You don’t have to venture into a gym, yoga class or CrossFit box to see women decked out in athletic wear. Clothing that was once relegated to sweat-inducing physical activities such as running, biking, lifting weights and yoga, has now become a favorite as day and weekend wear among women of all athletic persuasions.

 

This athletic look mixes form-flattering style with utility, comfort and versatility, reflecting an increase in the health-conscious, active lifestyle. Specialty classes, such as SoulCycle, CrossFit, Barre and Pilates have drastically risen in popularity in recent years, and with it, this active-wear style.

 

 

According to a 2015 report by Morgan Stanley, sports apparel and active footwear sales jumped 42% to $270 billion over the past seven years, and the prospects for growth are getting stronger.

 

In fact, the active sports category is now the fastest-growing segment of the apparel market. In a piece published by Businessoffashion.com, Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at Port Washington, N.Y.-based market research firm NPD Group, said, “This is not a fashion trend; it’s a lifestyle trend. The difference here is that there’s functionality mixed with fashion, not just solely fashion.”

 

The activewear trend melds cohesively with those living an active outdoors lifestyle. Comfort, style, performance and versatility are all qualities the active outdoorswoman considers when she purchases her lifestyle apparel.

 

Recognizing the upward trajectory of this trend, Realtree licensees, such as SPG and Aimee Lynn, have jumped onboard. The SPG line of Realtree Girl active lifestyle apparel includes sweatshirts, tank tops and yoga pants boasting the athletic look and features coveted by the active outdoors woman.

 

 

Thanks to the growing popularity of incorporating sporty elements into every day style, the activewear trend is most likely here to stay, and forward-thinking apparel companies are wasting no time revealing their own lines of athletic apparel in the gyms, cafes, shops and anywhere else the active and even not-so-active woman spends her time.

 

Editor’s Note: Realtree invites apparel designers to take advantage of both the fast-growing fitness wear trend and the hot camo market through a mutually beneficial partnership. Contact a Realtree Licensing Account Manager to learn more!