Athleisure is a fashion trend that combines athletic wear with leisurewear. This features comfortable and functional clothing made from technical fabrics. It is suitable for both active pursuits and casual activities. This blend provides comfort and style to the wearer and is ideal for active and casual wear. Even streetwear fashion is incorporating the features of athleisure into the current fashion trend pursuit. Athleisure is a perfect example of identifying a scope or gap and providing a solution as it offers a solution that meets multiple needs in a single piece of clothing. The use of technical fabrics and functional designs characterizes it. And this makes it perfect for sports, workouts, or lounging around. Also, the critical feature of athleisure is the use of technical fabrics in functional design.
Athleisure garments have two main features: technical fabric and Functional Garment Styles. The idea is to provide a comfortable and functional experience to the wearer. And this makes it a multipurpose clothing. That is why this trend is even popular with independent designer brands. Some of the key features related to technical fabrics and functional designs are as follows:
Technical Fabrics in Athleisure Apparel
Athleisure often uses high-performance fabric. Technical athleisure can help you achieve better results when performing calf raises and other fitness movements. Fabrics are made out of materials with features that help keep the body fresh and fit. Also, Materials that wick moisture and keep skin healthy. Fabric is breathable and offers stretch and flexibility. Also, there are specific treatments like anti-bacterial, silver treatment, etc. Standard technical fabrics used in Athleisure wear include:
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
These materials draw sweat away from the skin to the fabric’s outer surface, where it can evaporate. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activities. Moisture-wicking fabrics offer several benefits, especially in the context of activewear. Here are some key advantages:
Moisture Management:
Moisture-wicking fabric draws sweat and moisture away from the skin, helping the skin stay dry and comfortable during physical activities. It also prevents sweat build-up and reduces the risk of skin infection and chafing. Wicking is a treatment for polyester, nylon, and recycled fabric.
Enhanced Comfort:
Moisture-wicking fabrics enhance comfort during workouts by keeping skin dry. Wearing dry clothing can prevent discomfort, helping athletes focus on their performance.
Temperature Regulation:
Moisture-wicking fabrics help regulate temperature. As sweat evaporates from the fabric’s surface, it cools the skin, helping prevent overheating during intense activities or in hot environments.
Odor Control:
Moisture-wicking fabrics can also help minimize the growth of odor-causing bacteria by reducing the amount of moisture on the skin. This feature is handy during prolonged workouts or activities where body odor may become an issue.
Quick Drying:
Moisture-wicking fabrics dry faster than traditional materials. So, clothing dries fast during rain, hummed weather, splashes, or intense sweating. Quick-drying properties are especially beneficial during outdoor activities or travel.
Lightweight and Breathable:
Moisture-wicking fabrics are lightweight and breathable. This allows air to circulate and maintain a calm and fresh feeling during exercise.
Reduced Chafing and Irritation:
It is not easy to develop germs and fungi in dry conditions. Wicking fabric prevents infection by keeping the skin dry and reducing friction. This is helpful, especially where the clothing rubs against the skin the most.
Improved Performance:
When athletes are comfortable and confident, it shows in their performance. Moisture-wicking fabric contributes to a pleasant and focused workout experience, which improves performance.
Versatility:
Moisture-wicking fabrics are used in a wide range of athletic and casual wear, making them suitable for various sports-related activities and leisure.
Stretchable Fabrics:
Stiff fabrics hold you back when it comes to athleisure clothing. It would help if you had flexibility while doing exercise. So, the fabric should be stretchable to give you better flexibility. So, stretchy materials like spandex are integrated into fabrics in athleisure apparel. This allows unrestricted movement during workouts and other activities. The amount of stretch required for any particular style is essential. A tech pack designer who prepares the fashion sketch and tech pack should know this in detail. If there is any change in the percentage of lycra, the garment may not fit well or make it uncomfortable. So, the technical designer must mention the correct lycra percentage in the tech pack.
Compression Fabrics:
Compression garments are designed to fit snugly around the body. Compression fabrics can enhance circulation and muscle support, reducing fatigue and aiding recovery. Below are some advantages of compression fabrics.
Muscle Support:
Compression fabrics apply gentle pressure to the muscles. This helps in blood circulation and reduces muscle vibration during exercise. It also supports reduced muscle fatigue and soreness, improves performance, and speeds up injury recovery.
Improved Performance:
The muscle support provided by compression fabric enhances body control and stability, which can be beneficial in sports that require precise movements and coordination.
Thermal Regulation:
Compression fabrics are designed with wicking properties, which help regulate body temperature during exercise. Compression fabrics keep the body cool in hot conditions and warm in cold weather by wicking away sweat.
Enhanced Endurance:
Compression Garments enhance stamina by delaying the onset of fatigue. This helps in sustaining a prolonged exercise.
Comfort and Fit:
Fitting snugly against the body, it provides a comfortable and supportive feel. The Compression effect targeted to a specific area helps optimize muscle support.
Increased Oxygen Delivery:
Compression clothing helps deliver more oxygen to working muscles. This supports aerobic energy production during exercise and potentially enhances overall performance.
Versatility:
The compression garment segment offers various clothing styles, such as shirts, shorts, and leggings. Accessories like kneecaps, gloves, Headbands, and socks are also available.
Functional Designs
Athleisure clothing is not only about technical fabrics but also emphasizes practical designs. Designs that cater to an active lifestyle. It is up to the expertise technical expertise of a tech pack designer to design styles. Some standard functional design features are mentioned below.
Elastic Waistbands: Many athleisure bottoms, such as leggings and joggers, feature elastic waistbands. This feature is expected to give the wearer a secure fit and comfort.
Pockets: Functional pockets are frequently incorporated into athleisure wear. These provide storage for small items like keys, smartphones, or cards necessary for wearers during workouts or daily activities.
Flat Seams: Athleisure apparel usually uses flat seams to prevent chafing and discomfort. Seams lie flat against the skin, giving the wearer a smooth look and feel. Five-thread flat Lock seams are more stretchable than lock stitches, so any stretch during exercise withstands the stitches.
Versatility: Athleisure provides a smooth transition from the gym to everyday activities, ensuring comfort and style throughout the day. You can wear athleisure clothing for both exercise and casual occasions, so it is versatile compared to pure gym wear or Activewear.
Reflective Elements: Reflective prints/patches give athleisure a look. They are also safer for outdoor activities during low-light conditions.
Layering Options: Athleisure lines often include various layering options, which allow wearers to adapt their outfits to different temperatures and activities.
Fashion Trend Moving Towards Functional Clothing with Sustainable Fabric
The fashion trend for athleisure clothing has grown over the last 5-6 years. People are increasingly adopting this fashion trend due to its comfort and practicality. Sustainable clothing brands are creating styles in this category and creating versatile collections. This appeals to customers leading an active and on-the-go lifestyle. Athleisure is not just limited to workouts but also includes a wide range of clothing. This includes hoodies, leggings, joggers, sports bras, and more. This makes it a staple in many people’s wardrobes. Fashion studios offer tech pack services in the athleisure segment. Our expert technical designers in the athleisure segment offer fresh designs with exceptional functionalities. You know where to go if you plan to start a clothing brand in the athleisure segment.