Athlesiure is a funny (yet very trendy) word.
It typically applies to top activewear brands whose main goal is to go “from gym to street”. However, that being said, many of these brands craft pieces that (let’s face it) we’d all only feel comfortable wearing to the gym or studio and maybe Starbucks. I don’t want to get eggs or pancake syrup all over my lululemon tank tops, after all.
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This is where brands like Alexis Mera come into play. Although firmly planted in the loungewear category as opposed to “athleisure”, this emerging brand could easily be worn to the studio or en route to lunch. Alexis Mera Damen—with impressive stints in merchandising and product development at companies like DKNY Sleepwear, Lucky Brand Sleepwear and Tommy Hilfiger Sleepwear—is behind this Brooklyn-based loungewear company.
All the clothing is designed in Brooklyn, made in Manhattan’s Garment District and each of the five mix-and-match silhouettes are named after streets in Brooklyn. This brand crafts chic pieces that will take you seamlessly from the yoga studio to brunch on a Sunday morning. Easy.
Cortelyou Jogger Pant in Digital Floral Print $106
I tend to be an “I only wear black” sweatpants kind of gal, but I loved these. Florals are in right now, and this pair of joggers is just beautiful. It’s soft, stretchy, but also figure flattering and form fitting—like what Mila Kunis would wear on her way out the door. The pants feature a drawstring waist and stay on surprisingly well. What I loved most was how they draped and clung to my skin without appearing like too-tight Spandex. These performed well during my short jaunts with my dogs and during a Pilates routine. I tried wearing this during a cardio workout I watched in my living room, but I overheated. I’d stick to wearing these during low-impact activities or just to brunch.
Beverly Pocket Tee in Black $75
This one runs a little big. Normally, a medium fits me well, but this one draped over me. It was flattering, but I’d recommend sizing down if you’re in between sizes or just prefer a tighter fit. What I loved most about this was cute little pocket on the chest. Tiny details like that can go a long way. I loved wearing this when I was walking my dogs—it kept the sweat off—but I’d hesitate to ruin a top this gorgeous during a sweat-drenched yoga class.
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Another thing to mention?
This line—with the shirt at $75 and the floral print jogger at $106—does not come cheap. That being said, the clothing is just gorgeous and obviously of superior quality. I never thought I’d ever like floral pants, but these were just incredible. The pieces are almost too beautiful—which would be my only real complaint—but worth it if you’re searching for high-quality and luxurious clothes that will make you feel as glamorous during Pilates as you feel brunching at your city’s latest hot spot.
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Would you invest in Alexis Mera’s Brooklyn-based activewear brand?
