The concept of “athleisure” has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Initially popularized by brands like Lululemon, athleisure blurred the boundaries between activewear and everyday fashion. Unlike traditional athletic clothing, athleisure emphasized versatility, allowing wearers to seamlessly transition from workouts to casual outings without sacrificing style.

Virgil Abloh’s Off-White showcase for men’s Fall/Winter 2019-2020 collection

By the mid-2010s, athleisure had firmly established itself in mainstream fashion. Major retailers and luxury brands began integrating athleisure elements into their collections, reflecting a shift towards more comfortable and functional attire. Brands such as Adidas and Nike capitalized on this trend, experiencing substantial growth in sales by catering to the demand for stylish yet practical clothing options.

Simultaneously, the rise of streetwear further reshaped luxury fashion. Brands like Off-White and collaborations such as Louis Vuitton x Supreme exemplified a fusion of high fashion with street culture, making luxury more accessible and appealing to younger demographics.

The limited-edition Balenciaga “Paris” sneaker

In men’s fashion, the concept of athleisure extended beyond casual wear, influencing traditional menswear with relaxed silhouettes and sporty elements. This shift towards more comfortable and versatile clothing reflected changing societal norms and preferences.

Zegna Couture Spring 2016

Luxury fashion houses also responded by diversifying their offerings to include sportswear-inspired collections, catering to a broader audience seeking both style and functionality. This democratization of fashion saw brands like Moncler and Chanel introducing specialized lines for various sports, enhancing their appeal across different lifestyles.

Gucci Pre-Fall 2019

The introduction of “See Now Buy Now” further revolutionized the industry, reducing the gap between runway shows and retail availability. This model not only catered to consumer demand for immediacy but also challenged traditional production cycles, emphasizing agility and responsiveness in fashion retail.

Moncler Grenoble Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection

However, the cyclical nature of fashion trends meant that by the late 2010s, athleisure faced criticism for its ubiquity and perceived impact on formal dress codes. Despite this, the category experienced a resurgence in popularity by the early 2020s, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable, inclusive, and multifunctional clothing choices.

Stella McCartney & Adidas lifestyle fashion collaboration S/S 2014

In conclusion, while athleisure continues to evolve alongside broader fashion trends, its distinction as a separate category has become less relevant. Brands like Lululemon, once pioneers in the field, have had to adapt to changing market dynamics by focusing more on performance-oriented offerings. As fashion continues to embrace comfort and functionality, the boundaries between traditional and athletic wear will likely continue to blur, reflecting evolving consumer lifestyles and preferences.

Visuals for the Net-a-Porter Sports Channel