Impressions - March 2024 - 21

I
n the coming months, expect to athleisure make statements across
the board - as these styles permeate all aspects of our busy lives,
from versatile silhouettes and colors to performance fabrications,
sustainable options and much more.
" Athleisure continues to evolve in so many ways, for so many
different applications, " says Jennifer Oleksik, director of apparel design
and quality, LAT Apparel. " Whether it's your favorite tee with a
pair of joggers and a blazer or an oversized tee with biker shorts, the
evolution of comfort in fashion continues. Athleisurewear is versatile,
and the options are endless, allowing wearers to style their outfits in
ways as unique as they are. "
Not Just for Exercise
Based on the last few years, it's clear that athleisure is no longer limited
to exercise wear. Athleisure continues to integrate into everyday
lifestyles, from the gym to the workplace, happy hour and beyond,
blending the lines between fitness and fashion. Consumers want versatile
apparel options that balance style and comfort, without giving
up an ounce of professionalism. " Athleisure is now the standard for
every day, with elevated fabrics, fits and construction, " says Milissa
Gibson, sales director, Lane Seven.
Today's athleisure looks to transition even more seamlessly into
casual workplaces. " Office wear, especially after 2020, has become
more relaxed as more of the workforce has transitioned to hybrid or
remote roles, " Oleksik says. " Athleisurewear in the office can look
like a quality T-shirt paired with a clean pair of slacks or paired with
jeans and a blazer. "
Outside the office, people wear athleisure for both daytime and
night-out events, reimagining the way these athletic pieces can be
styled. " People are choosing comfort in their style whether it's running
errands or out for brunch, " Oleksik says. " The important thing
to note is that even comfort and athleisure wear can be styled and
worn in a way that looks put together and appropriate for a vast
number of occasions. "
Athleisure manufacturers are listening to what consumers want:
garments that work for almost anything that's on the calendar. " Athleisure
at its core means wear-for-occasion versatility, " says David
Goerke, vice president of marketing, Augusta Sportswear. " We must
design garments for multiple uses and target audiences who want
different things, but all demand performance, comfort and style, no
matter what. "
Versatile Silhouettes and Styles
Athleisure wear stands out for its adaptability, and the coming year
will showcase a variety of silhouettes that effortlessly shift from exercise
routines to daily pursuits. These adaptable garments blend style
with practicality, ensuring you exude effortless
styles regardless of the occasion. " Trends in
sports will also continue to influence athleisure,
as racquet sports and golf become more
popular with consumers, so expect silhouettes
from these sports to gain traction, " says Emily
Quilter, product design director, Augusta
Sportswear.
Relaxed, oversized styles are also poised to
be wardrobe staples in 2024, including hoodies
with cropped lengths, oversize sleeves or
bold branding. Wide-leg pants will also figure
largely in athleisure collections, combining
the relaxed fit of sweatpants with the workplace
appeal of trousers. " Athleisure's roomier
silhouettes continue to be influenced by
streetwear, " says Victoria Thomas, director of
marketing, BELLA+CANVAS, noting how
the brand's oversized 3010 Boxy Tee and new
6501 Women's Cropped Long Sleeve Tee and
3787 Women's Cutoff Sweatshort carry the
streetwear vibe.
Functional accessories with fashion flair
will complete this year's athleisure looks. Convertible
bags, like go-anywhere backpacks or
cross-body styles, that can take you from the
gym to the streets, and to the office, will be
in high demand, especially with features like
multiple pockets or compartments to store essentials.
Sporty headwear, from classic baseball
caps to 2000s bucket hats, add a cool, athletic
vibe for anyone who's working out or is on
the go in the Great Outdoors.
'90s streetwear was a heavy
inspiration for BELLA's
new styles. Photo courtesy of
BELLA+CANVAS
Impressions - March 2024

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