Surfing, Cycling and Scuba-diving wear for spring

Sportswear returns for spring 2010

January 27 2010 : Surfing, cycling and scuba-diving wear is the cool look for spring, as long as you don't actually work out in it, says Emma Sibbles.

After last season’s sharp shoulder Eighties’ revival, the Nineties are now ripe for a remake. This spring, sportswear hits the big time, but this isn’t about working out – although having a gym-sculpted body will certainly make the ranges easier to wear. The most visible piece to make a comeback is the tracksuit trouser, but the trend also encompasses hooded jackets, jersey sweaters and even cycling shorts, all given a luxury spin by designers for the new decade.

Luxe sportswear is the catch-all term for utility, skater, surfer, American football and street style. Expect an excess of perforated leather, mesh inserts, peep-toe heeled hiking boots and Lycra. Function and practicality are back, as designers try to define a new mood of simplicity.

Surfing Wear 2010

The catwalks were awash with sports references. Alexander Wang flew the flag for American football with grey sweatshirts, a varsity-inspired cardigan and athletic socks. Nicolas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga was inspired by motocross, with leather biker trousers featuring reinforced knees and soft, sculpted leather-hooded gilets. Meanwhile, models at Bottega Venetta donned white hairbands that were part-karate, part-Wimbledon.

Glamorous surfers were the inspiration at Jonathan Saunders (models stepped out with wet-look hair as though they’d just climbed out of the pool), Proenza Schouler (neon dresses and trackpants) and Prada (long board shorts and tropical palm prints). The water-babe theme continued at Gucci, its scuba-inspired tops and dresses featuring neoprene, sports mesh and harnesses to create a deep-sea diver meets Bond girl aesthetic, and Julien Macdonald, who showed body-con racer-back gowns with sheer panels. And after appearing at Marc Jacobs and Giorgio Armani, cycling shorts look set to give leggings a run for their money – wear them if you dare. Accessories-wise, cross-body bags are the new It-shape; at Louis Vuitton, they were teamed with bumbags for a trekking vibe.

Cycling Wear 2010


This casual, relaxed mood feels right for spring. It’s easy and accessible, as Parisian designer of the moment, Isabel Marant, knows well. Marant kick-started the trend with her grey marl cuffed sweatpants for spring 2009, worn with a relaxed T-shirt and a stone-coloured trench. The look was swiftly adopted as the fashion pack’s new uniform.

But, be under no illusion that this trend is about actually being relaxed – pulling your old gym kit out of the back of your wardrobe simply won’t cut it. This look is the grown-up, sexier version that you could wear in the office. Trackpants should be silk or jersey, in a muted, pastel colour. Look for drawstring waists, cuffed ankles and wear them with heels to avoid any Waynetta Slob comparisons. Finish with a blazer to keep the look smart. Celebrities like Rihanna and Cheryl Cole have embraced them, with the latter wearing slashed, silky trackpants to perform on The X Factor last year.

Scuba-Diving Wear 2010


Avoid midriff-flashing, cut-off tops, unless you look like Gisele. Sheer panelling is a friendlier way to hint at exposure without having to put your flesh on show. For an instant update, embrace a neon palette , roll up your trousers or layer a cropped jumper over a longer vest.

If you’re feeling adventurous, swap your leggings for cycling shorts worn under a dress or skirt, as at Giorgio Armani, with just an inch or two peeping below the hem. Avoid wearing them alone unless you are actually training for the 2012 Olympics, and leave the bumbag to the catwalks. And remember, a good rule of thumb is that if you could actually work out in these clothes, you’ve missed the point.