Athleisure is taking over wardrobes, with 43% of consumers claiming it makes up more than half of their clothing. Now worth $396.7 billion globally, the market for these goods is set to more than double by 2034, as the blend of fitness, leisure, and workwear continues to entice consumers and designers.
But now we’ve broken free from traditional sportswear, how can we add more personality to our looks?
With athleisure continuing to dominate the fashion industry, the experts at luxury fashion brand AN-Y1 were intrigued to discover the most popular athleisure items for the ultimate winter wardrobe, and how they can be styled.
Five athleisure staples to dress up this winter
Leggings reign supreme in the athleisure world, racking up a whopping 354,000 monthly searches globally. A wardrobe staple, they’re not just for workouts—leggings can be your secret weapon for an effortlessly chic look, as seen on style stars like Rosie Huntington-Whitley. And when winter hits? No problem. With thermal and fleece-lined options, leggings can keep you looking sleek and staying cosy.
How to style: Layer with an oversized hoodie or sweatshirt – choose neutral or muted tones for a sleek, minimal aesthetic, or go bold with a pop of colour. Complete the outfit with some chunky trainers and a sporty beanie or baseball cap, giving your outfit that laid-back, sporty vibe.
The second must-have for your winter wardrobe? Sweatpants, racking up an impressive 245,000 average monthly searches. Ideal for those laid-back days when you’re heading out for a quick stroll, going for a run, or just craving something cosy. Even style icon Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted rocking them! With the right touch of styling, sweatpants effortlessly blend comfort and chic, making them a go-to staple for your winter outfits.
How to style: Pair your sweatpants with a fitted turtleneck and classic bomber jacket. Wear chunky trainers or high-tops, and accessorise with a cosy beanie and scarf. Stick to matching tones for a streamlined effect or add a pop of colour to bring the outfit to life.
Tracksuits take third place in the athleisure game with an impressive 223,000 searches each month. A favourite of style queen Rihanna, they’ve evolved into the ultimate casual-cool outfit. Perfect for winter, tracksuits are your go-to for those chilly mornings when you need to dash out the door fast – while still looking effortlessly coordinated.
How to style: Layer with a longline puffer coat, opting for a colour that pairs well with the tracksuit. Keep your trackie monotone, you can always add in colour with your accessories. Try switching up trainers for sleek combat boots or lace-up ankle boots to give your look a trendy, urban twist.
The founders at AN-Y1 comment on the popularity of the athleisure fashion trend:
“The athleisure fashion trend has been gaining more and more popularity in the past few years, as people have been prioritising comfort in their everyday clothes. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that sports jackets, tracksuits and oversized jackets are so often sought after, having turned into absolute athleisure staples.
“One of the best things about this particular fashion trend is that it provides the opportunity to both dress down or dress up your outfit. So for instance, leggings can be easily styled to achieve a more dressy look, while oversized jackets can help achieve a more casual look.”
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