2000s Athelisure is SOO Back

Written by Avery Charlesworth

If you have opened TikTok, scrolled on Pinterest, or even walked around a college campus recently, you’ve probably noticed it: 2000s athleisure is so back.

Originally, I wondered why. We already had a surge of early 2000s fashion during the pandemic, baby tees. That got old really quickly, so what brings this wave of 2000s athleisure back into the fashion world?

The answer is pretty simple: comfort, nostalgia, and color.

Unlike ultra-minimal activewear trends, such as matching Lululemon/Alo sets with little to no personality, early 2000s athleisure was fun, careless, and chaotic in the best way. Think vibrant colors, mismatched workout sets, and sporty pieces that looked just as good for running errands as they did going to the gym.

Imagine opening the closet of a 2000s yoga mom. You’d probably find some low-rise Lululemon, capris, vintage track pants, and basic casual tees to match.

One of the biggest staples of the 00s athleisure comeback? Capris. Love them or hate them, capri pants and leggings were everywhere in the 2000s. Capris encapsulates the 2000s sportswear better than a full- length Lululemon leggings can when it comes to being on the trend. The slightly awkward length that people started to avoid is now part of the appeal, but that's just how the fashion cycle goes.

Even major brands have noticed the comeback. Companies like Adidas have re-released their classic track pants, and brands like Free People Movement have leaned into color and relaxed athletic pieces that feel very early 2000s-inspired.

But the perfect place to shop to stay on trend is resale platforms. Many are finding authentic 2000s athleisure at their neighborhood thrift stores or online resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark and ThredUp. Not only does this help you find more sustainable ways to shop, but it's also the best way to find oldies but goodies.

Looking for pieces that fit that vibe? Try searching these keywords: vintage athlesiure, Elle sport, Bebe sport, 2000s athlesiure, 2000s adidas, sportswear. There are countless ways to find these adorable pieces, hope you find the right pieces for you!

Edited by Clare Bodine and Galilea Matus