Athleisure Style Consumers in Spotlight
More People Wearing Sportswear Daily Due to Social Perception Changes
"Not Suitable for Formal Occasions," Critics Say
Experts: "Leggings Will Become Common Like Miniskirts and Sleeveless Tops"
As more people have been investing time in leisure activities recently, the comfortable and practical 'athleisure' style is becoming popular. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "Is it not okay to wear sportswear in everyday life?"
Office worker A (27) recently experienced an unpleasant incident after wearing leggings to work. A said, "My boss criticized me, asking 'What is this outfit?'" and added, "Even though the company dress code is supposed to be free, it seems that there is still a negative view toward comfortable clothes like leggings." She continued, "Dress pants are not only uncomfortable but also hinder blood circulation, making it hard to sit for long periods," and raised her voice, saying, "I wore leggings designed to look like casual wear, but hearing such comments made me feel bad."
Recently, as more people invest time in leisure activities, the comfortable and practical 'athleisure' style has become popular.
Athleisure is a portmanteau of 'Athletic' and 'Leisure,' referring to lightweight sportswear that blurs the line between sportswear and everyday clothing. Representative items include leggings, yoga wear, and sportswear.
The reason athleisure is popular among consumers is due to social changes such as the 52-hour workweek and the spread of work-life balance culture, which have increased the number of people enjoying active leisure activities like exercise and travel.
According to the Korea Fashion Industry Institute, the domestic athleisure clothing market size is expected to grow from 1.5 trillion won in 2016 to 3 trillion won this year.
One survey showed that 8 out of 10 people have a favorable view of the 'athleisure look.'
According to a survey, 8 out of 10 people have a favorable impression of 'athleisure look.'Photo by Yonhap News
According to a survey conducted last month by market research firm Embrain Trend Monitor targeting 1,000 men and women aged 15 to 64 nationwide, 74.8% of respondents said, "Sportswear is an important means of expressing individuality."
In particular, positive responses about athleisure included that it is △active (65.1%, multiple answers allowed) △comfortable (60.5%) △free (53.8%) and △functional (44.9%).
As interest in athleisure grows, conflicts surrounding it have arisen among some citizens.
College student B (23) said, "Now sportswear is also a way to express individuality, and the problem lies with people who view it negatively," adding, "Even people who don't exercise often wear sportswear in daily life. I don't understand why people criticize it when the wearer is fine with it."
A netizen who said they often wear athleisure stated, "There have been controversies about wearing sportswear as everyday clothes," and lamented, "It's just wearing clothes that are comfortable, so I don't understand why it becomes a subject of debate."
On the other hand, some criticism has emerged, saying "It looks bad" and "It is not suitable for formal occasions like work." The criticism is that clothes worn for exercise are not appropriate as everyday wear.
Office worker C (25) said, "I think dressing appropriately for the time, place, and situation is a basic principle of social life," and pointed out, "No matter how much personal freedom there is, wearing sportswear to places like the office goes against the basic principles of social life. Sportswear should only be worn when exercising."
Experts emphasize that one's attire is closely related to self-expression and should be recognized to some extent.
Attorney Noh Younghee of Gangnam Law Firm appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' and said, "When miniskirts were banned in Korea, Yoon Bokhee was the first to wear a miniskirt and caused a stir when she got off a plane," adding, "At that time, people said, 'It's too embarrassing,' and 'I don't know where to look.' But now, no one says such things about people wearing miniskirts."
Regarding controversial fashion, she stated, "The important thing is that wearing clothes is a form of freedom of self-expression, so it should be recognized to some extent."
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