Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The Athleisure-fication of Everything

Demand for leggings and sweats may have peaked, but the pandemic’s comfort-first aesthetic is hardly dead. It’s simply mutating into something else: a yet-to-be-named category that incorporates stretch and softness into a staggering number of fashion staples, from trousers to jumpsuits.

Model in office chair wearing grey top and grey pants by Leset. — Lili Chemla created Leset in 2018 with one goal in mind: Make clothes for women who were getting tired of wearing their leggings everywhere. (Leset)

Cathaleen Chen

31 March 2023

BoF PROFESSIONAL

A year ago, Frame launched its stretchiest pair of jeans yet — soft, flared pants that fit like leggings but look as sharp as trousers, designed to be the perfect travel bottoms. The “Jetset” pants became Frame’s best-selling style in 2022, and now include six different silhouettes.

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Is Activewear the New Denim?

Much like denim before it, activewear is increasingly being integrated into daily attire and going premium.

What Comes After Sweatpants

Brands are nudging consumers away from the comfy clothing that they purchased at the onset of the pandemic. But stretchy fabrics and elastic waistbands aren't going anywhere.

As Athleisure Cools, Denim Heats Up

A slowing demand for leggings has given way to the rebound of the denim sector, driven by Millennial desire for retro styles, customised product and technical fabrics.

About the author

Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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