Athleisure is one of the most popular styles of clothing. The widespread availability of high-tech performance textiles has inspired many clothing brands and fashion designers to make workout garb and gear with luxe materials for a fashion-forward take on gym and yoga studio mainstays. Casual clothing is also being made of materials that originated in activewear. From garments that wick away moisture to colorful and breathable soccer socks, here are some ways to wear athleisure outside of the gym.
Layer Athletic Pieces
Activewear makes a comfortable base layer for nearly any outfit. A casual or formal look may include one or more athletic pieces. Many athleisure styles such as undershirts, sports bras, bike shorts, leggings, tights and socks can be worn underneath other layers of clothing of similar or different styles. In many cases, putting on performance gear makes clothing and footwear more comfortable.
Bold colorways and eye-catching silhouettes make athleisure clothing and accessories worthy of notice. These items can match or contrast with other garments or outerwear while adding elements of form-fitting flair or casual comfort to any look.
Women might try wearing a sports bra or crop top under a blazer. Wearing more than one tank top or tunic may create color combinations or layered strap looks. Leggings can be worn alone or paired with garments such as oversized shirts. Bodysuits are also some of the trendiest layering pieces.
Put On Accessories
Athleisure looks more personalized when worn with jewelry, sunglasses, a hat or custom socks. Active clothing is often colorful, but tends to have relatively simple designs. Add detail and texture with earrings, a necklace, bracelet or rings.
High-tech accessories such as smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor the number of steps you take, your heart rate or other information about activity levels. This combined approach to jewelry and technology illustrates the multi-functionality of athleisure garments and gear.
Carrying a bag can also determine whether you look like you are rocking street style or are on your way to or from the gym. A designer purse or stylish work bag dresses up an athleisure look for a busy day that combines work and exercise. A backpack or fanny pack may be preferable for school or casual excursions. The accessories you wear can make an outfit that includes athleisure elements more or less practical for physical activity.
Sport Performance Socks
Show off team pride or add a burst of color to any outfit by designing custom soccer socks. Choose from a large assortment of colors and patterns. Depending on the style of sock you choose to customize, you may have the option to add a logo or lettering.
Sock lengths range from below-knee to mid-calf down to ankle level. The height of a pair of socks will determine the most comfortable and eye-catching way to wear these accessories with shorts, pants or other articles of clothing. There is no better way to make an athleisure look more personalized and unique from head to toe than to order and wear custom socks.
Garments such as shorts, knickers, capris, skirts and dresses can show off socks and accentuate lower legs and feet. You can also roll up ankle-length pants or jeans to expose socks. Performance sport socks can increase your comfort whenever you plan to walk, run or engage in other activities.
Breathable, moisture-wicking socks made out of 100% nylon can also add a colorful and personalized touch to professional or formal outfits while keeping feet dry, cushioned and comfortable all day long. The right pair of custom athletic socks is just as suitable for training and games on the field as daily wear to school or work.
Combine Different Styles
Sportswear makes a comfortable and visually interesting pairing for other styles of clothing. Athleisure styles tend to come in a range of everyday neutrals as well as bright color options. If there is a brand or style of clothing that you find particularly comfortable or flattering, you may want to invest in getting your favorite pieces in several shades.
An outfit built around active basics should be comfortable and versatile. In some cases, you may prefer to showcase an eye-catching piece of athletic garb or gear as part of an otherwise casual or formal look. Depending on the occasion, you may want to draw more or less attention to a mix of athletic and other clothing and accessory styles. For formal or professional dress, athletic articles can ensure you stay cool or warm, depending on the season.
Athleisure is also starting to overlap more with casual clothing styles, particularly when worn as layers. Depending on the color or design of a shirt or pair of leggings, these garments may not actually look like activewear when worn in other contexts.
Try On Activewear-Inspired Casual Styles
A growing number of athleisure clothing brands are making styles intended for casual or formal wear in addition to specialized sports clothing and accessories. These garments tend to be made of high-tech performance fabrics and come in more conventional colors and cuts for wearing everyday or on special occasions.
Styles that have athletic elements but are not designed for wear during intense physical activity may not be as versatile as dedicated sports clothing and equipment. Depending on how and when you plan to wear athleisure styles, you may prefer to focus on functional pieces that can be layered, dressed up or dressed down or showcase pieces to add a sporty element to any outfit. The right balance of comfort, durability and flexibility is essential if you plan to wear the same garments for activities and relaxation.
These are just a few ways to incorporate athletic clothing into stylish looks. If you are just starting to experiment with adding athleisure to your wardrobe, look for comfortable basics to dress up or down, layer or wear as accent pieces. T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, leggings and soccer socks can all be fashionable features of outfits that are just as comfortable for physical exertion as for relaxation. Athleisure clothing and accessories make it possible to prioritize both fashion and functionality.
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