This Trend Is Replacing Athleisure as We Know It

If you had told me a decade ago that in 10 years, people would be dressing like country club tennis pros, boxers, and ’80s Jazzercise instructors, my response would feel been, Huh? Why? But alas, here we are, and everyone is wearing retro sports attire like it’s normal (which it basically is now). Over the past few years, we’ve come to think of athleisure as leggings, the latest It sneakers, sports bras, hoodies, etc. But in the past year or so, the concept of athleisure has evolved.

Because everyone wants to be comfortable and fashion is cyclical, athleisure is here to stay, and these days, it looks a lot like the activewear and sports gear from the ’80s. The decade has been an ongoing source of trends as of late, with plissé pleats, shoulder pads, and ruching making a comeback. So the fact that people are dressing like they’re going to play racquetball, golf, or rugby in 1985 isn’t all that surprising considering the state of fashion right now. Brands like Sporty & Rich and Rowing Blazers continue to lure in all the cool kids, and many other brands are getting in on the action. If you love the look—which I admit I do—read on to see how fashion people are wearing it, and shop some of my favorite retro sportswear to add to your own collection.

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679970152-image

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679973640-image

(Image credit: @shutthekaleup
 )

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679970985-image

(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679971271-image

(Image credit: @cassdimicc)

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679972154-image

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679971641-image

(Image credit: @yoyokulala)

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679972654-image

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

retro-fitness-trend-293944-1624679973220-image

(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Next up, the rising summer trend that's as comfortable as a bathrobe.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.