to pay for dry cleaning.
Models wearing different athleisure pieces including leggings, yoga pants, a tank top, sweatshirt and T-shirt.
Building an Athleisure Wardrobe
Athleisure is more than yoga pants and sweatshirts. Here’s a head-to-toe look at what your athleisure wardrobe can include:
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Full-zip hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, half-zip pullovers—pick one or add all these styles to your closet. Hoodies and sweatshirts are a breeze to layer under a jacket or coat, over a tee or both. For maximum versatility, go for neutral colors and nonbulky materials.
Classic Tees
You can wear either a long-sleeve or short-sleeve T-shirt under a sweatshirt or hoodie. When wearing a tee on its own, a long-sleeve style is a better choice for the workplace. (And if you’re aiming for business casual, be sure it’s long enough to cover your waistband.) Solid neutrals are versatile staples, while a bold stripe can add interest and energy.
Tanks
Ideal under a full-zip hoodie or a soft jacket, tanks are also great on their own when the weather is warm.
Leggings
Leggings can be paired with a sweatshirt or a jacket and sneakers or booties. They can also be layered under a casual dress or skirt. Depending on your footwear and the look you’re going for, opt for either full-length or 7/8-length leggings.
Yoga Pants
Offering a flattering fit with a bit of a flared leg, yoga pants are a wardrobe staple that can be worn to the studio and beyond.
Joggers
Close-fitting joggers offer a distinctive, sporty silhouette that’s just right paired with a sweatshirt and sneakers.
Dresses
Easy, comfortable dresses can be star players in your athleisure lineup. They can be dressed up with a jacket and booties or dressed down with a full-zip hoodie and fresh sneaks. For a business-casual setting, opt for midi and maxi lengths.
Sneakers
Cool sneakers are key to your athleisure look. Whether they’re leather, suede or canvas, be sure your kicks are clean and cared for. Bright white sneakers are an athleisure staple—or shake things up with a bold shade of orange or red.
For your athleisure clothing, neutral colors like black, grey, beige and white offer the greatest mix-and-match versatility. A neutral palette makes it easy to style your athleisure pieces with other items in your closet—you can add a fresh pop of color to your ensemble with a hat, knit scarf, T-shirt or sneakers.
A model wearing a T-shirt dress with a jacket, belt bag and sneakers.
Athleisure in a Business-Casual Environment
Athleisure has become common in many workplaces, especially with the boom in remote working. The comfy styles make it easy to take exercise breaks during your workday, whether that’s a brisk walk around the block, a session on your home treadmill or a quick trip to the park.
As with traditional office attire, your athleisure wardrobe should be intentional and well-maintained. For a successful athleisure business-casual look, make sure your outfit doesn’t appear too casual. Avoid heavy, shapeless pieces and be sure nothing is frayed, stained or worn-out.
A model wearing a casual cardigan with a tank top and leggings.
Athleisure vs. Aktive Kleidung
While athleisure wear has its roots in athletic clothing and offers many of the benefits of activewear, you probably don’t want to wear it for sweaty workouts—especially if it’s a regular part of your work wardrobe. When exercising, it’s best to stick with pieces you’ve reserved exclusively for the gym.
Why do we love athleisure wear? Because it feels comfortable and looks great all day long, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Whether you need to build a new athleisure wardrobe from scratch or update it with a few key pieces.
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