7 Best Athleisure Features for Style and Comfort
Looking to break into the world of athleisure apparel, but not sure where to start? Here at Tasc Performance, we’re experts on athleisure, and we’re excited to help you learn everything you need to know to choose the best options for your new athleisure attire.
From style choices to features that ensure you feel as comfortable as possible, we’re breaking it all down for you below.
What Is Athleisure?
Athleisure is more than just a fleeting fashion trend. It’s a brand new way to think about what you wear and why you wear it.
At its core, athleisure is the perfect combination of functional performance use and comfortable everyday wear. The bones that build this balance are smart, versatile aesthetics and powerful features sourced from new technologies and designs. It’s not just wearing your gym clothes out and about, but it can be a little like that.
Athleisure style is perfect for an active lifestyle because it can serve your needs across every part of your day, from your workout to your night out with friends. It’s got a style that works equally well in the gym and at a restaurant, at the park or grocery store—even in the workplace.
Toss on a baseball cap and an athleisure outfit when you’re heading out to run errands or go to brunch, and you immediately look both put together and comfortable.
What Should I Look for While Shopping for Athleisure?
As with any new trend, the options out there for you can get clogged up with cheap, low-quality products hoping to ride the wave. That’s why it’s important to keep an updated checklist on hand when you’re getting ready to check out the athleisure market.
Here are some of the top features to look for in quality athleisure apparel.
1. Comfortable, Breathable, and Soft
While “leisure” may be in the second half of the name, it’s right up there with the most fundamental features of a good athleisure style. Feeling comfortable comes down to many factors, including the fabric, fit, durability, and temperature regulation.
Avoid fabrics such as cheap, traditional cotton or low-quality synthetic fabrics, instead opting for organic materials such as bamboo or organic cotton. Not only do these fabrics have lots of superior practical qualities, they feel much nicer too. It’s a win-win.
An ideal fit finds the middle ground between looseness and form-fitting. It should flatter your figure without excess fabric or restrictive tightness. Choosing a brand that thoughtfully designs each style goes a long way towards ensuring every fit will line up with these needs.
Temperature-regulating technologies are a must-have as well, particularly if your day will include activities with anything more than light intensity. Even a busy errand run can leave you sweaty without a quality, breathable outfit.
2. Moisture-Wicking Fabric
In case your day does call for a bit of sweat, you’ll feel miles better with moisture-wicking fabric on your side.
Moisture-wicking technology draws moisture from your body and releases it into the air as vapor, preventing that wet, sticky feeling you get from lower quality clothing and helping your body regulate its temperature naturally.
Since athleisure items are intended to be intense workout-ready, moisture-wicking capabilities are a must.
3. Hypoallergenic
Even if you’re allergy-free yourself, hypoallergenic fabrics are still a thing to look out for.
Most fabric allergies are due to the chemicals used to treat the fabric in question. Thankfully, the best natural fabrics (like bamboo) are chemical-free, so they’re naturally hypoallergenic and ready to go into your closet or home without any worry.
4. Natural Sun Protection
One of the best things powerhouse fabrics like bamboo bring to the table is natural sun protection.
UV exposure is always something to be wary of. It’s easily forgotten when you’re not at the pool, but don’t be fooled. Not all fabrics are created equally, and UV rays still penetrate your clothing, even on overcast days.
Choose fabrics with natural sun protection to keep your safety and peace of mind locked in.
5. Wrinkle-Resistant
Athleisure styles will likely go through a lot. You may even need to pack them in your gym bag to prepare for your plans after work. Wrinkle resistance makes your life easier, so you’ll always look your best.
6. Chemical-Free
Fabrics loaded with chemical treatment are also loaded with big downsides. Not only can these chemicals have harmful effects on you, the wearer, they’re also destructive towards the environment.
Natural, chemical-free fabrics protect more than just you—they protect the world you live in, too.
7. Fair Trade and Fair Labor
Not everything good about your clothing is directly applicable to style or function. Look for ethically sourced exercise clothing to go beyond basic needs and support the people who bring your styles to you, with a focus on sustainability from start to finish.
What Are the Trendiest Men’s Athleisure Styles?
Now that we know what to look for, let’s identify some of the hottest styles with the features on our list so you can start upgrading your outfits with some athleisure influence.
Here’s our list of the men’s athleisure trends at the top of the curve.
Quarter Zips
Crew Neck Sweatshirts
Joggers and Track Pants
Hoodies
Shorts
One of the best qualities of athleisure wear is its ability to layer up and down. Pick up an outer layer like the Carrollton Lightweight Quarter Zip to open up dozens of outfit options for all seasons.
A sweatshirt or stylish hoodie can be another great option. If you’re up to it, mix and match multiple outerwear layers together for more brand-new sportswear looks.
Perhaps the core of the athleisure trend is the jogger pant. Taking the crown in the comfort category, a great pair of joggers will quickly become your athleisure go-to. You literally will not want to ever take them off.
If shorts are more your thing, or you’re just looking to show off your dedication to leg days (we understand), a pair of athleisure shorts is always a good choice. In any case, having versatile options or something lightweight for an intense activity is best practice. Try a pair of Weekender Elastic Shorts for the best in function and style that shorts have to offer.
What Are the Trendiest Women’s Athleisure Styles?
Athleisure trends and garments for the ladies look a little different, but the core is still the same: comfort, performance, and versatile style.
Let’s look at our list of women’s athleisure styles leading the pack.
Terry Shorts
High-Waisted Leggings, Yoga Pants, and Bike Shorts
Sports Bras
Joggers
Tank tops and Crop Tops
The toughest decision in an athleisure look has to be the choice between shorts and sweatpants. Thankfully, you really can’t go wrong. Besides, who says you can’t slip some shorts under your joggers and make up your mind later? There’s also the option of the newly popular exercise dress if you’re looking to mix it up some more.
You’ll definitely want the best pair of drawstring waist joggers you can get. Look no further than the Legendary Fleece Jogger. A great pair of leggings goes a long way in your everyday life, too.
Once you’re set with your sweatpants, pick up some shorts like the Riverwalk French Terry Short or a pair of bike shorts (with pockets!).
Of course, you’ll need some tops too. Sports bras are absolutely in with the athleisure style, but a stylish tank top or two is a must-have as well.
Conclusion
Athleisure apparel is one of those trends you can expect to be around for the long term, both in the United States and worldwide. It’s worth adding to your wardrobe. See why activewear’s versatility, comfort, aesthetics, and performance are taking the world by storm by trying some out for yourself today!
Sources:
Toxicity of Synthetic Fibres & Health | Austin Publishing Group
Polyester Allergy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Alternatives | Healthline