'Athleisure' in the Athletic & Outdoor Industry

The athleisure trend has carved a unique niche in the industry and many celebrities such as the Kardashian Klan, Selena Gomez, and Rihanna are getting in on the action. Functional sportswear has filled a gap in the market place and athletic companies are taking full advantage. It has become so popular that the Merriam-Webster dictionary has defined athleisure as, "casual clothing meant to be worn both for exercising and for general use." NPD Group, a research firm, has found the size of the apparel market to be worth about $44 billion in the U.S. alone. The rise in active wear sales has risen by an astounding 16%.

This trend has been mainly driven by millennials. Millennials are the future of retail because of their spending habits as well as making up 28% of the U.S. population. It's important for companies in this industry to make products that are both functional and fashionable. In order for companies to stay relevant in this industry they need to consistently mix things up, by incorporating new colors, patterns, materials, and features.

As for my opinion on this trend, I think that it will stick around for awhile and become a fashion staple in the athletic industry. The typical American has a demanding schedule and it can be difficult to find time to get to the gym with other priorities such as school, family, or work. I love the efficiency that comes with wearing fashionable athletic apparel all day and then being able to go straight to the gym in that same outfit. Athletic clothes make up about 70% percent of my wardrobe, so I usually always have a piece of athletic apparel on. Whether this fad stays relevant I will always be a fan of the athleisure trend.

Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2016/10/06/the-athleisure-trend-is-here-to-stay/#2f1d52ec28bd