athleisure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal/Commercial, common in fashion, marketing, and lifestyle discourse.
Quick answer
What does “athleisure” mean?
A style of clothing designed for both athletic activity and casual everyday wear.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of clothing designed for both athletic activity and casual everyday wear.
A fashion trend and market segment that blends athletic wear with leisurewear, focusing on comfort, functionality, and a sporty aesthetic suitable for non-sporting contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard national conventions for each region.
Connotations
Generally the same. It is heavily associated with contemporary consumer culture, lifestyle branding, and the 'casualisation' of dress codes.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to its market origins, but widely understood and used in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “athleisure” in a Sentence
The [brand] is known for its [quality] athleisure.Athleisure has become a dominant [trend] in [context].She prefers to wear athleisure for [activity].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “athleisure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She loved the athleisure look for the school run.
- The high street is full of athleisure-inspired pieces.
American English
- That's a very athleisure vibe for a coffee shop.
- He's into the whole athleisure aesthetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing reports, retail strategy, and fashion industry analysis to describe a product category.
Academic
Rarely used; may appear in cultural studies, sociology of fashion, or consumer behaviour research.
Everyday
Common in conversations about shopping, fashion, dressing for comfort, and daily routines.
Technical
Not a technical term; used descriptively in fashion design and textile technology contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “athleisure”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “athleisure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “athleisure”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an athleisure'). It is uncountable.
- Pronouncing it as /æθˈleɪʒə/ (incorrect stress on the second syllable).
- Confusing it with purely technical performance gear meant only for sports.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Sportswear is designed primarily for athletic performance. Athleisure is designed to look like sportswear but is intended for casual, everyday activities.
It depends on the workplace dress code. In many modern or creative offices, smart athleisure pieces (like tailored joggers or a sleek sweatshirt) may be acceptable, but it is generally considered casual wear.
It is a relatively new word (early 21st century) and is considered informal or commercial. It is now included in major dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster due to its widespread use.
Common materials include technical fabrics like polyester blends, spandex (for stretch), breathable meshes, and soft French terry or jersey cotton, often with moisture-wicking or anti-odour properties.
A style of clothing designed for both athletic activity and casual everyday wear.
Athleisure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaθliːʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæθliːʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ATHLetic' clothes for your 'LEISURE' time. It's for when you're active in style but at your leisure.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A TOOL FOR A LIFESTYLE (It embodies the merging of performance and relaxation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of athleisure?