We’re in a casual fashion epidemic. With the cultural rise of Lululemon, Alo, and Oner Active, and Gen Z’s more laid-back approach to life (and complete shift to flared leggings everywhere post-pandemic) we’ve lost many sartorial rules along the way. So I’m here to remind you where exactly athleisure fashion is allowed to live in your life. Why me? Because, as a fashion editor and stan of athleisure, I want to preserve its correct position in society. This is not a hater’s essay.
From students to working adults, everyone’s closets took a major shift due to remote work and Zoom schooling in the pandemic. Six years after spending more time indoors altered our fashion circadian rhythm, we’ve let the rightful occasion dressing system fall by the wayside. And this, quite frankly, must end. I am tired of my favorite form of dressing being discredited simply because it has oversaturated the market.
Athleisure’s ubiquity has led to people like beloved actor Stanley Tucci saying on The Devil Wears Prada 2 red carpet that everyone needs to stop wearing athletic wear when they’re not working out. This too must end. Athleisure is not a crime, we are all just simply being inundated with it at the wrong times. So, to protect my leggings and (what the internet has dubbed) the “BBL jacket” (a.k.a the Lululemon Define jacket) from ridicule, here is the definitive list of where and where not to wear athleisure. Let’s preserve the proud tradition of comfy clothes, by respecting the following:
The Gym
We’re going to start off strong by saying, yes, you can and should wear athletic wear at the gym. Do I get a spike of serotonin when I see a random man wearing jeans while running on the treadmill? Yes, yes I do. But, alas, as Mister Tucci claims, the best place to wear gym clothes is, in fact, the gym. So please move forward wearing such pieces while there.
Brunch
They might try to fight me on this, but yes, I do believe you can wear athleisure-wear to brunch. We’ve made brunch out to be more than it needs to be, when really spending your Saturday morning at a workout class, and then meeting up with your bestie for a bite in a cute pair of leggings and a zip-up jacket is what life is all about. Even if you skip the workout, going to brunch in athletic wear is perfectly fine and an appropriate use of comfort dressing.
The Club
No! This is where my Gen Z brothers and sisters are embarrassing us as a group. College culture has warped our idea of fashion immensely. Frat sneakers turned into club sneakers, which turned into Lululemon at the club. I am all for casual clothing, but the club is taking it too far! Put on a cute heel (kitten, if your feet aren’t up for the challenge) or a simple sandal. But please don’t wear workout clothes to the club. Not when jeggings still exist and are the more presentable cousin of athleisure.
Drinks With Friends
Again, no. This one is a bit complicated, because in theory you might say, “Didn’t you just tell me I could wear athleisure to brunch.” Yes, I did. But nighttime is where fashion rules evolve. If you’re going to happy hour or anything later in the evening—doesn’t matter if it’s a honky tonk, sports bar, or pub—you do not need to wear workout clothes to drinks. No exceptions. Bring a spare outfit to keep in your purse, your car, or in a tote bag. Either way, at drinks with friends you should wear regular clothes. When in doubt, go for the simple model off duty look: jeans and a white top.
At the Airport
Yes, you can and should wear athleisure at the aiport. I will never agree with the jeans and dressy outfit girls. Even though flying started as a luxury activity, which is why people dressed up to travel, we’re now in a different era. Wear your sweats, leggings, and sweat-wicking jackets. This is the perfect time to be comfortable and I rest my case.
On a Date
No. Unless it’s a running date (and please, don’t let that be the first date, I’m begging). I’m going to suggest a cute top, fun pants instead as the way to go for any date. We will allow sneakers, but make them fun, too. There’s no need to be casual with your dating fashion.
To Work
Absolutely not. Especially for my early 20s workers who’ve spent most of their “adult” years in a hybrid work experience, we mustn’t fall short. Dress for success, and unless you’re having a team building exercise day, please don’t go to work in leggings, sports bras, athletic crop tops, or any type of workout gear. Again, depending on your place of employment sneakers are a toss up. But if you’re in finance or corporate America, find yourself a simple pair of ballet flats, loafers, or dress shoes.
At School
Yes, and I am not afraid to say it. Whether it be primary or college, this is one of the last safe public spaces for athleisure. Unless you attend a private school with a strict dress code or uniform, please wear that athletic wear as much as your heart desires. Because soon you’ll be in the real world and have to dial it back.
At Home
This is where it all began. Athleisure is meant to worn on your work from home days, your invite friends over and watch Love Island days, your cleaning days. This is what comfortable clothing was made for. The in-between of pajamas and outdoors clothes. So yes, please wear all the athletic wear you want in the comfort of your home.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
