If a pair of denims and a T-shirt are your idea of casual wear, it’s time your wardrobe goes through an overhaul. Denims, which have been the flag-bearer of street-style fashion since many-a-decade, are now giving way to (or shall we say-being pushed aside by) active-wear. “It is great to have an alternative to jeans in the form of yoga pants — they’re cool, comfy and come in super fashionable styles. The concentration of ‘comfort first’ plays an impact on my buying decision between active wear and denim,” says Masoom Minawala, founder and blogger at Style Fiesta.
This trend could well be the result of growing body-consciousness among people. It has become an instant hit with people of all age-groups. You can see them pairing up their branded tops with yoga pants or a polo neck T-shirt and slacks to a luncheon and being comfortable about it. A few years ago, who would have thought you could wear them outside your yoga classes and morning jogs, without being stared at.
If you are still wondering what active-wear is, think yoga pants, leggings, pliable pants with elastic waist-bands and palazzo silhouettes, tank bras, racer backs and tank tops.
Also called “Athleisurewear”, active-wear really is a perfect combination of fashion and functionality. The active-wear trend has taken off from streets to the alleys of high-street fashion and ramps, with designer brands such as Zara and UNIQLO sporting spandex and sweat-wicking tops in their collections. The trend has further been invigorated due to the increase in the number of body and comfort conscious people who won’t compromise on style. “Since most active wear is super comfortable, people choose to wear it even while they are not working out. You can now wear a pair of track pants, tank top and a jacket to the movies, super market or a coffee shop and still be able to create a style statement,” says Carlton DeSouza Lead Stylist at Myntra.
Another popular opinion says that dressing up in gym-wear throughout the day keeps you motivated to workout regularly. We can’t deny the sporty look that athletic surewear provides, does make the body look sculpted and fit.
In a famous interview with Yahoo, Chip Bergh, the CEO of Levis Strauss was found saying that the “yoga pants obsession might be destroying the denim industry”. With an industry giant like Levis possibly losing business to yoga-pants, we sure know how serious the trend is.
The athleisurewear can be easily styled into a day look for casual lunches or a day out with friends by pairing it with non-athletic covers like blazers. A pair of leggings and tank top can be styled with a structured blazer in complementary shades, to convert it into a look which can be worn all day long. If you are planning to wear your athletic wear to office, be a little cautious. You can go for the stretchy dress pants, which have become the new ‘It’ in formal dressing. They look better than the usual dress pants and are exponentially high in comfort than the regular pants. “Denims don’t fit the Indian weather. They get damp and sweaty and that’s the reason I love my loose pants and leggings. A nice pair of leggings with an oversized T-shirt looks really hot; another of my favourites is a boyfriend-shirt teamed with a belt worn with leggings. Add a bit of jewellery like tiny studs, and the look is just perfect to last you through the day” says Aanam Chashmawala, creative director at What When Wear.
Like every trend, active-wear too has its limitations and can turn from a hit to a disaster if chosen for a wrong occasion or paired up with the wrong clothes/accessories. “I would love to wear active-wear out to a cute girls-only lunch, a trip to the mall or while I'm travelling. I’d stay away from them when I’m dressing to kill (a big date),” says Masoom and we agree. Active-wear after all, is for the gym and even the mainstream acceptance does not allow you to wear it to a formal dinner or a date. If you must don active-wear to evening events, go for knits paired with leather or translucent panels and pair them with structured tops or blazers in solid colours. It’ll create an interesting contrast between sporty and sophisticated and give you the perfect evening look without having to go for the usual denims.
