Athleisure is a fashion trend that combines the comfort and functionality of athletic wear with the style and versatility of casual clothing.
Popular among men who value aesthetics and practicality, this trend has redefined daily wear, emphasizing clothes that fit seamlessly into workout sessions and social settings.
As a blend of sportswear and casual wear, athleisure pieces like sweatpants, hoodies, and sneakers are now staples in the modern man’s wardrobe, reflecting a lifestyle prioritizing health, comfort, and effortless style.
Old Money Sportswear Essentials
A perfect blend of style and practicality is at the heart of men’s athleisure. Several wardrobe essentials combine to create a versatile athleisure outfit:
T-Shirts & Henleys
T-shirts and henleys are elevated in athleisure using soft, breathable materials that maintain shape and color after washing.
T-shirts offer a classic versatility that makes them a staple in many athleisure wardrobes. On the other hand, henleys add a stylish touch with their button packets.
Polo Shirts
Polo shirts bridge the gap between formal and casual wear, making them perfect athleisure garments thanks to the materials that allow for ease of movement and breathability.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Hoodies and sweatshirts are ideal for layering thanks to technical fabrics that provide warmth without bulk.
Features like moisture-wicking properties and breathable panels add a performance edge.
Shorts
Athleisure shorts are designed for relaxation and performance, often featuring lightweight, stretchable fabrics. Sweat shorts, in particular, are a staple in many wardrobes, perfect for casual, laid-back activities.
Sweatpants & Joggers
Sweatpants and joggers are the cornerstones of athleisure. Modern variations are tailored to be versatile, transitioning smoothly from a casual work environment to the gym.
High-quality fabrics like cotton blends with stretch fibers enhance comfort and durability.
Outerwear
As the lines between fashion and function continue to blur, athleisure outerwear includes everything from lightweight jackets to versatile vests.
Performance Jackets: Lightweight and breathable, these jackets are perfect for transitional weather, featuring water-resistant and windproof capabilities.
Bomber Jackets: Bomber jackets are crafted from light materials, offering a sleek addition to any athleisure outfit.
Vests: Ideal for layering, athleisure vests keep the core warm while allowing full mobility.
Track Jackets: Modern track jackets merge classic sporty design with contemporary materials, equipped with features like zip pockets for practicality.
Windbreakers: Windbreakers are great for outdoor activities, offering a protective, lightweight layer that ensures comfort without restricting movement.
Sneakers
Sneakers are the most visible symbol of athleisure. Today’s designs feature advanced cushioning and durable materials that suit sports and casual wear.
Designed to work with sneakers, socks complete the look – preferably wear performance fibers that provide climate control for optimal performance.
Caps and Accessories
Often with sleek, minimal designs, caps round out the athleisure style, providing a practical touch and a fashion statement.
Meanwhile, accessories in athleisure are designed with a practical purpose, like lightweight backpacks and sports watches that integrate seamlessly into a stylish, active lifestyle.
Old Money Sportswear Styling Tips
The anatomy of athleisure consists of three key factors—fabric, fit, and functionality—as these make up and dictate the style. Above all, it’s about balance and understanding what to mix and match, and what not to.
The best thing is that athleisure is a transitional style that you can always fall back on.
No matter what the season is, with the right combinations, you’ll feel comfortable and look stylish.
To help get you started we’ve put together a few of our favorite athleisure outfits for men.
Keep it Casual
Planning a chill weekend with friends or need to head to the shops? Athleisure outfits are the ultimate laid-back look – on-trend yet practical – and you might already have some suitable pieces in your wardrobe.
Exude the sporty vibe with your outfit by pairing our soft sweat shorts with a basic tee and a loose-fitting Academy crew sweat.
With this combination, you’re all set for a road trip, to head to the pub or even go for a quick jog in your local park. You can sling a canvas tote bag or rucksack over your shoulder to carry your essentials and finish the outfit in style.
Worried that you may look too casual? You can play around with colors and prints to make outfits stand out more. Either wear color-coordinated, matching sets or contrasting colors, such as a pink top with navy bottoms, and you’re good to go.
Layering is King
Styling your athleisure is all about building layers; thick outerwear, such as coats or shackets, is perfect for keeping you toasty and dry during the colder seasons.
For lightweight alternatives on warmer days, think simple t-shirts and thinner layers.
Team up our Edmund Puffer Vest with a light-colored Academy Brand half-zip sweatshirt or a long-sleeve tee and Academy sweatpants for a simple style that makes looking good on a cold morning a breeze.
Sleeveless puffer vests or gilets are the perfect choice for those in-between days when a jacket is too much but a jumper isn’t quite enough.
Going for a more playful but edgy vibe? We suggest swapping the puffer vest with our checked jacket to achieve the look.
The checked jackets in our catalog are made from wool blend fabrics that will keep you snug even during winter.
From Office to Gala Dinner
Working business as usual but don’t want to be late for after-work drinks? Athleisure can quickly get you from the desk to dinner or even the dancefloor with its versatility, and you will never have felt more relaxed while doing it.
When it comes to all-day comfort, it’s all about loose-fitting, flowy fabrics. However, while we love oversized, to keep you looking sharp in a business setting, more fitted athleisure is your friend and will give you a slightly more refined look.
To ace the casual Fridays at the office or look presentable for a client meeting, start with a white Varsity crew tee and pair it with neutral-toned tapered joggers or Beach pants.
When it’s time to shut the laptop down, add an overshirt, such as our Essential Overshirt or the Austin Shirt for something a little lighter.
This look is one of the easiest to transform to fit lots of situations – we recommend a pigment-dyed baseball cap to finish your look and ease you into your evening out.
Athleisure is first and foremost about the comfort it provides you whilst staying on-trend. With a few staple joggers, tees, and jumpers you can be ready to walk the streets like it’s a fashion runway, no matter the season.
With that being said, learning how to mix and match to adjust your athleisure style is essential—from super casual to business casual, the difference is in the fit, layering, and color combinations.
Start building your athleisure ensemble with basic hues that can be easily paired with lots of colors and that fit nicely with your body type.
Style Like a Pro with The VOU
Knowing some of the sportswear essentials for a relevant old-money look is one thing; on the other hand, knowing the best brands and how to match them according to your skin color and body shape is a different thing.
That’s what you get by ordering one of our styling packages for men; our complete Fashion Styling package identifies your ideal colors and best garments for your body shape, and teaches you how to wear them like a pro.
Imagine walking into a room and turning heads for all the right reasons, or picture yourself radiating self-assuredness and sophistication, knowing you’ve got the best matching colors for a sporty old-money look.
We’ve helped countless men like you elevate their style and achieve the much-coveted modern old-money style for the street so don’t hesitate and contact The VOU’s stylists right now for a free introductory class.