Let’s Talk Athleisure
How to style the best outfits, what comfort features to look for when buying, + a guide to the best fabrics + how to take care of them
Athleisure wear. We all love it! And the same styling rules apply to these elevated fitness looks as with any other dressy or casual outfit. Follow these two keys to making your athleisure outfits shine:
LAYERING
It’s essential to creating a strong look. Don’t stop at your top and bottom. Think about other pieces that can be added, like jackets, fun sneakers and hats.JUXTAPOSITION
What makes an athleisure outfit different than a purlely fitness outfit is mixing in casual—and even dressy—pieces to create your look. Think a moto jacket. A fedora. A scarf.
To make yourself an expert at putting together the strongest athleisure outfits, follow these do’s and don’ts.
STYLING DO’S + DON’TS
DON’T
WEAR GYM SHOES
Athleisure is not a full-fledged fitness look. Instead of gym shoes, opt for some fashion sneakers. I like fancy sneakers with a little bling, platform/stacked sneakers or colorful tennies. During colder months, footwear like combat boots or Chelsea boots can be fun as well.
WEAR ATHLETIC WEAR HEAD TO TOE
You’re not going to the gym, so your outfit should be appropriate for running errands, grabbing coffee with a friend, or picking up produce at the farmer’s market. Mix sporty pieces with fashion items from your closet, like denim jackets, graphic tees, leather jackets, and dressier purses.
BE SLOPPY
Athleisure is certainly comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you throw on baggy joggers with an oversized sweatshirt. Keep your look polished and fitted. If you wear an oversized piece, balance it out with something more streamlined and body-conscious.
DO
PAIR LEGGINGS WITH SOMETHING THAT COVERS YOUR REAR
Since your look needs to go out-and-about, you don’t want to bare it all! If you’re wearing leggings, put a longer tunic top under a denim jacket, or a long jacket with a cropped top underneath. And tying a jacket or flannel around your waist is always a fun athleisure look.
PLAY WITH TEXTURES IN YOUR OUTFIT
The rules for athleisure looks are the same as when you put together any other outfit. Think about these fabrics mixed with your cotton and spandex athletic wear: Velvet, metallic, lace, silk, satin, wool, leather. Get creative! Top your outfit off with a wool fedora. Wear a lace top. Rock some metallic sneakers. You get the picture!
REMEMBER TO ACCESSORIZE!
This is a common one that many women forget. Don’t limit yourself to small or simple accessories. Mix in dressier and statement jewelry too. Pin a brooch to your denim jacket. Stack bangles on your wrist. Pop on a fun cap with some sparkle. Wear some big hoop earrings. Tie a silk scarf around your neck. Have fun with it!
KEY COMFORT FEATURES
Overall
Brushed fabrics for softness
Compression technology for support
Bottoms
High rise
Wide waistband
Spandex for stretch
Tops
Wide straps or racer back
Wide band at bottom of sports bra or crop top
Seamless designs
ALL ABOUT FABRICS AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM
While breathable, cotton is not the best fabric for activewear. It holds on to moisture, weighing you down and not allowing your body to naturally cool off. Look for natural fibers like bamboo and merino wool that actually wick the sweat away from your body to the surface where it can evaporate more easily…and keep you cool. Some synthetic fibers do the same thing very effectively, like nylon, polypropylene and spandex.
However, these fabrics are so great at repelling water that they repel water in the washing machine too. Dirt and body oils are hard to remove. As you wear your activewear more, do you notice them smelling funky even after washing? Combat this by pre-soaking sports clothing in a vinegar solution or by using an antimicrobial detergent.
To keep your favorite spandex pieces in great condition and maintain their elasticity over time, wash clothes inside-out with cold water and air-dry. Washing items in a mesh garment bag can also help prevent pieces from twisting and over-stretching.
Never use fabric softener on your technical fabrics, as it can further prevent the detergent from reaching the dirt, as well as removing any special coatings on the fabric.
