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It’s the trend of the season that you’ve seen all over the city: athleisure. If you haven’t heard, this term is now being added to the dictionary. Yes, you heard that right. Miriam-Webster is defining it as “casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use.” This should fit in nicely between ‘abyssopelagic’—pertaining to the depths of the ocean and ‘atmology’—the science of aqueous vapour. And they say America isn’t making progress!
Stella McCartney for Adidas
Pairing sweatpants with Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, a white tee shirt and black leather jacket has been deemed ‘undeniably cool.’ Lululemon workout pants have slowly started to replace leggings and a pair of Nikes works with just about anything. This street style is easy and simple; no wonder it’s so popular.
Designers are even teaming up with athletic companies to appeal to the girl-on-the-go who wants to look effortlessly chic. Stella McCartney released a line with Adidas, prices ranging from $45 to $275. Shoes, bags, jackets – you name it and it can be turned ‘athleisure.’ Derek Lam’s collaboration with Athleta interestingly enough, offers cashmere turtleneck sweaters. For $228, you can sweat in style! There’s no denying that retailers (and our economy) are having a field day with this trend. Forbes noted that Lululeom reported an above-forecast revenue of $423.5 million. Website sales also increased from last year by 31%. Talk about a workout—for your credit card, at least.
Derek Lam/ Athleta
Why is this trend so popular? Which rebel decided to one day get dressed for the gym and not change outfits for the rest of the day? And why did we all happily hop on this bandwagon?
Lululemon Bring it Backbend Sweater
It all leads back to a long-term shift of people moving towards more casual, comfortable clothing. Over the last 10 to 15 years, the workplace has become significantly more casual. Millennials are ditching the pencil skirts and opting for jeans in the office– and we’re totally fine with it.
There’s no doubt that “athleisure” is enjoying it’s run, but I’m sure it won’t be long until we drop these clothes off at the gym locker room in search of the next big trend.
-by Jamie Aronson