While summer is undeniably drawing to a close, the quest for the elusive summer body seems destined to continue, defying all control and calendar logic. A simple observation of the streets and passersby during this back-to-school period reveals a significant number of men and women strolling about in sportswear, a veritable array of shorts, tank tops, muscle tees (sleeveless T-shirts), sports bras, or leggings.

 

Of all the trends that have emerged in recent years, wearing activewear in the city is certainly one of the most powerful and enduring. And one of the most logical. A natural consequence of the explosion in sports participation, it has, over time, become a true lifestyle . Indeed, why dress in anything other than sportswear when you spend your entire week going to the gym, doing yoga, Pilates Reformer, Hyrox, Lagree, barre, or cross-training?

But while this stylistic choice may, in some respects, be purely practical, it is obviously not without consequences for the environment. The repeated sight of athletes clad in shorts and Lycra will inevitably evoke, for the more pragmatic observers, a kind of “Basic-Fitification” of the city. The more imaginative among them will find that it gives the city an air of Los Angeles and that all it would take is a smoothie cup bearing the Erewhon logo (the Californian chain of organic and ethical supermarkets) to complete the change of scenery.

On a less anecdotal note, the proliferation of sportswear outside of dedicated gyms primarily impacts the self-esteem of those who don’t actually participate in sports. How can one avoid feeling self-conscious, when choosing a jar of jam at the supermarket, upon spotting, in the 0% fat Greek yogurt aisle, a set of abs revealed by an Alo sports bra or a pair of biceps peeking out from a Lululemon tank top? Let’s not rule out the possibility that those involved are perfectly aware of the effect produced and that it’s even intentional.