The Rise of Athleisure

Women in sport seemed like an alien idea in the past; an incredible difference in today’s fashion trends, with many choosing athleisure garments even if they do not partake in sports themselves. In 2016, the rise in athleisure led to streetwise, shapeless garments being seen on runways, evoking a feminine aesthetic.Women became freer; less confined by social restrictions and began to participate in sports, that seemed dominated by men. Women were used to wearing long ankle-covering dresses and now the influence of young designers bringing about a more casual style in clothing influenced sportswear, leading to the rise of athleisure. Chanel used jersey fabrics and unrestricting styles to create sportswear inspired designs. Chanel made women feel comfortable allowing them to live unrestricted lives, not only by their choice of clothing but by the liberation that they experienced. The women’s silhouette changed taking in a new body type; muscular with bigger waists.

Tracksuits have become a statement in fashion in the 1990s; now seen as much more than just loungewear and were given a high-fashion aesthetic. We cannot forget the influence of athleisure of fashion today, with a simple tracksuit being recreated and redesigned repeatedly from high-street to couture. Close-fitted styles such as leggings, leotards and legwarmers dominated the 1990s. Trainers were now more than just going to the gym but now, to walk the runway. In the 21st century, the Olympics have dominated, bringing the world together in the name of sport. The 2012 Olympics came to London, there was ever-increasing celebrity endorsement for sports and health was being promoted across the country. Stella McCartney, designer of the 2012 British Olympic and Paralympic teams, gave the world a presentation of patriotic clothing style, giving many designers a motivation to become more involved in sportswear. McCartney, having had previously designed collections for Addidas, is known for her wide ranging collection encompassing a variety of sports. Her knowledge of the styles and fabrics needed to create comfortable clothing for athletes. McCartney is known for her use of sustainable clothing due to her strict vegetarianism and therefore, does not use any animal products; trying to be as sustainable as possible in the footsteps of her mother and father.

This year has seen a considerable rise in the sportswear trend. Last season, tracksuits, skater hoodies and pool sliders became some of the biggest trends. With designers creating couture sliders for men and women alike. The obvious comfort and laid-back nature of this trend highlights the appeal of such wear, even at the most prestigious events. This trend has engulfed high street and couture, with many wearing these trends casually or giving them an updated couture aesthetic.Sportswear is an easy style to capture on any day of the week, at any time. With its new modern look, designers are updating the way in which we wear sportswear, with influential designers like Alexander Wang bringing high-fashion, athleisure garments to high street stores across the world with his collaboration with H&M. The black aesthetic conveyed throughout the collection combined natural sportswear fabrics with his natural urban design aesthetic. Neoprene jumpers and oversized jackets were the many pieces that sold out within the blink of an eye. The collection was a collective of his downtown cool designs with athleisure trends running through it.

It is impossible to ignore a trend that is taking over the fashion industry. From the likes of Chanel in the 1920s the rise in athleisure garments has been ever-increasing for both women. From the inability to play sports to the now popular womenswear trend, sportswear will continue to rise for its liberated, shapeless, comfortable aesthetic.