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Activewear — also known as athleisure – is gaining serious traction in the world of fashion. Whether it’s for versatility, durability or sheer comfort, more and more people are turning to activewear for their everyday, on-the-go lifestyle fit. “I wear my leggings every single day,” says Kathy Alberts, who turned 73 recently. “I can style them up or down, they go with everything, and they feel great!”
Insulated leggings, which are lined with fleece, are an excellent option during the colder months, and the compression-fit also improves lower extremity blood flow. You don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate athleisure. Coordinated activewear sets allow people to move through the day – from home officing to walking the dog to grocery shopping — without having to step into the closet to change clothes like Clark Kent stepping into a phone booth to become Superman.
Good-bye buttons and zippers, hello Lycra and spandex.
“Tight-fitting, light-weight athleisure makes anyone feel like an Olympian, or Superman, just running errands around town,” says Seth Pekoe, a 31-year-old VCOM student. Men will often wear leggings under shorts (think NBA players) to enjoy the compression fit without being over-exposed.
“Jogger style pants, especially for men, are huge right now,” Seth continues. “They are a bit more fashion-forward and look good on all different body-types. And because brands such as Nike and Under Armour® tend to be on the pricey side, wearing them in a social setting can project health AND wealth.”
Brands such as GymShark and Avia are more affordable, and easy to up-style with the addition of a few accessories. “I have found that by adding jewelry, a scarf or swapping out my tennis shoes for long socks with boots, I can create an entirely different look,” relates Kaitlyn Horton, a nursing student at Wytheville Community College. Pairing leggings with a long, knit top is a classic feminine look that is a bit more modest and perfect for chilly weather. Oversized sweatshirts are great any time of year and easy to simply throw on over a sports bra and go.
For summer menswear attire, quick-dry nylon shorts are gaining popularity, as they can go from fishing with friends to dinner and drinks while still looking handsome and put-together. Plus, they can be worn without underwear since it is most often built into the shorts. The quick-dry feature is great for moisture-wicking in the summer heat, and the odor-control is an added bonus.
“The fashion trends have seen a return of ‘70s style high-cut shorts for the squatter bros,” notes Seth. Not just for the gym, college campuses are filled with this vintage-inspired look. And forget ironing, activewear is wrinkle-free! A pair of hybrid khaki hiking pants will look great whether you’re hunting for jobs or hunting for mushrooms in the woods. The nylon and elastane materials are snag-free, too, which makes getting caught in a thorny patch much more bearable. These are also a great choice for bouldering and rock climbing. The possibilities are literally endless.
Since many of us spend long hours sitting at a desk for work, when we get the chance to take a little break, we might opt to go hit some balls at the driving range or walk a nearby trail — anything to get up and moving. A form-fitting cotton-poly blend golf dress or a pair of high-rise nylon ankle pants can work well for both strutting around the office and putting around the green.
Local retailers such as Tangent Outfitters and Walkabout are great choices for finding stylish clothing that can transition from work to play. Some of the more recognizable brands, such as Patagonia and The North Face, are omnipresent in these stores. Though expensive, these brands hold up well to rigorous training activities and will last for many years with proper care.
Lululemon®, Athleta® and Alo Yoga® are higher-end brands with a loyal fanbase in the world of activewear and plenty of colors, patterns and prints to choose from. Proving that active is attractive, the demand for athleisure is at an all-time high and so is the supply.
Though polyester is often used for its moisture wicking and odor control properties, some people prefer a cotton blend or jersey fabric for their activewear because it is softer on the skin. For women, there are improvements to the design and materials every season– with pockets being added to sports bras for convenience, cumbersome pads being swapped for full coverage, and shirt lengths being shortened to accommodate higher waisted pants.
In men’s activewear, matching ensembles like tracksuits are now being offered in bolder colors and crazier patterns than ever before, because who doesn’t want to appear comfy AND creative? Comfort is truly king these days.
“Don’t tell anyone, but I wear my wife’s yoga pants,” says a local Blacksburg gentleman who would like to remain anonymous. “She doesn’t mind, and they’re just so comfortable!”
Text by Emily K. Alberts
NRV freelance writer Emily Kathleen Alberts loves activewear, because let’s face it, we could all use a little “wiggle room” in our lives.
