The idea of wearing sweats as actual clothing – not just for the gym or lazing on the sofa – is a relatively new one, but it’s catching on fast. It’s part of a larger trend known in the biz as ‘athleisure’, one of those ghastly compound words that marketing executives use to make themselves sound clever. Translated into plain English, it means that the contents of your gym bag and the contents of your wardrobe are becoming ever more interchangeable.
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As the relaxed fits and technical fabrics found in athletic wear begin to infiltrate the world of casualwear, we’re seeing the sharp, structured silhouettes of traditional tailoring give way to something softer, stretchier and more comfortable. Any trend that lists comfort as one of its selling points is sure to get our vote.
So, how do you go about wearing it? Suffice to say, it’s not quite as simple as digging out the sagging sweatpants that have spent the last decade languishing at the back of your wardrobe and last saw the light of day when you were still playing sport at university.
Modern sweats are a more stylish proposition altogether. Take the heritage-inspired track pants and sweatshirt from the latest Kingsman collection, which launches this September to coincide with the release of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Designed in collaboration with US designer Todd Snyder, they’re made from quality French loopback cotton, cut for a flattering fit.
Throw in a pair of Adidas Superstars and Cutler & Gross spectacles – also part of the Kingsman collection, and available exclusively at mrporter.com – and you’ve got an easy off-duty outfit that says sporty rather than slouchy. Just, please, don’t call it athleisure.
The Kingsman shop will open on 7 September at 4 St James’s Street, SW1A 1EF.
