Art: Laurie Lee
Athleisure is a type of clothing that is comfortable enough for sports, yet stylish enough for other activities. Quarter said athleisure companies are on the rise, thanks to people seeking active living through style and comfort.
Nordstrom’s website describes athleisure wear as sports-inspired clothing that is a “stylish solution” to looking your best while staying comfortable all day long.
Kelly Prunczyk, a member of the Pepperdine Track Team, starts most mornings at the track. She said her favorite athleisure brands are Nike, Lululemon, and Asics. Prunczyk said she admires Asics running shoes and finds the apparel comfortable on the track.
“Whether I’m working out or just wearing comfortable everyday clothes, I think I always wear at least one of these brands,” Prunzik says. “I almost always wear workout clothes.”
Prunczyk also touched on the collaboration between Nike and the Olympics. She is inspired by how Olympic track and field athletes use Nike products.
“Seeing these great track athletes really inspires me to understand what I’m doing as a college athlete,” Prunczyk said. “It’s really inspiring to hear their stories and hear how these products can help with their training.”
Every athleisure company has its own set of values. Nike’s mission statement is “If you have a body, you’re an athlete.” Lululemon has an impact agenda: Be Human, Be Well, Be Planet. Alo Yoga, which means air, land, and sea, has the goal of “spreading mindful movement, promoting health, and building community.”
The Alo Yoga store at Americana at Brand Shopping Center is located next to the Nike Store. Both brands have achieved lifestyle milestones with their customers. Photo credit: Elijah Asatrian
Pepperdine students said they embody lifestyle trends inspired by their favorite athleisure brands.
Junior Rio Robinson said her favorite athleisure brands are Beyond Yoga, Vuori, and Alo Yoga.
Beyond Yoga is a women’s yoga and sports apparel company that Robinson said she discovered online.
“I love this material because I do a lot of yoga,” Robinson said.
Robinson wears athleisure to class at least once a week, usually after a workout.
Robinson also credits the materials used in athleisure apparel for their breathability, which provides comfort and support in the heat. She said how she moves is determined by how she dresses.
“I’ve noticed that I walk more and move more when I’m wearing athleisure and sneakers than when I’m wearing sandals, shorts, and a regular shirt,” says Robinson. Said.
The Vuori store will welcome customers at Malibu Country Mart on September 23rd. Vuori was founded in Encinitas, California. Photo credit: Elijah Asatrian
Senior Tony Bilotti said his favorite athleisure brands are Nike and Under Armor. He typically wears these brands two to three times a week while working out.
Like Robinson, Bilotti said she wears these brands, especially in hot weather, because she feels their materials have a cooling effect.
“Just walking to class makes me sweat, so this material is really helpful,” Bilotti said.
These athleisure branded materials reduce heat and training intensity, encouraging Bilotti to train harder and motivate her to go the extra mile when walking or running.
According to Forbes, athleisure companies continue to thrive through their stories, sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and creative development to reach customers invested in wellness. For example, the Alo Yoga Moves service delivers fitness classes to customers’ homes. Athleisure companies continue to invest in and connect with their customers the lifestyles they promote.
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Contact Ellya Asatryan via email: elliya.asatryan@pepperdine.edu
