Athleisure is a fashion trend that combines athletic wear with leisurewear. This features comfortable and functional clothing made from technical fabrics. And it is suitable for both active pursuits and casual activities. This blend provides comfort and style to the wearer and suitable as active and casual wear. Even streetwear fashion is incorporating the features of athleisure into the current fashion trend pursuit. Athleisure is perfect example of identifying a scope or gap and providing a solution. As it offers a solution that meets multiple needs in a single clothing. It is characterized by the use of technical fabrics and functional designs. And this makes it perfect for activities like sports, workouts, or lounging around. Also, the key feature of athlesure is use of technical fabrics on functional design.
There are two main features of an Athleisure garments. Technical fabric and Functional Garment Styles. The idea is to provide a comfortable experience to the wearer with functionality. And this makes it a multipurpose clothing. Some of the key features related to technical fabrics and functional designs Include.
Technical Fabrics in Athleisure Apparel
Athlesure often use high performance fabric. Fabrics made out of materials with features that helps keep body fresh and fit. Also, Materials that wick moisture and keep skin healthy. Fabric, breathable and offer stretch and flexibility. Also there are certain treatment like anti-bacterial, silver treatment etc. Common technical fabrics used in Athleisure wear include:
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
These materials draw sweat away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, 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 active wear. Here are some key advantages:
Moisture Management:
Moisture-Wiking fabric has the ability to draw sweat and moisture away from the skin. This helps the skin dry and comfortable during physical activities. Also, this prevents build-up of sweat and reduce the risk of skin infection and chafing. Moisture-wiking is a treatment that is done on polyester, nylon and recycled fabric.
Enhanced Comfort:
Moisture Wiking fabrics enhance comfort during workout by keeping skin dry during workouts. Wearing a clothing that stays dry can prevent from discomfort. This helps the athletes focus on their performance.
Temperature Regulation:
Moisture-wicking fabrics aid in temperature regulation. As sweat evaporates from the fabric’s surface, it cools the skin. This helps prevent overheating during intense activities or in hot environments.
Odor Control:
By reducing the amount of moisture on the skin, moisture-wicking fabrics can also help minimize the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This feature is particularly useful during prolonged workouts or activities where body odor may become an issue.
Quick Drying:
Moisture-wicking fabrics dry faster than traditional materials. So, clothing dry 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 cool and fresh feeling during exercise.
Reduced Chafing and Irritation:
It is not easy to develop germs and fungus in dryness. By keeping the skin dry and reducing fiction, moisture-wiking fabric prevents infection. This is helpful especially where the clothing rubs against skin the most.
Improved Performance:
When athletes are comfortable and confident, it shows in their performance. Moisture-wiking fabric contribute to a pleasant and focused workout experience. This leads to the improvement of their performance level.
Versatility:
Moisture-wicking fabrics are used in a wide range of athletic and casual wear. This makes it suitable for various sports related activities and leisure.
Stretchable Fabrics:
Stiff fabrics holds you back when it comes to athleisure clothing. You need flexibility while doing exercise. So the fabric should be stretchable to give you a better flexibility. So, stretchy materials like spandex is integrated into fabrics in athleisure apparel. This allows an unrestricted movement during workouts and other activities. The amount of stretch required for any particular style is important. A tech pack designer who prepare 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 makes uncomfortable. So the technical designer must mention the right lycra percentage in the tech pack.
Compression Fabrics:
Compression garments, designed to fit snugly around the body. Those fabrics can enhance circulation and muscle support. And this will reduce muscle 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 reduce muscle vibration during exercise. This support reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. And contribute to improve performance and faster recovery of injuries.
Improved Performance:
The muscle support provided by compression fabric enhance body control and stability. This can be beneficial in sports that need precise movements and coordination.
Thermal Regulation:
Compression fabrics are designed with moisture-wiking properties. This helps regulate body temperature during exercise. Also by wiking away sweat, it keep the body cool in hot conditions. It provide warmth in cold weather.
Enhanced Endurance:
Compression Garments enhance stamina by delaying the onset of fatigue. This helps in sustaining for a prolong exercise.
Comfort and Fit:
Fitting snugly against body provide comfortable and supportive feel. The Compression effect targeted to specific area help optimize muscle support.
Increased Oxygen Delivery:
Compression clothing help deliver more oxygen to working muscles. This supports aerobic energy production during exercise and potentially enhancing overall performance.
Versatility:
There are various clothing styles available in compression garment segment. Those are shirts, shorts, leggings. Also there are accessories like knee cap, gloves, Head bands, socks etc.
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 common functional design features are mentioned below.
Elastic Waistbands: Many athleisure bottoms, such as leggings and joggers, feature elastic waistbands. This feature is common to give a secure fit and comfort for the wearer.
Pockets: Functional pockets are frequently incorporated into athleisure wear. This provides storage for small items like keys, smartphones, or cards. This is a necessary feature for wearer during workouts or daily activities.
Flat Seams: To prevent chafing and discomfort, athleisure apparel usually use flat seams. Flat seams lie flat against the skin giving a smooth look and feel to the wearer. Five Thread Flat Lock seam is more stretchable unlike lock stitches. So any stretch during exercise withstand the stitches.
Versatility: Athleisure provides a smooth transition from the gym to everyday activities. This ensures comfort and style throughout the day. You can use athleisure clothing for both exercise and casual occasions. So its use versatile as compared to pure gym wear or Activewear.
Reflective Elements: Reflective prints / patches gives athleisure a look. Secondly, it is safer for outdoor activities during low-light conditions.
Layering Options: Athleisure lines are often come with various layering options. This allows 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 is showing a growing trend over last 5-6 years. People are increasingly adopting this fashion trend due to its comfort, practicality. Sustainable clothing brands are coming up with styles in this category and creating versatile collection. This appeal to customers leading active and on the-go lifestyle. Athleisure is not just limited to workout but also include 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 studio offers tech pack service in the segment of athleisure. Our expert technical designers in athleisure segment offer fresh designs with exceptional functionalities. If you are planning to start a clothing brand on athleisure segment you know where to go.