The evolution of sportswear

Sportswear has taken over our wardrobes as the ‘signature trend of the 21st Century’. Over the last seven years, the sector has grown by 42% and brands such as Nike, Adidas and New Balance have taken the world by storm. Their sponsorships with some of the best-known athletes have encouraged people, regardless of whether they are a fan of sport, to try the trend for themselves.

The technological advance in materials has allowed sportswear to be worn on a day-to-day basis. The trend is attracting more than just professional athletes and it is now acceptable for it to be worn during non-athletic activities. The fact that Fred Perry has become a ‘100% street fashion brand’, when it was originally for tennis players, is an example of how far this style has come.

Thanks to multi-task activewear you can still look the part, despite not being a gym fanatic. Women’s Health magazine rated multi-task activewear as the number one activewear trend for 2020 and it is easy to see why. These items are durable enough for almost any daily task, which gives you a great excuse to slip into a pair of leggings at the weekend - plus they are very comfortable!

The rise of sportswear has encouraged fast fashion brands to make their own mark for an affordable price, including Boohoo, ASOS and PrettyLittleThing. Their accessible prices encourage more people to get involved in exercise, which helps to remove the financial burden that stops many from trying something new. For consistently quality products, Nike or Adidas are the way to go. However, if you want a chic, oversized hoodie to relax in, the fashionable fitness trend sounds like the one for you.

Edited by Katie Wheatley