Sportswear: What’s Another Word for It?

Ever been shopping for something to wear to the gym and wondered why some racks say “activewear,” others say “athletic apparel,” and some just call it “sportswear”? You’re not alone. These labels can get confusing, especially when you’re just looking for the right clothes to sweat in.

Here’s the simple truth: all these words pretty much point to the same thing—clothes built for moving, sweating, and keeping you comfortable during anything from a casual jog to a yoga class. But each term has its own twist, and knowing the difference can actually help you pick smarter when you’re browsing online or at the mall.

Let’s clear up the clutter and break down what each name really means, plus how to spot the gear that fits both your style and workout needs best.

• Why So Many Names for Sportswear?
• Activewear vs. Athletic Apparel
• Gym Clothes and Workout Gear
• Regional Jargon: What People Call It Around the World
• When Does Fashion Meet Function?
• Picking the Right Term for What You Need

Why So Many Names for Sportswear?

Ever notice how the same pair of stretchy shorts gets called five different things on different websites? There’s actually a reason behind all these labels. The sportswear market is huge and brands want to stand out, so they toss around new words to seem fresh and catch your eye. Plus, people use these clothes in all sorts of ways—not just for running or lifting, but also for lounging, errands, or even work-from-home comfort.

Let’s break down what’s behind all the name confusion:

• Marketing trends: Companies invent catchy terms to get shoppers’ attention. "Activewear" sounds trendy and healthy, while "athletic apparel" comes off as pro-level. "Gym clothes" go straight to the point.
• Fashion crossover: Sportswear isn’t just for sports anymore. Track pants and hoodies show up in everyday outfits, so brands blur the lines on purpose.
• Different activities: Clothes for yoga, running, and hiking don’t always look the same. Each gets its own label, even though the big idea—comfort and movement—is the same.
• Global differences: What Americans call sportswear, folks in Britain might call a tracksuit, and Australians may just say "activewear." Brands adapt to what people say locally.

The words feel different, but here’s a cheat sheet to keep things straight:

Here’s the bottom line: All these names come from a mix of marketing, lifestyle trends, and how people around the world actually use their clothes. When in doubt, just look at the material and the fit—for real comfort, that matters more than the tag.

Activewear vs. Athletic Apparel

Let’s be real: most people use “activewear” and “athletic apparel” the same way. It all seems like stuff to sweat in, right? But if you squint a little closer, you’ll notice there’s actually a difference—and it matters when you’re picking what to wear.

Activewear is designed to be worn for pretty much anything active, not just hardcore workouts. You’ll see people in leggings, joggers, or sport tops grabbing coffee or running errands. Think comfort plus function. Athleisure is part of this trend—clothes that look just as good as they feel, even if you don’t make it to the gym.

On the flip side, “athletic apparel” usually means gear built for performance. We’re talking clothes you’d trust to survive HIIT classes, marathons, or a sweaty pickup basketball game. They’re cut for fit, shaped to support, and made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you dry during high-intensity activities.

Here are the stand-out differences:

• Design and look: Activewear leans casual. Athletic apparel looks more technical—notice extra seams or mesh panels for breathability.
• Materials: Athletic pieces often use specialized fabrics engineered to stretch, dry fast, or cool you down. Activewear can be a little more about comfort, like soft cotton blends.
• Purpose: Activewear aims for all-day comfort and style. Athletic gear is built first for sports performance, then for comfort.

Brands love blurring these lines, but if you care about what you wear for that intense spin class versus brunch, the difference is real. In 2024, market stats showed that global activewear sales hit $445 billion, while athletic apparel alone grabbed a $220 billion chunk—proof that while lots of folks want to look sporty, serious athletes care about real function.

So before you buy, ask whether you’re dressing for a workout, hanging out, or both. That way, you’ll always pick the right gear—no matter what brands try to call it.

Gym Clothes and Workout Gear

If you ask people what they call the stuff they wear to the gym, you’ll hear “gym clothes” just as much as “workout gear.” These terms are easy to relate to because they get right to the point: clothes made for sweating, stretching, and moving around—all the stuff you do in a gym or while working out at home.

Let’s get specific. Sportswear is the main keyword here, but when you drill down, gym clothes and workout gear usually mean:

• Tops: Breathable tees, tanks, or long sleeves. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics so you’re not drenched after the first set.
• Bottoms: Shorts, leggings, track pants, or joggers. Stretch is key. If your clothes don’t move with you, they aren’t doing their job.
• Support pieces: Sports bras, compression gear, and good socks. These small things often make the biggest difference.
• Shoes: Proper footwear for your type of workout—a must. Lifting in running shoes or running in Converse? You’ll feel the pain fast.

Brands load gym clothes and workout gear with features like mesh panels, flatlock seams, and even pockets that hold a phone while you run. Most use synthetic fabrics—like polyester or nylon—because they dry fast and don’t hold in sweat. Cotton might be comfy at home, but in a HIIT class, you’ll wish you picked something that pulls moisture away from your skin.

Some folks get stuck wearing old t-shirts and basketball shorts because they think proper workout gear is just a style move. But studies out of the University of Portsmouth found that the right technical clothing actually improves athletic performance by up to 10% compared to regular cotton clothes. That’s not nothing if you’re chasing a new personal best.

Pro tip: When you’re buying, check if the material includes spandex, elastane, or “4-way stretch.” If you spot those words on the tag, you’re on the right track for active comfort. It’s worth investing in at least a couple of high-quality gym outfits, especially if you exercise more than twice a week—you’ll feel the difference by week two.

Regional Jargon: What People Call It Around the World

You’d be surprised how much what you call your workout clothes depends on where you live. In the US, you’ll hear “sportswear,” “athletic wear,” or “workout gear” tossed around. Head over to the UK, and folks are into “sports kit,” “gym kit,” or just “kit.” If you’re in Australia, “activewear” is the hot word, especially since the athleisure trend took off there.

In Canada, people mix American and British terms, flipping between “athletic apparel” and “gym clothes.” Go to India, and you’ll likely hear “track suit” or “sports dress.” Meanwhile, in Brazil, “roupa de ginástica” covers any fitness clothing, whether you’re hitting the gym or just running errands. Japan leans into “undōfuku,” which literally means exercise clothes.

Let’s look at how a few countries stack up when it comes to this lingo:

Just a heads up – these names aren’t always strictly about the gym. In a lot of places, people wear “activewear” or “sports kit” for running errands, dropping the kids at school, even lounging around the house. No matter where you are, the basic idea is pretty much the same: clothes that help you move comfortably.

If you’re shopping online with international stores, it pays to know these terms. You won’t get lost searching for “sportswear” only to find the site’s actually pushing “activewear” or “gym kit.” It’s all about knowing what to type in that search bar, so you get what you want, faster.

When Does Fashion Meet Function?

You’ve probably noticed that sportswear isn't just about sweating it out anymore. It’s everywhere—on city streets, in coffee shops, and even at the office. The big shift happened when brands realized people wanted comfort all day, not just while working out. That’s why you see joggers and performance tees popping up in everyday outfits.

Here’s where it gets practical. If you’re picking out sportswear for more than just athletic use, look for these features:

• Breathability: Many brands now use special fabrics like polyester blends or bamboo that help wick sweat away and keep you cool.
• Stretch: Spandex and elastane mixes allow your clothes to move with you—handy whether you’re lifting weights or just running errands.
• Style: Companies add subtle logos, sharp cuts, and neutral colors so you can blend in at brunch as easily as you do at spin class.
• Durability: Reinforced seams and high-quality stitching mean these pieces don’t wear out fast, even after lots of washes.

Check out this quick snapshot to see how function and fashion have merged over the last decade:

One simple tip: if you want pieces that work double-duty, go for classic colors like black, navy, or gray. These mix with regular clothes super easily and don’t scream "just left the gym." A pair of black athletic joggers or a plain performance tee can take you from your morning walk straight into work mode. Versatility is king.

Picking the Right Term for What You Need

So, what should you actually call those clothes you wear for working out or playing sports? It really depends on what you’re buying, where you’re wearing it, and even where you live. The choices are sportswear, activewear, gym clothes, workout gear, and athletic apparel. These words might seem to mean the same thing, but they do carry specific uses.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you choose the right label:

• Sportswear covers the widest range. It usually means any clothes made for physical activity, from basketball shorts to jogging pants.
• Activewear is more modern. The term’s exploded recently, especially with all the athleisure hype. Think leggings or joggers you can wear to the gym but also to brunch.
• Athletic apparel is often used by brands selling performance fabrics—stuff built for actual sport or high-sweat workouts.
• Gym clothes and workout gear sound casual and direct—these are the basics like tanks, tees, and shorts you’d throw on for a sweat session.

If you’re shopping online, filter by "activewear" or "athletic apparel" for technical or trendy pieces. If you just want something simple or on a budget, search "gym clothes" or "workout gear" and you’ll usually get the basics.

Regional language also plays a role. In the US, "sportswear" can even mean casual wear in fashion circles, not just gym stuff. In the UK and Australia, people say "trainers" for sneakers and "trackies" for track pants—so knowing the lingo can save you time if you’re buying from overseas.

If you’re putting together a wardrobe, ask yourself: Do you want something strictly for exercise, or would you wear it running errands too? Technical fabrics (like moisture-wicking polyester or bamboo blends) are usually found under "athletic apparel" or "activewear." If you want plain cotton tees, "gym clothes" is the term to search.

Here’s a quick checklist to help narrow it down:

• For trendy looks and lounging: search "activewear"
• For sport-specific clothes: look for "athletic apparel"
• For budget basics: try "gym clothes" or "workout gear"
• For a mix of everything: stick with "sportswear"

Knowing these small differences can make shopping way easier and help you spend your money on gear you’ll actually wear—whether you’re hitting the gym or just binge-watching with friends.