The active wear market has exploded in the past few years with countless new workout and athleisure brands, and that just about every fashion retailer has added or expanded its active wear lineup.

Even though some big fashion brands frown upon athletic wear, it’s clear that sportswear isn’t going anywhere.

With dozens of ever changing trends flowing in and out of the fashion industry within the past few years, many sports retailers have been mimicking a relatively communal understanding that athletic wear can manage to be lightweight, breathable, and fashionable all at once.

In the past, bulky warm-up clothes were categorized as only appropriate for the gym, but recently athleisure brands have since crossed into every-day casual attire that focus on new cut out shapes, new forms of layering, strategically placed slits in leggings and crop tops and mesh paneling for an elevated sporty look that is just cool enough to be seen in after a workout.

The 2017 fitness look is fashion meets function.  The most popular looks are being paired with high-waisted leggings, a trend surely to stay this year.

Technology is a major differentiating factor and, it will be interesting to see what smart fabric advancements will arrive in this year’s new wave of fashion advancements.

Online retailers have been gaining more attention within the last year for their quality and design.  These include Lululemon, Fabletics, Athleta, Sweaty Betty, and YogaOutlet.

While some of those brands are among luxurious retailers, cheaper options for athleisure include Target, Old Navy, J.C. Penny’s, Amazon and FinishLine.