Athleisure: casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.
Not just a passing trend, "athleisure" is fast-becoming firm fashion vocab.
Spearheaded by celebs and influencers alike, the movement sees athletic and leisure wear taking over - everywhere from a Saturday night out in town to your 9 to 5.
More than just the sum of its parts, the trend has evolved beyond just wearing your Sunday comfies to brunch. Executed well, it calls for slim fits and elevated cuts.
Fashion meets sportswear: the love affair we've been yearning for
The idea was straightforward - wearing your gym garms, not just at the gym. The chances are, you've been sporting some version of athleisure years before it was the thing to do.
If you've paired your trusted black workout leggings or joggers with an oversized hoodie, you're half way to having been there and done that.
It's clear that athleisure is here to stay, with the likes of supporter supermodel Gigi Hadid changing the fashion landscape.
That classic off-duty model look we aspire to is less white-tee-blue-jeans and more cool cropped sweater, tailored joggers and white kicks - and we dig it.
Cult classics like tracksuits have been upgraded with cleaner cuts, tapered fits and sleek feature finishes.
The transformation of streetwear from stereotype to sartorial mainstay has been impactful and the fashion world has listened.
"I don't know a single girl that doesn't own at least six pairs of black leggings."
At its core, it's a power combination
Comfort meets style, fashion meets functionality...
Whatever your perception, it's a blend of the best our threads have to offer.
"It's been an undertone in fashion for at least as long as I can remember," says Lois Woodcock, Senior Womenswear Designer at Gymshark.
"I remember at one point when I was younger, wearing leggings just meant you weren't really trying and your outfit was thrown together without much thought."
"Now they're the most staple piece in every girl's wardrobe; I don't know a single girl that doesn't own at least six pairs of black leggings," she laughs.
How to master the trend
"For me, it's all about layering," she continues. "Layering up your separates and experimenting with different fabrics and textures is what elevates an otherwise basic look."
"It's less of a trend and more of a lifestyle..."
With innovations in garment construction and the evolution of sportswear in the last decade, opportunities for styling are abundant.
Like with many things in life, less in more. Minimalism, tailoring and clean lines are important in giving your casual more structure without overdoing it.
To begin with, opt for pieces that fit well with your own wardrobe. You already own that crisp white tee, so pick out a smart zip hoodie with shape and durability to layer.
Experiment with performance fabrics that are both breathable and add texture to your look.
Oversized silhouettes and longline cuts are easily incorporated; whilst the big benefit of athleisure is comfort, it's important to not overlook shape and strike a balance between looking both laid back and put together.
It might sound impossible, but we promise it's not.
IS IT HERE TO STAY?
"I don't think it'll be going anywhere any time soon," Lois says. "Being so versatile and ready-to-wear, it's less of a trend and more of a lifestyle.
"The thing is, you can take a really fashionable item of clothing, add sporty trims and cuts and call it athleisure.
"But for Gymshark, it's about taking those quality, durable performance pieces, those that push boundaries in innovation and making them suitable to the style conscious."
