Once upon a time, gym attire like T-shirts, track pants, and running shoes were strictly reserved for workouts and never ventured into casual wear. Those days are long gone. Today, men's athleisure has emerged as a prominent fashion trend, merging seamlessly with high-end style to become the new urban uniform. High-end joggers and designer hoodies are now common sights in everyday outfits, paired effortlessly with slim-fit chinos and loafers. This blend of luxury and activewear has revolutionized fashion, making athleisure a staple in both high fashion and streetwear.
The intersection of high fashion and athleisure has transformed how men assemble their wardrobes. Brands like Fear of God, with its sports-inspired designs, and Comme des Garçons, remastering Nike sneakers for the runway, highlight this shift. The fusion of sleek sweatpants with polished polos and sneakers on Parisian runways reflects a broader trend where comfort meets sophistication. Athleisure isn't just about looking good; it's about merging style with functionality, offering both performance and aesthetics.
What started as a trend in the early 2010s has now solidified into a fashion norm. Athleisure has evolved beyond its initial hype, becoming a central element of modern menswear. The boundaries between gym wear and casual clothing have blurred, allowing for versatile pieces like joggers and hoodies to seamlessly fit into various settings. As the market becomes flooded with options, it’s crucial to know which brands excel in blending sportswear with luxury. Dive into the world of the top 15+ men’s luxury athleisure brands and discover how to elevate your workouts with style and sophistication.
What is athleisure?
Athleisure is a fashion trend that combines athletic wear with leisure or casual clothing, blending style and functionality in everyday outfits. Originating in the early 2010s, athleisure was designed to offer versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from the gym to daily life. It includes items like joggers, leggings, hoodies, and sneakers that are not only functional for physical activities but also stylish enough for casual or even semi-formal occasions. This trend emphasizes comfort and practicality, allowing people to maintain an active lifestyle while looking effortlessly chic.
The popularity of athleisure has led to a broader acceptance of sporty garments as part of regular wardrobes. High-end designers and streetwear brands have embraced this trend, creating luxury athleisure collections that merge performance fabrics with fashionable designs. This fusion has revolutionized how we perceive activewear, making it a staple in contemporary fashion. Athleisure now represents a lifestyle choice that values both comfort and aesthetics, offering an ideal solution for those who want to stay stylish while staying active.
Defining Luxury Athleisure
Luxury athleisure takes the concept of athleisure to a higher level by incorporating premium materials, sophisticated designs, and exclusive branding. Unlike standard activewear, luxury athleisure is crafted from high-quality fabrics such as cashmere blends, technical performance fibers, and fine cottons, which offer both exceptional comfort and durability. The design elements often feature sleek lines, tailored fits, and subtle branding that elevate the garments beyond mere workout attire. This elevated approach ensures that luxury athleisure pieces are not only functional for exercise but also stylish enough for everyday wear and high-end social settings.
The allure of luxury athleisure lies in its ability to seamlessly blend high fashion with functionality. Leading brands in this space combine cutting-edge technology with refined aesthetics, creating garments that stand out in both performance and style. From expertly designed joggers and streamlined hoodies to sophisticated sneakers, luxury athleisure offers a versatile wardrobe solution that caters to the modern lifestyle. It represents a shift towards valuing comfort and versatility without compromising on elegance, making it a favored choice for those who want to make a statement while staying active.
Athleisure Essentials You Need In Your Closet
With an increasing number of fashion brands venturing into the activewear sector, men’s wardrobes now feature versatile clothing that seamlessly transitions from gym to street. Here’s a guide to styling some top-notch activewear essentials for men.
1. Sweatpants and Joggers
For those who want to combine style and mobility, Stone Island offers the perfect solution. Known for blending luxury, streetwear, and activewear, their range of tonal sweatpants provides both comfort and high-fashion appeal. Pair these muted sweatpants with a vibrant Kenzo crewneck pullover and an Amiri varsity jacket. Complete the outfit with Common Projects low-top sneakers for a polished look.
2. Track Pants
Track pants are making a stylish comeback with a retro edge. For a classic vibe, Wales Bonner is an excellent choice. The brand’s fusion of sophisticated activewear and military-inspired elements works well on high-fashion runways. Style Wales Bonner track pants with a Tom Ford leather jacket and Prada combat boots for a refined look.
3. Shorts
Activewear’s ability to keep you cool while maintaining a trendy appearance is a major plus. When heading out for a casual gathering, opt for Givenchy shorts paired with a Fendi sweatshirt and a John Elliott bomber jacket. Givenchy’s sports shorts offer both runway flair and everyday wearability.
4. T-Shirts
T-shirts, traditionally linked with casual outfits, have evolved into versatile pieces suitable for business-casual attire. Transition effortlessly from work to evening with a Loewe T-shirt, a Thom Browne cardigan, and The Row pants for a refined look.
5. Hoodies
Hoodies are a fundamental part of athleisure that can also be dressed up for more formal settings. Try a Marni pullover hoodie with dark-wash Zegna jeans and Christian Louboutin penny loafers. For an elevated touch, pair it with a rugged Ralph Lauren Purple Label sport coat.
The surge in athleisure has filled a significant niche in men’s fashion, blending practical performance wear, cozy loungewear, and sophisticated style. Recent trends highlight the fashion industry’s commitment to creating clothing that’s both functional and flattering.
15+ Men’s Luxury Athleisure Brands You Need To Check Out
In today’s fashion landscape, luxury athleisure is redefining how men approach both style and functionality. Gone are the days when activewear was confined to the gym or lounging at home. Now, high-end brands are merging sophisticated design with performance, offering pieces that transition seamlessly from a workout session to a social gathering. Whether you’re looking for premium joggers, sleek track pants, or stylish hoodies, these 15+ men’s luxury athleisure brands are leading the charge in combining elegance with athletic practicality. Explore these top labels to elevate your activewear game and stay on trend.
1. Stone Island
Stone Island is a prestigious menswear brand renowned for its deep roots in the streetwear scene. The brand distinguishes itself through meticulous attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and the use of cutting-edge fabrics. Stone Island’s collection spans a variety of essential activewear, including stylish hoodies, insulating puffer vests, sleek track pants, versatile windbreakers, and trendy bucket hats.
Each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and high-quality materials, making it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts who value both performance and style. Stone Island’s unique approach to design ensures that its garments not only perform exceptionally well but also stand out in any urban setting.
2. Moncler
Moncler, renowned for its expertise in cold-weather outerwear, has also made significant strides in the athleisure sector. The brand extends its luxurious touch to a diverse range of activewear, including sleek track jackets, stylish jerseys, and cozy long-sleeve sweatshirts. Moncler’s collection is completed by high-performance sneakers and other essential pieces, all designed to complement their iconic puffer coats.
This blend of functionality and fashion ensures that Moncler’s athleisure offerings not only excel in performance but also make a bold style statement. Whether you're layering up for a winter workout or simply looking to elevate your casual wardrobe, Moncler provides premium options that seamlessly merge comfort with sophistication.
3. Off-White
Founded by the visionary Virgil Abloh, Off-White has made a significant impact in both the sportswear and high fashion realms, seamlessly merging the two worlds. Abloh’s unique perspective blurred the lines between streetwear and luxury fashion, creating a brand that stands out for its bold designs and innovative approach. Off-White’s activewear collection is diverse, featuring everything from cargo shorts and skate hoodies to graphic T-shirts, tracksuits, and cutting-edge sneakers.
Each piece reflects Abloh’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining traditional fashion norms. Off-White’s dynamic range of activewear not only makes a statement on the streets but also maintains the brand’s reputation for high-quality, trendsetting design.
4. Versace
While Versace is typically associated with opulent high fashion, the brand has also carved out a niche in the athleisure market. Known for its extravagant style and luxurious designs, Versace has seamlessly integrated activewear into its repertoire. The brand's commitment to sportswear is evident in its range of high-quality gym leggings, stylish T-shirts, and sophisticated track sets.
Versace has further bolstered its presence in the activewear world by collaborating with sneaker expert Salehe Bembury, who oversees its men's footwear division. This partnership highlights Versace’s dedication to merging luxury with functionality, ensuring that its activewear pieces not only deliver on performance but also embody the brand’s signature elegance and flair.
5. Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen brings its signature edgy punk aesthetic to the world of sportswear, infusing traditional activewear silhouettes with a bold, rebellious flair. The brand is renowned for its innovative approach, reimagining classic sportswear pieces with a distinct McQueen twist. This creative touch is evident in their range of sweat shorts, swim trunks, T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, each piece showcasing the brand’s unique blend of high fashion and street-inspired style.
McQueen's activewear combines high-quality materials with distinctive design elements, offering garments that stand out both in performance and visual impact. The label's ability to reinvent timeless sportswear with its avant-garde perspective ensures that every piece is both functional and fashion-forward.
6. Thom Browne
Thom Browne, celebrated for redefining modern formalwear with his avant-garde approach, has brought the same innovative spirit to the world of activewear. Known for his meticulous tailoring and distinctive style, Browne has seamlessly integrated his formalwear philosophy into sportswear. The brand’s minimalist designs, such as the iconic 4-stripe sweaters and sleek sweatpants, have become signature pieces in Thom Browne's activewear collection.
By blending high fashion with functional design, Browne has created a unique niche where luxury meets performance. These carefully crafted garments exemplify the brand’s commitment to elegance and innovation, offering versatile options that maintain sophistication while catering to an active lifestyle.
7. Sunspel
While Sunspel may not match specialized sportswear brands in terms of advanced performance technology, it excels in delivering unmatched quality in its activewear essentials. This British brand is renowned for producing some of the most luxurious wardrobe staples available, and its athleisure collection is no exception.
Sunspel offers a range of refined basics, including jogging bottoms, hoodies, loopback sweatshirts, and Supima cotton T-shirts. Each piece is crafted from substantial, high-quality fabrics and proudly made in England. Embracing a "less is more" design philosophy, Sunspel focuses on understated elegance and timeless simplicity, ensuring that their athleisure items not only look sophisticated but also provide a superior wearing experience.
8. WAHTS
Based in Amsterdam, WAHTS specializes in blending luxury menswear with modern sportswear to create garments that are both stylish and functional. The brand is known for its commitment to a refined monochrome palette and minimalist design, focusing on exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality fabrics. WAHTS ensures top-notch quality by exclusively partnering with Portuguese factories and producing its collections in limited runs. This approach guarantees that every piece meets the brand’s rigorous standards.
WAHTS has broadened its range in recent seasons to include a comprehensive selection of menswear essentials, such as knits, sweatshirts, shorts, chinos, shirts, and even swimwear. This expansion makes WAHTS an excellent choice for versatile clothing that seamlessly transitions from gym sessions to everyday activities. If you're seeking sophisticated, high-performance apparel that delivers on both style and practicality, WAHTS is a standout option.
9. Unfeigned
Unfeigned was established with a vision to merge sustainability with sophisticated men’s fashion, seamlessly blending smart and casual styles. The brand emphasizes environmental responsibility by utilizing eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled polyester, all produced in Portugal. Each garment comes with a detailed transparency report, outlining the sourcing of every material used—an approach to openness that sets a high standard in the fashion industry.
The collection is heavily inspired by athleisure, offering pieces that balance both form and function. Notable items include quarter-zip sweatshirts and tailored drawstring pants, designed to be versatile enough for both office attire and relaxed weekends at home. Unfeigned’s commitment to sustainability and stylish practicality makes it an exemplary choice for those seeking modern, eco-conscious fashion.
10. Y-3
For nearly two decades, Y-3 has been at the forefront of blending sportswear with high fashion. Created as a collaboration between avant-garde Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas, Y-3 was pioneering in transforming sportswear from mere functionality into a fashion statement. The brand has consistently challenged conventional views of activewear, blending cutting-edge design with a minimalist aesthetic.
This innovative fusion of futurism and simplicity has established Y-3 as one of the original athleisure brands, with its forward-thinking approach remaining as influential and relevant today as ever. Y-3’s unique vision continues to set the standard for combining style and performance in sportswear.
11. Castore
Liverpool-based Castore brings a distinctively luxurious approach to high-performance men’s sportswear, catering to those who seek more than what traditional brands like Nike or Adidas provide. Founded by brothers Phil and Tom Beahon, Castore offers a sophisticated blend of functionality and style, ensuring that their sportswear is not only effective on the track but also looks impressive in everyday settings.
The brand’s innovative designs have garnered attention from prominent figures in the sports world, including tennis champion Andy Murray, who has become a shareholder in the company. Castore’s commitment to combining premium quality with cutting-edge performance makes it a standout choice for athletes and style-conscious individuals alike.
12. Reigning Champ
Reigning Champ, a Canadian brand known for its exceptional fabrics and robust construction, has been a pioneer in the athleisure movement long before the term even existed. The brand boasts its own cut-and-sew factory, allowing for unparalleled control over quality and design. Reigning Champ’s expertise and craftsmanship have led to high-profile collaborations with major names such as New Era, Adidas, Asics, and Converse, showcasing its influence in both athletic and streetwear circles.
CEO Craig Atkinson, formerly the chief manufacturer for iconic brands like Supreme, brings a wealth of experience to the table. This background in producing highly sought-after streetwear further elevates Reigning Champ’s reputation, making it a top choice for those who appreciate athletic gear with genuine streetwear credentials. The brand’s dedication to superior craftsmanship and innovative design ensures that its athleisure offerings remain at the forefront of style and performance.
13. Nike Sportswear (NSW)
In the realm of streetwear, Jun Takahashi’s Undercover is celebrated for its high-fashion designs and avant-garde aesthetic. However, when it comes to athleisure, Takahashi’s influence is equally prominent through his collaboration with Nike on the fashion-forward performance running line, Gyakusou. This partnership combines Takahashi’s distinctive style with Nike’s extensive technical expertise to produce running apparel that seamlessly blends performance with high-fashion appeal.
Gyakusou’s collections feature cutting-edge designs that make their way from the track to the runway, embodying both form and function. With their striking looks and innovative features, Gyakusou sets a new standard for athletic wear, offering some of the most stylish and technically advanced running gear available. Whether you're hitting the streets or a high-fashion event, Gyakusou ensures you do so with unparalleled style and performance.
14. Gyakusou
In the realm of streetwear, Jun Takahashi’s Undercover is celebrated for its high-fashion designs and avant-garde aesthetic. However, when it comes to athleisure, Takahashi’s influence is equally prominent through his collaboration with Nike on the fashion-forward performance running line, Gyakusou. This partnership combines Takahashi’s distinctive style with Nike’s extensive technical expertise to produce running apparel that seamlessly blends performance with high-fashion appeal.
Gyakusou’s collections feature cutting-edge designs that make their way from the track to the runway, embodying both form and function. With their striking looks and innovative features, Gyakusou sets a new standard for athletic wear, offering some of the most stylish and technically advanced running gear available. Whether you're hitting the streets or a high-fashion event, Gyakusou ensures you do so with unparalleled style and performance.
15. Lululemon
Lululemon, a pioneer in luxury yoga apparel, has been influential in shaping the athleisure trend long before it became mainstream. The Canadian brand played a significant role in popularizing yoga pants, transitioning them from niche workout wear to everyday fashion staples. Known for their stylish and high-quality designs, Lululemon’s yoga pants helped set the stage for the athleisure movement.
Today, Lululemon’s impact extends beyond women’s yoga apparel. Their men’s collection offers a range of athletic essentials, including compression leggings, joggers, and running jackets. Each piece is designed with versatility in mind, ensuring it performs well both in the gym and as part of a city-ready outfit. Lululemon’s commitment to blending functionality with fashion continues to make it a leading choice for high-quality, stylish activewear.
16. Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang has emerged as a prominent figure in the luxury athleisure space by seamlessly blending high fashion with sportswear. Wang’s personal affinity for gym wear is evident in his designs, reflecting his own lifestyle in the pieces he creates. His collections often highlight the fusion of fashion-forward aesthetics with athletic functionality.
Seasonal releases from Alexander Wang prominently feature items such as hoodies, sweatshirts, and joggers, which are complemented by sneakers from his ongoing collaboration with Adidas. The designs are characterized by their moody, futuristic vibe, and relaxed, slouchy silhouettes. Wang’s work consistently showcases a strong sportswear influence, marrying high-end fashion with practical, stylish athleticwear.
17. Brunello Cucinelli
Renowned as the reigning authority on casualwear, Italian brand Brunello Cucinelli excels in creating premium, laid-back garments designed for both comfort and style. The brand’s approach to fashion is all about effortless luxury and wearability, a philosophy that extends to its sporty collections as well.
Beyond its signature unstructured blazers and relaxed tailoring, Brunello Cucinelli offers an array of upscale athleisure pieces. The collection includes high-quality jogging bottoms, sophisticated polo shirts, and even a selection of refined sneakers. Each item embodies the brand’s commitment to combining elegance with practicality, ensuring that every piece not only looks luxurious but also feels exceptional to wear.
Conclusion
In today’s fashion landscape, luxury athleisure has become more than just a trend; it’s a testament to the evolving intersection of style and performance. From iconic brands like Stone Island and Moncler to innovative newcomers like WAHTS and Unfeigned, these labels are redefining what it means to blend high fashion with athletic functionality. Each brand brings its unique touch to the athleisure scene, offering a range of sophisticated options that cater to both the gym and everyday life.
As the athleisure market continues to expand, the emphasis on quality, design, and versatility remains paramount. Whether you’re drawn to the futuristic edge of Alexander Wang or the timeless elegance of Brunello Cucinelli, there’s no shortage of options to elevate your wardrobe. Embracing luxury athleisure not only enhances your performance but also ensures you look effortlessly stylish, proving that the boundary between activewear and high fashion is more fluid than ever.
What are the top athleisure brands in the world?
Top athleisure brands globally include Nike, Lululemon, Adidas, Under Armour, and Gymshark. These brands are renowned for their high-quality, stylish, and functional activewear that seamlessly blends athletic performance with everyday wear.
What is the highest grossing athleisure brand?
Nike is the highest grossing athleisure brand, leading the market with its extensive range of sportswear and lifestyle apparel. The brand's innovative designs and global presence have made it a dominant force in the athleisure industry.
What is luxury activewear?
Luxury activewear refers to high-end, stylish athletic clothing made from premium materials. It combines the functionality of sportswear with the elegance of high fashion, offering both performance and sophisticated design.
Who dominates the athleisure market?
Nike and Lululemon dominate the athleisure market. Nike leads with its extensive product range and global reach, while Lululemon excels in high-quality, fashionable yoga and fitness apparel, driving significant market share.
Why is athleisure so expensive?
Athleisure is often expensive due to premium materials, advanced technology, and high fashion design. Brands invest in research and development to create stylish, durable, and functional apparel, which contributes to the higher cost.
Is athleisure popular in Europe?
Yes, athleisure is popular in Europe. European consumers embrace the blend of comfort and style offered by athleisure, leading to increased demand and growth in the market across the continent.
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