Athleisure once signaled heading to yoga, but now it’s all about stealing the spotlight. The art of blending comfort with couture has been mastered, turning sporty looks into effortless style statements. Here are the top 10 athleisure icons reshaping the game.
Top 10 Athleisure Icons Redefining Style & Power Now
1. Rihanna
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Rihanna doesn’t just wear athleisure; she owns it with the kind of effortless swagger that makes everyone else wish they had her closet. Her influence goes way beyond just throwing on leggings and a hoodie. With her Fenty brand, she’s launched boundary-pushing activewear that merges performance with unapologetic style. Think sleek bodysuits with unexpected cutouts, luxe fabrics that feel like a second skin, and color palettes that run from minimalist neutrals to vibrant pops of daring hues.
But Rihanna’s magic shines when she takes gym wear off the treadmill and onto the streets—or even the red carpet. Picture this: oversized sweatshirts and baggy joggers paired with killer heels, diamond chokers, and flawless makeup. She turns what could be “just comfy” into a bold fashion statement that screams confidence and sex appeal.
What makes Rihanna a true athleisure icon is how she embodies the look with fierce authenticity. More than just following trends, she’s shaping them. Her style sends a message: gymwear isn’t just for workouts—it’s for owning your power, your curves, and your unique vibe. She blurs the lines between casual and couture so effortlessly that you start wondering why you ever thought leggings couldn’t be glamorous.
2. Kanye West
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Kanye West didn’t just dip a toe into athleisure—he cannonballed into it with Yeezy, his iconic fashion line that redefined what activewear could be. His vision was simple yet revolutionary: ditch the flashy logos and loud patterns and instead focus on muted, earthy tones—think beiges, greys, and dusty browns—that feel both timeless and futuristic.
Oversized silhouettes? Check. Layering pieces that look like they were plucked from a sci-fi movie set? Absolutely. Kanye’s genius was in marrying streetwear’s relaxed vibes with high fashion’s minimalist aesthetics, creating an entirely new visual language for athleisure that felt raw, authentic, and utterly aspirational.
But Yeezy is way more than just clothes—it’s a lifestyle statement. Wearing Yeezy means embracing comfort without compromise, blending performance-ready pieces with a certain cool, almost dystopian vibe that resonates from the streets of LA to the neon-lit avenues of Tokyo.
Kanye’s influence transcends fashion, too. His Yeezy sneaker drops, with their chunky soles and muted tones, sparked global sneaker mania, turning everyday kicks into coveted collectibles. And that sneaker culture? It’s a huge part of athleisure’s rise because the right shoe can instantly elevate a workout outfit to streetwear royalty.
What makes Kanye’s athleisure magic so compelling is how it captures a mood—laid-back yet bold, understated yet striking, familiar yet fresh. He transformed simple sweatpants and hoodies into symbols of modern luxury, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
3. Gigi Hadid
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Gigi Hadid has mastered the art of turning athleisure into an everyday style statement that’s both practical and polished. Whether she’s jetting off to castings, grabbing coffee, or just strolling through the city streets, her look effortlessly bridges the gap between gym-ready and street-savvy.
What sets Gigi apart is her knack for mixing classic athleisure staples—think sleek, high-waisted leggings and fitted crop tops—with unexpectedly elevated pieces. A perfectly tailored blazer thrown over sporty basics? Yes, please. It instantly elevates the outfit, keeping it sharp while preserving that relaxed, laid-back vibe.
And let’s talk sneakers. Gigi isn’t just rocking any old kicks; she opts for statement sneakers that add an edge and personality to her outfits. Chunky soles, bold designs, or luxury labels—her sneaker game is as strong as her runway walk, giving a nod to the current trend of high-fashion sneakers being the ultimate accessory.
Gigi’s approach underscores the power of perfect fit and balanced proportions, proving that tailoring can turn any outfit from ordinary to effortlessly chic. She plays with layering—oversized jackets, cropped tops, and slim-fit bottoms—to create silhouettes that are flattering but never fussy. It’s this balance of comfort and couture that makes her athleisure style so relatable and inspiring.
4. Hailey Bieber
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Hailey Bieber sets the standard for effortlessly cool athleisure, flawlessly blending comfort with just the right touch of understated edge. Her go-to uniform often features fitted bike shorts, cropped tanks, and chunky “dad” sneakers—pieces that scream casual ease yet feel impeccably styled. Add an oversized blazer, a baseball cap, and gold hoops, and what was running errands becomes a full-on mini runway moment. It’s laid-back but never lazy.
What sets Hailey apart is how accessible yet aspirational her fashion feels. Her style pulls from the ’90s minimalist playbook, but she injects enough structure and polish to keep things modern. Whether she’s leaving Pilates or stepping out for coffee in head-to-toe neutrals, Hailey’s looks have the uncanny ability to look both thrown together and incredibly curated. She’s not just wearing clothes—she’s setting a tone and doing it with remarkable ease.
5. Zendaya
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Zendaya’s athleisure game is a masterclass in creativity, and she’s not afraid to mix things up. She approaches gym wear like a canvas, blending textures and playing with proportions to craft looks that feel fresh, unexpected, and downright captivating.
One of her signature moves? Pairing relaxed, sporty staples—like slouchy track pants or oversized hoodies—with sharply tailored pieces. Imagine soft joggers topped with a sleek, structured blazer or a cozy hoodie contrasted against a dramatic trench coat. This surprising blend of sporty and sophisticated instantly transforms her look from casual to runway-ready. But it doesn’t stop there.
Zendaya knows accessories are the secret sauce to turning basic gym wear into a statement. Bold jewelry—chunky chains or oversized hoops—gets tossed on, or a statement belt is added to cinch the waist, instantly sharpening the silhouette. Sunglasses, hats, or even a pop of vibrant color in her sneakers also play a crucial role in making her athleisure stand out.
Zendaya’s style captivates with its fearless play on proportions, effortlessly mixing oversized with fitted pieces to create looks that command attention and redefine modern elegance. Oversized hoodies paired with fitted leggings and baggy track pants with cropped tops—she plays with volume and shape to keep things dynamic and flattering. This not only keeps her looks interesting but also inspires fans to break the “rules” and have fun with their wardrobes.
6. Justin Bieber
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Justin Bieber has mastered the art of making comfort look cool. He helped take the oversized hoodie and sweatpants combo from lazy Sunday attire to a full-on fashion statement, injecting a dose of swagger into everyday basics. Think baggy silhouettes, layered flannels, statement sneakers, and beanies—pieces that feel off-duty but are calculated. His style leans heavily into skate and streetwear culture, with brands like Drew House (his label), Fear of God, and Balenciaga often in rotation.
What makes Justin’s athleisure approach stand out is how he balances chill with clout. He’s not trying too hard, yet every look carries that signature “Bieber effect”—instantly imitable, instantly viral. Whether he’s spotted courtside or walking hand-in-hand with Hailey, his ensembles exude a sense of confident nonchalance. It’s that rare blend of effortlessness and edge that continues to inspire a generation of style-savvy guys who want to keep it comfy—but make it fashionable.
7. Bella Hadid
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Bella Hadid’s style thrives on the unexpected mix of tough and sleek, blending athleisure with a streetwise attitude that feels rebellious. Picture mesh tops layered over simple sports bras, rugged leather jackets thrown over casual joggers, and chunky sneakers that don’t just finish an outfit—they make a statement. She’s the embodiment of cool-girl energy, effortlessly mixing high fashion with everyday wear in ways that feel both raw and polished.
Bella’s look is far from your typical workout-to-cafe vibe; it’s a bold, unapologetic take on athleisure that’s dripping with personality. She shows that sporty doesn’t mean safe or boring—athleisure, in her hands, becomes a canvas for self-expression. With a fearless approach to layering, texture, and attitude, Bella turns casual streetwear into an edgy style anthem that keeps the fashion world watching and copying.
8. Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner’s take on athleisure is anything but basic—she’s all about turning sporty staples into full-on glam statements. Think skin-tight matching sets crafted from luxe fabrics like silky satins, buttery soft velour, or sleek, high-performance blends that hug every curve. But Kylie doesn’t stop there; she layers in designer handbags, statement jewelry, and oversized sunglasses to transform what could be simple workout wear into an all-day, anywhere outfit that screams celebrity-caliber style.
Whether she’s hitting the gym or stepping out for brunch, Kylie’s looks effortlessly blur the line between comfort and couture. She’s the ultimate proof that athleisure can be both functional and fabulous, allowing you to sweat it out in style without ever looking like you’re just running errands. Kylie’s fashion is a masterclass in how to elevate casual wear into a party-ready, paparazzi-approved moment—glamorous, polished, and unapologetically luxe.
9. Drake
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Drake’s athleisure game is a masterclass in effortless cool—think crisp. Drake’s athleisure style exemplifies effortless cool with crisp, impeccably tailored tracksuits in muted tones paired with high-end sneakers that blur the line between streetwear and luxury. The looks remain understated yet unmistakably iconic, merging comfort with a natural, quiet swagger.
The ability to elevate simple pieces into polished, premium ensembles is what distinguishes this style, whether on stage, at casual outings, or in everyday settings. It conveys confidence without needing to shout, commanding attention through subtlety. For those seeking the perfect blend of relaxed ease and refined cool, this understated yet sharp athleisure approach serves as the ultimate guide.
10. Serena Williams
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Serena Williams doesn’t just wear athleisure—she embodies it with a fierce blend of athleticism and high fashion that’s impossible to ignore. Her wardrobe choices effortlessly fuse top-tier performance gear with bold, statement-making pieces that radiate confidence and strength. Whether she’s training on the court or stepping out in casual wear, Serena’s looks are designed to move with her, showcasing functionality without sacrificing style.
But what sets Serena apart is the powerful aura she brings to every outfit. Her athleisure isn’t just about looking good; it’s a statement of resilience, grace, and unshakable confidence. With sharp cuts, vibrant colors, and daring details, she elevates sportswear into an empowering fashion moment, inspiring millions of fans to embrace their strength and individuality, whether they’re hitting the gym or the streets.
Own Your Athleisure Vibe
If you want to channel your inner athleisure icon, take a page from their playbook: mix textures, play with proportions, and never be afraid to add a splash of personality—even if it’s just a bold sneaker or oversized sunglasses. Because at the end of the day, the best athleisure look is the one that makes you feel unstoppable.
