Athleisure is a type of clothing that is comfortable enough for sports but also stylish enough for other activities. Athleisure companies have been on the rise due to people striving for an active life through style and comfort, according to Quartr.
Nordstrom‘s website describes athleisure wear as athletic-inspired clothing that is a “stylish solution” for looking your best while maintaining comfort all day long.
Kelly Prunzik, a member of the Pepperdine track team, starts most of her mornings on the track. She said her favorite athleisure brands are Nike, Lululemon and Asics. She admires Asics’ shoes for running and finds their apparel to be comfortable on the track, Prunzik said.
“Whether I am working out or just wearing comfy, regular clothes, I’d say I at least have one of these brands on me at all times,” Prunzik said. “I am always in athletic clothes for the most part.”
Prunzik also touched on Nike’s collaboration with the Olympics. She finds inspiration in how Olympic track athletes utilize Nike products.
“Seeing all these incredible track athletes really inspires me to realize what I am doing as a college athlete,” Prunzik said. “It’s really inspiring to hear their stories and how these products help them train.”
Every athleisure company stands by a unique value. Nike‘s mission statement is “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” Lululemon has an Impact Agenda that follows, “Be Human, Be Well, and Be Planet.” Alo Yoga, which stands for air, land and ocean, has goals of “Spreading mindful movement, inspiring wellness and creating community.”
Pepperdine students said they embody the lifestyle trends inspired by their favorite athleisure brands.
Junior Rio Robinson said her favorite athleisure brands are Beyond Yoga, Vuori and Alo Yoga.
Beyond Yoga is a women’s yoga and athletic apparel company that Robinson said she discovered online.
“I love the material because I do a lot of yoga,” Robinson said.
Robinson wears athleisure to class at least once a week, usually after a workout.
Robinson also credits athleisure apparel for its comfort support against the heat, as the materials are breathable. She said the amount of movement she engages in often depends upon what kind of outfit she is wearing.
“When I am wearing athleisure and sneakers, I find myself walking a lot more and moving my body a lot more throughout the day versus when I am wearing sandals, shorts and a regular shirt,” Robinson said.
Senior Tony Billotti said his favorite athleisure brands are Nike and Under Armour. He usually wears these brands two to three times a week while exercising.
Similarly to Robinson, Billotti said he especially wears these brands during hotter temperatures as he finds their material to have a cooling effect.
“I work up a sweat just by walking to class, so the material really helps,” Billotti said.
The material of these athleisure brands motivates Billotti to work out even more and take an extra step when walking or running, as it lightens the intensity of the heat and the workout.
According to Forbes, athleisure companies continue to flourish through their narratives, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity and inventive developments to reach wellness-invested clientele. The Alo Yoga Moves service, for instance, brings fitness classes to their customers’ homes. Athleisure companies continue to invest in the lifestyles they promote, which they connect to their customers.
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Contact Ellya Asatryan via email: ellya.asatryan@pepperdine.edu
