Fall 2023 Activewear Trends: The Styles to Watch
The athleisure trend has come a long way in the last 15 years. Gone are the days when workout clothes were just for the gym and casual lounging. Today, you can sport stylish activewear not only during your workouts but also when you’re out for coffee or meeting friends. It’s all about finding clothing that blends functionality with fashion. As athleisure continues to evolve, fall 2023 brings a fresh wave of new styles. Here’s a look at the hottest activewear trends this season.
The Rise of Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury is making a major comeback. Rather than bright, logo-heavy workout gear, more people are gravitating toward subtle earth tones and tailored pieces that exude sophistication. Brands are moving away from oversized logos and focusing on refined details for a more elegant, elevated look. This trend emphasizes simplicity and understated luxury, with muted prints and textures to create a polished and luxurious feel.
Active Dresses and Skirts
Active dresses and skirts have been growing in popularity, especially with the rise of sports like pickleball, tennis, and badminton. Mini skirts and skorts have even made their way to the runways of high-fashion brands like Miu Miu, Versace, and Fendi. These pieces are no longer limited to the sports field—they’ve become versatile wardrobe staples. Layered with blazers or paired with boots, active skirts and dresses can easily transition from the court to casual outings, offering a chic, sporty vibe for everyday wear.
Retro-Inspired Activewear
This season, designers are looking back to the past for inspiration. 90s minimalism is making a return with clean cuts and earthy tones, while the 70s are influencing activewear styles with flare bottoms, polo shirts, and tennis skirts. Bootcut leggings and pants are particularly popular, showing up in yoga and Pilates classes as well as on the streets. These retro-inspired designs offer a nostalgic yet stylish twist on modern activewear, blending the best of past decades with contemporary fashion.
Unitards: Versatility Meets Fashion
Once primarily associated with ballet, unitards have evolved into a versatile activewear choice for women. Since 2022, unitards have been embraced for everything from high-intensity workouts to more low-key activities. They’re perfect for layering when the temperatures drop and can easily transition from athletic wear to everyday outfits. Designers are even incorporating thinner straps into their unitard designs, creating a look that feels less like performance gear and more like fashionable everyday wear.
The Evolution of Active Pants
While leggings and yoga pants were once synonymous with lounging at home during the pandemic, active pants have since taken the spotlight. Designers have reinvented these pants, creating stylish, comfortable options that you can wear both at the gym and out in the world. Thanks to improved fabric technology, these pants now offer the perfect stretch and fit, making them suitable for both exercise and casual outings. Active pants are the new go-to for versatile, fashionable, and functional clothing.
Sustainable Fabrics in Activewear
Sustainability is a growing concern in the fashion industry, and activewear brands are leading the charge. Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly materials, and designers are responding with recycled fabrics like polyester and nylon. This shift toward sustainable fabrics doesn’t mean compromising on style—brands are finding innovative ways to incorporate eco-conscious materials without sacrificing the fashion-forward designs that consumers expect.
As we move into fall 2023, these trends show that activewear is no longer just about utility—it’s about creating fashionable, versatile pieces that can be worn for both performance and everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a chic unitard or a stylish pair of active pants, the season ahead has something to offer for every fitness and fashion enthusiast.
