Athleisure Is Back… And I’m Here For It.

As an SEC college girl, and avid comfy clothes enthusiast, I am elated about athleisure becoming a “thing”. Sure, athleisure has never gone out of style. But, now more than ever, 2000’s athletic clothing has come back into the rotation of trending clothes. It’s nothing revolutionary, so why is everyone obsessed?  I believe my generation, Gen Z, longs for the 2000’s lifestyle. The yoga teacher, Ingrid Michaelson, has a perfect weather aesthetic. There’s a handful of reasons this is true, but mainly the nostalgia and trend rotations attribute to the success of athleisure. Nevertheless, I sure am giving into this trend. 

Gen Zers are known for being nostalgic. It’s in our generation's nature. Maybe it’s because of Cov*d, or maybe it’s because we allow ourselves to feel things so deeply. Although the early 2000’s wasn’t that long ago, this is the aesthetic we grew up with. These are the athletic pieces our moms, aunts, older sisters, and that cool older babysitter would wear. The people we subconsciously looked up to. 

It’s no secret lululemon has been on its decline, even for the SEC girls. The athleisure industry has been booming, along with the wellness industry. Companies like Lululemon and Alo, have some serious competition.

 It seems like every 20-something year old is coming out with an athletic brand. I guess it’s the new pipeline. You wake up one day, and decide it’s your time to launch an athletic brand. Anyways, I’m here for it. I wear athleisure every single day. I’m a barre instructor and SEC sorority girl so, my closet is overflowing with leggings and matching sets. Being able to find unique, colorful pieces has been everything to me. 

Some pieces I’ve been particularly into are capris (I know, I almost don’t believe I’m saying this too), folded yoga pants, and layered tops. Dairy Boy Sport had one of my favorite collections. And although this isn’t a hot take, it’s what inspired me to write this article. 

P.S: Are you here for this trend? If so, what is your favorite niche athletic brand?