The emergence of the ‘athleisure’ movement has been one of the more interesting trends in the world of fashion over the last decade or so. This term is used to chart the movement of gymwear to environments that are strictly not related to exercise. But exactly what is it that’s driven this trend? Let’s take a look at a few important factors.
The Rise of Athleisure in Everyday Fashion
Perhaps the simplest explanation for this trend is the fact that gymwear is extremely comfortable. If you’re just looking to spend some time on the sofa, or you want to be comfortable while you go down to the supermarket, the right pair of leggings, or a gym shirt, might be exactly what’s called for.
This can arguably be traced to the 80s and 90s, when major celebrities and musicians made a point of appearing publically while wearing branded tracksuits and other sportswear. Major high-fashion labels like Prada and Chanel quickly rolled out their own designer gear to capitalise on the trend.
Football Shirts as Fashion Staples
Of course, clothing that’s intended for exercise is also a major component of the world of sports. Different football teams have their own unique identities, expressed through the patterns and colours they traditionally wear. Fans have been able to convey their enthusiasm for a team, and for the sport in general, by wearing a replica shirt. For example, Liverpool fans traditionally wear a replica red shirt. And manufacturers have been able to capitalise on this by releasing a new shirt every year.
In some cases, a football shirt might be worn as a fashion statement by a person who isn’t traditionally associated with a given team. You might recall Kim Kardashian’s wearing of a classic Roma shirt.
How Sports Brands Are Leading the Fashion Revolution
Many sportswear brands have successfully found their way into mainstream fashion, to the point that names like Nike and Adidas are household names. Other, newer brands like Gymshark have also found recognition, thanks to an attractive price point and attractive designs. Once a logo gets traction of this kind, it can be worn on clothing even outside the gym.
The Influence of Sports Culture on Streetwear
We’ve already looked at the influence of the football shirt. But endorsements from famous athletes and sports personalities can also help push a certain brand, or item of clothing into the mainstream.
