By Claire Martindale
From the coveted tennis bracelet, a thin diamond band coined after tennis pro Chris Everett's snapped during a 1988 match, to the iconic Air Jordan sneakers first worn on the NBA court, it's no secret that the world of athletics has long since influenced what we wear on and off the field. Consequently, with the rise of casual wear due to current stay-at-home orders, athleisure has never been such a serious player in our shopping carts. Check out some must-have athleisure staples that will have you looking fresh off the runway and court.
Biker Shorts
What was once worn solemnly on cyclists are now seen everywhere from the racks of your favorite stores to the pages of spring catalogs. Revived from the ’80s and ’90s by the likes of Kim Kardashian West, biker shorts, the shorter relative of classic leggings, have become the "it" short of 2020. Comfortable, flattering, and slimming, these spandex bottoms can be paired with just about anything. We suggest pairing them with an oversized graphic tee and chunky sneakers for a casual street look, or with a form-fitted blazer and combat boots to create an edgy, editorial fit. Take a look at this sleek leather pair from MESHKI.
Vintage Jerseys
While always popular amongst sports fans, oversized jerseys with iconic team logos have become increasingly prevalent in the world of streetwear. With an endless array of teams and styles to choose from, pairing a vintage jersey with biker shorts or boyfriend jeans is the perfect way to simultaneously add a retro-feel and pop of color to your next outfit. We are loving how Hailey Bieber effortlessly rocks this New York Rangers jersey:
Sweatsuits
No longer confined to your morning jog, matching sweatsuits of all patterns and colors have become an essential trend of Spring 2020. Nothing short of instagrammamble, the universally adored sweatsuit offers an endless array of variations to suit your personal style, whether that be a playful cotton tie-dye set, or a timeless black velour duo. This budding athleisure style has something for everyone and every occasion, whether that be the airport or the runway
Stan Smiths
The definition of sporty style, Stan Smiths have been a staple shoe for decades, and are the perfect addition to any streetwear connoisseur's closet. This classic sneaker gets its namesake from Stan Smith, an American tennis champion who first donned the iconic Adidas shoe back in the 1970s. Both timeless and practical, Stan Smiths have long been the go-to kicks amongst celebrities like Madison Beer and Karli Kloss. The shoe's sleek look, neutral white color and iconic green heel tab can be paired with almost any outfit—perhaps a "sole" reason this iconic sneaker has remained a capsule closet staple for decades on end.
Yoga Wear
Breathable and form-fitting, yoga wear of all kinds have long since substituted the cotton basics in our closets. Comprising of lux, stretchable fabrics, yoga wear has translated from the studio to the street as chic, comfortable shapewear. Set Active, a popular athleisure brand endorsed by Emma Chamberlain, has been rocking both the yoga wear trend and our timelines for the past few seasons with their adorable bra and legging sets.
With all of these adorable sport-inspired trends, it's no surprise that athleisure has grown into one of the most prominent styles in the fashion industry, with no signs of slowing down. Be sure to check out these athleisure trends and staples next time you’re shopping online or in-store!
Claire Martindale is an editorial intern who is knowledgeable in all things fashion, sustainability, and social media.