JOIN USWhen sports meets fashion
Fashion is not just about design and colours, but also about comfort and confidence. This probably explains why athleisure has been going strong all these years. For the uninitiated, athleisure is a portmanteau of the words ‘athletic’ and ‘leisure’ and is a category that includes casual clothing that is great not just for hitting the gym, but also to wear to work, college or even a casual brunch with your friends, if you chic-it up a little.
It is tough to pinpoint where the trend started. But, it is likely that the increasing popularity of street style fashion and the increased interest in athleisure coincided. Its unique fabrication, attention to detail and design seems to be pushing people more and more towards the trend.
Great style and functionality
An athleisure style is the perfect blend of ‘cool’ with great style and functionality, be it is dressed up or dressed down. Sunishka Goenka, owner of an activewear brand, Myriad, says that fashionable and comfortable activewear is something that she always looked for. The lack of choice, thanks to most mainstream brands selling only basic pants and tees, pushed her into making something of her own.
“I took inspiration from what I wear to the gym, the airport, or when I go for coffee with friends or to the office and came up with a style that did the talk,” she says. There are not enough brands that offer comfort to the Indian body type, a vacuum that athleisure can fill.
“It’s a reflection of an individual’s personality; something which makes you feel like you stand out. It’s not a fad or a seasonal trend, it’s a lifestyle,” she adds.
With growing concern and passion for fitness in India, athleisure is only likely to get more popular. Ishita Gupta, owner, The Active Story, says, “It makes a great style for the woman on-the-go with a lot on her plate. This style has bridged comfort and style so effortlessly that it has become an easier choice to opt for.” The trend also promotes slow fashion, as people choose to invest in fewer, but high-quality pieces that are in style.
“Athleisure offers ease to fashion dressing which is highly appreciated by most people,” she adds
Eco-friendly athleisure
A few brands are offering eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives.
Take for example Maikai, which offers cotton sports bras. Sustainable fabrics such as bamboo and recycled fishnets are not only comfortable but also great for the environment.
“Most sport bras are made out of different versions of plastic. I wanted to make ethical and size-inclusive bras that are custom-tailored for each person’s unique body type,” says Vidya Sethi, founder.