Incorporating athleisure into your daily wardrobe can redefine your style, offering unparalleled comfort while keeping you looking sharp. The secret to mastering athleisure lies in blending it with other wardrobe staples and focusing on the details. Whether you’re gearing up for a casual day at the office or heading out for a relaxed weekend, here’s how men can seamlessly integrate athleisure into their everyday outfits and look polished on any occasion.
How Does Athleisure Style for Men Work?
Incorporating athleisure into your daily wardrobe can be both stylish and practical, especially when you balance it with classic casual pieces. Here’s how to master this blend and create a cohesive look that’s perfect for various occasions.
Layer with Casual Wear
Denim Jackets: The timeless appeal of a denim jacket adds a touch of structure to your athleisure outfit. This rugged piece contrasts beautifully with the sleek, smooth textures of athleisure fabrics, resulting in a balanced and stylish ensemble. For example, pair a dark blue denim jacket with black joggers and a white basic tee. This combination creates a visually appealing contrast and provides a polished yet relaxed appearance. Opt for a slightly fitted denim jacket to avoid bulkiness and maintain a streamlined silhouette.
- Levi’s Trucker Jacket: This classic denim jacket features a structured fit and a versatile design that complements various athleisure pieces.
- Gap Classic Denim Jacket: Known for its comfortable fit and durable fabric, this jacket adds a casual edge to athleisure wear.
- Uniqlo Stretch Denim Jacket: With added stretch for comfort, this jacket is perfect for layering over athleisure outfits.
Casual Blazers: A casual blazer is an excellent way to elevate your athleisure look for occasions that call for a more refined appearance. Choose a blazer made from lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or linen blends to ensure comfort and ease. Layer a casual blazer over a t-shirt or a hoodie for a smart-casual look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. This combination works well for business casual environments, dinner outings, or social gatherings where you want to present a polished image.
- J.Crew Ludlow Blazer: Made from a lightweight cotton-linen blend, this blazer adds a sophisticated touch to any athleisure outfit.
- Bonobos Unstructured Blazer: With its unstructured design and breathable fabric, this blazer is ideal for layering over casual wear.
- H&M Casual Blazer: A versatile and affordable option, this blazer offers a modern cut and lightweight feel for easy layering.
Pair with Chinos
Swap Joggers for Chinos: Transitioning from joggers to chinos can elevate your athleisure look to a more polished level. Chinos offer a tailored appearance that maintains comfort and versatility. Opt for chinos in neutral shades such as beige, gray, or navy to ensure that your outfit remains versatile and cohesive. This subtle switch can enhance your look for casual work environments or social events where a touch of formality is appreciated.
- Dockers Alpha Chino: Known for its modern fit and comfortable fabric, these chinos are a great alternative to joggers.
- Uniqlo Easy Care Chinos: These chinos offer a classic look with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, making them perfect for a polished athleisure outfit.
- Banana Republic Slim Rapid Movement Chino: Designed for comfort and style, these chinos offer a tailored fit with added stretch.
Styling Tips: To enhance the polished look when wearing chinos, tuck in a well-fitted t-shirt or a casual button-down shirt. This approach creates a cleaner, more structured appearance. Complete your outfit with loafers or clean, minimalist sneakers to maintain a refined, yet comfortable vibe. This style transition is perfect for settings like casual work environments or social events where you want to appear both stylish and at ease.
Use Versatile Colors for Easy Coordination
When building an athleisure wardrobe, selecting versatile colors is key to creating a cohesive and adaptable style. By focusing on neutral tones and subtle patterns, you can effortlessly mix and match pieces for any occasion.
Neutral Colors
Classic Shades: Neutral colors like black, gray, navy, and white are the foundation of a versatile athleisure wardrobe. These shades are timeless, easy to pair, and appropriate for almost any setting. Whether you’re heading to the gym or a casual outing, sticking to these classic hues ensures that your outfit remains stylish and adaptable. Black and navy are particularly useful for creating a slimming effect and adding a touch of sophistication, while gray and white can lighten your look and add contrast.
- Black Performance Joggers: A pair of black joggers can be your go-to for both workouts and casual wear. They’re easy to pair with nearly any top and can be dressed up with a blazer or down with a hoodie.
- Gray Crewneck Sweatshirt: A gray sweatshirt is a versatile piece that can be worn on its own or layered under jackets. It’s a neutral base that complements other colors without clashing.
- Navy Athletic Shorts: Navy shorts offer a stylish alternative to black, providing a deep color that pairs well with lighter tops while still maintaining a refined appearance.
Layering with Neutrals: Layering is a great way to add depth and texture to your athleisure outfits, and sticking to neutral tones makes this process seamless. For instance, you might layer a gray track jacket over a black hoodie and pair it with navy joggers. This combination not only looks sleek but also keeps your outfit versatile. By layering neutrals, you can create a polished, monochromatic look that is both understated and sophisticated. Additionally, neutral colors tend to be more forgiving when it comes to different skin tones and body types, making them universally flattering.
- Nike Tech Fleece Hoodie in black, layered with a Lululemon City Sweat Zip Hoodie in gray, and paired with Adidas Tiro 21 Track Pants in navy. This combination is perfect for a stylish and comfortable look that works for both casual outings and light workouts.
- Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-Shirt in white, layered under a Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket in gray, and matched with Rhone Commuter Pant in black. This outfit is ideal for running errands or grabbing a casual coffee.
- Puma Essentials Logo Pants in black, paired with a Champion Reverse Weave Crew in navy, and topped with a North Face Denali Jacket in gray. This ensemble is perfect for outdoor activities while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Subtle Patterns
Adding Flair: While neutral colors form the base of a versatile athleisure wardrobe, adding subtle patterns can inject personality and interest into your outfits. Patterns like thin stripes, small checks, or understated prints can elevate your look without overwhelming it. For example, a t-shirt with fine pinstripes or a hoodie with a minimalistic graphic design can add a unique touch to your ensemble while maintaining its overall sleekness. The key is to choose patterns that complement the rest of your outfit, ensuring that they enhance rather than dominate your look.
Pattern Placement: The strategic placement of patterns is crucial to maintaining a refined appearance. Subtle patterns work best when used sparingly; they can add a touch of flair without making your outfit appear too busy. Consider incorporating patterns into smaller pieces of your ensemble, such as a t-shirt, socks, or cap. For instance, a striped t-shirt under a solid-colored jacket, or a pair of socks with a discreet pattern, can make your outfit more dynamic without detracting from its overall cohesiveness. This approach allows you to express your style while keeping your look polished and well-coordinated.
- Bonobos Striped Tee with thin horizontal stripes in gray and white, layered under a Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Hoodie in solid black, paired with H&M Twill Joggers in black. The subtle stripes add visual interest without overpowering the outfit.
- Adidas Essentials Linear T-Shirt with a small logo pattern, paired with Lululemon ABC Jogger in gray, and finished with Vans Classic Slip-On in a monochrome checkerboard pattern. This outfit adds just the right amount of pattern to make it visually appealing.
- Stance Icon Socks with a minimalistic design, worn with New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Sneakers and Under Armour Challenger Training Pants in navy. The subtle pattern on the socks adds a stylish detail to an otherwise solid-color ensemble.
Ensure Proper Grooming for a Sharp Look
To truly nail the athleisure look, grooming is just as important as your clothing choices. A well-groomed appearance complements your outfit and ensures you look polished and put-together, even when wearing the most casual athleisure pieces.
Maintain a Neat Appearance
Regular Grooming: Consistent grooming is essential to maintaining a sharp and polished athleisure look. This means keeping your hair regularly trimmed and styled in a way that suits your face shape and personal style. If you have facial hair, make sure it’s well-groomed—whether that means a clean shave, a neatly trimmed beard, or a maintained stubble. Regular haircuts and beard trims help avoid a disheveled look, ensuring that your overall appearance is neat and intentional.
- Hair Care Example: Invest in quality hair care products like the American Crew Forming Cream for styling, which provides a natural look without too much shine. Regular visits to a barber or stylist can also help maintain your look.
- Beard Grooming Example: For beard maintenance, products like Beardbrand Beard Oil help keep your facial hair soft and manageable, while a Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer ensures a precise trim.
- Skincare Routine: Incorporate a daily skincare routine, including a cleanser and moisturizer, to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. Products like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion can help maintain a clean, hydrated appearance.
Clean Clothes: The state of your clothing is just as important as your grooming. Athleisure pieces, often made from technical fabrics, should always be clean and wrinkle-free to maintain a sharp appearance. Regular washing and proper storage, such as hanging clothes to avoid creases, are key practices. If you notice any wrinkles, a quick steam or iron can make a significant difference in how your outfit looks. Additionally, pay attention to how your clothes fit—well-fitted garments always look more polished than baggy or overly tight ones.
- Washing Tips: Use a gentle detergent like Woolite Sport that’s designed for activewear to maintain the integrity of the fabrics. Follow care labels to prevent shrinkage or damage.
- Wrinkle Management: A portable steamer like the Steamfast SF-407 can quickly remove wrinkles from your athleisure pieces, keeping them looking fresh and ready to wear.
- Proper Storage: Store your clothes in a well-organized closet with enough space to prevent crowding, which helps avoid wrinkles and makes it easier to find what you need.
Avoid Excessive Sweat
Manage Stains: Even though athleisure wear is designed to handle sweat, visible stains can ruin an otherwise well-put-together outfit. It’s important to address sweat stains as soon as they appear. Use specialized stain removers or detergents designed for activewear, which are formulated to tackle stubborn marks without damaging the fabric. For best results, treat stains immediately after wear before they set in. Keeping your clothes clean not only enhances their longevity but also ensures you always look fresh.
- Stain Removal: Products like OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick are effective for treating tough stains, especially those caused by sweat and dirt on activewear.
- Quick Fix: Keep Shout Wipes or Tide To Go pens on hand for quick stain treatment when you’re on the go. These products are convenient for tackling small stains before they become noticeable.
- Preventative Measures: Wear moisture-wicking undershirts or base layers to reduce the likelihood of sweat reaching your outer layers, thereby minimizing stains.
Choose Breathable Fabrics: The fabrics you choose can significantly affect how much you sweat and how it impacts your look. Opt for athleisure pieces made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like polyester blends or technical fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin and help it evaporate quickly. This keeps you feeling cool and reduces the chances of sweat marks and odor, ensuring you stay comfortable and confident throughout the day.
- Fabric: Look for items made from Dri-FIT by Nike or Climacool by Adidas, which are specifically designed to enhance breathability and moisture management.
- Odor Prevention: Consider wearing clothing with anti-odor technology, such as Under Armour’s UA Tech fabric, which is treated to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes.
- Layering Strategy: In cooler weather, layer your outfits with breathable base layers like Uniqlo’s AIRism or Icebreaker’s Merino Wool, which offer warmth without trapping sweat.
Dress for the Occasion with Confidence
Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or a social event, it’s important to adapt your athleisure look to the occasion. This ensures that you remain comfortable without sacrificing style.
Casual Days
Relaxed Outfit: On more laid-back days, focus on comfort while maintaining a stylish appearance. Well-fitted joggers paired with a simple, high-quality t-shirt and a pair of clean sneakers offer a great balance between comfort and style. This outfit is perfect for running errands, lounging at home, or casual outings. The key is in the fit—ensure your joggers are slim and tapered, and your t-shirt is neither too baggy nor too tight. This combination is effortlessly cool and can be worn throughout the day without looking sloppy.
- Outfit: Pair Nike Tech Fleece Joggers with a Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-Shirt and Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers. This look is comfortable yet stylish, suitable for various casual activities.
- Accessory: Add a Timex Weekender Watch to keep your look casual but coordinated, or throw on a New Era 9FORTY Cap for a sporty touch.
- Layering Idea: If it’s chilly, layer with a Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie for added warmth without sacrificing style.
Accessorize: Accessories can make a significant difference in how polished your casual athleisure outfit appears. Minimalist accessories like a sleek watch, a clean cap, or even a simple chain can elevate your look without compromising comfort. These small touches can add a layer of intentionality to your outfit, making you look more put-together. Choose accessories that complement your overall style and color palette.
- Watch: A Daniel Wellington Classic Black Sheffield Watch adds a refined touch without overwhelming your outfit.
- Cap: A Nike Heritage 86 Cap offers a clean and sporty aesthetic, perfect for a casual day out.
- Jewelry: A simple Miansai Rope Chain Necklace can subtly enhance your look, adding just the right amount of detail.
Social Events
Elevated Casual Look: When dressing for social events, you can elevate your athleisure look by incorporating more structured pieces. Layer a track jacket over a well-fitted t-shirt and pair it with chinos or clean, slim-fit jeans. The track jacket adds an element of sophistication, while the chinos or jeans keep the outfit grounded and versatile. This combination is perfect for casual gatherings, dinners, or any event where you want to strike a balance between comfort and style.
- Outfit: Combine a Lululemon City Sweat Pullover Hoodie with Bonobos Slim Fit Stretch Chinos and a Nike Sportswear Track Jacket. This outfit is polished enough for social events but still comfortable.
- Layering: Layer a Barbour Ashby Waxed Jacket over a hoodie for a look that’s both rugged and refined.
- Alternative Bottoms: Swap out jeans for Rhone Commuter Pants to maintain comfort with a more dressed-up vibe.
Footwear Choices: The right footwear is crucial in making sure your athleisure outfit looks polished. For social events, opt for stylish sneakers or casual loafers that complement your outfit. A clean pair of white sneakers can go a long way in maintaining a sleek look, while loafers can add a more refined touch. Ensure that your shoes are clean and in good condition, as worn-out footwear can detract from even the most well-put-together outfit.
- Sneaker: The Common Projects Achilles Low in white is a minimalist sneaker that pairs well with almost any athleisure outfit.
- Loafer: The Cole Haan Pinch Weekender Loafers are comfortable yet stylish, perfect for elevating your look.
- Alternative Footwear: For a more casual yet polished option, consider the Adidas Ultraboost Sneakers in a neutral colorway. These shoes offer comfort with a modern, sleek design.
Always prepare to look and feel your best.
Athleisure is more than just a passing trend; it’s a versatile and comfortable approach to everyday style that can seamlessly adapt to a range of situations. By thoughtfully integrating athleisure pieces with classic casual wear, utilizing versatile colors, and maintaining a well-groomed appearance, you can achieve a polished look that is both stylish and practical.
Investing in key athleisure items and applying these styling tips will enable you to confidently navigate various settings, from casual work environments to social gatherings. With the right combinations and accessories, athleisure can become a staple in your wardrobe, offering the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication for any occasion. Embrace the ease and elegance of athleisure to elevate your daily style and ensure you’re always prepared to look and feel your best.
