Leggings have been a staple of activewear wardrobes for nearly two decades — but according to Gen Z, their reign may be up.
According to new retail data, Gen Z is moving away from figure-hugging activewear like leggings in favour of looser, roomier styles. Think track pants, cargos, parachute pants and wide-leg shorts — often styled with cropped tanks or oversized tees, nodding to 90s dance studios and vintage sportswear aesthetics.
While leggings still serve a functional purpose — especially in high-impact workouts — the shift toward baggier silhouettes seems to reflect a wider cultural mood. Put simply, it’s not just about what people wear to work out, but how they want to feel when they do. Looser styles offer a sense of ease and effortlessness, and for some, signal a step away from the hyper-polished, body-conscious gym aesthetic of the past.
Brands are taking note. Major labels like P.E Nation, Lululemon, STAX, and Nagnata have introduced slouchier cuts, matching sets, and relaxed layering pieces. On the runway, the influence is there too — from the subtle influence Miu Miu’s slouchy retro windbreakers, to Tory Burch's Spring Summer 25 collection, which balanced swimsuit-like bodysuits with baggy, athleisure-style pants. The lines between technical wear, streetwear and ready-to-wear are blurring.
This generational shift also reflects a change in mindset. While millennials often gravitated toward a ‘put-together’ look — both en route to the gym and while working out — think matching sets and slick-back ponytails made popular by paparazzi shots of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner outside Pilates studios — Gen Z is leaning into contrast and individuality. There’s a playfulness to their dressing, from clashing colours to unexpected proportions, and an ease that refutes previously sleeker trends.
No matter what generation you are, embrace the baggier activewear movement with our favourite oversized workout styles, below.
STAX Parachute Pants
ON + Zendaya Gloria iridescent recycled-shell shorts
SPORTY & RICH Varsity printed cotton-jersey shorts
LULULEMON Softstreme High-Rise Straight-Leg Pants
LORNA JANE Flashdance Pants
ADIDAS ORIGINALS Firebird Loose Track Pants
ARAMINTA JAMES Vici Trackpants
PINKY & KAMAL Yin Flare Full Length Pants
PE NATION Discovery cotton pant in walnut
NAGNATA Organic Motley Track Pant
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
