Athleisure, or workout wear, has been fashionable for a while now.
But all that recent staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the style to explode in an even bigger way, resulting in more luxurious and high-end designs in 2022.
Comfort is still the name of the game. But the looks being rocked by Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and NBA star Jayson Tatum of late suggest that the trend is no longer just about attire you can wear to the gym and brunch. Instead, it now encompasses entire ensembles with chic designs, complementary jewellery and watches, too!
Want to make the style work for you? Here are a few athleisure starter pack essentials.
Leggings to stand and be seen in
Sweatpants and leggings were once frowned upon when worn outside the gym and/or home. Not anymore! Instead, versatile bottoms have become the No. 1 athleisure must-haves in every wardrobe.
Choices abound, naturally, from fitted, sweat-wicking yoga pants to more comfy styles, but for a touch of pizazz, why not go for colourful prints or party-ready pants in luxurious material like cashmere or fleece? There are also loose-leg styles for men that are great for work and play.
Tee off right with technical tees
You can’t go wrong with a workout or technical tee. Everyone ought to have a few of these in their wardrobe.
The best t-shirts feature breathable fabrics that draw sweat away from the skin and keep you cool whether you’re running or powerlifting. But the big reason to own a bunch of tech tees is that they go with everything!
Similarly, one can never have too many chic-yet-functional sports bras, which can double up as tank tops.
Time for timepieces
Just as a great watch makes a look, so does it raise your athleisure game.
There are no hard and fast rules, though. So you could just as easily combine your sweats and tee with a classic Swiss-made mechanical timepiece. If versatility is what you’re in the market for, look no further than the Drift Racer from Bernhard H. Mayer.
Fusing sportiness and class, the ebony show-stopper — with its scratch-proof sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating, and black rubber band and folding clasp buckle — is destined to help you race through the day with a stylish and elegant edge.
It’s the perfect statement piece for a modern and sporty yet luxurious look.
Put your best feet forward
You may not always need shoes to work out — like, for example, if you’re doing yoga or Pilates. Yet, no athleisure look would be complete without a great pair of sneakers.
But what should you choose, bearing in mind the various functionalities and stylish and, yes, celeb-endorsed options?
If you can only get one pair, aim for kicks that can take you from the gym to the club in no time. Old school looks are currently in, and you can’t go wrong with classic designs.
Dressed up and hooded
Nothing dresses up gym wear quite like a hoodie. Hooded tops today have gone from boring, baggy and mostly grey to glossy, cool and runway-worthy, and available in various styles and fits.
Want to add minimalistic cool to fitted two-toned leggings? What about a neutral-coloured, luxe hoodie? You could even opt to go for one that’s been embellished with crystals.
Bling it on
Finally, speaking of crystals, teaming attire with the right bling can elevate a look, even if one doesn’t typically get decked out in jewellery for a gym appointment.
Nineties-inspired styles are, primarily, all the rage. So try combining a thin chain necklace with hoop earrings like Bernhard H. Mayer’s bliss hoop earrings, which feature shimmering Tanzanite. Or how about an energy bracelet with a plain top?
At the end of the day, while the current athleisure trend is about form, function and luxurious style, it’s really about embracing who you are.
