Since 2014, sports apparel sales have been increasing over the years
BY: LYDIA OSTROM
Staff Writer
Many students find themselves sitting in class wearing sports apparel versus jeans or collared shirts. However, is wearing sports apparel when not at the gym a fashion trend or a fashion flop?
Since 2014, sports apparel sales have been increasing over the years. From 2013-2014, activewear accounted for $33.7 billion in sales making up 16 percent of the apparel market.
Nike’s apparel jumped 10 percent while Under Armour’s reached 26 percent. In contrast, Lululemon has gained 10 percent more popularity.
The notion that wearing sports apparel could be attributed to the idea of feeling fit – wear sports apparel, exercise for maybe 20 minutes and feel physically fit. At what cost, though? Lululemon leggings average $100, shorts average in at $58 and jackets range from $40 to $400.
Meramec student Jordan Vanecek defends the practice. “I love to wear something comfy when I go to school,” she said. “The Lululemon pants are soft and stretchy and reach just at my ankles so I don’t have to roll them up and they surprisingly keep my legs warm when I’m in my freezing classes.”
Nike apparel is also a popular choice. “I hate wearing jeans,” said Meramec Freshman Kaylen Firrow. “I want to wear pants that let me breathe. I want to wear comfy clothes that I can move around in while I’m at school or doing my daily activities.”
Is sports apparel a fashion trend or fashion flop? You decide.
