PPB November 2019

Feeling Fit And At Home Mirroring The Times Athleisure is exactly what it sounds like. It’s clothing that is athletically-inspired but meant to be worn almost anywhere, though with a few style swaps, the pieces can also be worn to the gym or yoga studio. Athleisure reflects consumers’ preferences for less formal and lower maintenance clothing options on a day-to-day basis. Apparel that was once synonymous with exercise is now perceived as casual wear. Deidre Clemente, fashion historian at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, told Business Insider that she describes athleisure as a “weird hybrid” of athletic apparel meshed with business casual, and also the use of materials associated with athletic clothes—like spandex, Lycra and other synthetic fibers—that are appropriate for some workplaces. According to Clemente, the predecessors of athleisure were introduced during the mass production of rubber-soled shoes, or sneakers, during the 19th century, which coincided with the takeoff of intramural sports in higher education. Specifically, consumers reportedly added running shoes to their closets after the U.S. Rubber Company developed its famous Keds in 1892. Worn mostly by wealthier folks, the sneaker market grew expansively following World War I, with a heightened focus on health and appearance. Ever since, sneakers have been a top accessory. Athletic-inspired clothing, such as polo shirts, sport coats and shorts, were also popularized during this time. But let’s turn the focus on modern-day trends in products and services and its tie-in to this movement. Over the past few years, boutique fitness studio chains— referred to in The New York Times as the “boutique fitness boom” and known as disruptors to the fitness industry—have taken off. Whether it’s high-energy cycling amidst blacklights and dance music at SoulCycle to full-body workouts using a ballet bar at The Barre Code or competitive strength training workouts at Barry’s First things first: leggings are an athleisure closet staple. These Women’s Gemini Leggings are made from a blend of 85-percent polyester and 15-percent spandex knit, with moisture-wicking and anti-microbial fabric properties for all-day freshness. An elasticized waistband features a hidden key pocket for safekeeping, and flat lock seams are strategically placed to flatter all figures. Available in XXS-3XL in black. Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, S10 www.charlesriverapparel.com Imprint your logo front and center on a tank that’s made for leisure and play. The Women’s Space Dye Fitness Tank is made from a 100-percent polyester yarn-dyed jersey knit with a space dye effect for a cool fabric finish. Moisture- wicking and anti-microbial fabric helps maintain dryness, while blocking up to 95 percent of UV rays. Details include a scoop neck and racer-inspired back with a drop-tail hem. Available in XXS- 3XL in black, grey and pink (shown). Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, S10 www.charlesriverapparel.com | NOVEMBER 2019 | 27 INNOVATE