In the late 2010s, a new way of dressing emerged, quickly becoming an attractive aesthetic today. It tossed aside those outdated menswear rules and carved its path: a perfect blend of comfort and style but sharp enough for casual fashion. This trend has become known as “athleisure.”
Athleisure is about simple designs, minimal branding, and performance fabrics. It is the perfect balance between streetwear and smart casual. The best part? It’s easy for men to pull off. They only need a few key pieces to build their attractive athleisure wardrobe.
This article will look at the top five must-have athleisure pieces men will love in 2025, and it also offers a few tips to help take amazing product photos.
Table of Contents
What’s the forecast for the athleisure market?
Top 5 men’s athleisure pieces to stock in 2025
Bottom line
What’s the forecast for the athleisure market?
Athleisure is one of the most popular clothing styles that has evolved in recent years, and it shows in the market’s size. Experts value the global athleisure market at USD 388.3 billion in 2024 and forecast it to grow at a 9.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach USD 662.56 billion by 2030. The market has several drivers, including increasing fitness and health awareness and a global shift towards more casual and adaptable outfits.
Experts also predict the men’s segment will register the fastest growth over the forecast period, while women dominated the market in 2023. North America (particularly the U.S.) generated the most sales, accounting for 40.81% of the total revenue in 2023.
Top 5 men’s athleisure pieces to stock in 2025
1. Technical jacket
A technical jacket is a must-have piece that perfectly blends function and style. Manufacturers design them to handle the elements (wind, rain, or unexpected cold snaps) without sacrificing style. This athleisure jacket’s hallmarks include water-resistant, breathable, and super lightweight fabrics. The best part? Men don’t have to hit the trails to maximize this jacket’s potential—it also looks terrific for casual strolling through the city.
The key to pulling off a technical jacket is layering. Men can rock it over a fitted t-shirt or a quarter-zip sweatshirt for a practical yet sharp look. These jackets are slim-fitting, so wearers won’t feel bulky or weighed down, whether out on a trail or just grabbing coffee.
Brands who want to nail those product photos can consider showing the jacket in action. Capture it in real-world environments, like rainy streets, windy trails, or even biking to work, as consumers love seeing how their next purchase will perform. Don’t forget close-ups of features like zippers, hoods, and fabric texture to show the tech behind the style!
2. Tailored sweatpants
Tailored sweatpants have changed the game for men’s casualwear. They’re not Dad’s baggy sweats. These are fitted pants with a sharp taper from the waist down, giving men a sleek silhouette while still delivering peak comfort.
These pants are also incredibly versatile. Their tailored fit allows men to match them with smarter tops, like long-sleeved photos, cashmere knits, and luxe bomber jackets. These bottoms especially appeal to men in love with the high-low aesthetic that’s a big part of athleisure dressing.
When showing these off in product photos, the fit is everything. Make sure those side-profile shots show the tapered legs. Also, show them in action, with relaxed shots in a modern living space, out for errands, or chilling at a café. Let the customer see how they can look effortlessly stylish while staying comfy.
3. Quarter-zip sweatshirt
Although men can wear any sweatshirt to tap into the athleisure aesthetic, the quarter-zip sweatshirt does it better. It has a more throwback feel that screams casual and polished, making the quarter-zip sweater one of the MVPs of men’s athleisure wardrobe. But that’s not all. These sweatshirts can work as mid-layers (under an unstructured blazer or smart coat) and outer layers (especially over a regular tee)
Men can zip them up for a sleek, put-together look or leave them half-zipped for a more relaxed and laid-back look. Consumers can even take the quarter-zip sweatshirt into the office on a casual Friday—it’s that versatile. Additionally, this athleisure look feels the most stunning in neutral colors like gray or navy.
Companies should take a different approach for this piece by making the zipper the star in the product photos. Close-ups of the zipper and collar will show how beautiful these details look on the right piece. The quarter-zip sweatshirt also looks great in different settings, like outdoors, in coffee shops, or on a jog.
4. Zip-up cardigans
This season, zip-up cardigans are not only for Grandpa. The athleisure wear is returning with a modern twist to the classic sweater, making it appealing to more men beyond the seniors’ bracket. Interestingly, many guys now see this piece as an excellent alternative to zip-through hoodies.
Zip-up cardigans have slightly smarter designs, especially if retailers offer options featuring premium materials like cashmere or merino wool. But there’s more. Men can dress this athleisure item up or down for everyday life or more formal occasions.
To really sell the zip-up cardigan in product photos, show off the texture. Highlight the ribbed cuffs, or zoom in on the zipper and stitching details. Take lifestyle shots that place the cardigan in cool, casual day settings, like weekend getaways or cozy coffee shop hangs. The goal is for consumers to imagine wearing the cardigan everywhere.
5. Matching hoodie and joggers
Matching hoodie and jogger sets are having their moment beyond workout clothes and for good reason. They’re the ultimate in comfy cool. Although matching sets take zero effort to style, wearing them looks as stylish as rocking a well-planned outfit. Plus, who doesn’t love the comfort of soft, stretchy quality materials?
This traditional activewear is perfect for everything from lounging at home to a more active lifestyle. Men can pair the set with their favorite sneakers and a hat for a casual look. If they want to elevate the vibe a little, they can swap the sneakers for leather trainers and add a sleek backpack.
Don’t just take product photos for matching hoodie and jogger sets without ensuring color coordination. Businesses must choose backgrounds that make the set pop so people can see the colorful jogger and hoodie combo in all its glory. Remember to show the fit and details, especially the hoodie’s drawstrings, the jogger’s pockets, and the cuffed ankles.
Bottom line
The athleisure trend may have been around for some time, but it’s not losing popularity soon. Men love the aesthetic for its comfort and practicality, so it’s no surprise that the trend is one of the most popular markets for men’s fashion. But before jumping into this market, businesses must know what they can use to attract consumers.
Hence, they can consider technical jackets, tailored sweatpants, quarter-zip sweatshirts, zip-up cardigans, and matching joggers/hoodie sets. These athleisure clothes are awesome pieces that any man will love in 2025.
