What Is Sportswear Also Known As? Your Quick Guide to Active Clothing

Ever stood in a store and wondered if there’s a difference between sportswear, activewear, and those comfy joggers you live in? You’re not alone. People throw these words around all the time, but they all basically refer to the same thing: clothes made for moving, sweating, and feeling good. Some call it gym clothes, athletic wear, training gear, or even workout clothes. Brands love making up new names, but it’s all about stuff built for sports or exercise—just with different labels.

The terms might seem confusing, but here’s the thing: whatever you call it, sportswear is about comfort and usefulness. The fabric dries fast, stretches where it counts, and lets your skin breathe—exactly what you want whether you’re crushing a workout or just grabbing groceries in your leggings. And in 2025, there’s no need to keep your “exercise clothes” only for the gym. Most people wear this stuff pretty much everywhere these days.

• Other Names for Sportswear
• Activewear vs. Athleisure
• What Makes Sportswear Special?
• When to Wear Sportswear (Besides the Gym)
• Tips for Choosing the Best Sportswear
• Trends and Fun Facts About Sportswear

Other Names for Sportswear

Sportswear goes by a bunch of different names, and it can get confusing if you’re shopping online or scrolling through social media. Sometimes you’ll see it called activewear. Other times, brands use "athletic wear," "gym clothes," or even just "workout gear." All these terms mean clothes made for exercise or stuff that lets you move around comfortably. No one’s checking definitions at the gym—if it helps you move, it counts.

Big brands and designers have actually helped push new names into the spotlight over the last decade. For example, Nike and Adidas pretty much popularized “training gear” and “performance wear” for sports-focused clothing lines, while stores like Lululemon started calling their styles “athleisure” to attract folks who want something you can wear both at yoga and at brunch. If you’ve heard terms like “yoga pants” or “running shorts,” those are just more ways people talk about pieces under the big sportswear umbrella.

Case in point, a fashion analyst from the Business of Fashion magazine summed it up:

“The line between sportswear, activewear, and everyday fashion is blurrier than ever. What matters most now is comfort and functionality, not just the label.”

Here’s a quick look at common names you might spot:

• Activewear
• Athleisure
• Gym clothes
• Workout wear
• Performance wear
• Training gear
• Exercise apparel

So, if you’re checking out a new brand or shopping a sale and you see these terms, just remember: it’s all about comfortable, flexible clothing that’s made for moving, not just sweating. The only real difference is the name on the tag.

Activewear vs. Athleisure

People mix up activewear and athleisure all the time. Both are huge in the world of sportswear, but each has its own vibe and purpose. Here’s the real difference in plain terms.

Activewear is built for performance. This is the stuff you see in the gym, at spin class, or out on a run. Think sweat-wicking shirts, leggings that stay up during burpees, and shorts with hidden pockets for your phone. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour spend years designing activewear that can handle squats, sprints, and sweat. If it can't survive a tough workout, it usually doesn't count as true activewear.

Athleisure is all about looking sporty but living life outside the gym. These are clothes you might wear to brunch, when walking your dog, or even at work if your office is chill. Athleisure pieces look athletic but are designed mainly for comfort and style. You won’t see as much technical fabric here. Imagine joggers that go with a nice hoodie, or yoga pants paired with a trendy jacket. Lululemon and Alo Yoga crush the athleisure game, making stuff you want to lounge in all day.

If you’re actually planning to sweat, go with activewear. If you want to look sporty but feel comfy while you run errands or meet friends, athleisure is your best bet. And honestly, these days, most of us mix both into our daily closets—it’s normal to grab leggings for coffee or toss on a hoodie for the gym.

• Activewear = performance and sweat-friendly
• Athleisure = style and comfort for everyday wear
• Both use similar fabrics, but activewear is more about technical features
• Mixing them up is totally normal—just wear what works for your day

When brands drop a new “sportswear” collection, check if it’s built for training or just for chill days. That way you get gear that actually fits your needs and doesn’t leave you annoyed mid-workout or underdressed for your plans.

What Makes Sportswear Special?

So, what sets sportswear apart from your everyday tees and jeans? It all comes down to how it’s made and what it’s meant to handle. Sportswear is built for action. The materials are designed to keep you dry, cool, and moving freely. Think of moisture-wicking fabrics—these pull sweat away so you don’t feel sticky, even during heavy workouts. You’ll mostly see synthetic blends like polyester and nylon because they’re light, breathable, and don’t soak up sweat like cotton does.

One cool thing about sportswear: it stretches with you. Ever tried a deep squat in stiff jeans? Not fun. Sportswear usually mixes in spandex (also called elastane), so it moves with your body without feeling tight or bulky. Most tops have mesh panels or special vents, keeping your skin feeling fresh. A lot of gear is even designed to fight odors, using silver ions or antibacterial finishes, which really matters if you’re heading to brunch after the gym.

Here’s another perk—sportswear is made to last. It needs to hold up after a hundred washes and a ton of intense movements. Major brands test their gear for durability and colorfastness so it looks and feels the same for a long time.

“Performance apparel has to deliver on function first—moisture management, comfort, and flexibility are now non-negotiables for today's consumer,” says Sarah Marano, Senior Product Manager at Adidas.

Features you’ll usually find in great sportswear:

• Quick-dry fabrics that don’t cling to your skin
• Flat seams to cut down on chafing (no one likes rashes!)
• Pockets that fit your phone or keys, and zippers that don’t snag
• Reflective strips for safer walks or runs after dark

Sportswear isn’t just about feeling good, either. There’s serious tech behind it. Some brands now use recycled plastic bottles to make their fabrics, cutting waste and helping the planet. That means your sportswear could be more eco-friendly than your regular clothes.

Bottom line, sportswear helps you move, sweat, and live better because it’s actually made for that lifestyle. And with new tech popping up every year, the gear keeps getting smarter, lighter, and more comfortable—making it way easier to crush your workouts or just chill with friends.

When to Wear Sportswear (Besides the Gym)

Think sportswear is just for lifting weights or running laps? Not anymore. Over the past decade, people have started wearing sportswear way beyond gym sessions because it’s so comfy and practical.

Here’s where you’ll spot it in everyday life:

• Travel: Long flights or road trips? Athletic leggings, joggers, and hoodies are lightweight and don’t wrinkle, making them perfect for staying comfortable on the move.
• Running errands: Picking up groceries or dropping kids off at school is way easier in clothes that move with you. Brands design styles that look good even if you’re not breaking a sweat.
• Working from home: A Statista survey in early 2024 showed that about 60% of remote workers preferred activewear as their go-to outfit. Breathable fabrics and relaxed fits help you stay focused and comfortable all day.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, dog walking, or biking doesn’t require a full workout kit, but sportswear is built for movement and sudden weather changes.
• Casual meetups: Modern designs and neutral colors let you head to brunch or coffee straight from yoga class without looking out of place.

Not convinced? Here’s a breakdown of where people actually wear sportswear most outside the gym these days:

So, if you’ve been wanting to swap stiff jeans for stretchy joggers, you’re not alone. Sportswear is pretty much the default look for a lot of everyday situations now. As long as you keep it clean, you’ll fit right in—sometimes even at work, thanks to updated business-casual rules at some offices since 2023!

Tips for Choosing the Best Sportswear

Picking out the right sportswear isn’t just about looking good. If you want your gear to work for you (and not against you), keep a few basics in mind. The right choice makes your workouts more comfortable and keeps your skin happier, too.

• Sportswear should be breathable. Fabrics like polyester blends, nylon, and spandex help wick away sweat. If you end up soaked after a session, cotton isn’t your friend—it holds moisture and can feel heavy or even cause chafing.
• Check the stretch. Activewear that has enough spandex or elastane feels way better when you’re moving around. You want gear that flexes with you, especially for things like yoga, pilates, or HIIT.
• Seams matter. Flatlock stitching means fewer chances for rubbing or skin irritation. If you’ve ever had raw spots after wearing rough seams, you know why this is a big deal.
• Think about fit. Too tight, and it could cut off circulation or just be plain uncomfortable. Too baggy, and you’re tripping over your pant legs or sleeves. Fitted, but not restricting, is the sweet spot.
• Pockets are gold. Sounds simple, but a spot for your keys, cards, or phone is way more helpful than you might think. Look for secure, zippered pockets if you’re going for a run or using public transportation.
• Try it on and move around. Squat, twist, do a jumping jack in the fitting room. Awkward, maybe, but it’s the fastest way to spot any rough patches, see-through fans, or gear that doesn’t support you properly.
• Don’t buy just for trends. That neon orange set might look cool on Instagram, but basic black or dark gray usually holds up to repeated washes and actually hides sweat marks better.

Extra tip: Wash your activewear inside out and skip fabric softener, which can mess with the technical properties of most workout fabrics. Air drying preserves the elasticity, so your favorite leggings don’t turn saggy after a few runs. Try to think beyond the gym: if you commute, travel, or just like to lounge, choose gear that works for all-day comfort.

Trends and Fun Facts About Sportswear

Sportswear is not just about old-school tracksuits anymore. Over the last five years, it’s become a huge part of everyday fashion, and honestly, it doesn’t look like that's going to slow down. More people are wearing gym clothes outside the gym than ever before—think brunch, school runs, offices on Fridays, you name it.

Here are some things going on right now in the world of sportswear:

• Eco-friendly materials are big. Lots of brands now use recycled water bottles, old fishing nets, or plant-based fabrics for leggings and shirts. Adidas, for example, made over 20 million pairs of shoes with ocean plastic in 2024.
• Athleisure is king. Mixing sporty and casual isn’t just a trend, it’s become normal. Joggers and hoodies are regular clothing for millions.
• Tech gets woven in. Some shirts track your heart rate, leggings help correct your form, and shoes even count your steps. It’s not sci-fi—it’s in stores now.
• Huge growth in women’s lines. Ten years ago, most sportswear was about men. Now, almost all the best-selling brands are fighting to win over women with better fits and designs.
• Limited releases and collabs sell out fast. Special collabs between sportswear brands and celebrities or fashion designers sell out in minutes. People resell rare gym shoes just like concert tickets.

Check out these 2024-2025 stats showing just how massive the sportswear craze has gotten:

A fun little fact: yoga pants outsold traditional jeans for the first time in the U.S. in 2023. That’s just wild. If you’re noticing more “performance” fabrics at work, on social feeds, or in line at the grocery store, you’re not imagining things. It really is everywhere and for good reason—it’s comfy, looks good, and fits into busy lives.