In the dynamic world of fashion, sporty streetwear — more popularly known as athleisure — has risen to prominence, evolving beyond just clothing to encompass accessories like bags. The fusion of practicality and style has become a hallmark of this trend, exemplified by notable collaborations between streetwear and renowned backpack brands.
One such collaboration that made waves was between Formula 1 and Sprayground, resulting in a bold capsule collection that resonated with sporty streetwear enthusiasts in 2021. While its black and red color palette and printed F1 logo naturally gravitate towards the sporty aesthetic, embodying the trend yourself actually goes beyond choosing the right design off the bat — it’s about how you style it. Below, we present four tips to effectively style backpacks and elevate your everyday look.
The effectiveness of backpack styling depends not only on its visual appeal but also its ability to cater to your practical needs. See how the backpacks of Oakley go beyond just being a sporty-futuristic design — they also marry style with functionality. The Freshman Pkble RC Backpack, for instance, boasts breathable padded mesh shoulder straps. They’re also adjustable, which ensures the backpack stays securely in place while still being comfortable to wear. Meanwhile, the Link Pack Miltac features an interior sleeve with a 2L water bladder, providing hydration on the go without compromising external aesthetics. Such tailored, urban styles strike the perfect balance between fashion and functionality, so be sure to pick a similar backpack to achieve better styling outcomes without compromising how you use it in the process.
To best rock sporty streetwear with a bag, you’ll need to coordinate your backpack with your clothing. The current trend of sporty chic involves blending sports and classic styles to achieve a light, laid-back, and comfortable feel. To accomplish this yourself, you can opt for vibrantly-colored backpacks to complement outrageous leggings in rich and neon shades or pick a light-shaded backpack to pair with feminine get-ups that make use of sports dresses and skirts. Otherwise, you can follow this great rule of thumb: after coming up with an outfit of your choice, simply make sure that your backpack and shoes coordinate in color for an effortlessly put-together look.
Efficient packing is the key to ensuring that even the most well-designed backpack maintains its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Overflowing bags are a great high fashion styling trick you can achieve if you execute it thoughtfully, as demonstrated by the recent marketing campaigns of Miu Miu or Balenciaga. However, it should not come at the expense of your comfort or the overall condition of the bag. Instead, prioritize essential items to avoid unnecessary bulk and ensure easy access while placing heavier items closer to your back for better balance. However, avoid hanging a water bottle off the side, testing a backpack’s capacity by stuffing it full, or buckling its hip and chest straps. This approach will help you preserve your backpack’s sleek and stylish silhouette while allowing you to still benefit from its functional qualities.
While backpacks are often thought of as being practical accessories, it’s not the backpack itself but how you wear it that makes a statement. Lest you want to look like a tourist in the city or a student heading to class, skip the outdoor-specific backpacks like those from Patagonia or Osprey. However, don’t overcompensate by hanging the backpack off one shoulder, either. Instead, embrace the confidence of wearing your backpack with the right posture and standing tall — use its weight to hold your spine straight and allow the straps to push your shoulders down naturally for a more laidback vibe. To top off your confident appearance, avoid the temptation to hold the straps as you walk.
Athleisure is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a lifestyle, and your backpack is a crucial accessory in expressing that lifestyle with confidence and flair. With our above tips, you can effortlessly elevate your everyday looks and ace the sporty streetwear trend.