Athleisure

Minimal athletic plain outfits are considered staples in today’s casual wear industry. The rise of athleisure in recent years has gradually defined the streetwear scene and has since combined both functionality, minimalism comfort. It has played a vital role in making sportswear a widely accepted fashion choice for men and especially for women. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find yourself wearing canvas sneakers rather than the traditional leather footwear or a sweater rather than a tailored suit. 

Athletic wear is also known for its inclusivity as opposed to other subgenres in fashion. Sizing is less limited and athleisure retail companies have made sure to expand their products in order to cater to a wider demographic. Because of this, the development of minimal athletic wear and plain outfits are predicted to continue in growth in the coming years. Athleisure redefines modern sportswear by offering comfort and casual daywear.

The Milestones of Athleisure

In recent years, athletic wear has become even more popular, with Hollywood celebrities and influencers representing various athleisure companies. Social media sites are now considered the biggest platforms for retail marketing and online influencers are at the forefront of the entire movement towards body positivity and inclusivity. 

Social media has become the main platform for many companies marketing their athletic plain outfits. Trends have been launched to present different types of fashionable sportswear coordinated with non-sportswear. This, in turn, has given the sport a more versatile and inclusive role in various fashion subgenres.

It’s safe to say that athleisure today has come a long way from what it was in the past. However, taking a look at how athleisure has evolved can give us an insight into how we’ve gradually embraced this fashion subgenre. In this part of the article, we’re going to take a look at some of the milestones that paved the way for the athleisure we know and love today.

1930s- The hoodie was invented by the Feinbloom brothers. It was originally meant for laborers in Rochester, New York. This was also the same year that the Champion brand was launched which eventually became a household name and a fashion brand staple in streetwear.

1959- Spandex, a crucial component of athletic plain outfits, was invented by DuPont scientist Joseph Shivers. Today spandex is widely used in different types of garments and an estimate of worth 5 billion are sold each year.

1963- German founder of Adidas, Adi Dasler introduced the street tracksuit. Today it is considered a staple both in streetwear and athleisure fashion.

1978- The movie “Grease” was released and though it was supposedly set to be in the 50s, the characters were dressed in classic black leggings we know and love today.

1982- Aerobics and fitness videos were on the rise and fitness icons sported athletic plain outfits that would soon sweep the entire fashion industry. This included neon-colored tights and legwarmers that later became a symbol of the 80s era. 

1998- Yoga pants entered the market which revolutionized the entire athleisure scene for the next coming decades. They also opened the doors for many fashion companies to start exploring a more comfortable side to fashion.

2000s to Today- Today athletic plain outfits have become a normal part of our everyday lives. We are now used to prioritizing comfort and performance above all else. This has sealed athleisure within the lasting hall of farmers of fashion subgenres we still love today. 

By Manali