The Unofficial SEC Uniform
I wish you could see the faces of my friends from California when I told them that I typically wear tennis skirts to class. They were left in pure shock.
It is normalized across the SEC to wear an outfit that you could wear to a tennis match to class. Sports culture runs deep here in the South, and it’s important to remember how our style is impacted by the interests of those around us. Auburn’s community lies in a space where football games, tailgates, and fitness routines are a part of daily life, and it’s easy to see that athletic wear has become the unofficial uniform for many SEC students. The typical Auburn student’s fast-paced, and sports-centered lifestyle has influenced students to prioritize clothing that’s not only comfortable in the heat but also functional. Students seem to select pieces that allow them to seamlessly transition from class to the gym, or from coffee runs to study sessions. Brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Free People Movement seem to have a chokehold on students, as they offer stylish yet functional athletic pieces that are practical for both an active day and socializing afterward.
Fashion trends are often influenced by the active, on-the-go lifestyles of students. After all, it’s proven that college girls are some of the most influential fashion leaders across the states. Across SEC campuses, sororities play a major role in driving trends, with their large social presence and involvement, these women are often at the forefront of campus fashion. The busy schedules of students demand comfortable, versatile outfits that still look put-together, and athletic wear meets that need perfectly. Whether it's running between classes, attending chapter meetings, or grabbing lunch with friends, college women have mastered the art of looking effortlessly chic in athletic clothing. In a questionnaire sent to female Auburn students, 73% claimed to frequently wear athletic pieces to class, and 96% claimed to wear sneakers.
We’ve seen athletic wear transcend the college campus, and the craze will continue to dominate the fashion industry across the states. WGSN has confirmed that matching sets and athleisure pieces in premium yarns will continue to be popular beyond 2026. Those who wear luxurious athletic brands like Alo, Vuori, Daily Drills, and Lululemon communicate an understanding of current fashion trends, an interest in wellness, and a desire for quality. At the end of the day, the athletic-wear craze isn’t just about what you wear, but what it says about your lifestyle. The rise of athleisure is more than a fashion trend; it’s a reflection of the importance of health, comfort, and efficiency in modern student life, translated to the everyday consumer. In many ways, athletic wear has become a symbol of SEC student culture, blending fashion, function, and a love for sports.
