Athleisure has firmly taken over wardrobes, but it is no longer just about wearing sweatpants anywhere. The category is evolving rapidly, driven by shifts in fashion, technology, and lifestyle. The following are some of the hottest athleisure trends dominating 2025.
1. Sustainable Style: Eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and regenerative wool are no longer niche; they are front and centre. Consumers want their clothes to feel good and do good, pushing brands like Allbirds and Vuori to innovate materials and circularity.
2. Elevated Comfort: Luxe fabrics and tailored fits now allow wearers to look polished, even when simply grabbing coffee or working from home. The era of baggy sweats is over; today’s athleisure pieces are cosy yet sharp, seamlessly blending functionality with a refined silhouette.
3. Tech-Infused Apparel: Smart textiles that wick moisture, regulate temperature, or resist odours are becoming standard. Rhone and similar brands lead the way with performance gear that transitions seamlessly from workouts to meetings.
4. Gender-Inclusive and Size-Positive: Athleisure is breaking free of old stereotypes. More brands are embracing inclusivity with gender-neutral cuts and extended sizing, reflecting a diverse community of wearers who want style without limits.
5. Hybrid and Versatile Pieces: Multi-use apparel is key. From zip-off pants to reversible jackets and convertible hoodies, consumers want clothes that adapt to their day, whether it’s a hike, a Zoom call, or a night out.
Remember when gym clothes were only meant for the gym? Yeah, that era is long gone. Today’s fashion-forward crowd is rocking leggings, joggers, and performance hoodies like second skin, at brunch, on Zoom calls, or even out on date nights. Welcome to the world of athleisure, where functionality flirts with fashion, and comfort is king.
The rise of athleisure is a lifestyle shift. As Americans lean into wellness, remote work, and conscious consumption, brands have caught on and evolved accordingly. Whether it’s tech-infused fabrics, sustainable materials, or laid-back luxury aesthetics, athleisure brands are stepping up with style and purpose.
This article spotlights seven must-watch athleisure brands in the US, from tech-driven startups to heritage names making a comeback. These brands are reshaping what it means to dress well and feel great in 2025.
When Allbirds launched in 2016, it didn’t set out to make the world’s most hyped sneaker, it wanted to make the most sustainable. Founded by New Zealander Tim Brown and biotech engineer Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds started with a humble wool runner made from Merino wool. The minimalist silhouette and eco-conscious story struck a chord, and boom—a cult brand was born.
Allbirds positioned itself at the sweet spot of sustainability and style, pioneering terms like “Tree Dashers” and “Sugarcane EVA foam” that made even the biggest sneakerheads pause. Its no-logo, no-fuss approach flipped the script on loud athletic wear. Instead, it made comfort cool with a carbon footprint label to boot.
Over the years, Allbirds expanded into running shoes, performance wear, and even everyday basics like tees and leggings, all underpinned by low-impact materials. Today, it is not just a niche eco-brand, but a serious player in the athleisure world, sitting proudly in wardrobes from San Francisco to SoHo.
As of 2025, Allbirds continues to scale with purpose. Despite the ups and downs of the public markets, its focus on innovation (like regenerative wool and circular design) keeps it ahead in the race for sustainable athleisure supremacy.
American Eagle (AE) may be best known for its denim, but it has also evolved into an athleisure powerhouse. Through its sub-brand Offline by Aerie, it has successfully embraced the wave of stretchy, comfortable, and Gen Z-approved fashion, positioning itself as a leading name in the casualwear and activewear space with steady growth momentum.
Aerie, originally launched as a lingerie brand in 2006, quickly found success with its real-body, real-people marketing approach. But it was the launch of Offline in 2020 that truly ignited its athleisure glow-up. Picture buttery-soft leggings, oversized sweatshirts, yoga-friendly bras and a vibe that says, “I care about my wellness, but also my TikTok feed.”
Offline’s collections reflect both current fashion trends and core comfort values. AE has smartly capitalised on the ‘feel-good fit’ generation, offering inclusive sizing, budget-friendly prices, and vibrant, mood-lifting styles. It is no longer solely about appearing athletic; it is about feeling empowered and confident in one’s own body.
Fast forward to 2025, and AE’s athleisure empire continues to thrive, with Offline popping up in standalone stores and campus hotspots across the US.
Ah, Carhartt WIP, where blue-collar grit meets downtown drip. While Carhartt was born in 1889 to make rugged gear for railroad workers, its European offshoot, Work In Progress (WIP), brought the label into the fashion zeitgeist by blending utility with urban flair.
Launched in the ’90s in Europe, Carhartt WIP reimagined the classic workwear silhouette with streetwear sensibility. Count on cargo pants, hoodies, chore coats, all elevated with a clean aesthetic that somehow fits in both skateparks and coffee shops. Though not a traditional athleisure brand, Carhartt WIP’s relaxed fits and durable materials align perfectly with the genre’s function-meets-fashion ethos.
In the US, the WIP line gained a steady cult following, beloved by artists, baristas, and hip-hop heads alike. The beauty? You can throw on a Carhartt WIP hoodie after a workout, then walk into a gallery opening and not look out of place. It embodies rugged comfort paired with undeniable street credibility.
Today, Carhartt WIP continues to expand its collaborations, including those with Converse and Salomon, while redefining athleisure as something beyond soft and stretchy—making it cool, meticulously crafted, and built to endure.
J.Crew has evolved far beyond its buttoned-up catalogue era. Following a few challenging years and leadership transitions, the American prep label has successfully reinvented itself—and it is now venturing confidently into the athleisure arena.
Once known for its chinos and cable knits, J.Crew now offers a sophisticated twist on casual wear with luxe sweats, half-zips, and relaxed-fit joggers. Its secret lies in preserving its signature tailored aesthetic while embracing fabrics that feel like a hug. Its early 2020s rebrand leaned strongly into comfort-core, making elastic waistbands and French terry wardrobe essentials.
J.Crew’s revival has been driven by creative directors who understand the modern customer—someone who values looking polished without compromising on comfort. Its athleisure pieces do not shout ‘gym time’ but rather whisper ‘weekend getaway in the Hamptons’.
In 2025, it stands firmly in the cosy-chic category, offering elevated basics, a hint of prep, and abundant comfort—the new J.Crew formula.
Say hello to Vuori, the laid-back yet luxe athleisure brand born in Encinitas, California. Founded in 2015 by Joe Kudla, Vuori was built on a simple idea—combining performance wear with the relaxed spirit of the California lifestyle.
Vuori’s aesthetic evokes the feel of a beachside smoothie bar—clean, colourful, functional, and uplifting. Its DreamKnit fabric became a cult favourite, particularly among men seeking an alternative to mainstream activewear giants. Since then, it has expanded into women’s apparel, yoga gear, loungewear, and everyday layers.
The brand’s rapid ascent stems from more than just high-quality gear—it is rooted in community. Vuori has invested in brick-and-mortar experiences, beach clean-ups, and fitness events. Its retail footprint continues to grow across the United States, delivering a premium, wellness-first shopping experience.
In 2025, Vuori stands as one of the hottest names in athleisure, spotted in yoga studios, mountain trails, and organic coffee shops from coast to coast.
If there’s one brand that gets youth culture, it’s URBN, the parent company behind Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People. While not strictly an athleisure label, URBN’s influence on the category is undeniable, thanks to its knack for nailing trends before they hit the mainstream.
Urban Outfitters, in particular, has leaned heavily into comfort-forward fashion. Oversized joggers, cropped sweatshirts, and retro-styled sneakers fill its racks, making it a go-to for style-savvy college kids and trend-loving millennials alike.
Free People has entered the athleisure space with FP Movement—its activewear line that blends performance with boho chic. Imagine yoga sets fit for a sound bath and sports bras stylish enough to double as festival tops.
URBN, the parent company, thrives on constant reinvention, and in 2025, it is doubling down on movement-inspired fashion. It does not merely follow trends—it shapes them. For athleisure enthusiasts, that translates to one thing: endless options.
Rhone brings a tailored touch to men’s athleisure. Founded in 2014, Rhone caters to the modern guy who wants performance gear that transitions from workouts to work meetings.
From moisture-wicking polos to wrinkle-resistant commuter pants, Rhone crafts apparel that’s as sharp as it is sweat-ready. It’s built for those who bounce from the gym to the office, or in 2025’s hybrid reality, from Zoom calls to kettlebell sets.
Its growth story has been strong, thanks to a loyal customer base, high-quality fabrics, and a clear message: men deserve elevated, functional fashion too. Rhone has also expanded into skincare and wellness, embracing the full spectrum of a performance lifestyle.
Today, Rhone is competing with giants like Lululemon’s men’s line, but with a more premium, minimalist identity. It’s for the guy who lifts, leads meetings, and lives on the go without ever sacrificing style or comfort.
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