In a season like no other, designers impressed us with breathtaking trends full of hope and optimism. The SS21 collections brought a fresh perspective on what our wardrobes will look like when weather heats up again. Want to be one step ahead of the game? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see the five biggest trends that will take your activewear to the next level this summer.
5 Activewear Trends to Watch for SS21
The Sporty Unitard
Minimalism is here to stay. Keeping things clean and simple, designers focused on three key themes this season:
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comfort
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functionality
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versatility
This might explain the appearance of a new athleisure trend that should be on your radar - the bodysuit! This trend goes back all the way to 90’s aesthetics, and contemporary adaptations are breathing life back into this chic all-in-one look. The comeback of the unitards has been anticipated for a long time, especially after Emily Ratajowski, Jennifer Lopez and Kendal Jenner demonstrated to us how this item can be gracefully worn outside the gym.
Unitards can simplify your sports routine, giving you the ease to enjoy your favourite workouts without the hassle of coordinating outfits. We have fallen in love with Girlfriend Collective unitards, available in striking colour variations that leave us with plenty of options to step up our pilates game and everything in between. Just throw a slouchy sweater over your unitard and add a pair of Veja trainers to elevate your casual look. Check out the classy variations of this trend by FP Movement and Year of Ours - sporty unitards are as ideal for practicing your Sunday yoga flows as for restoration afterwards.
Minimum effort yet maximum impact, it’s a true hero of the season. We can't wait for you to try out this unique piece!
Luxe Loungewear Tracksuits
It’s perhaps no surprise that loungewear and slouchy silhouettes are one of the key stories defining the current fashion landscape. A chic tracksuit is the perfect effortless, but ever-so-stylish look for feeling put together while WFH or sporting a cool and casual aesthetic while out and about.
This season we notice how tracksuits reflect the nostalgic activewear aesthetic. Sportswear materials played off against couture elegance as seen on highbrow Miu Miu and Balenciaga to name a few. Thanks to the mainstream fashion world’s ongoing interest in tracksuits, we can finally dare to wear cosy pullovers and joggers in town, both day and night.
Electric & Rose, Beyond Yoga, Monrow and The Upside impressed us with their dreamy tie-dye and ombre prints on tracksuit. You can style these retro loungewear elements as a co-ord or separately, just add APL trainers for the ultimate comfort and you are all set to dive into summer escapism.
Varley stepped up its loungewear game through the luxe edition of the knit sweatpants and pullovers in warm earthy colours. We guarantee that they will instantly spice up your wardrobe essentials for summer sunset walks.
Alternatively, you can inject vibrant colours into your casual wear with our hotly anticipated Les Girls and Les Boys capsule collection. Their comforting hoodies and soft track pants in playful splashes of colour will teleport you in style “from bed to street and everywhere in between”. Watch this space of an imminent brand launch!
Athletic Lace-up Details
Elasticated lacing and feminine detailing is a romantic theme with an athletic twist that prevailed on catwalks this season.
Nike has proven to be at the forefront of this trend, by applying a lace-up feature to the side seams of the luxe leggings, while refining the Dri-FIT tank with criss-cross elastic detail. This co-ord set with a corset inspired seam can be worn together or easily styled separately giving a rebellious edge to any sportif look. Layer up on colder days with the Cropped Fleece Training jumper.
We also love Year of Ours’s interpretation of this flattering trend, with its fierce lace-up front element on their fabulous ribbed football leggings and shiny sports bra. This sporty-but-sexy athleisure trend will help you to achieve your fitness goals in style without compromising on performance and comfort. The alluring lingerie references this season have made activewear hotter than ever!
Refined Vests
This staple style has been reimagined in S/S21 through subtle detailing such as squared necklines. Varley has gracefully adopted this trend through the Aletta tank top with a sharp, square neckline complimented by its chic silhouette. This style is perfect for low-intensity workouts and a post-workout stroll in the town.
In addition to new takes on shapes and lines, SS21 also sees the prevalence in rib knit translate from catwalks to activewear. Expect to see fine ribbed knit tops everywhere. The texture and fit when this fabric is introduced to activewear is just irresistible, and universally flattering. It’s a truly versatile look, no matter what you’re doing: working out or lounging. Just look at the flattering rib tanks by Alo Yoga and Year of Ours and you will understand what we mean. These rib-knit vests will kick up your workout or work-from-home wardrobe. They are also ideal to explore new layering opportunities to keep you warm before the weather heats up again.
Sensual Cutouts
Get ready for the sexy cut-out trend inspired by the SS21 runways as seen on Givenchy, Fendi and Prada. Think creative, asymmetric and alluring details that will keep you hooked.
This trend direction refreshes core silhouettes in a minimalistic way while delivering maximum impact. Let’s see how cut-outs have trickled down to sportswear.
Varley’s Emmet Tee with its circular cutout on the back is a great option for high summer time. This key piece inspires us to play around with new layering and styling options, wherein breathability and movement are crucial. Thanks to the sheer fabrication and its loose fit you can show off your sports bra in unashamedly bold colours. Alternatively, Alo Yoga and Year of Ours updated sport bras have geometric cutouts that mirror the sensuous aesthetics. This clever cut-out detailing is destined to show off elegant hints of skin that will turn heads.
