Why Wear Athleisure?
Why Wear Athleisure?
The rise of athleisure seemed to explode onto the marketplace out of nowhere but has actually been evolving for decades. It also makes sense as a fashion-trend with the resources we have available. Today’s designers have more access to workout-friendly, sweat-free materials that make it as practical as it is comfortable to stay on the go. Even better, brands like ISLA Movement are setting the standard for more sustainable practices in fashion design.
The words athletic and leisure were used in 1979 by Nation’s Business but were primarily related to garments and shoes for people who wanted to look athletic. Today you can don your favorite hoodie to stay comfortable or get in a quick workout without the fuss of changing clothes. Or you can just wear your athleisure at home or to the movies with no intention of working out or looking like an athlete. The enduring popularity of athleisure has made it difficult to discern whether or not it’s about form or function. It’s really about both and blends the two into a lifestyle.
Staying Comfortable
Athleisure is more than a style statement; it’s become the go-to uniform for people who want to stay comfortable whether on the go or at home. You can slide on your workout pants, grab a staple bra, and pull on a fleece and head out the door. Whether you want to go for a jog or meet up for coffee with a friend, you’re comfortable and ready to face the day.
Getting Out of Your Old, Generic Sweats
One of the downsides to athleisure is it’s more expensive than a generic pair of sweats. Giving your sweats an upgrade can help you feel more stylish and give you a style edge over your day. You won’t have to worry about running into any of your Instagram or TikTok followers with less than trend-setting sagging sweats.
Mixing Up Your Wardrobe
One of the best parts about athleisure is the ability to mix up your wardrobe, so it always looks fresh and new. Although most clothing takes some painstaking styling and coordination, athleisure blends well together. It’s easy to swap out biking shorts with windbreakers or leggings with activewear T-shirts that keep your wardrobe and workout from looking stale.
Exercising on the Go
I’ve never understood the point of needing to change into workout clothes when you can just exercise on the go with activewear. A candy pink sports bra turns from a jogging outfit into an undergarment when you slip a shirt or hoodie over it to grab a coffee. Sure, you may need to shower and change after an intense workout, but athleisure makes life more spontaneous when you can decide to ditch the car and walk instead.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
The fashion world isn’t exactly known for its diversity and inclusivity, but active wear brands are taking notice of different cultures, races, and body types. A sweat bra offers high-performance fabric to keep sweat under control and hold up during high-intensity workouts. The best part is it looks great on a variety of body types, from limber to curvy. Instead of only serving XS and standard sizes, activewear brands that are worth your time and money should outfit sizes up to XXL and beyond.
Keeping It Sustainable
The fashion industry has a history of relying on less than sustainable business practices to mass-produce its clothing. Athleisure has had its share of ups and downs, but there are plenty of companies focused on sustainable materials and business practices.
ISLA Movement’s goal is for women to know that any dream is possible. We aim to create premium, high-quality, responsibly sourced, made-in-Los Angeles activewear that inspires you to get moving in the gym and everyday life. We aim to lessen waste and ensure manufacturers receive ethical treatment. Packaging is entirely compostable and breaks down within six months, and manufacturers use leftover fabric for accessories. Sick days, time off, and raises are also part of the work culture.
Athleisure is a comfortable way to spend the day and gives more flexibility to lounge at home or hit the gym for a workout. Although not every brand is created equally, you can find your favorite styles and colors while supporting an ethical, small business at the same time. Want to browse the ISLA Movement for yourself? Shop now or learn more about us here.
