From leggings to tracksuits, athleisure has now become an essential element for the modern wardrobe to many people. Designed with athletic performance in mind, many enjoy the support these garments bring during physical activities.
Everywhere from cardio to lifting, athletic wear is crafted not only to improve performance and comfort to keep up with the rigors of active lifestyles, but has also grown to become its own aesthetic. Here are some students and staff members’ favorite athletic wear styles and trends.
Girls flag football and girls lacrosse coach Julie Primero finds that investing in the right athletic clothing and brands that match your needs and training style is key.
“I do like wearing Lululemon leggings,” Primero said. “They’re expensive, but I feel like I’ve had the same leggings for years. It has really good quality, and it’s comfortable. Since I teach PE, I’m in it all day. So Lululemon and Nike stuff, anything comfortable, I wear a lot.”
Many find themselves wanting to purchase new athleisure to keep up with their athletic advancements, and also the latest sportswear trends, according to junior varsity girls volleyball player and freshman Rebecca Jeanty. Jeanty said that she enjoys the feeling of fresh athleisure wear that gives her confidence.
“I purchase athletic wear probably once every three months,” Jeanty said. “Sometimes you want to freshen it up and feel different. I really like the Way of Wade shoe brand for volleyball, but I am also sometimes influenced by my teammates and people around me, so I try to match the vibes.”
When it comes to athleisure, one type does not fit all. Many find that different types of training and physical activities require specific sportswear designed to target certain points in a performance, provide comfort and reduce the risk of injury. With the right active clothing, it can make a significant difference in a person’s training and comfort, according to Jeanty.
“Usually on the weekends, I go to Portola’s track and I run for cardio,” Jeanty said. “I usually just wear a sports bra and shorts since having a shirt gets itchy and hot. Running takes a lot out of you, so I like to keep it very light.”
Athletic wear is not just about performance and comfort, but also how it makes a person feel internally. Confidence plays a crucial role in any physical activity, according to the NIH. Boys’ soccer player and junior Garan Gurusinghe finds that comfortable and flattering activewear helps people feel more at ease with their bodies, especially during rigorous workouts.
“The right gear can help give extra confidence,” Gurusinghe said. “You feel like you’re part of the team and you’re where you should be. If you have the right gear that makes you feel comfortable during your training, you can perform better with that gear you enjoy wearing.”
When different athleisure carry differing qualities, one needs to choose gear based on personal preferences, whether it be prioritizing comfort, performance or style with brands such as Lululemon or Alo.
