The rise of Athleisure fashion

The last two years of my life have been lived largely in “athleisure” fashion.

For one year, I worked from home. So, when I prepared for the day ahead, I would immediately throw on a pair of tights and a workout top, allowing me to quickly dash off to my midday workout before returning back to my desk for the rest of the afternoon.

A year later it was time to move on, and I found myself working for lululelmon athletica, the mecca of all activewear.

It’s safe to say, I was one of the activewear-wearing pioneers, and now, as a full-time Personal Trainer and writer, activewear still remains my foremost choice in clothing.

And lately, it’s been all the rage, from respected business magazines such Forbes to fashion-forward ones such as Glamour, people are taking note that this trend is here to stay.

Millenials, people like me and most likely you, are the very reason athleisure has been given such a boost. Accounting for 28% of the entire U.S populations, us millennials are spending more money than ever and activewear happens to be one of the top ten ways we’re spending it. With gym-kit accounting for almost 17% of the entire retail clothing market, money spent on items such as women’s tights has increased by 24% in just 12 months (Forbes.com).

But, us millennials aren’t the only ones to thank for all the love activewear is receiving. The fast growing health trend is another reason that gym kit is doing so well. Fast-food and soda revenue have dropped considerably over the last seven years while gym memberships in the U.S have increased between 2004 to 2014 from 41.3 million to 54.1 million (Forbes.com).

And who can forget the very main reason gym kit is booming; It’s bloody comfortable and flattering! I would choose a pair of lululemon High Times Pants over jeans any day.

So, how do you wear your activewear?

Some suggest finding a happy medium, and this definitely applies if you are wearing your kit to brunch or even out for dinner.

Just the other night I headed to the cinema in my tights along with a slouchy black knit sweater. But, as a Fitness Writer and Personal Trainer, most days I’ll be dressed head to toe in my gym kit; Think nike trainers, mid-calf stance socks, a tank and a cropped sweater. 

In the end, if you’re comfortable and happy with how you look, then by all means take it to the streets.

See here for some of my favourite activewear looks on Pinterest and check out my all-time favourite YouTube video taking the mick out of the activewear fad that’s not going anywhere.