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How Gen Z is Redefining Gymwear Style?
Once reserved for HIIT sessions and yoga classes, gymwear is not showing up at brunch, in the checkout line at cafes, and trending across Instagram feeds. It’s less ‘just worked out’ and more ‘styled to step out.’ According to Vogue Business, searches for ‘baggy gym outfits’ have surged over 400% in the past years, especially among the 18-24 age group (source: Vogue Business).
What’s driving the shift? Aesthetics & algorithm & their infleunzaasss!
The Social Media Effect
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and GRWM videos didn’t just shape how Gen Z dresses; they rewired why they dress like that. Activewear is now part of a curated lifestyle: it has to photograph well, align with their personal vibe & energy, and move effortlessly from downward dog to iced matcha runs.
They don’t want gym clothes, they want outfits that can transition across their entire day and rack up compliments in the comments.
From Pure Function to Fashion-Forward Function
For Gen Z, activewear has to do more than stretch; it needs to slay. Their gymwear must be:
- Functional: Built to move
- Versatile: Built to transition
- Aesthetic: Built to be seen
Forget the days when gymwear was just a 6-7 AM/PM uniform. Today, it needs to:
-
- Power through a 9 AM yoga class
- Be work-from-office ready at 10
- Look brunch-appropriate by 2
- And earn a ‘fit-check’ moment by 5
If it can’t flex through all that, it’s not making it into the wardrobe.
Then vs Now: Gymwear for Millennials vs Gen Z
Millennials:
Gymwear was utilitarian. Plan solid black leggings, basic sports bras and a tank top layer over it. Style was secondary to sweat-proofing. The goal is to burn calories here, and the vibe was low-key invisible.
Gen Z:
The aesthetic for Gen Z is non-negotiable. They prefer trendy matching sets, bold colours, oversized joggers, and cool colour-blocked sports bras. The look matters just as much as the lunge. The goal here is to be seen and exude the vibe: ‘I live, but I look good doing git.’
But this evolution didn’t happen overnight…
Gen Z doesn’t separate their lives into compartments. Fitness, fashion and vibe are fully integrated. The clothes they wear must reflect that blend, seamlessly shifting between IRL (In Real Life) and URL aesthetics.
They want activewear that’s:
- Worthy of an Insta-story
- Aligned with their aesthetic
- Function without sacrificing fashion.
What does This Mean for Brands?
Still, designing gymwear like it’s the 2000s? If yes, then you’ve already lost them.
Today’s consumer expects more.
- Bold, insta-worthy designs
- Fit that flatters and performs
- Styles that resonate with their vibe & identity.
If your product doesn’t look good, feel good, and align with the feed, it’s not making it to checkout.
Here’s How Gen Z is Actually Styling their Gymwear, and How You can Recreate the Look.
1. Joggers + Cropped Tee for Coffee Runs
Gen Z has shifted from fitted leggings to comfy joggers and track pants. Style with an oversized cropped tee and chunky sneakers for that effortless, just stepped out of pilates to grab a matcha vibe.
2. Sports Bras as Crop Tops
We’ve got some really cool printed bold sports bras. Pair it with wide-leg pants. When shopping for sports bras, look for bold prints and contrast straps or cool racerback, criss-cross or cut-out detailing or twist knot at the front for an extra funky look.
3. Leggings + Cropped Tee
Add a cool oversized or fitted cropped tee (whichever complements your body shape), make a slick bun, and a bag for an elevated look and vibe. Perfect for errand runs, coffee catchups or casual brunches.
4. Active Tops for a Laid-back Look
Style your high-rise flared yoga pants or joggers with your cool design active top! Brilliant outfit idea for that laid-back work from cafe walks in the evenings.
5. Matching Co-ord Sets
New GenZ approved fit! Matching co-ord sets paired with platform sneaks and cropped jackets. These are your all-day, all-eyes-on-me set.
Bottom Line
If your tights don’t pass the brunch test, Gen Z isn’t buying them. This generation has refined gymwear from a utility piece to a fashion essential, and they expect their wardrobe to deliver on both. If you’re a brand trying to make a place in its wardrobe and stay relevant, now’s the time to upgrade and renovate. Clovia’s latest activewear drop blends high performance with high impact – built for workouts, scrolls, and everything in between because GenZ doesn’t wear clothes, they wear content today.
Rani Kumari
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