Athleisure: The New Fashion Frontier Inspired by Sports Culture

Fashion designer Narendra Kumar asserts that athleisure has firmly established itself within mainstream fashion. This change is particularly noticeable among Gen Z, who are redefining traditional fashion norms with trends like Blokecore, which centers around vintage jerseys, relaxed denim, retro trainers, and effortless layering.

Kumar notes that this transformation has been developing over several years. “Today’s young consumers prefer high-quality basics over ostentatious fashion. Lightweight sportswear, technical fabrics, and elevated essentials have become crucial components of their everyday attire,” he explains.

While athleisure began gaining traction globally in the early 2000s, it started to gain prominence in India around 2017. The pandemic and the rise of hybrid work environments have further fueled the demand for comfortable clothing.

A significant factor contributing to this trend is the growing sports and fitness culture in urban India. “Padel courts, basketball courts, and tennis clubs are becoming integral to residential communities, while running groups and wellness-focused social circles are thriving,” Kumar elaborates.

The traditional boundaries between formal and casual wear are increasingly fading. It’s now common to see premium joggers paired with structured blazers, performance polos in hybrid workplaces, and stylish sneakers replacing traditional formal shoes. “Comfort has become a vital lifestyle priority, and athleisure meets that need perfectly,” Kumar adds.

This trend has also permeated mainstream womenswear. Oversized football jerseys worn with skirts or denim, sneakers paired with dresses, and streetwear-inspired layering have become essential fashion items. As Kumar observes, “Today’s street style emphasizes oversized silhouettes, sneakers, Korean-inspired denim, and mix-and-match pieces that showcase individuality.”

For entrepreneurs in the activewear sector, the growth of this category signifies a broader cultural shift. Naina Jain, founder of NUE Activewear, believes that athleisure has evolved beyond a fleeting trend. “As I develop a women-focused activewear brand in India, I see athleisure as a lifestyle category rather than just a fashion trend. Women today seek outfits that transition seamlessly from Pilates classes to coffee meetings, travel days to casual work environments, without needing a complete outfit change,” she states.

Global sporting events like the FIFA World Cup continue to enhance the visibility of this category. Collections inspired by major tournaments help popularize sports-led fashion. However, Jain emphasizes that the growth of this category is no longer solely reliant on sporting events. “The primary driver now is the broader shift towards wellness and active lifestyles,” she notes. “In India, we are still in the early stages compared to global markets, which presents an even greater opportunity. The brands that will succeed are those that create products that genuinely perform, feel comfortable, and integrate into daily life—not just those that capitalize on a sporting moment.”

As sports culture, wellness, and fashion increasingly intersect, athleisure is evolving into more than just a clothing category. In a world influenced by FIFA fandom and changing workplace norms, it is rapidly becoming India’s new language of modern power dressing.

Game Day Style Tips

• Wearing your team’s jersey is the simplest way to show support.

• Pair it with classic white sneakers or retro trainers for a complete look.

• Layer with a lightweight bomber jacket, denim jacket, or zip-up hoodie.

• Enhance your outfit with team scarves, caps, sporty socks, or a crossbody bag.

• Combine athletic pieces with tailored trousers or skirts for a refined athleisure style.

• Opt for breathable fabrics and relaxed fits for comfort during long match hours.