In case you haven’t heard, 2025 isn’t the year to stick to your boring basics anymore. And that includes minimalist, made-for-comfort athleisure. Taking its place is the more grown-up, sophisticated version that fuses together elements of sportswear and luxury, giving rise to the ‘sports glam’ aesthetic. As personal branding expert and image consultant Mihika Bhanot explains, “Sport glam is a trend that elevates athletic wear to new heights of style and sophistication. It takes the comfort and practicality of athletic wear and blends it with high-fashion elements, such as luxurious fabrics, bold colours, and sleek silhouettes.” Think of it as a mélange of all sports-inspired elements, including pleated skirts (which harken back to tennis), exercise dresses, knit polos and vests (equestrian derivatives) or even visors, and add a touch of sparkle and glamour to this mix, Bhanot continues.

An active base

The first step towards building a sports glam wardrobe is to invest in high-end activewear pieces. “Look for brands that offer premium fabrics, innovative designs, and attention to detail for a more sophisticated look. For budget friendly alternatives, look for pieces that are high on drama such as bodysuits, shell jackets, cropped sports bras, track jackets and hoodies with embellishments, unusual colours [electric blue or bold red, for instance], and good tailoring,” Bhanot says. Pieces with retro or preppy elements work well to offset the overt activewear tones.