As more people recognize the importance of personal fitness, the market for high-quality, stylish workout gear grows. The call for fashionable, sturdy clothes that can go from work to the gym has grown tremendously in the past five years. The trend of stylish activewear has developed from this desire, and now even luxury brands are jumping on the athleisure bandwagon.
What Athleisure Is
You would be hard pressed to miss the uptick in athleisure fashion in the past years. Designers create athleisure clothing to be able to transition from the gym to the workplace to a social occasion. The market has been eating up these garments, which means more and more brands are creating their own athleisure lines to capitalize on the trend.
Where to Wear It
Where can you wear athleisure? It might be easier to outline where you CAN’T wear athleisure. Because these pieces are meant to be so multi-purpose, only occasions that call for formal wear are off limits. Wear your athleisure clothing to the gym, to brunch, to the club, or to bed!
Our Favorite Brands
LNDR
We design for women with a modern active lifestyle – blurring the line between casual everyday and technical active wear.
LNDR is the perfect place to find multipurpose athleisure clothing. Their pieces are carefully designed to work with the body, creating high quality garments for exercise. Their clothing is also stylish and comfortable enough to wear around the house or out to brunch.
We especially love their Eclipse Cycle Jacket designed for outdoor cycling enthusiasts. It’s waterproof, breathable, and reflective. This stylish jacket also features a “large chest pocket and two waterproof zip pockets on the waist for your keys, lock, gym pass or phone.” Buy one for yourself for $430.
Varley
Varley is a performance-first lifestyle brand committed to creating technically innovative, fashion forward apparel for the modern woman. With headquarters in London and Los Angeles, we take a technically advanced approach to up-to-the-minute design that blends London’s cosmopolitan elegance with L.A.’s active lifestyle.
Varley creates athletic wear for active fashionistas. Their garments pair the aesthetics of high fashion design with high-performance activewear. Their beautiful pieces will help you look stunning all through your spin class.
Among our favorite pieces is the Jennifer Noir Marble Crop made from the brand’s signature VAR-Tech fabric. The crop provides support during training, while the mesh panel provides breathability. Get your own for just $75.
Koral
Deviating from the predictable to conceive unstoppable fashion for unstoppable lives.
Koral athleisure is Instagram-ready. The uber-stylish activewear pairs luxurious fabrics with flattering, functional performance design. You will look great wearing Koral’s gorgeous garments wherever you go.
Koral’s Pump Pullover is a cropped, long sleeve raglan top made of open mesh to highlight your cute sports bra or bralette. The pullover sells for $135.
The Upside
THE UPSIDE strives towards the philosophy of a healthy lifestyle made attainable through activewear that is informed by fashion without abandoning functionality.
Founder Jodhi Meares created The Upside to fill a gap in the activewear market. She saw a distinct lack of athleisure clothing that catered to fashion forward individuals. The Upsides garments “are informed by fashion without without abandoning functionality.”
We think the best example of this pairing of form and function are their Bowie Shorts. These chic shorts feature The Upside logo print and statement bow detailing, creating workout shorts that are flattering and stylish. The Upside asks $119 for these shorts.
Adidas by Stella McCartney
Innovative materials meet stunning design in a collection crafted for the fearless female athlete.
Fenty Puma by Rihanna
Most likely to break the rules, Rihanna returns as PUMA Creative Director for her third season. The latest FENTY PUMA by Rihanna collection takes classic school uniforms and dismantles them. Varsity jackets are reimagined with exaggerated dimensions. Sneakers meet stiletto heels. Preppy meets provocative. Unexpected cutlines, premium materials, and chenille patches abound.
The Fenty Puma by Rihanna leans more heavily on form than function, but we can forgive them because the clothes are just so chic. All of the pieces in the collection are perfect for a chill day of shopping, relaxing, or spending the day with friends.
We adore the Satin Track Pant from the collection. The label elevates standard track pants with color-blocking. gathered ankles, and stylish zipper details. Pick up a pair for $220.
Ivy Park
Ivy Park is merging fashion-led design with technical innovation. Creating a new kind of performance wear: modern essentials for both on and off the field.
Beyonce’s athleisure line seeks to empower women to meet their goals, in and out of the gym. The stylish performance wear has a chic, urban vibe. And, really, who doesn’t want to dress like Beyonce.
The line’s Jacquard block ankle leggings feature symmetrically blocked leggings that are incredibly flattering. The leggings also feature ventilating mesh panels behind the knees to keep you cool all through your workout.
