JC London · leggings · leggings 2025 ·Oct 04, 2025

Top 10 Athleisure Looks in London Right Now

Stroll through any London neighborhood, from the leafy streets of Richmond to the edgy markets of Shoreditch, and you'll see a common thread weaving through the city's style fabric. It's a look that's both effortlessly cool and supremely practical, blending high-performance activewear with everyday fashion staples. This is athleisure, and it has evolved from a niche trend into a dominant force in modern fashion. It’s a direct reflection of a lifestyle that values wellness, convenience, and impeccable style in equal measure.

The athleisure London scene is particularly dynamic, defined by a sophisticated and intentional approach. This isn't just about throwing on gym clothes to run errands; it's about curating a look that is polished, comfortable, and ready for anything a busy day in the capital might throw at you. It’s about pairing a tailored coat with sleek leggings or matching a structured blazer with clean, minimalist sneakers. This guide will break down the top 10 athleisure looks currently defining London style, showing you how to master this blend of comfort and chic.

The Art of Athleisure: It's All in the Mix

The secret to a successful athleisure look is the "high-low" mix. It’s the art of balancing sporty, casual pieces with more structured, classic wardrobe items. Think of your activewear as the comfortable foundation and your everyday clothes as the stylish layers that elevate the entire outfit. The goal is to look intentional, not like you’ve just rolled out of a spin class.

Key principles of London athleisure include:

A Neutral Palette: The foundation is often built on a base of black, grey, navy, and cream, with pops of color used thoughtfully.
Focus on Fit and Fabric: Quality is paramount. Well-fitting leggings made from a luxurious, matte fabric will always look more polished than a shiny, ill-fitting pair.
Smart Layering: A well-chosen coat, blazer, or sweater is what transforms an outfit from "gym-ready" to "street-ready."

Top 10 Athleisure Looks in London

Here are the key looks you’ll see across the capital, along with tips on how to make them your own.

1. The Leggings and Trench Coat Combo

This is the quintessential London athleisure uniform. The timeless structure of a classic trench coat provides the perfect contrast to the form-fitting silhouette of high-quality leggings.

Key Pieces: Black or neutral-colored leggings, a classic beige or stone trench coat, a simple t-shirt or fine-knit sweater.
How to Style It: Start with a flawless base of minimalist leggings. Add a simple crewneck top. Cinch the trench coat at the waist to create a defined silhouette. Finish with chunky white trainers for a modern feel or classic loafers for a smarter take.

2. The Matching Sweatsuit and Smart Coat

The coordinated sweatsuit has had a major glow-up. Gone are the days of sloppy tracksuits; today's versions are well-cut from high-quality cotton in sophisticated neutral shades.

Key Pieces: A matching sweatshirt and jogger set (in grey, beige, or black), a long, tailored wool coat.
How to Style It: The key here is the coat. A long, structured overcoat in a dark color like black or charcoal instantly elevates the casual sweatsuit. Pair with clean sneakers and a crossbody bag. A beanie and sunglasses complete this effortlessly cool look.

3. The Blazer and Biker Shorts

This look is for the more fashion-forward. The combination of tailored and sporty is unexpected and chic, playing with proportions in a way that feels very current.

Key Pieces: Black biker shorts, an oversized blazer (plaid or black), a simple sports bra or crop top.
How to Style It: Let the blazer be the star. Wear it over a simple crop top or sports bra. The length of the blazer should be long enough to provide some coverage. This look works best with chunky trainers and high crew socks to complete the sporty-chic vibe.

4. The Half-Zip Sweater and Wide-Leg Trousers

This look leans more into the "leisure" side of athleisure. The half-zip or quarter-zip sweater, a staple of retro sportswear, has made a huge comeback.

Key Pieces: A half-zip sweater (often in a fleece or knit material), wide-leg tailored trousers or smart joggers.
How to Style It: Pair the sweater with trousers that have a more formal cut to create a sophisticated contrast. Tucking the sweater in can define the waist. Finish with minimalist sneakers.

5. The Cropped Hoodie and High-Waisted Leggings

A modern classic, this look is all about a clean, balanced silhouette. It's a simple, effective combination that always works.

Key Pieces: A slightly cropped, boxy hoodie, a pair of high-waisted leggings.
How to Style It: The proportions are key. The hoodie should end around the natural waist, meeting the top of the high-waisted leggings. This creates a flattering shape without exposing too much midriff. Add a puffer jacket or gilet for warmth.

Spotlight on the Foundation: JC London Leggings

For many of these looks, the leggings are the foundational piece. JC London leggings are a perfect choice for building a versatile athleisure wardrobe. Their minimalist design, luxurious matte fabric, and impeccable fit provide a polished base that can be easily dressed up. The famous no-roll high waistband creates a smooth, seamless line under sweaters and blazers, ensuring your look is always sleek and put-together. Their understated elegance makes them the ideal canvas for mastering the athleisure London trend.

6. The Tennis Skirt and Varsity Sweater

The "preppy" aesthetic is a major influence on current athleisure trends. The pleated tennis skirt has moved off the court and onto the streets.

Key Pieces: A white or black pleated tennis skirt, a V-neck varsity-style sweater or sweatshirt.
How to Style It: Layer the sweater over a collared shirt for a true preppy feel, or wear it on its own. Pair with crew socks and classic sneakers. This look is playful, sporty, and perfect for warmer days.

7. The Puffer Jacket and Straight-Leg Joggers

The puffer jacket is a London winter essential. Paired with a more refined style of jogger, it creates a look that is both warm and stylish.

Key Pieces: A matte-finish puffer jacket (black, khaki, or cream), straight-leg joggers.
How to Style It: Look for joggers that are cut more like trousers, without a tight cuff at the ankle. This creates a cleaner line. Pair with a simple t-shirt and chunky boots or high-top sneakers.

8. The Unitard and Oversized Shirt

The unitard or catsuit has emerged as a surprisingly versatile activewear piece. It offers a sleek, all-in-one base that is perfect for layering.

Key Pieces: A black full-length or cropped unitard, an oversized white or blue button-down shirt.
How to Style It: Wear the shirt open over the unitard like a jacket. You can add a belt over the shirt to cinch the waist. This look works well with sandals in the summer or sneakers and a jacket in cooler weather.

9. The Rugby Shirt and Leggings

Another nod to vintage sportswear, the oversized rugby shirt is having a moment. Its collared design and striped patterns add a preppy touch to any outfit.

Key Pieces: An oversized, long-sleeved rugby shirt, simple black leggings.
How to Style It: Let the rugby shirt be the statement piece. Its oversized fit pairs perfectly with the slim silhouette of the leggings. Finish the look with casual sneakers and a baseball cap.

10. The Full Monochromatic Set

Wearing a single color from head to toe is a simple way to make an athleisure look feel instantly more polished and intentional.

Key Pieces: A matching set of leggings and a sports bra or top, with a jacket or sweater in the same color family.
How to Style It: The key is to choose a sophisticated color like all-black, charcoal grey, deep navy, or even a soft beige. Playing with different textures within the same color (e.g., a cotton hoodie with nylon leggings) can add depth and interest.

Q&A: Your Athleisure Styling Questions

Q: How do I style athleisure for a smart-casual occasion, like brunch?

A: The trick is to ensure only one or two pieces of your outfit are overtly "sporty." Start with a base of high-quality, minimalist leggings (like a pair from JC London). Pair them with a fine-knit cashmere sweater and a structured blazer or tailored coat. Finish with smart footwear, like leather loafers or clean, low-profile sneakers. Add a structured handbag and some simple jewelry to complete the polished look.

Q: What are the absolute must-have pieces for a beginner's athleisure wardrobe?

A: Start with a strong foundation of five key pieces:

High-Quality Black Leggings: This is the most versatile piece you can own.
Clean White Trainers: A pair of classic, minimalist sneakers that you keep specifically for casual wear (not for the gym).
An Oversized Blazer or Trench Coat: This is the "magic" layer that instantly elevates any sporty base.
A High-Quality Hoodie or Sweater: Choose one in a neutral color like grey or beige.
A Set of Plain T-shirts: Black, white, and grey crewneck t-shirts are essential for layering.

Q: Can I wear my actual gym trainers as part of an athleisure look?

A: It's generally best to avoid it. Your workout trainers are designed for performance and can often look worn. The athleisure look relies on a sense of polish, so having a separate pair of "fashion trainers" that are kept clean and fresh is a key part of making the outfit look intentional and stylish.

Conclusion: Comfort Meets Chic

The athleisure London trend is a celebration of a modern, active lifestyle. It proves that you don’t have to choose between feeling comfortable and looking stylish. By investing in high-quality, versatile activewear pieces and learning how to pair them with your everyday wardrobe staples, you can create a range of outfits that are perfect for almost any occasion.

Embrace the freedom and flexibility that this trend offers. Start with a foundation of beautifully made basics, like a perfect pair of leggings, and don’t be afraid to experiment with layers and proportions. Find the looks that make you feel confident and ready to take on the day, from your morning workout to your evening plans and everything in between.