| TLDR The athleisure look is taking the world of office attire by storm! So whether you work from home or you commute into the office, it’s time to grab your favorite joggers, hoodies, tennis skirts, and leggings and build the perfect professional athleisure outfit that’s big on comfort. |
Athleisure gear is great, and it’s all the rage wherever you look. From your local park through the gym to the mall, it’s fast becoming the go-to fashion choice for any number of everyday activities.
Personally, here at All Seasons Uniforms, we love a pair of soft jersey joggers and a hoodie at the end of a long day, but many of you are now taking that comfortable, dynamic athleisure aesthetic into the office and the meeting room too!
So whether you work from home or you’re heading into a relaxed workplace every day, here we explore how athleisure can give you confidence through comfort and make the perfect work outfit.
What is Athleisure?
Athleisure outfits are essentially sportswear items that can be worn throughout the day. Blending comfort, functionality, and style, they maintain their athletic visual appeal but often skip the high-performance fabrics and designs to ensure they are flexible and comfortable enough to be worn almost anywhere.
Athleisure gear also often avoids the neons and other garish color clashes associated with high-performance sportswear. However, even the smallest splash of color can help you stand out from the crowd, and with the rise of remote work, wellness trends, and a general shift towards more relaxed dress codes in many workplaces, athleisure is more accepted than ever before.
Athleisure Outfit Ideas for Different Work Settings
Home Office
Chances are that if you work from home, you’ve got almost total freedom of how you dress. You can go full-on with after-work wear if you like, however, many people also like to create some separation from what they wear in their downtime and what they wear for work.
This means you might want to ditch the well-worn sweatpants in favor of something a little more formal, but that is still firmly in the athleisure camp. Of course, you might also need to smarten up a little if you’re on an important Zoom call!
We suggest you try a cozy knit sweater paired with high-waisted yoga pants for the perfect balance. Keep a smart blazer nearby to throw on for impromptu meetings. Alternatively, for men, a polo shirt and athletic cargo pant combination is both comfortable and stylish.
Casual Office
The casual office may be more or less “casual” depending on your boss or any dress codes that may be in place. The good news is that athleisure is usually a good bet, but you may want to lean towards the slightly more formal end of the spectrum.
Our female clients suggest a crisp white blouse, sleek black leggings, and minimalist sneakers or loafers. Alternatively, jumpsuits are very popular at the moment. For our a male clients, a polo shirt, tailored jogger pants, and a lightweight blazer are popular picks. Either way, you may want to tone down the color palette depending on your specific office rules.
Formal Office
If you work in an office that generally leans towards the more business casual side of fashion, the good news is that you can still rock athleisure outfits. Our clients suggest that you can maintain that formality for both men and women using similar combinations.
Look for tailored athleisure trousers paired with a button-down shirt and a structured blazer. Choose neutral colors like black, navy, or gray to maintain a professional look and finish the outfit with sleek dress shoes.
Creative Agency
Another place where you’re likely to have increased freedom to wear what you want, creative agencies and workplaces often prioritize out-of-the-box thinking. This means you can mix and match vibrant athleisure pieces.
We recommend patterned joggers with a fitted turtleneck and an oversized denim jacket. This outfit is both stylish and functional, allowing for ease of movement and a touch of personal flair. Our male clients also suggest a pair of tailored joggers, a freshly pressed t-shirt or long sleeve top, and minimalist white sneakers are a good option.
Client Meetings
When it comes to meeting clients, first impressions can make all the difference, and office appropriate choices are important. However, it’s still possible to look sharp and stay comfortable with your favorite athleisure pieces. We suggest a chic midi dress with pockets and a pair of sleek ankle boots for women, and slim-fit trousers made from performance fabric with a sweater for men.
Accessories can also help you stand out while maintaining your professionality. Our clients love these canvas messenger bags that have plenty of space for your laptop and any other presentation equipment you may need to carry around. However, a well-cared for tote can also do the job
Styling Tips for Athleisure and Activewear in the Workplace
With such a wealth of options to choose from, we thought that it would be useful to provide you with some tips for styling your athleisure outfits from our own personal experience. Read on to learn more about building the perfect athleisure outfit.
Tip 1: Balance Comfort and Professionalism
When thinking about athleisure and your work wardrobe, balance is crucial. Pair casual pieces like joggers or leggings with more formal items such as blazers, button-down shirts, or tailored trousers. This can help you maintain a professional appearance while enjoying the comfort and flexibility of athleisure wear.
Tip 2: Invest in High-Quality Pieces
Quality is key when it comes to athleisure. High-quality materials and well-constructed garments not only look better but also last longer and feel more comfortable. Look for pieces with moisture-wicking fabrics, good stretch, and durability.
Tip 3: Stick to a Neutral Palette
Neutral colors like black, gray, navy, and white are more versatile and can easily be mixed and matched with various items in your wardrobe. They also tend to look more polished and professional, making them ideal for a work setting.
Tip 4: Use Accessories to Elevate Your Look
Accessories can boost your look and bring together your athleisure outfits. A statement necklace, a sleek watch, or a stylish handbag can add a touch of sophistication to a casual ensemble, making it more suitable for the workplace.
Tip 5: Layer Smartly
Layering is an effective way to adapt your athleisure outfits for different settings and temperatures. Keep a tailored blazer, a cozy cardigan, or a stylish jacket handy to throw over your athleisure basics. This not only adds depth to your outfit but also allows you to adjust your look according to the occasion.
Tip 6: Prioritize Fit
Ensuring that your athleisure pieces fit well is essential. Ill-fitting clothes can look sloppy, whereas well-fitted items present a more polished and put-together image. Pay attention to the fit of your leggings, joggers, and tops, and consider tailoring if necessary.
Tip 7: Find your Feet
Footwear can make or break an athleisure outfit, and choosing shoes that complement your overall look and are appropriate for your work environment can do wonders. Minimalist sneakers, loafers, and ankle boots are great options that blend comfort with style.
Tip 8: Keep It Clean and Crisp
Athleisure wear should always be clean and wrinkle-free. Ensure your clothes are freshly laundered and pressed as this reflects professionalism and care even when wearing sporty athleisure clothes.
Preparing for the Future — Upcoming Trends in Athleisure
Athlesiure is big in all sorts of settings, but here at All Seasons Uniforms we’ve already got one eye on the future of workwear. Sustainable clothing is one avenue that athleisure gear is likely to continue to embrace, and Nike has already made big strides in this area.
Additionally, smart clothing and textiles are likely to become increasingly part of the athleisure repertoire, with fabrics that allow you to go for your daily jog and still remain fresh for work thanks to advanced sweat wicking and odor prevention.
For more information on building the perfect athleisure outfit for the office, and to learn about the history of polo shirts, explore the blog or contact a member of the team today
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.