Sportswear Type Selector
Which Sportswear Type is Right for You?
Answer these questions to find the perfect sportswear type for your needs.
Common Questions
Is athleisure the same as activewear?
No. Activewear focuses on performance features like stretch and sweat-wicking, while athleisure blends those features with street-style aesthetics, making it suitable for both workouts and everyday wear.
What fabrics are typical for performance wear?
Performance wear often uses engineered fabrics such as Coolmax, Gore-Tex, Polartec, and proprietary blends that offer moisture management, wind resistance, and thermal regulation.
Can I wear gym wear to a casual outing?
Yes, but gym wear is usually more utilitarian and less stylish than athleisure. If you want a polished look, choose athleisure pieces that are designed with a fashion edge.
When you hear the term Sportswear is clothing designed for athletic activities, offering comfort, flexibility, and moisture‑wicking performance, you might wonder if there are other names that mean the same thing. The fashion world loves re‑branding, so the same category shows up under several labels. Understanding these aliases helps you shop smarter, talk fluently with designers, and spot trends before they hit the runway.
If you’re looking for the right sportswear piece, consider these tips.
Activewear - The Fitness‑First Label
Activewear is apparel created specifically for workouts, yoga, and other physical activities, emphasizing stretch and breathability. Brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon dominate this space, offering leggings, sports bras, and tops that move with the body. Activewear tends to focus on function first, with design elements that enhance performance rather than fashion.
Athleisure - When Gym Meets Street
Athleisure is a hybrid style that blends athletic performance fabrics with everyday fashion aesthetics, making it suitable for both workouts and casual outings. Think sleek joggers paired with a stylish bomber jacket, or a seamless top worn to a coffee shop. This trend surged around 2015, driven by Instagram culture and the rise of remote work, where comfort became a workplace requirement.
Performance Wear - Engineered for the Extreme
Performance wear is high‑tech clothing engineered for specific sports like running, cycling, or skiing, often featuring advanced moisture‑management, compression, and temperature control. Technical fabrics such as Coolmax, Gore‑Tex, and Polartec are common here. While performance wear overlaps with activewear, its primary goal is to give athletes a measurable edge.
Gym Wear - The Classic Workout Closet
Gym wear is a casual term for clothing you’d wear inside a fitness center, typically simple tees, shorts, and basic leggings. It’s less about high‑tech fabrics and more about affordability and ease of movement. Many discount retailers offer gym‑wear collections that mimic the look of premium brands without the pricey features.
Training Apparel - The Athlete’s Uniform
Training apparel is gear used by professional and semi‑professional athletes during practice sessions, often featuring team colors, logos, and sport‑specific cuts. This category includes warm‑up jackets, compression shorts, and sport‑specific shoes. It bridges the gap between performance wear and the team identity.
How the Names Overlap and Diverge
All these terms sit under the broad umbrella of sportswear, but they each emphasize a different aspect:
- Activewear focuses on functionality for a wide range of exercises.
- Athleisure adds a fashion‑forward twist, making pieces street‑ready.
- Performance wear targets sport‑specific performance gains.
- Gym wear offers everyday comfort at a lower price point.
- Training apparel serves team branding and sport‑specific needs.
Because brands market the same product under multiple names, a pair of leggings might be labeled “activewear” on one site, “athleisure” on another, and “gym wear” elsewhere. Knowing the subtle differences helps you decide what you actually need.
Key Brands and Their Terminology
Major players use these labels strategically:
- Nike markets most of its products as "Nike Performance" or "Nike Training" to highlight technical features.
- Adidas uses the term "Adidas Originals" for athleisure pieces that echo its classic street style.
- Lululemon positions itself firmly in the athleisure space, emphasizing yoga‑centric designs that double as casual wear.
When you see a product line called "Nike Active" or "Adidas Gym Wear," you can instantly map it to the broader sportswear family.
Choosing the Right Label for Your Wardrobe
Ask yourself three simple questions before you buy:
- Will I wear this piece primarily for a workout? - If yes, look for activewear or performance wear.
- Do I want to transition from the gym to a coffee shop without changing? - Athleisure fits best.
- Am I on a tight budget and just need basic comfort? - Gym wear or generic sports apparel will do.
By matching your use case to the label, you avoid over‑paying for features you’ll never use.
Common Misconceptions
Many people think "athleisure" and "activewear" are interchangeable, but the former leans heavily on style while the latter prioritizes function. Another myth is that performance wear is exclusively for elite athletes; in reality, many mid‑range products offer similar moisture‑wicking tech at accessible prices.
Comparison Table: Names, Core Focus, Typical Price Range
| Term | Core Focus | Typical Price (UK) | Key Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activewear | Function for workouts | £30‑£120 | Nike Dri‑Fit leggings, Lululemon Align pants |
| Athleisure | Style + comfort | £40‑£150 | Adidas Originals tracksuit, Alo Yoga tops |
| Performance wear | Technical sport‑specific | £60‑£200 | Gore‑Tex jackets, Under Armour compression |
| Gym wear | Basic workout comfort | £15‑£60 | Decathlon Kalenji tees, Primark sports shorts |
| Training apparel | Team branding + sport needs | £25‑£130 | Team tracksuits, Nike Training Gear |
Future Trends in Sportswear Naming
As sustainability becomes a core consumer demand, new labels like "Eco‑active" and "Green athleisure" are emerging. Brands will start highlighting recycled fabrics and carbon‑neutral production in the same way they once highlighted "dry‑fit" technology. Keep an eye out for these qualifiers-they’ll soon sit alongside the classic terms we discussed.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Identify the primary activity (gym, yoga, running, casual).
- Match the activity to the appropriate term (activewear vs. athleisure).
- Check fabric specs: moisture‑wick, compression, stretch %, breathability.
- Set a budget based on the term’s typical price range.
- Read reviews for durability and true‑to‑size fit.
Is athleisure the same as activewear?
No. Activewear focuses on performance features like stretch and sweat‑wicking, while athleisure blends those features with street‑style aesthetics, making it suitable for both workouts and everyday wear.
What fabrics are typical for performance wear?
Performance wear often uses engineered fabrics such as Coolmax, Gore‑Tex, Polartec, and proprietary blends that offer moisture management, wind resistance, and thermal regulation.
Can I wear gym wear to a casual outing?
Yes, but gym wear is usually more utilitarian and less stylish than athleisure. If you want a polished look, choose athleisure pieces that are designed with a fashion edge.
How does training apparel differ from regular sportswear?
Training apparel is often team‑branded and tailored for specific sports practices, whereas regular sportswear may be unbranded and suitable for a broader range of activities.
Are there sustainable alternatives in these categories?
Yes. Look for labels like "recycled polyester," "organic cotton," or the newer "Eco‑active" tags, which indicate that the garment uses environmentally‑friendly materials and processes.