The concept of comfortable and leisurely clothing has a long and fascinating history. From the 17th and 18th centuries to the present day, leisure wear has evolved in response to societal changes, fashion trends, and even global crises. In this article, I will explore the evolution of leisure wear, highlighting significant shifts in clothing styles and how leisure wear has become a prominent fashion trend, particularly in 2023.
Leisure Wear in the 17th and 18th Centuries
The 17th and 18th centuries marked a significant shift in fashion, with the emergence of more comfortable clothing designed for leisure activities. During this period, casual dress for men included robes, soft caps, frilled shirts, and breeches. Women, on the other hand, wore voluminous silk robes known as mantua, which were often worn over luxurious silk or fine muslin chemises. These garments were less formal than court attire and were suitable for activities like shopping, strolling, and visiting. Women also embraced various styles such as the robe volante, robe en chemise, robe francaise, and robe anglaise, all of which contributed to the evolution of leisure wear.
The 20th Century and the Rise of Leisure Wear for Women
The 20th century saw the gradual transition of women's fashion towards more relaxed and leisure-oriented clothing. As early as the 1910s, women started wearing clothing that allowed for greater freedom of movement, including sportswear. With the 1920s came the iconic flapper look, characterized by short dresses, bobbed hair, and a newfound sense of freedom. This transformation marked the beginning of a new era for women's leisure wear, emphasizing comfort and self-expression.
The Modern Era of Leisure Wear
In recent decades, leisure wear has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it encompasses a wide range of non-formal attire designed for comfort and style. Popular modern leisure wear includes joggers, leggings, hoodies, sports bras, gym tees, and other garments that prioritize comfort without sacrificing aesthetics. Casual wear and leisure wear have become increasingly interchangeable, often suitable for both leisure activities and relaxed work environments.
Casual wear includes clothing like khakis, slacks, sweaters, leather shoes, and polo shirts, making it appropriate for casual workplaces with less formal dress codes. However, jeans, gym shorts, T-shirts, low-cut tops, and running shoes may not be considered suitable for such environments. Leisurewear, on the other hand, is explicitly designed for free time away from work, and school, and is typically not appropriate for professional settings. For those who work from home, leisure wear provides the ideal blend of comfort and style.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Leisure Wear
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of a new fashion category: loungewear. During the quarantine, people have rediscovered the joy of staying indoors, leading to an increased demand for comfortable and stylish leisure wear. In 2023, the tracksuit has become one of the most popular fashion trends, emphasizing both comfort and functionality. This shift in fashion reflects how every crisis generates innovation, even in the world of clothing.
Celebrating Comfort and Style
The history of leisure wear has witnessed a continuous evolution from the 17th and 18th centuries to the present day. What was once a symbol of comfort and leisure has become a fashion statement, with modern leisure wear being as stylish as it is comfortable. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of leisure wear, making loungewear an essential part of the contemporary wardrobe. As we continue to embrace comfort and style in our daily lives, the future of leisure wear promises to be both exciting and innovative.
Sources
- Bartels, V. T. Improving Comfort in Sports and Leisure Wear. Edited by Guowen Song. ScienceDirect, Woodhead Publishing, 1 Jan. 2011, pp. 385–411, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781845695392500156. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.
- National Museum Scotland. “18th Century Court Mantua.” National Museums Scotland, www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/global-arts-cultures-and-design/court-mantua. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.
- Song, Guowen. Improving Comfort in Clothing. Google Books, Elsevier, 20 Jan. 2011, www.books.google.com/books?hl=fr&lr=&id=XElWAgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=leisure+wear&ots=HX05NUJZeS&sig=E-B8MgLnEqSDdQr83D5YvFsU0ho#v=onepage&q=leisure%20wear&f=false. Accessed 5 Nov. 2023.