Drab gym wear is starting to get revamped Athletic brands are beginning to take classic looks and turn them into wearable trends

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Athleisure is a term combining the ideas of athletic wear and  leisure wear, but what exactly does it mean or entail? The basic purpose of this new style trend is to take things like leggings and  sweatpants, among other clothing you could typically find in  a gym setting, and make them wearable to the office, school  or other events. Although athleisure encompasses both male  and female clothes, it is most popular in women’s fashion. The  whole idea is to make comfortable gym clothes wearable, fashionable and acceptable in other  public settings.

When hunting for the best and worst of athleisure styles and brands, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that you want high quality  fabric and materials. Yes, this likely  means your price point will go up, but athleisure is  not just gym-appropriate clothes.  It has to be a nice enough look to be  wearable to the office, which doesn’t  necessarily mean your workplace is going to be letting you wear leggings anytime soon. However, you can  find reasonably priced clothing if  you really dig and wait for sales.

Here are some of my top picks for athleisure brands, both well-known  and up-and-coming:

Nike Sportswear

Although Nike doesn’t need any more publicity, they deserve credit  for their everchanging array of  styles and functional wear.

Outdoor Voices

A nature-based company, Outdoor Voices composes their  athletic wear using more neutral palettes. Perfect for hiking,  yoga, the gym or the street.

Lululemon

Quite possibly one of the earliest athleisure companies, Lululemon goes for function and  style. Their high prices come  with quality and a lifetime guarantee. Word around the street is  that if you bring a pair of their leggings into their store, they’ll replace them if there is damage.

Calia

Carrie Underwood took on the fashion industry, creating  athletic wear that has style, comfort, function and flattery. Underwood even has bathing suits.  Plus, she makes clothes that fit different body types.

Prana

Prana is known as a yoga brand, but they are much more  than that. Climbing, travel, activewear and beyond, Prana has  something for just about anyone.

Other mentionable picks include Under Armour, Sweaty  Betty, Adidas, Stronger.

Don’t be afraid to branch out, try new things, read a blog and  dabble in the fine art of athleisure. You’re sure to fit right in.