Whether you’re heading to your weekly yoga class and then meeting friends for coffee or a hike in the woods, activewear provides comfort and style while transitioning from gym to casual wear. This crossover between fashion and fitness has given rise to the new term ‘athleisure’.
But what exactly is activewear?
Comfort
Whether you’re headed to your first yoga class, a crowded gym, or a meetup with your running club, the clothes you wear can affect your mood and your performance. You want to feel comfortable and confident, and that starts with the fit, fabric, cost, and branding of your Activewear.
A comfortable piece of activewear allows you to focus on your workout and your goal. If your clothing is scratchy or irritates your skin, it can distract you from the task at hand and keep you from reaching your peak performance.
The fabrics used to make activewear must be comfortable, flexible enough to allow a range of movements, and durable because they’re designed to be worn during exercise. They must also be moisture-wicking and breathable so sweat is easily able to evaporate, which can help prevent overheating during workouts.
Many activewear garments are made from synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, but there are also some natural options. You can find bamboo garments, for instance, which use the pulp of a natural plant to create a light, soft, and stretchy fabric that’s also eco-friendly. Many activewear brands blend Merino wool into their garments, too, for its softness and breathability. Merino wool can be expensive, though, so you may only see it in high-end workout gear. It’s also often blended with other fabrics for additional functionality and durability.
Flexibility
In the world of fashion, activewear is one of this century’s hottest trends. Yoga pants are now considered “real pants” rather than ‘gym clothes’, trendy sneakers are on everyone’s must-have list and cleverly designed sports bras are the norm. The fact is, though, that activewear is more than just a fashion trend; it’s a lifestyle.
Activewear clothing is made from performance fabrics that provide a combination of both style and function. This allows the wearer to move and stretch in comfort while also wicking away moisture and keeping them cool and dry.
These performance fabrics are also highly durable, making them suitable for frequent and everyday use. They are also lightweight and breathable which makes them a great choice for a range of different activities including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, etc.
The fabric used in activewear is often woven to make it more resistant to stretch marks and tears, while also providing an excellent level of elasticity. Some examples of these fabrics include cotton+ polyester (which can stretch up to four times its original size and then return to its initial shape within seconds), elastane (also known as spandex or lycra) and nylon.
YANA’s activewear is designed with multifunctionality in mind – from running to yoga and beyond! Our collection includes stylish jackets that are perfect for transitioning into casual attire after a workout, hoodies that are great for layering, and drawstring sweatpants to keep you comfortable on the way to your yoga class.
Style
Athleisure, workout clothes, gym gear — whatever you want to call it, activewear is here to stay. We’re seeing people wear leggings and sports bras to run errands, grab coffee or even for a night out with friends. But when it comes to choosing the right activewear, it’s more than just about style. You need to consider the fabric and fit.
The best activewear should feel good when you’re wearing it. If you love how your outfit looks and feels, it can help you stick with a fitness routine, happiness expert Gretchen Rubin says. That’s why she suggests thinking of your gym wardrobe like a uniform and only wearing workout clothes when you plan on going to the gym or exercise class.
Look for fabrics that are soft, stretchy and breathable. They should also wick away moisture so your skin stays cool and dry. You can also opt for odor-resistant and anti-chafe materials.
For example, bamboo is an eco-friendly material that is becoming increasingly popular in activewear. It’s made from the pulp of bamboo plants and is usually blended with other fabrics. It’s often used in paper, toilet tissue and single-use cutlery, but it’s also great for sweat wicking and moisture absorbing fabrics. It’s naturally odor-resistant and anti-chafe, and it also provides protection from UV rays.
Sustainability
As fitness becomes more of a lifestyle than just another pastime, it makes sense that sustainable practices would become a bigger focus for consumers. Many activewear brands have started promoting eco-conscious choices for people who want to keep their workouts healthy and their environmental impact low.
When choosing a new pair of leggings or top, opt for materials like lyocell and recycled polyester that don’t require the use of toxic dyes and have a lower water usage during production. Look for brands with GOTS or similar certifications that ensure responsible sourcing and manufacturing. Ethical brands often adhere to labor standards that prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions for workers, as well as reject child or forced labour.
Some companies even offer workout clothing lines that are made entirely from recycled plastic. The brand One January, for example, uses waste material from the fashion industry to create minimalist-designed leggings and tees. The company describes its approach to sustainability as a fivefold initiative that includes focusing on their products and materials, protecting the environment, being transparent about their process, and giving back to the community.
If you’re a local Austin resident, you can support these efforts by purchasing from these brands. Your purchase will not only encourage these companies to continue their commitment to ethical practices, but it will also send a message to other businesses that there is concrete demand for sustainable and eco-friendly activewear.