Athleisure is a trend that’s been around for some time now and it’s time to admit that it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

This fashion style known for its practicality and comfort has become so popular that it has managed to make its way into the office wardrobe of many professionals.

And that should come as no surprise. Because just as the name suggests, athleisure is a hybrid of activewear and leisure wear. And for a lot of men, showing up at work wearing such type of clothing means they get to save money, energy, and time.

Is athleisure suitable for work?

When it comes to workwear, there’s always the question of standards. What can athleisure dressing do for someone’s professional image?

Well, we can look at it by industry.

In the creative and tech industries, smart casual attire like jeans, sweaters, and shirts have become commonplace over the last decade. So this means wearing an athleisure outfit is just a close variation.

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On the flip side, there are industries like finance that observe strict formal business attire, and hospitality that require specific uniforms that athleisure wear is out of the question.

Then, there are industries of work professionals that can get away with both—encouraged to wear formal business attire but also allowed to wear business casual—such as real estate agents, insurance, and car salespeople.

While we see many brands and companies in these industries already embracing the athleisure trend in their employee dress code, some are likely still in the assessment stage.

This leaves some men wondering: Can my job’s dressing standards evolve? What does it take to incorporate athleisure styles into my work wardrobe?

How to Make Athleisure Office-appropriate

Beliefs around workwear and its relationship to a company’s brand and culture are always evolving. So you must be aware of it by knowing your company’s rules as well as industry standards when it comes to less formal clothing.

Since athleisure mixes athletic and casual settings, the key for men to look professional at work is to look smart.

You don’t just throw on random athleisure outfits and expect that they’re appropriate for work. You still need to put the effort to not look like you’re heading straight to the gym but instead dressed ready to meet with your CEO or your client at any given time.

Read: 8 Mistakes Professionals Make with Their Business Attire

Remember, clothes make a big impression on others and that’s not going to change. So, your goal when it comes to workwear should be to look comfortable yet polished.

Here are some important tips to look put-together while wearing your athleisure outfits for the office:

Tip #1 – Opt for athleisure clothes in neutral colors, such as black, brown, navy blue, or white.

Tip #2 – Mix and match athleisure items with classic office wear, such as leather sneakers with trousers or bomber jackets with crisp white shirts.

Tip #3 – Keep your athleisure pieces clean, ironed, and wrinkle-free.

Tip #4 – Accessorize with simple jewelry and a professional bag to pull the look together.

Tip #5 – Pay attention to fit and choose pieces that flatter your body shape.

Tip #6 – Never wear revealing pieces, such as ripped clothes or tank tops, and avoid overly casual items like hoodies. Instead, opt for high-quality pieces that look and feel expensive.

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Workwear for Men: Smart Athleisure Styles

Now that you have tips on how to look smart and polished for work with athleisure clothes for men, it’s time to invest in quality pieces that last. Topping off the list:

Sport Coat

A sports coat or blazer made from more casual materials, such as cotton, linen, and synthetic blends is an obvious choice in smart athleisure compared to traditional formal suits. Featuring quick-dry properties and abrasion-resistant fabric, this type of blazer provides a dapper look while still being functional and comfortable.

SHOP: Rodd & Gunn Glovers Cotton-Linen Sport Coat (Neiman Marcus)

White Shirt

A lightweight button shirt is a great option for office wear as it is comfortable, breathable, and can be dressed up or down. Keep an eye on top athleisure brands that leveraged technology to produce an anti-odor, wrinkle-free shirt that allows for flexibility and ease of movement while giving a fresh and professional look.

SHOP: Rhone Men’s Commuter Shirt White Slim-fit (Amazon)

Bomber Jacket

A versatile and stylish item that can add a touch of sophistication to your workwear when paired with dress pants or jeans. When buying a bomber jacket, look for high-quality stitching, sturdy zippers or buttons, and a lining that provides warmth and comfort.

SHOP: Hugo Boss Suede Bomber Jacket with Ribbed Trims (Hugo Boss)

Pants

Pants with dynamic and stretchable materials are the go-to of men when it comes to athleisure clothing suitable for work. For a fit that balances both functionality and a polished appearance, opt for styles that combine the comfort of joggers with the refined style of tailored trousers.

SHOP: Twillory Performance 5-Pocket Tailored Fit Casual Men’s Pants (Amazon)

Leather Sneakers

When paired with a smart ensemble, leather sneakers are a great option for office wear. Leather is a durable material practical for everyday use and aligns with the athleisure trend of comfort and versatility. Find a pair with brushed-suede panels to add touches of sophistication and texture, great complements to both casual and semi-formal outfits.

SHOP: Lacoste Men’s Bayliss Sneakers (Amazon)

Backpack

A backpack that can transition seamlessly from workouts to the office, and even to the airport, is a great addition to your work wardrobe. It needs to have a spacious interior to fit all your essential items and a sturdy, simple design to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Consider features like padded laptop compartments or waterproof materials to further enhance the backpack’s functionality.

SHOP: Bric’s X-Travel Urban Backpack – Carry On Bag (Neiman Marcus)

To wrap things up…

The best athleisure wear for work lets men show up in the office looking casual but not too casual, professional, and stylish without looking overly formal and stuffy.

There are many ways for men to wear athleisure effectively without looking sloppy, the most important being to wear the right clothes for the right occasion. A tailored suit may no longer be perceived as the only acceptable outfit for success, so you have more choices in smart workwear that makes you appear more productive and professional in the work environment.

Just remember, you are what you wear. So if you’re going the athleisure route for work, at least make sure that you choose quality pieces, wear the right fit, and carry this lifestyle wear with confidence.

READ MORE: 6 Things Male Agents Must Do to Look Dapper

How often do you wear athleisure for work? Do you prefer smart athleisure vs. business professional? Leave a comment below!