Here’s how to upgrade your sweaty staples with an athleisure uniform that looks good in the gym or during fashion week
Photos by JP Talapian | Styling by Gian Gonzalez | Grooming by Hannah Patriarca | Art Direction by Marian Hukom | Model Tim Troetschel of New Monarq | Shot at Vermosa Sports Hub and Sante Fitness Lab
It’s been years since the athleisure craze hit the market and while there have been shifts in the industry—from high fashion brands reinventing activewear with fervent collaborations to more traditional performance brands such as Under Armour returning to its roots—athletes and non-performing individuals alike are ultimately committed to the laid-back quality and comfort the style weaves into their way of life.
There is still an electrifying appeal to the idea of clothes that activate your inner sportsperson (seriously) or embrace that extra spring in your step with designs that show off your physique. But how do you nail athleisure without looking like you’re stuck in the past? Here’s how:
Pay attention to fabric
Basic activewear commandment that still holds true today is that the pieces should be driven by threads that are soft and lightweight enough for you to bend and flex.
Don’t be afraid of color
The superior power of color in changing your mood is reason enough to don this new take on a track suit—bright, all-weather outerwear perfect for pre- and post-workout duties. Put on a cool pair of Oakley sunglasses and the result is crazy cool.
Focus on layering
Technically, bulk isn’t necessarily a bad thing—if you know what you’re doing. This look is more street really with the windbreaker but pair it with cycling shorts to tone down the volume. And for serious cyclists, your Oakley Flight Jacket sunglasses can come in handy for more fashionable moments.
Comfort is still key
But even so, diversify from tapered or slim-fit sweats and joggers with more relaxed pieces. Comfy but not too baggy. Loose enough for a trendier take but not too lumpy that it comes off lazy. Fitted silhouettes are nice and all but variety such as this statement logo top adds interest to your wardrobe.
All about balance
Staples are called that for a reason but instead of pairing neutral joggers with a basic tee, try this neon option from Adidas—with equally vivid socks—to distinguish yourself among the sea of blacks and whites. The key here is to break these strong colors up.
Experiment with style choices
Bring a little more collegiate finesse to your athleisure wardrobe with overshirts and sweat shorts that are durable enough for pretty much any kind of workout session. Sure, the mock neck and long-sleeved shirt combo isn’t something you’d find in the gym worn together for obvious reasons but this look is an elegant and fresh alternative after a shower.