The rise of athleisure: learn how to design activewear at London College of Fashion

In the modern wardrobe, the line between gym clothes and life clothes has effectively gone. Athleisure is no longer just a trend - it is part of the global fashion industry. But how do you move from being a consumer to a creator in a market that demands both high-tech performance and high-street style?

To succeed, you need more than just a sketch. You need a toolkit that covers the technical, the creative, and the business side of the industry. That's where our athleisure short courses come in. Options include:

• Activewear Design Short Course
• Starting an Athleisure Business Short Course
• Sportswear Design Short Course

Leading these courses at London College of Fashion is Cristina Adami, an Italian designer based in Clerkenwell, London. Cristina has worked at the highest technical levels of the industry - from researching how clothing behaves in zero-gravity to developing the speed-enhancing Powerskin fabric for Olympic athletes.

Brands she worked for include Arena International, Fila, Fifa, David Lloyd, Firetrap, Monsoon, Jaeger, Maison Derhy, Victoria’s Secret, as well as designing Florence Welch's first US tour costumes and the Julian McDonald range at Debenhams.

"The creative process is my foundation," Cristina says. "Once you understand how to create a concept and analyse a specific market, you can approach any brief with confidence."

5 tips for starting an athleisure brand

Moving from an initial idea to a physical product involves many technical steps. Tutor Cristina Adami shares her top tips for beginners.

1. Let the fabric lead the way

In athleisure, the fabric is more than just a material; it is the technology. "Learn about fabrics early," Cristina advises. "They often dictate the design." Whether you are looking for moisture-wicking properties or sustainable, regenerative textiles, your choice of material determines how your range will actually perform.

2. Move beyond Pinterest

Digital inspiration is easy to find, but tactile inspiration is more effective. Cristina recommends creating physical mood boards. By touching the trims and feeling the textures, you can layer your ideas more effectively. This hands-on approach helps you find a unique, authentic voice in a digitalised world.

3. Embrace the 'Worst Idea Possible' exercise

If you are feeling stuck, try a different approach to break your creative block. Cristina suggests the 'Worst Idea Possible' exercise. "Novelty comes from moving away from safe and obvious solutions," she says. By intentionally designing something "bad," you remove the fear of perfection and often find a more innovative path.

4. Understand the 'Beyond the Gym' shift

Modern activewear needs to work for both a high-intensity workout and a post-gym coffee. Market positioning is key here. You need to decide if you are designing for elite performance or a more lifestyle-focused consumer. Your pricing and design details must align with that specific target customer.

5. Keep a 'Reflection' sketchbook

"Draw, write, reflect, always," says Cristina. A sketchbook is not just for finished drawings; it is a place to deconstruct ideas and try different versions of the same concept. Treat it as your private laboratory for creative experimentation.

If you want to turn these tips into a professional reality, Cristina teaches three specialist short courses at London College of Fashion. Whether you take one or book them as a series, these courses provide the industry skills you'll need to succeed.

Design, performance, and business

1. Sportswear Design

Before you can innovate, you must understand function. This course focuses on the essentials: body contouring, technical fit, and garment analysis. It explores the relationship between the fabric and the moving body.

2. Activewear Design

This is where performance meets the beyond-the-gym market. Students explore trend forecasting and emerging materials. You will move from a concept board to a final illustrated capsule collection, learning how to present your ideas to manufacturers.

3. Starting an Athleisure Business

A great design only works if it finds the right audience. This course focuses on market positioning, pricing, and brand personality. You will learn how to build a brand narrative that resonates with customers, covering everything from technical specs to digital marketing.

From concept to customer

The fashion industry is looking for designers who understand the business and entrepreneurs who understand the product. By pairing these courses, you aren't just learning a single skill; you are building a brand identity from the ground up.

"Pushing the boundaries of what is possible is central to my practice," says Cristina. "I encourage students to explore possibilities off the beaten track to find their own authentic voice."