WELLNESS TREND REPORT
done by khushi rawat
CONTENTS
1 2
WHAT IS A TREND?
3
ATHLEISURE
6 7
FASHION CYCLE
4
MICRO & MACRO INFLUENCES
8
CHALLENGES
5
TIMELINE
9
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
INNOVATORS & INFLUENCERS
10
IMAGE REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
WHAT IS A TREND?
A trend is a change in values and needs which is driven by forces and already manifests itself in various ways within certain groups in society.
(Dragt, E., 2023)
Macro trends are broad sociocultural trends that inspire the direction of businesses. Micro trends are narrower, specific sociocultural trends that are useful to inspire for specific markets, consumer segments, or products, selected as themes to develop lines with specific choices of colours, materials, and styles. (Kim, Eundeok, et al. Fashion Trends : Analysis and Forecasting, Bloomsbury Publishing pg 65.)
Athleisure, a portmanteau of “athletic” and “leisure,” refers to casual clothing designed to be worn for both exercising and general use. Monikers for athleisure include activewear, athletic wear, and sport leisure (among others).
The intention of athleisure is to take women from work to the gym and to wherever else they need to go throughout the day, whether that be brunch with friends or a quick trip to the grocery store (DiBlasio, 2014; Segran, 2015).
Today, we can see that the lines between athleisure and casualwear are blurred. People have began incorporating sports clothing and accessories to create playful and interesting outfits that reflects their active lifestyle.
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INFLUENCES MACRO
The world saw a cultural shift towards health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. People experienced a general decline in well-being, deterioration in mental health, and an increase in psychological distress such as stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation (Chtourou et al., 2020). There was growing awareness about the importance of mental health, and many people took up physical fitness to manage it. As traditional gyms and outdoor spaces were closed during the lockdown, the adoption of fitness technology such as apps, wearables, and virtual classes accelerated, making exercise more accessible.
Thus, there was a rise in the demand for functional and comfortable clothing. People began investing in stylish activewear that doubled as loungewear. Further improvements in textiles made sportswear suitable for extended wear beyond workouts. According to Grand View Reseach, the global athleisure market size was estimated at USD 358.07 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030.
Sportwear brands like Lululemon, Gymshark, and Adidas continue to see growth in sales.
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Post-pandemic saw the reopening of gyms and fitness studios and brought renewed enthusiasm for group classes and activities (e.g., pilates, CrossFit, and yoga) as people sought social connection. Work-from-home culture continued to emphasise the need for hybrid outfits as it was more practical and economical.
Fitness is now seen as a lifestyle choice and more people embrace it as part of their identity, showcasing it through their fashion choices. Sportswear, once solely associated with athletic pursuits, has become a symbol of this trend (Glorious, 2024). The streetwear movement, which emphasises relaxed, sporty aesthetics, has also significantly influenced how sportswear is styled and perceived.
The shift in consumer behaviour led to collaborations between luxury fashion houses and sportswear brands flooding the athleisure market. From Nike x Jaquemus to Reebok x Anime Bing, limited-edition releases and exclusive collaborations with coveted brands further elevated the perceived value of sportswear and fostered a culture of collecting and trading that went beyond mere functionality (Glorious, 2024).
Celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and the Kardashians have also played an important role in popularising sportswear as high fashion. Their collaborations with sportswear labels (Fenty x Puma, Ivy Park by Beyoncé) have further pushed athleisure into the mainstream and made it more aspirational and desirable. Athleisure was also associated with the “model off-duty” look that was made popular by runway models like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Beiber.
INFLUENCES MICRO
Social media influencers have made it easy to showcase and popularise creative ways to style activewear, sparking viral trends and making many sportswear items a wardrobe staple. This constant exposure subconsciously normalises the use of sportswear beyond its functional purpose, solidifying its place in the fashion conversation. Take, for example, the “Dad shoe” trend that made chunky old-school-looking sports shoes go viral in 2019. Many people adopted this trend due to its versatility and ability to dress up or
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TIMELINE
'Athleisure' was termed by Nation’s Business in 1979. The early notions of the term were styles that resembled active wear. In the early 2000’s activewear brands like Lululemon popularised stylish yet comfortable yoga pants for everyday wear. Sneakers and sports shoes gained mainstream appeal, led by collaborations like Nike x Air Jordan.
EARLY BEGINNING
The focus on wellness was growing, but it was still often viewed as a luxury or a personal pursuit, rather than a necessity. Casual dress codes in tech industries and workplaces started blending formal and casual styles. Social media also helped in promoting athleisure as comfortable and fashionable.
PREPANDEMIC
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PANDEMIC DURING PANDEMIC
Virtual workouts and online fitness classes became vital for social connection and to keep the body active. People began realising the importance of physical health and how it can positively affect mental health. Thus, there was an increased interest in home fitness (e.g., Peloton, yoga apps) that led to a spike in purchases of leggings, sports bras, and other activewear.
There has been an increase in the importance of physical fitness, and it has come to be connected with health, beauty, and youth (Andreasson, J. and Johansson, T., 2014) Athleisure merged with other fashion trends, like retro influences, minimalist aesthetics, and bold, statement-making pieces and further blurred the lines of fashion categories. Now, more brands are focusing on inclusive designs catering to diverse body types and preferences.
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INNOVATORS
• Lululemon Athletica: Pioneered the concept of yoga pants as fashionable, everyday wear and built a community-driven brand around fitness and wellness.
• Nike: Merged athletic performance with lifestyle branding, making sportswear aspirational and versatile.
• Adidas: Blended functional activewear with streetwear influences, targeting younger, fashion-conscious consumers.
• Uniqlo: Known for affordable yet functional activewear with a minimalist aesthetic, making athleisure accessible to wider demographics.
• Alo Yoga: Elevated yoga and wellness wear into luxurious, Instagram-worthy athleisure, focusing on both performance and street style.
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: Fenty x Puma collections merged athletic wear with edgy, fashion-forward
: Revolutionized sneaker and sportswear culture through Yeezy and
: Advocates for fashionable, functional activewear, influencing athleisure’s acceptance in athletic and casual settings.
Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner: Frequently spotted wearing athleisure, making it a paparazzi-favourite style.
Fitness-focused influencers like Kayla Chloe Ting have popularised the "fit lifestyle," where brands like Gymshark and Alo Yoga are cultural
: Brought high fashion to activewear with her long-standing Adidas
: Innovated the intersection of streetwear and sportswear through his Off-White x Nike collaborations.
Louis Vuitton: Introduced luxury versions of athleisure, pushing its boundaries into high fashion.
INFLUENCERS
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FASHION CYCLE
Mike Easey defines the fashion cycle as a ‘bell shaped curve.’ This curve consists of four stages: introduction, growth, maturity and decline. The introduction phase is where new fashions emerge, and may take time to gain acceptance. During the growth stage competition increases as the trend gains exposure and appeal. At the maturity stage, the trend has reached mass appeal, and finally the trend will decline, falling out of fashion (Easey, 2009).
Introduction (Early 2000’s)
In 1983, the film Flashdance propelled a new trend in fashion inspired by physical fitness. Aerobic dancewear and torn sweats like those worn by the actress Jennifer Beals in the film had a strong influence on fashion. As a result, warm-up suits and athletic shoes, once reserved for sport activities, were worn as street wear. Athletic shoes replaced traditional casual shoes, and shoe stores began to carry more athletic shoe styles than traditional styles (Kim, Eundeok, et al., 2021).
• In the early 2000s Athleisure emerged as a niche concept through brands like Lululemon (founded in 1998), which introduced yoga pants as both functional and stylish wear.
• Early adopters included fitness enthusiasts and yogis who appreciated the functionality of activewear outside the gym.
Growth (Mid 2010’s)
Athleisure became more visible and widely adopted, moving from niche to mainstream, pushed by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour expanded their offerings to include lifestyle-focused activewear.
Collaborations between celebrities/ luxury fashion brands and sportswear labels (e.g., Adidas x Stella McCartney) blurred the lines between sportswear and high fashion, increasing aspirational appeal.
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Athleisure, athluxury, and sporty style has reached a fever pitch this summer with coveted collabs (Nike and Jaquemus) and fresh runway references Noten, Balenciaga) offering new perspectives on how to incorporate elements of your favorite sport into an everyday lineup (Fass, M. and Abbas, T., 2024).
• The pandemic made consumers prioritise comfort and versatility as remote work and at-home fitness became the norm.
• E-commerce sales of athleisure surged as brands like Gymshark, Alo Yoga, and Outdoor Voices gained popularity.
Decline (Uncertain future)
• Athleisure is unlikely to completely disappear due to its practicality and cultural significance, but it may evolve into a permanent subcategory of casual wear rather than a dominant fashion trend.
• New trends (e.g., tech-integrated clothing, performance-enhanced streetwear) could replace traditional athleisure as the next big movement.
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STYLING SPORTSWEAR
AS SEEN ON THE RUNWAY
Designers are working with football jerseys, hoodies, tracksuits, jackets, and bold activewear prints or motifs to embody the playful and youthful spirit of a sport. We can also see athletic sillouettes like racerback tops paired with classic fashion items to create a hybrid aesthetic.
Sports-inspired accessories, including sneakers, caps, and duffel bags, are being paired with traditional runway outfits. This fusion reflects a broader shift towards valuing comfort, functionality, and versatility and meeting the demands of an active lifestyle.
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AS SEEN ON THE STREETS
We can see people style racer bomber jackets, football jerseys and baggy shorts in a relaxed, sporty street-style way. Pairing dainty, more feminine pieces with tough-looking sportswear has given rise to #Blokecore.
Layering sportswear with conventional clothing pieces creates a dynamic and fresh feel and its ability to balance performance and style has made it a wardrobe staple for many.
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CHALLENGES
Sustainability: Most designs rely on the use of elastane, which is a man-made, petroleum-based fabric. This is problematic for a number of reasons, from its use of non-biodegradable and unsustainable fossil fuels to its chemical-heavy production process. The fabric’s stretchiness, durability and breathability is vital for this type of clothing though, so it’s not a simple case of removing it.
(Françoise Dick, M., 2024)
Inclusivity and affordability: Some brands still struggle to offer inclusive sizing, limiting their reach to diverse consumer groups. High prices for premium athleisure make it inaccessible for some demographics.
Market saturation: The current athleisure market is highly crowded with established players (e.g., Nike, Adidas, Lululemon) and new entrants, making it difficult for brands to stand out. Many products look similar, leading to
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FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
2
As legislation and consumer awareness on the effects of petrochemical-derived fibres demand change, introducing regenerative bio-based fibres with benefits such as merino wool for temperature regulation or infused yarns with moisturising properties that benifit the skin can open a new market.
3
Consumers seek products that cater for their specific needs. Creating products with purpose that cater for all demographics and ages, prioritising the needs of the individual can boost athleisure.
Designing for circularity can be another opportunity for athleisure brands to be more eco-friendly such as using minimal trims for ease of disassembly or trying textile-to-textile recycling.
IMAGE REFERENCES
1. Cover: WGSN, 2022. Athleisure trend report. Available at: [https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318 3930] (Accessed: 18 December 2024).
2. Fig 1: adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319 0995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
3. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
4. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at:
https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318 3930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
5. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319 0995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
6. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
7. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at:
https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318 3930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
8. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319 0995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
9. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
10. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at:
https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318 3930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
1. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3190 995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
2. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
3. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3183 930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
4. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3190 995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
5. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
6. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3183 930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
7. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3190 995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
8. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
9. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3183 930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
1. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319099
5 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
2. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
3. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318393
0 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3885161
4 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
4. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319099
5 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
5. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
6. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318393
0 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3885161
4 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
7. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319099
5 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
8. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
9. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318393
0 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3885161
4 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
10. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=319099
5 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
11. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
12. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=318393
0 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022).
0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3885161
4 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
1. adidas Originals x Ordinary People (2022). Men’s AW 23/24. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3190 995 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
2. kura (n.d.). Asset ID#: 945056235. Adobe Stock.
3. Puma (2020). Dua Lipa x Puma. WGSN. Available at:
https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=3183 930 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].WGSN (2022). 0624_prs_fws_day05_376. WGSN. Available at: https://www.wgsn.com/spaces/237909?show=388 51614 [Accessed 18 Dec. 2024].
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Andreasson, J. and Johansson, T., 2014. The Fitness Revolution: Historical Transformations in the Global Gym and Fitness Culture. *Sport science review*, *23*(3-4), pp.91-112. Available at: [The Fitness Revolution : Historical Transformations in the Global Gym and Fitness Culture.](https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?dsw id=7002&pid=diva2%3A742709)
2. Aydin, E. (2024). *Activewear redefined: A comprehensive study on athleisure trend with insights from Mavi collection development process*. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384864076_AC TIVEWEAR_REDEFINED_A_COMPREHENSIVE_STU DY_ON_ATHLEISURE_TREND_WITH_INSIGHTS_FRO M_MAVI_COLLECTION_DEVELOPMENT_PROCESS [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].
3. Fass, M. and Abbas, T. (2024) *Summer sportswear styling*, Vogue, 21 June. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/article/summer-sportswear-styling (Accessed: 26 November 2024).
4. Françoise Dick, M. (2024) *Can activewear really be sustainable?*, Vogue Scandinavia, 10 January. Available at: https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/can-activewearreally-be-sustainable (Accessed: 26 November 2024).
5. Grand View Research (n.d.) Athleisure market size, share & trends analysis report. Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/athle isure-market (Accessed: 18 December 2024).
6.Forbes Business Council (2024) Work migration: The rise of remote working and you. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/20 24/01/30/work-migration-the-rise-of-remote-working-an d-you/#:~:text=An%20additional%2041%25%20use%20a, employers%20are%20recognizing%20this%20trend (Accessed: 18 December 2024).
7. The New York Times (2022) Serena Williams’s best looks. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/29/style/serena-willia ms-best-looks.html (Accessed: 18 December 2024).
8. Glorious Sport (n.d.) Beyond the hype: why luxury sportswear collabs? Available at: https://glorioussport.com/articles/beyond-the-hype-why-lu xury-sportswear-collabs/ (Accessed: 18 December 2024).
9.Fischer, L. (2020) The history of athleisure. Available at:
https://fashionista.com/2020/01/the-history-of-athlei sure (Accessed: 18 December 2024).