Activewear’s Fashion Takeover: How Pas Normal Studios, ARC’TERYX & More Are Shaping Trends
Explore the rise of functional style and its impact on modern wardrobes.
Look around any major city, and you’ll spot a common thread: technical fabrics, sleek silhouettes, and a distinct athletic influence. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a full-blown fashion revolution, with activewear brands like Pas Normal Studios, SATISFY, and ARC’TERYX leading the way.
No longer confined to the gym or the track, activewear has seamlessly woven itself into our everyday wardrobes—from coffee runs to board meetings—blurring the lines between performance and style.
Fashion once operated on a simpler premise, prioritizing aesthetics and stylistic expression above all else. But as time has progressed, individual needs have evolved, and now, functionality is just as crucial as form. This shift is driven by several factors, not least of which is the link between functionality and durability.
Garments designed for performance are built to withstand rigorous use, which translates into increased longevity for everyday wear. Features like durable, water-resistant coatings, reinforced stitching, and abrasion-resistant fabrics all contribute to this enhanced durability.
This focus also aligns with a growing awareness of sustainability. Consumers are becoming more mindful of their purchases, considering not only the sourcing and production processes behind their clothing but also their environmental impact.
They’re asking: how can I integrate durable, sustainably-minded pieces into stylish ensembles?
This pursuit of functional fashion has led consumers to turn to established names with proven track records in performance and durability. Brands like The North Face and On Running, long recognized for their technical expertise in outdoor and athletic pursuits, have found a new audience eager to integrate their gear into everyday style.
But for more adventurous individuals seeking a blend of high performance and contemporary aesthetics, the search extends further. They’re exploring brands like Snow Peak, known for its refined approach to outdoor living and apparel, and Pas Normal Studios, which seamlessly combines high-performance cycling wear with fashion-forward sensibility.
These brands represent a new breed of activewear—one that prioritizes both form and function, catering to a consumer base that demands both performance and style.
Perhaps most surprisingly, brands like ARC’TERYX have seen a significant shift in their audience demographics. While their roots are firmly planted in high-performance outdoor gear, ARC’TERYX has transcended its initial niche to become a bona fide fashion statement.
This newfound appeal is, of course, underpinned by the brand’s unwavering commitment to functionality and durability; its technical prowess remains undeniable.
However, the logos of such brands—the stylized Archaeopteryx skeleton in ARC’TERYX’s case—have taken on new cultural significance. They’ve become signifiers, subtly hinting, “Oh, he/she’s that kind of fashionista,” someone who appreciates both form and function, performance and style, and understands the subtle language of contemporary fashion.
And this trend hasn’t remained confined to traditionally technical brands. The allure of activewear’s blend of comfort, durability, and style has proven too compelling to ignore, prompting a wide range of entities to offer their own interpretations.
From fast-fashion giants like Uniqlo, offering accessible takes on performance-inspired basics, to high-fashion labels like Maison Margiela, exploring the intersection of haute couture and athletic wear through collaborations, the influence of activewear is now ubiquitous. This widespread adoption further solidifies activewear’s place not just as a trend, but as a fundamental shift in how we approach dressing.
So, if you’re ready to embrace this blend of performance and style and take a head start into the world of activewear, we’ve curated a selection of recommended products available on the SNKRDUNK App. Let’s dive into them.
Best Activewear Staples
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon ACS Pro
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon X-ALP
PAF x On Cloudmonster 2
SATISFY x HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Lite
The North Face Baltro Light Jacket “Black”
ARC’TERYX x BEAMS Beta Jacket “Nagomi”
ARC’TERYX Men’s Gamma Lightweight Pants
MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon XT 15 Backpack
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