The Evolution of Athleisure: The origin story of Athleisure

The Evolution of Athleisure: The origin story of Athleisure

A blog by Averi Brayton

Today athleisure is a staple in almost every closet in the world, not only because of its trendiness in today’s society. But also because it is comfortable and cute for everyone’s style. You can dress it up with a trench coat or just wear it to the gym to get a good workout. 

The origin of athleisure dates back to 1921 Paris when notable designer Jean Patou designed a tennis skirt for Suzanne Lenglen to wear in Wimbledon. This is the true start of the fad of athleisure, even though the term was not coined until 1979 in a business article of all places.

The early 2000s marked the birth of "athleisure" as we know it today. Yoga pants and leggings, once confined to the gym, began making their way into everyday wardrobes, championed by celebrities and eventually adopted by the masses. This period saw a significant shift in fashion, with comfort and versatility becoming key drivers in clothing choices. This idea appealed to everyone because who doesn’t want to be comfortable and cute?

From that point on the combination of athletic wear and leisure wear has been interconnected. This makes sense, because shouldn’t exercise clothes be your most comfortable clothes?

A key factor in the rise of athleisure has been technological advancements in fabric and design. Materials such as moisture-wicking fabrics, compression wear, and stretchable textiles have made athleisure items not just fashionable but supremely functional. Much like all of the materials Navano uses to create comfortable, flattering, and trendy athletic clothing. 

These innovations have ensured that athleisure wear can seamlessly transition from a workout session to social gatherings, embodying the modern ethos of an active, on-the-go lifestyle.

I believe the success of athleisure has been so prominent because of the importance of these outfits in our lives. To be productive and happy you need to have confidence in yourself. To have confidence on the inside you need to show that confidence through your look. Dress for yourself and dress for confidence. Athleisure allows people to be comfortable and confident simultaneously.

Athleisure is a trend that changes the attitudes towards health and wellness. As more people prioritize health and fitness, there is a greater demand for clothing that seamlessly transitions from the gym to other daily activities.

As we look to the future, the lines between athletic wear, leisurewear, and high fashion are likely to continue blurring. Athleisure, with its roots in practicality and its branches reaching into the realms of high fashion, demonstrates that the clothes we choose to wear can encapsulate a lifestyle that values both form and function.

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