History and Evolution of Athleisure: The Sporty Style Par Excellence
Is it possible for fashion and sport to go hand in hand?
History tells us yes.
These two concepts, although apparently distant from each other, have in reality often met and combined over the years, giving rise to noteworthy styles and trends.
Today we take you to discover Athleisure , the sporty style that has combined refinement and comfort , entering the world of fashion and earning an inextinguishable place.
Sport and Fashion: The Origins of Athleisure
The curtains of this type of clothing – sporty but charming – opened in the distant 1800s as a (natural) consequence of the aristocratic lifestyle .
Elite sports , such as golf or tennis, outline a new need to blend functionality and elegance, giving a touch of refinement to sportswear .
The 1920s: Coco Chanel
A decisive turning point came in the 1920s , with Coco Chanel.
It is here, in fact, that the concept of comfort begins to approach that everyday style that embraces a daily life made of style and practicality.
This new approach initially spilled over into the world of equestrianism , a sport renowned at the time for its chic feel with jersey fabrics and soft, relaxed silhouettes.
The 30s: Comfort and the American Look
The American Look was born in the 1930s thanks to the brilliant mind of Claire McCardell , who deserves credit for having created a style capable of responding to the new dynamism of society.
The typical garments of this new style are made with different materials and fabrics , from cotton to calico, to denim and wool.
With the American Look, fashion incorporates practicality and spreads the use of shorts, polo shirts and sports sweatshirts even in free time.
The 70s and 80s: Sport is Fashion
Sports can be fashionable and, consequently, influence and dictate the rules of clothing.
The 1970s and 1980s proved it, when sporting activity became a real lifestyle, in the wake of the videotape workouts of the iconic Jane Fonda .
Athletic clothing becomes a real must have , made with materials suitable for movement which, consequently, make it easier.
In the 1980s, the sporty lifestyle was a concept, a line of thought to adopt to stay healthy and in step with the times that were increasingly focused on well-being and self-care.
The Birth of Athleisure
The term Athleisure was used for the first time in 1979 and indicates, by definition, the trend of wearing garments designed and made for sports activities in formal, elegant and glamorous contexts.
Stars were the first to embrace the world of Athleisure , bringing the charm and refinement of sportswear to the forefront, and the possibility of wearing them even in contexts far from the world of sport.
Celebrities and fashion houses, within a few years, enrich their collections by infecting the haute couture of Chanel, Prada , Gucci and Fendi .
The fashion houses, albeit in different ways, are won over by the athletic style and offer garments that highlight and accentuate the silhouette , veering towards comfort and freshness , without however sacrificing quality and elegance.
Athleisure Icons: From the 80s to Today
In this marriage of sport and fashion, collaborations have always proven essential and successful, just think of Nike for Off White or Adidas&Gucci .
The success of Athleisure fashion , however, is also due to numerous celebrities and style icons who have made it even more well-known and sought-after, helping it to become essential and timeless today.
Among the famous faces is certainly that of Princess Diana .
Wearing sporty chic clothes already in the 80s, Lady Diana received recognition from the fashion world and the general public, making the Athleisure style a must have .
Clean, ultra-comfortable looks are complemented with sunglasses and designer bags for a touch of dreamy sophistication.
Here, below, are all the characteristics of the athleisure style.
The characteristics of the athleisure style
Athleisure style involves the integration of sports fashion design codes with the aesthetics of luxury fashion .
Especially in recent years, the athleisure style has spread as a real lifestyle , enclosed in light, elastic, breathable and functional fabrics.
This leads to a preference for sporty silhouettes , with garments perfect for a casual, relaxed and modern fit.
Athleisure is also characterized by the mix & match of sporty garments and more elegant pieces , combining – for example – a hoodie by Yves Saint Laurent with a shoulder blazer, or a pair of Versace leggings with an oversized shirt.
As for accessories, however, minimalist accessories are the way to go.
From shoulder bags and handbags to bucket or visor hats.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a balance between comfort, practicality, and style , athleisure might be for you.
The fashion houses that reflect this style are dedicated to the creation of clothing that combines the aesthetic codes of Athleisure with that concept of luxury and propensity for high-end quality and the use of fine materials typical of haute couture.
Starting with Gucci , a fashion house that mixes sporty elements such as baseball caps with fine materials and design details characteristic of the brand.
Continuing with Balenciaga , a brand known for its innovative approach to high fashion by integrating key elements of athleisure style throughout its collections, with sporty silhouettes and technical fabrics.
And Off-White , a brand created by the creativity of Virgil Abloh which takes shape in sportswear reinterpreted in a fashion key with details and graphic styles that recall typical streetwear clothing.
Conclusions
The athleisure style is therefore the perfect choice if you want a look that is able to blend fashion and sportiness.
A vision shared, as we have seen, by fashion houses of the calibre of Gucci, Off White and Balenciaga.
