What is athleisure and is it the same as active wear?

The term ‘athleisure’ has been around since 1979, but in recent years this fashion movement has really started to take off. Becoming more popular in the mid-2000s alongside an uptake in influencers and celebrities sporting the look, athleisure is now an everyday term among younger people especially. But what exactly is it, and what makes it different from regular activewear? 

If you find yourself asking this question and you aren’t sure about the defining features of both of these styles, or whether you’re unsure which is a more appropriate style for you, keep reading as we discuss the key differences between each and offer some styling tips to help you put together a trendy look.

What is athleisure wear?

Athleisure clothing is one of the newer trends, it’s a versatile option that blends both function and fashion. It is designed for everyday wear and is particularly popular amongst those who live an active lifestyle as it can be worn in non-sport activities, making it perfect for when you’re running errands, or travelling between sports clubs, studios, and other daily activities. Aside from all of this, it also features a trendy streetwear element so that you can take a contemporary and casual approach to your style, even if you don’t work out frequently.

Athleisure clothes are often made from similar materials to those used in traditional sportswear, as the technical materials offer more breathability and flexibility. You’ll often find that athleisure also features seamless garments, this is to help ensure maximum comfort in everyday pursuits, and common items include things like hoodies, leggings, joggers, yoga and track pants and sometimes polo shirts and t-shirts. 

How do you wear athleisure?

There are two main different styles when it comes to athleisure wear, with comfort being key in each. The first of these styles is oversized, and the second is slim fit. Depending on what you prefer, you can combine the two or opt for just one type of fit. For example, pairing an oversized shirt with slim fit leggings is a popular choice for women whereas joggers and a slim fit tee is popular with men.

You can pair these looks with a pair of retro trainers and a tote bag for a relaxed look, or you can opt for an oversized coat or a cashmere jumper for a more formal look that can easily be transformed into a sports-ready get up as and when you need it. 

What is activewear?

Activewear is a more familiar concept, and makes up a large portion of the clothing that you see on the Avec Sport website. This category consists of everything from sports bras and athletic shorts to team kits and compression fits. Put simply, activewear is solely designed for exercising and is made for intense activity - it is made from moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics and is often more intentionally designed to incorporate support and innovative features to enhance your performance. 

While athleisure and activewear can overlap in some way, understanding the differences will help you to choose a more appropriate fit and decide what you need to accommodate your active lifestyle.

How to style activewear

Because activewear is designed for function and not fashion, you don’t specifically need to style your workout wardrobe if you don’t want to - just opt for comfortable fits that can support your exercise. With that being said, however, you can incorporate fashion elements into your outfit, especially when mixing your active and athleisure clothing. The trick to doing so is to use layers. Athleisure tees, sweatshirts and hoodies often go hand in hand with activewear leggings, cycle or athletic shorts, and joggers. This combination of fitted and relaxed garments helps to create a more balanced silhouette.

From there, you can choose to add accessories - but if you are going to be exercising, we strongly suggest choosing ones that will be functional. For example, a cap if you are running outdoors in the sun, a beanie if you’re travelling to the gym in winter, or sliders if you’re doing exercises such as a yoga class. If you’re in a hurry to be somewhere before or after your exercise, pair with jewellery, sunglasses and a statement bag to dress up the look.

An example of a combination look can be seen below, which features an athleisure style polo top paired with navy track pants. This type of look is particularly popular amongst busy lifestyles as it allows for light exercise whilst creating a more polished aesthetic. Combining elements of streetwear, function, and fashion, this is ideal for spectating matches, coaching sessions, running errands, or any other casual everyday activity.

Get the Look: ELITE + PIQUE POLO | EVOLVE TECH PANT - NAVY

Can activewear and athleisure be used interchangeably? 

 Some pieces are likely to be able to be used interchangeably, however it is important that they are designed for different purposes and many athleisure garments won’t be suitable for intense levels of exercise. For example, a baggy oversized athleisure shirt might be acceptable for things like walking or perhaps lifting weights, but they aren’t likely to be any good for cardio exercises or yoga. 

Of course, some activewear pieces have been designed with style at the forefront which would allow you to use them more interchangeably. For example, the Focus 2 Track Jacket makes for a stylish outer layer with any outfit, but the innovative performance materials ensure that it can be used in sports settings, moving excess moisture away from the body to keep you comfortable. In the image below, the jacket has been paired with a classic white tee for a casual athleisure look, but it can be layered on top of a sports jersey and worn with joggers, running shorts, or track pants if you’re looking for performance over fashion.

Get the Look: FOCUS 2 TRACK JACKET

Curate an on-trend active or athleisure look with Avec Sport

By adding both activewear and athleisure pieces to your workout wardrobe, you can be ready for anything. Our selection of activewear will ensure that you are kept comfortable, confident and supported during your workouts, all the while our lifestyle and athleisure clothing will make versatile and stylish outfits an easy possibility. Explore the full range at Avec Sport to find what you need to upgrade your style.