Activewear has become one of the fastest-growing apparel markets in recent years, deeply integrated into the modern woman’s lifestyle. As more women make fitness a part of their daily routine, the demand for stylish, functional, and comfortable activewear continues to rise. Industry predictions indicate that the global activewear market will reach a staggering $567 billion by 2025.
In 2024, athleisure styles will continue to dominate both the gym and street fashion. Bold prints, striking colors, and a variety of silhouettes—ranging from oversized to figure-hugging—will lead the way. Comfort, confidence, and a laid-back, playful vibe will drive next year’s women’s activewear trends.
Bold Prints Take Center Stage
In 2024, eye-catching prints will dominate women’s activewear. Animal prints like leopard and zebra will add a wild touch to workout gear, blending seamlessly with the growing streetwear trend. Graffiti-inspired designs will also appear on leggings and sports bras, offering a chic, urban vibe.
At the same time, tie-dye will continue to thrive, with rainbow-like swirls adorning yoga pants, tanks, tees, and hoodies. Watercolor-style washes will also emerge, covering tights and shorts with artistic splatters for a more creative look.
Pairing multiple bold prints will become a hot trend, with women mixing floral leggings, striped sports bras, and dotted jackets. This bold, multi-print approach ensures that activewear becomes a statement-making part of your wardrobe.
Oversized Silhouettes for Maximum Comfort
Building on the oversized fashion trend of 2023, activewear in 2024 will focus on ultimate comfort, embracing loose, boyfriend-style silhouettes. This shift away from skin-tight styles offers a relaxed fit that allows for greater freedom of movement during intense workouts.
Expect oversized, drop-shoulder sweatshirts to become must-have items, so roomy they slip off one shoulder. Bike shorts will also follow the oversized trend, with longer inseams and a more relaxed fit at the hips and thighs. For compression when needed, women can layer form-fitting leggings or tights under these baggier styles for added support.
The oversized activewear look isn’t just for the gym—it works perfectly for everyday athleisure fashion too. Pair loose items with crop tops, tanks, or sports bras for a casual yet stylish weekend ensemble.
Color Blocking for a Bold, Youthful Look
Color blocking will take activewear to new heights in 2024, with large chunks of bold colors covering everything from sports bras to leggings. Neon hues like bright orange, lime green, and hot pink will combine with classic black and white for striking activewear outfits.
Cropped tanks, half-zip pullovers, and leggings will provide the perfect canvas for color blocking. Expect color shifts at the ribs or bold stripes down the arms, creating a cutting-edge, youthful look that’s ideal for women under 30.
Texture and Dimension Through Fabrics
Textured fabrics will bring depth and interest to activewear in 2024. Performance materials that wick away moisture and insulate heat will offer more than just functionality—they’ll look and feel great. Horizontal ridges and brushed interiors will make workout clothes both practical and tactile, blending performance with style.
Woven textiles will gain popularity, adding a rich texture to activewear and offering an alternative to smooth fabrics. Organic textures like dimples and raised patterns will appear on lightweight tanks and tees, perfect for low-intensity training or casual wear. For more intense workouts, terry cloth will become a favored fabric due to its sweat-absorbing properties.
Knitwear will also be in the spotlight, with honeycomb textures, Ponte stitching, and open eyelet designs decorating leggings and bike shorts. These activewear pieces will provide flexibility while adding a distinctive look, making them stand out from traditional gym gear.
Athleisure: The Ubiquitous Trend
Underpinning all 2024 fashion trends is the ongoing dominance of athleisure. The fusion of activewear and casual clothing blurs the lines between technical workout gear and everyday street fashion. The demand for ultimate comfort coupled with a sporty edge will continue to drive this mega-trend forward.
Zip-front hoodies, drawstring joggers, unitards, and bike shorts will infiltrate everyday wardrobes, effortlessly transitioning from school to post-work gatherings. Cotton-spandex blends will remain the go-to fabric, providing a soft feel that moves with the body. In 2024, athleisure will embrace flattering silhouettes, with ruched yoga pants replacing old, worn-out sweatpants for a more refined look.
As fitness moves from gyms to outdoor environments, athleisure pieces will adopt practical details like zippered pockets for stashing phones or keys. Thumbholes in the cuffs will help keep out the cold during brisk morning walks or runs. No longer limited to the gym, these versatile activewear pieces seamlessly bridge the gap between physical activity and downtime, catering to the modern, busy woman on the go.
The Activewear Boom Will Only Intensify
As the line between athleticwear and street fashion continues to blur, 2024 activewear trends show no signs of slowing down. Women’s appetite for fashionable, functional activewear will only grow stronger. Expect designers to meet this demand with bold prints, textured fabrics, and vibrant color schemes that blend style and performance.
Activewear has firmly established itself as a key part of fashion—not just for workouts but also as a means of expressing personal style. Whether you’re in the gym or out and about, 2024 activewear will ensure you stay stylish and comfortable wherever you go.
