What once looked like pyjamas now passes as purposefully styled. It’s not lazy—it’s athleisure
Once upon a time, dressing down in public was considered a faux pas. Sweatpants belonged in the gym, hoodies were reserved for lazy Sundays, and leggings—well, they were best confined to the yoga studio. Today, however, the boundaries between performance wear and high fashion have all but disappeared. The world no longer whispers about comfort meeting couture; it declares it.
Athleisure—a portmanteau of ‘athletic’ and ‘leisure’—has evolved into a statement of refined nonchalance. It echoes Beyoncé’s iconic lyric, “I woke up like this”, signalling effortless style, beauty, and confidence.
What began as functional sportswear has transformed into a billion-dollar industry—projected to reach US$344.4 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.6 per cent, according to Allied Market Research. But beyond the numbers and Instagram influencers in sculpted leggings and designer trainers, the question lingers: does athleisure still serve its original purpose or has it transcended function entirely?
Although the term was coined in the 1970s, athleisure only entered the mainstream in the 1990s. The rise of slouchy streetwear, fuelled by hip-hop culture, saw sportswear seamlessly merge with everyday style—think baggy trousers, oversized jerseys, and high-top trainers. Over time, athleisure has continued to evolve, with fashion houses elevating casualwear into something that is altogether more luxurious.
Take Brunello Cucinelli, for example. From cotton-knit vests to cashmere and silk French terry hooded sweatshirts, its Travelwear line and sneakers exemplify understated elegance. Alongside muted hues and clean silhouettes, these offerings uphold the brand’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. Double French terry pieces, woven from natural cashmere and silk fibres, deliver warmth, lightness, and protection, while synthetic fibres enhance comfort and durability. With garments this refined, transitioning from gym to lunch is seamless—no change of outfit required, save perhaps for undergarments. Your gym bag just got considerably lighter.
Beyond evergreen staples from Brunello Cucinelli and Moncler, luxury powerhouses are embracing the trend within their seasonal collections. Y-3 and Miu Miu’s Spring 2025 lines offer compelling examples, with the latter incorporating athletic elements into its aesthetic—pairing performance fabrics with tailoring such as blazers, pleated skirts, and patent leather ensembles. It reinforces the idea that athleisure is becoming occasion-worthy.
Even performance brands have undergone a metamorphosis. Lululemon—once the preserve of yoga mums—now offers couture-grade technical wear, while Alo Yoga and Vuori have become staples in the wardrobes of the jet set. Designer collaborations—such as Gucci x The North Face and Jacquemus x Nike—have cemented athleisure’s place on the runway, proving that tracksuits and trainers can command just as much attention as stilettos and silk gowns. In fact, they’re often preferred; Pinterest can attest.
As we stride into an era where sweatpants are styled with blazers and yoga pants rival the price of bespoke tailoring, one thing is clear: athleisure is no longer just about comfort or performance. So, does it still serve its original purpose? Perhaps the better question is: does it need to?
This story first appeared in the May 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
