It’s been a while, but I’m back at it with another edition of Stylin’ Out, a series here at Gentleman Within featuring my style, what I’m wearing season to season, and trending menswear pieces.

Stylin’ Out Vol. 6 is all about the men’s athleisure fashion trend and how I’d go about wearing it.

THE SEASON

It’s springtime and the weather is warming up. The heavy layers and winter boots get stashed in the closet until autumn. It’s a beautiful time of year. Lighter layers and minimal style reigns supreme in spring.

THE ATHLEISURE STYLE

The athleisure fashion trend has taken menswear by storm for a few years now, but what exactly is athleisure? Essentially it’s athletic-inspired style, anchored by the ever popular sweatpants.

Sweatpants haven’t always had the best reputation among style guys and stylish guys. Just the name conjures up images of ratty old gym pants that guys wore while lounging on the couch, binging their latest favorite TV show while eating a big bowl of cereal. Not a great look.

But somewhere along the way, sweatpants (also known as joggers) became stylish. It’s got to be the right type of sweats though. I’m talking slim fitting, tailored pants for a more streamlined look. There should be a taper towards the ankle with very minimal to no ankle opening, preferably worn with no break.

Additionally a baseball cap (though not featured in this article) is an athleisure piece that can add to an overall sporty, relaxed and casual look. In my opinion, athleisure is a style worth embracing for spring or fall.

THE LOCATION

Philly

A post shared by khoi n.

| Gentleman Within (@lifeaskhoi) on Feb 20, 2018 at 4:51pm PST

We shot this editorial at City Hall, Philadelphia and then made our way along a surrounding neighborhood down the iconic Broad Street.

THE LOOKS

The following 5 athleisure looks are how I would rock the trendy aesthetic. Overall, the 5 outfits are quite similar with a simple style swap to change up the look ever so slightly.

Above all, when it comes to men’s athleisure there’s one rule to keep in mind. Keep it simple and stick to the basics.

Athleisure Style 1: Track Jacket & Grays

For look one, I kept things simple in neutral grays. The fit is on point. Notice how every piece hugs my body and has a clean drape. Adidas is a classic athleisure brand and the fit of both the track jacket and heather grey joggers is on point.

Additionally, the sneakers are low profile with no laces. And on my wrist is a vintage digital watch that plays well with the whole sporty vibe.

Shop Kizik Sneakers

Athleisure Style 2: Swap In Navy Harrington Jacket

You can swap the track jacket for the smarter harrington jacket. This move will elevate the look a little bit, but still retain a sporty, athletic feel. This is one of my favorite athleisure outfits for men that’s perfect for college students that want to elevate their style above the rest without trying too hard.

The John Lewis Harrington Jacket

Athleisure Style 3: Swap In Navy German Army Trainers

Now it’s time to swap the footwear. I picked a pair of leather/suede German Army Trainers in navy, with a gumsole. Its very low profile, showing a lot of ankle. The color also picks up the navy from the jacket for a nice balance of neutrals.

Shop German Army Trainers

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Athleisure Style 4: Swap In Gray Blazer

This one is a bit more elevated once again, but instead of a track jacket and harrington jacket, I swapped in the quintessential charcoal gray blazer. It’s one of the most versatile pieces in menswear, period. Not only is it stylish, but it’s a comfortable as hell athleisure outfit.

Keep in mind that you’d never want to wear a suit jacket with more casual pieces like sweatpants or sneakers, but a comfort blazer in a sweatshirt material works perfectly in my opinion.

Shop UNIQLO Comfort Jacket

Athleisure Style 5: Swap In Navy Cargo Joggers

For the final look, I’ve swapped the sweats for a pair of cargo pants. Say what!? Yeah, I clown on cargos all the time, but you can pull it off so long as it’s a clean, slim pair that tapers towards the ankle. The pockets have got to be clean. The messy nature of cargo pants is what gives it such a bad rep.

So yeah, cargo pants are Gentleman Within approved, for an effortlessly cool athleisure style.

Shop Slim Cargo Joggers

The Elements of Athleisure Style

Here are the key elements that define the athleisure style:

1. Fabrics

Stretchy, breathable and moisture-wicking technical fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester blends. These allow both comfort and performance.

2. Silhouettes

Slim fit yet relaxed styles that don’t constrict movement – think joggers, leggings, yoga pants. Oversized sweatshirts and tanks are also common for layered looks.

3. Tops

Hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, and zip-up jackets that resemble athletic warm-up gear. Breathable moisture control fabrics.

4. Bottoms

Leggings, yoga pants, joggers, shorts like bike shorts. Often incorporate reflective detailing like piping along the seams.

5. Footwear

Sneakers in technical performance materials or casual low profile styles. Slip on sandals and slides also common.

6. Accessories

Backpacks resemble sport bags. Baseball caps and headbands emulate athletic gear. Sunglasses also popular.

7. Patterns & Textures

Graphic prints with mesh panel detailing, color blocking and mélange weaves add visual interest.

The overall elements combine the soft stretch and moisture control of performance wear with casual silhouettes for all day use beyond the gym. It embraces sporty comfort and the ease of athletic apparel within a versatile aesthetic.

Why is Athleisurewear so Popular?

Athleisure wear has gained immense popularity for these 9 reasons.

1. Comfort-Centric

In a world where comfort is increasingly valued, athleisure provides clothing that’s both comfortable and versatile. The fabrics used, like spandex and moisture-wicking materials, offer ease of movement and breathability, catering to an active lifestyle.

2. Versatility

Athleisure seamlessly blends the lines between gym wear and casual wear. The ability to transition from a workout session to running errands without changing outfits makes it extremely practical.

3. Lifestyle Convenience

Modern lifestyles often demand clothing that can adapt to various activities throughout the day. Athleisure fits this need perfectly, accommodating workouts, social events, and daily routines.

4. Fashion Meets Function

Athleisure successfully merges fashion with functionality. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about looking stylish while feeling at ease. Designers have elevated athleisure with trendy cuts, patterns, and styles.

5. Health and Wellness Trends

With increased focus on health and wellness, athleisure aligns with this trend. It reflects an active lifestyle and promotes the idea of being ready for physical activities at any time.

6. Casual Dress Codes

Workplaces and social settings are becoming more accepting of casual attire. Athleisure provides a way to look put-together while maintaining a relaxed vibe, making it suitable for many environments.

7. Celebrity and Influencer Endorsement

Celebrities and influencers often embrace athleisure, showcasing its appeal through their fashion choices. This exposure contributes significantly to its popularity and acceptance in mainstream fashion.

8. Technological Advancements

The use of innovative fabrics and technologies in athleisure wear, such as moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, or temperature-regulating materials, enhances the overall experience, adding value beyond just aesthetics.

9. Social Media Influence

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify trends, and athleisure has been showcased widely by influencers and fitness enthusiasts, making it aspirational and desirable among younger audiences.

The combination of comfort, style, and adaptability to diverse lifestyles has propelled athleisure wear into a staple in modern fashion, making it more than just a passing trend.

THE END

There’s a reason why athleisure wear has been trending in men’s fashion. It’s a casually versatile and comfortable look that’s equal parts stylish and functional.

That’s it for Stylin’ Out Vol. 6. I hope enjoyed reading and got some inspiration on how to wear the ever trendy athleisure aesthetic.

Originally published on May 28, 2018. Updated on May 3, 2024.

Stylishly yours,
-K

Now onto you. What’s your take on these athleisure pieces and outfits?

The post Stylin’ Out: On Men’s Athleisure Style & How To Wear It appeared first on Gentleman Within.