Back on track: retro track-tops stage a suiting comeback

This season sees the rise of the tracksuit top as a coveted office staple. Lee Holmes asks why it’s time to ditch the shirt and tie in favour of athleisure layers

AMI Spring Summer 2016

After what seems like an eternity of buttoned-up suiting being rammed down our throats – your success at tying a half-windsor could make or break you – there's now a noticeable shift in menswear. Designers are relaxing the rules about what can be worn with tailoring. At the Spring/Summer 16 collections, there was a definite blurring of the traditional sartorial lines, with sportswear rather than shirts and ties, increasingly worn under the whistle and flute. What was once an uneasy marriage between both smart and casual, has now been pitched as a match made in heaven.

Bottega Veneta Spring Summer 2016 (Getty Images)

Usually, it’s advisable to take what designers say with a healthy dollop of scepticism. Yet this particular trend – which has been given the tag athleisure – shouldn’t be dismissed: it reflects almost perfectly the way we live our work lives right now. The reality is that many of us are in a constant state of motion, using our phones and tablets as mobile offices, so it makes sense that our wardrobe should reflect this. Layering a comfortable piece of sportswear – say a fancy cycling top – under your tailored jacket isn't such a bad idea: think Wes Anderson in The Royal Tenenbaums – only minus the sweat band.

But don't make the mistake of thinking that you can wear this kit for a workout at the gym, throw on a suit, and then haul your sweaty ass straight over to the office. Body odour aside, these sporty clothes aren't intended to do anything remotely sporty. Ever. And if you're still not convinced then don't forget that wearing sportswear as everyday isn't an entirely new concept; the classic polo shirt is a wardrobe staple whether you canter around on a polo pony or not.