Look at these brilliant pics above from the 1908 London Olympics! It wouldn't be long before some sportswear began to infiltrate everyday wear, but I'm sure these guys would still be pretty shocked as to just how much sportswear was to gain in popularity and infuence the way men dressed. This time round the Olympics have inspired designers to rework the ever popular sportswear by giving it a luxury feel.

This popper front cardigan by Carven at Liberty is actually merino wool, cunningly disguised in a sportswear style. Neat eh? Wear with slim cut jeans and these clean cut Dolce & Gabbana high top trainers for a sports luxe look to be worn for anything but sports.

You can't go wrong with a classic grey marl sweatshirt like this from Marc by Marc Jacobs - a subtle detail like the contrast navy hem and side seams give it an extra bit of gorgeousness. And don't you just love these cashmere blend track trousers from Maison Martin Margiela? As they say on the Matches website "they're a winning sports-luxe option for downtime occasions" - I couldn't agree more.

It seems strange now, to think that t-shirts were originally worn just as underwear, and never thought of as a fashion item until the 50's when Marlon Brando wore one in A Streetcar named Desire, and catapulted it into the fore. I'm sure Marlon would have been happy to sport this YMC dot pocket tee, had they been around then, but perhaps you'd like to instead? If you know me at all or have been following my blog, you've probably realised I have a bit of a penchant for retro styling and these YMC canvas trainers with the velcro strap are definitely no exception!

Another hero piece from YMC that wins gold for me, is this long sleeved striped cardi with baseball collar. Perfect with jeans or chinos or smartened up with slim fit navy trousers, club collar white shirt and knitted tie, adding a touch of sports chic to your daywear. These Our Legacy cotton shorts are the real deal when it comes to a good looking gym kit, or for those Indian Summer days we may still have to come....well, we can always dream!

Sweatshirts were originally used for athletes for warming up before or after sports, but have now become a wardrobe staple for warming up your weekends. This one from Bedwin and the Heartbreakers with side seam vent is a great start if by any chance your wardrobe is lacking in this essential. Combine style with comfort with these Mihara Yasuhiro  tailored wool trousers which have been given a laid back twist with a drawstring waist. Sports luxe at it's best.

 

Vintage sports equipment

Hockey goalie pads - Etsy

Basketball - Antique Athlete

Pommel horse - Live Auctioneers

Boxing gloves - The Mule Wagon

Fencing mask - Stylehive