You wake up in the morning with a busy day ahead. After staring into your closet for what seems like hours, you pull out a pair of your favorite leggings, pair it with a cute zip-up, and head out the door. We’ve all been there, but what we don’t consider is that athleisure has become a fashion mainstay. 

Ask any 15–45-year-old, “What’s your go-to in everyday wear?” Chances are, they’re going to tell you athleisure. Take a quick look around the grocery store, the airport, or any college campus, and you’ll find your answer just the same.

Athleisure as a Lifestyle Brand

“Athleisure” is a cross between athletic and streetwear that can be worn in and outside of the gym. Athleisure has become one of the most popular go-to fashions, beginning with a fad in leggings, and quickly expanding into fashion forward joggers, sweatshirts, tracksuits, and more. Now, as a fully developed enterprise, blurring the lines of active and every day wear, athleisure is taking the world by storm. 

How Athleisure is Dominating the Apparel Industry

We have seen athleisure in the works for quite some time now, and it is clear to see that it’s not going anywhere, at least not anytime soon. 

How many times have you seen a new brand of leggings or sweats pop up on your Instagram feed? It seems like almost everyone nowadays has their own line of comfy yet stylish attire. The competition within brands has raised the bar and made it less difficult to find stylish garments at an affordable price.

Brands like Fabletics, Gymshark, Adidas, and Nike have transformed their brands into multifunctional wear and driven prices down to compete for consumers. With such variety and affordability, shoppers have turned this fad into real fashion. 

For instance, we are all familiar with Athleta, but did you know that it’s owned by Gap Inc.? From flared track trousers to comfy cardigans, this brand really does “transition from workout to work to weekend.” And this slogan is exactly what the rest of the clothing industry is aiming for. Other companies like American Eagle, Forever 21, and even Kate Spade have incorporated athleisure and activewear categories into their websites.

The primary reason behind the growing popularity is simple: we love comfort. As we continue to pick joggers over jeans, fashion mavens everywhere are seeking comfort, affordability, availability.

Just by taking a look around it is apparent that we are in the midst of a huge shift in culture and style. Apple Watches and Fitbits are now a fashion statement, track suits are acceptable off the track, and sneakers are worn everywhere but the gym. So next time you don’t feel like wearing some uncomfortable jeans, remember that those joggers are totally in anyways!

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Sydney W.