Athleisure: What it is and Best Clothing 2024

When it comes to fashion, the possibilities are many, there are as many styles as there are personal preferences and within these the combinations are even more extensive. As a result, new styles of clothing emerge every season, sometimes they are styles that were in fashion a few years ago and are renewed, sometimes they are completely new. One of the most recent is the casual sports style or athleisure. Don't worry if it is the first time you hear this term, by the end of reading our article you will have learned everything about it, from what it is and what characterizes it, to its key items and what mistakes to avoid making.

What is athleisure?

The word athleisure arises from the fusion of “athletic” (athletic) and “leisure” (leisure), and defines a style of clothing that combines comfort with functionality. That is, it seeks to unite the comfort of sportswear with the versatility and style of casual clothing.

In other words, athleisure allows you to bring clothing originally designed for physical activity into your everyday life, creating comfortable and fashionable looks.

Characteristics of the women's athleisure style

What are the unique characteristics of the athleisure style, and what differentiates it from other styles? We discuss it below:

Comfort

You could say that comfort is one of the main characteristics of athleisure style. The looks should feel comfortable, not restrict movement or have extra accessories.

Fabrics

Most of the fabrics that make up athleisure style garments are breathable, soft and elastic, so that, clearly, they allow freedom of movement and adapt to the figure.

Adaptability

The possibility of including more “formal” garments to the looks makes sportswear suitable for, for example, work events, celebrations, special occasions, etc. How flexible and adaptable it is will depend entirely on the creativity of the person wearing the looks, but the possibilities are practically endless.

Accessories

Accessories play an important role in women's athleisure, as they elevate looks from completely casual to much more special. For example, to a basic black total look of leggings, shirt and blazer, adding eye-catching jewelry, a neon-colored bag or some stilettos completely turns it around and makes it something much more striking.

Relax

Regardless of the accessories that are added or the layers that are used to create the look, it has to scream “relax” in some way. That is, the look has to convey that feeling of being comfortable, which so distinguishes the athleisure style.

Who does the athleisure style suit?

The athleisure style is a fairly democratic trend, as it flatters all body types and styles. Which is due to its vast versatility, without it, adapting the garments to different figures and personal preferences would be completely impossible. Now, there are certain clothes that flatter some bodies more than others, for example:

• Curvy silhouette: For this type of silhouette it is recommended to opt for garments that define the waist, such as high-waisted leggings, skirts or dresses with an elastic waist. Dark colors and vertical prints will help stylize the figure.
• Slim silhouette: Baggy clothing, such as oversized pants or loose sweatshirts, are ideal, as well as light colors and striking prints, which can add volume to the figure.
• Low silhouette: If you have a low silhouette and want to stylize your legs, for example, always opt for a high waist and make sure that what you wear underneath, whether pants or leggings, is the same color as the shoes. In this way, visually there is no cut and the legs appear longer.
• Tall silhouette: People with a tall silhouette can enjoy options with almost no restrictions. However, if you want to balance height, the ideal is to opt for medium or low-rise garments, light colors and horizontal striped prints.

Best clothes for a sporty look for women 2024

There are certain garments that are key to creating a sporty, casual, comfortable look that exudes personality, these garments are:

Leggings

Fundamental piece of athleisure because they come in a wide variety of styles, colors and materials, from classic nylon sports leggings to more daring options with prints or textures that you can use to do any sport without any problem, the quality and comfort it gives you. It's incredible, so if, for example, you practice aerial yoga you will see that this is true.

Joggers

Joggers are comfortable, loose pants, ideal for a look that conveys “comfort.” Sustainable joggers are typically made from cotton, polyester, or fabric blends, and they also come in a variety of colors and styles, from classic joggers to joggers with elastic ankles or decorative details.

Sweatshirts

Basic and versatile garments, perfect for adding a touch of comfort and style to any look. Sustainable sweatshirts for women scream athleisure and recently they are often worn short or oversized with biker shorts.

Sneakers

Sneakers are often where you begin to create the look. A classic example of this case is the combination of formal dress clothes with sports shoes to go to work.

Accessories

Incorporating caps, bucket hats, tote bags or backpacks into women's sports outfits gives them that sporty but not so sporty touch. One of the most used accessories in this style are cross-body fanny packs, mega practical and modern.

Oversized t-shirts

Oversized t-shirts are ideal for a casual and casual look. There are sustainable t-shirts with many different prints, from basic colors to bright colors and for all tastes, which is why they are usually the key piece of looks.

Keys to sporty looks for women

With the athleisure trend, women's sports style has ceased to be exclusive for the gym or physical activities, but has become a fashion trend that will most likely never cease to exist. If you like to feel comfortable and fashionable at the same time, here are some keys to create stylish sporty looks:

Choose the right clothes

Opt for clothes made with breathable, soft materials that fit well to your body, if they are made of recycled materials much better. But, above all things, look for clothes that adapt to your personal style, remember that the key is that you feel comfortable with what you are wearing.

Combine with style

• Athleisure + casual: Mix sportswear with casual clothing, such as jeans, t-shirts or blazers, for a more versatile look.
• Athleisure + elegant: Elevate your sporty look with more elegant pieces, such as heels, bags or jewelry.

Accessories that make a difference

Complement your look with accessories that protect you from the sun or the cold and give it an even more personal touch, such as caps, scarves, neck warmers, glasses, etc. In the same way, choose practical and functional bags that allow you to carry everything you need, but that do not break the harmony of the outfit.

Comfortable and versatile footwear

Sneakers are the quintessential athleisure footwear, but you can also opt for sandals, boots or bowls depending on the occasion. For example, if you want to achieve a more comfortable look, choose flat shoes such as loafers or ballet flats. If, on the other hand, you want a more daring and elegant look, you can always combine your sportswear with heels.

Don't forget the details

A natural hairstyle and simple makeup will perfectly complement your sporty look. Does this mean that you can't use makeup with more color or more load? Of course not. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident with what you are wearing. There is a saying that says “It's not the clothes, but the hanger,” referring to the fact that whoever wears the clothes is the one who finishes wearing them. This style couldn't be applied better, the better you feel in what you wear, the better it will look and the better you will look.

5 mistakes you should avoid in athleisure style

If you're thinking about starting to integrate this style into your wardrobe or your daily looks, you're sure to make mistakes, and that's okay. Beyond the “rules” of what is right or wrong, and what goes together and what doesn't, fashion and the way we dress is a form of personal expression and therefore, it is subjective. You wear what suits you and makes you feel good. Beyond this, when starting out in the athleisure style, what are considered to be the most common mistakes are:

Mixing too many sports pieces

Although athleisure is based on the comfort of sportswear, we should not exaggerate. Avoid wearing all sports pieces at the same time, for example, if you are wearing leggings, pair them with a casual t-shirt or sweatshirt instead of a sports jacket and sneakers.

Neglect the details

Sometimes we focus so much on comfort that we forget the details. Those small details can elevate your athleisure look.

Wearing clothes that are worn or in poor condition

Just because the athleisure style is relaxed doesn't mean you should wear old or worn-out clothes. Additionally, with these looks it is very easy to look disheveled, so make sure your clothes are always clean and in good condition.

Forget balance

Athleisure is about combining sporty with casual, don't go overboard in any direction. If you are wearing a loose sweatshirt, balance it with tight pants or vice versa.

Ignore the quality of the garments

Although we seek comfort, we should not sacrifice quality. Invest in good quality pieces that last and look good, preferably from brands that are environmentally conscious and not fast-fashion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, athleisure has established itself as a versatile and modern option for those seeking a balance between functionality and fashion. Whether for exercise or for your daily activities, athleisure offers you a practical and fashionable way of dressing.