Written by: Dena Ruetten
From viral TikTok trends to brands that have been around for decades, here’s how activewear is making a statement in everyday fashion.
Matching sets and sneakers, once reserved for working out have made their way into everyday outfits. On college campuses, in warmer climates, and in homes many individuals are finding comfort in just that– comfortable clothes. Vogue Magazine curated a list of the most sought-after brands, all having viral pieces that are loved by many. Whether the trend of athletic wear is here to stay, these brands found a way to capitalize on younger generations’ appeal for trend following.
Aerie
Opened in February 2006 under its parent company American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie has grown to be a billion-dollar business. The OFFLINE by Aerie collection is not only more affordable than other popular brands, but carries the comfort that many look for in athletic wear. The brand creates colorful, diverse styles that cater to any athleisure-wearing individual. Recently, Aerie has released polka dot, cheetah print, and double-layered pieces to keep up with current social trends in workout fashion. The brand is highly successful and sought after by many but will likely continue to increase in popularity.
Aritzia
One of the most popular fashion retailers among young adults is Aritzia. They promote everyday luxury wear, from jackets and blazers to leggings and sweat sets. One of their best-sellers is their BUTTER athletic wear collection. It comes in a variety of colors that appeals to any style. It is known for its soft, milky fabric that lasts through any activity. Another popular collection is TNA, which carries well-recognized pieces like Sweatfleece, Flagstone, and Alcott. Aritzia is on the expensive side of athletic wear and fashion in general, but it stems from their goal of being an “everyday luxury brand.” They carry anything that a Pilates regular would want, like grip socks, matching sets, and shoes. Ranging from sizes 3XS to 2XL, Aritzia is inclusive to many. They promote diversity and inclusion in their models and company, and 74% of their employees are women. They pride themselves in maintaining a company driven on equity and making a change.
Alo Yoga
Founded in 2007 by Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge, this Los Angeles born brand is a big name in athleisure. Pairing any pilates look with Alo Yoga Socks or a piece from the AloSoft Collection can turn heads quickly. Alo’s use of their logo makes it easy to identify pieces, which many find to be a form of self-expression. People develop emotional attachments to brands, giving them a sense of belonging. Seeing others in similar athletic wear can show a common ground and bring comfort to people. Alo prides itself on its holistic, wellness-centric approach that appeals to many health-based influencers. It is easy to spot an Alo branded piece when walking through a college campus.
Free People Movement
This Boho-inspired clothing store created an athletic wear line to target their fitness and wellness audience. They recognized the rise of the health kick, so they founded FP Movement in 2012. Their goals are to influence creativity, wellness, and happiness for all. Free People centers their brand around inclusivity to then make it easy for loyal consumers to trust their products. The logo on the back of their pieces gives brand familiarity to its users, like on their Top-Rated sports bra or their Hot-Shot mini dress. Free People’s fun and colorful assortment of athletic wear is tailored for all kinds of athletes, whether it be tennis or running. While it can be on the pricier side, customers note that the quality of the pieces is what drives their purchases.
Lululemon
The 1998 Canadian-based brand has drawn in over $11 billion in sales and has over 800 stores worldwide. Whether customers noticed the trendy brand during the “VSCO girl” phase back in 2019 or have been loyal customers since its founding, Lululemon proves to remain one of the most influential athletic brands around. Walking into the pilates studio, there is an almost certain guarantee that you will find the Omega-shaped symbol etched on the back of biker shorts or a sports bra. With viral pieces like the Nulu Bra, Align Leggings, and High-Rise Short, lululemon strives for a diverse size range and patterns and colors for all. They are known for the soft and breathable material that makes working out feel more comfortable. But, it is not uncommon to sport the look while running errands or grabbing a coffee. Appearing put together in a matching set can make people feel better about themselves. The confidence that Lululemon’s pieces give their consumers is what keeps customers coming back for more.
Set Active
This brand was founded in 2017 by Linday Carter in Los Angeles, California. Incorporating fun mix-and-match styles and endless pairings, shopping through Set Active’s pieces is limitless. Most brands like to drop new pieces throughout the changing seasons, but Set Active is always preparing something new for its customers. With frequent clothing line drops with new patterns, colors, and clothing styles, there quite literally is something for everyone. One trend they took advantage of is the polka dots. Introducing playful fabrics appeals to young adults, especially when it is a hot topic. The brand also has their own logo appeal, given the big “SET” on the front of tops. Pictured to the left is their Breathe Polka Dot Base Bra which has matching leggings to create the ultimate sporty look.
With many brands influencing the ways young adults are dressing, it can be hard to keep up with new trends, patterns, and colors. Health and wellness trends are always in style and people are constantly looking for the next best piece to add to their active wear collection. As this reformer-to-runway trend heats up, it will be fun to follow these brands to see what they have in store for the future. The studio to street wardrobe proves that maybe the best outfits are the ones that you can wear to multiple places.
Edited by: Claudia Rothberg and Jordyn Salahiddine-Rose
