Gray sweatpants or even leg warmers from the 1980s that we used to see on old sitcoms and aerobics CDs have slowly transitioned out since the arrival of the 21st century athleisure obsession. More than ever, we have elevated gray sweatpants to the level a fashion exhibited by neutral colored and sleek designs, such Lulu Lemon, which have replaced the traditional gym wear. Sweat sets like Juicy Couture and low-rise sweatpants were popular on the gym floor even more before they are now for casual comfort.
Now, the gym, even Tulane’s fitness center, has been inundated with trending accessories, workout sets and name-brand products. This makes me wonder, is the gym fashionable?
Leading fashion brands such as Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Gymshark have taken the forefront in women's fashion. Lululemon, as the trailblazer and the reigning queen of athletic wear, started gaining popularity in the 2000s and even more so in the 2010s as shopping increasingly shifted online and away from in-store experiences. Brands emerged and immediately captured a unique look that was seamless, comfortable, and recognizable with their logos. They gained popularity by tailoring their brands to specific customer bases as more athleisure brands entered the market. Brands like Alo Yoga, Fabletics, Gymshark, and more have redefined workout gear, creating stylish sets that can be worn individually or paired with other products from the same brand, creating an aesthetic promoted by influencers, celebrities, and social media.
The ease of attending class in athleisure and then heading to the gym has become common with this trend. However, fashion enthusiasts often also grapple with the question of whether gym wear is truly fashionable. People have their own take on the trend, even on the streets of Tulane, where one can spot multiple individuals wearing dry-fit rompers or golfing skirts to class and on the move.
This look has gained increasing popularity as activities like pilates have propelled the aesthetic to new heights, with pilates and ballet core fashion becoming more mainstream. The 'coquette' look, as known on TikTok and Pinterest, utilizes the 'ballet class' fashion with leg warmers, leggings, and cover-ups, blending past athleisure trends to create a new fashion style. Several ensembles featuring this trending look can even be spotted at Reiley. The surge of this style trend and the increasing popularity of workout styles have accelerated the trend at an astonishing rate. The versatility of workout clothes, serving both functional and fashion purposes, seamlessly blends the two worlds.
Though trends may ebb and flow, the athleisure style appears to have firmly established itself, offering a multitude of variations to suit individual tastes. As unexpected fashion choices continue to emerge, it, once again, raises the question: Is the gym evolving into a genuine fashion hub? In personal opinion: Yes.
