Heather grey has become a staple color in many people’s wardrobes. Its versatility and ability to pair well with other colors make it an easy choice when getting dressed. But why exactly has this particular shade of grey gotten so popular in recent years?
The History of Heather Grey
Heather grey first emerged in the 1970s and was frequently used for casual and athletic apparel. The unique blurred or mottled appearance comes from the fabric blending white and grey yarns together. This gives it a softer, more textured look than flat grey fabric.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, heather grey started being used for basics like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Brands like American Apparel and Alternative Apparel helped popularize the color by using it for many of their blank garments and basics.
The rise of athleisure wear in the 2010s further boosted the popularity of heather grey. With more people embracing casual styles and wearing yoga pants, sweatshirts, and t-shirts as everyday attire, heather grey was a perfect match for the laidback aesthetic.
Why Heather Grey Became So Popular
There are several key factors that contributed to heather grey becoming a go-to color in many wardrobes:
Versatility
Heather grey tops and bottoms pair well with a wide range of colors and styles. The muted, blended tone works as a neutral and provides an easy base for bolder colors and prints. It also easily transitions from casual daytime wear to relaxed evening looks.
Flattering on Most Skin Tones
Unlike brighter shades of grey that can wash some people out, heather grey tends to be flattering on most skin tones. The softness of the color is almost universally wearable. It brings out the natural glow in lighter complexions but doesn’t overwhelm darker skin tones.
Matches Athleisure Trend
As athleisure wear and casual streetwear rose in popularity, heather grey was perfectly aligned with the laidback aesthetic. The color matched the soft, comfortable fabrics and silhouettes that define athleisure fashion.
Avoids Dinginess of Solid Greys
Solid medium to dark greys can sometimes look dingy over time, as the fabric picks up lint and pills. The variegated texture of heather grey helps disguise signs of wear. It maintains a fresher, more youthful look even after multiple washes.
Goes With Anything Jeans
A heather grey tee or sweatshirt effortlessly pairs with the wardrobe staple – jeans! The color works with any wash of denim and upgrades a basic jeans and t-shirt look.
Heather Grey By The Numbers
The popularity of heather grey is reflected in sales data and fashion industry statistics:
| Percentage of women who own heather grey tees | 73% |
| Percentage of men who own heather grey tees | 67% |
| Projected growth of global athleisure market from 2020-2026 | 6.7% CAGR |
| Rank of heather grey among most purchased t-shirt colors | #2 |
This data demonstrates how both men and women have embraced heather grey as a staple color in their casual wardrobes. The continued growth of athleisure also points to heather grey remaining popular in the coming years.
Where To Find Heather Grey Items
Here are some of the best places to shop for heather grey apparel and accessories:
Basics Brands
Brands like Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, and Gildan are go-to sources for affordable heather grey t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other basics.
Athleisure Brands
Top athleisure brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and Outdoor Voices use heather grey extensively in their collections of leggings, sweatpants, and tees.
Fast Fashion Retailers
Stores like H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, and Forever21 keep heather grey staples like tees, hoodies, and joggers stocked in their low-cost fast fashion lines.
Online Marketplaces
Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and other online marketplaces allow you to find both new and secondhand heather grey pieces from a wide variety of sellers.
Specialty Athletic Brands
Brands focused on activewear and athletic apparel, like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Reebok, and Champion use heather grey widely in their catalogues.
How to Style Heather Grey
From casual weekends to the office, heather grey can work for any occasion. Here are some styling tips:
For Weekend Wear
- Pair heather grey sweatpants with a white tank or crop top
- Layer a heather grey hoodie over a black tee and dark wash jeans
- Match heather grey joggers with a bold graphic tee
For Work Outfits
- Wear a heather grey blazer over black slacks and a white blouse
- Tuck a fitted heather grey tee into a midi skirt with heels
- Layer a lightweight cardigan over a heather grey sleeveless sheath dress
For Going Out
- Style heather grey leggings with an oversized blazer and camisole
- Tuck a silky cami into heather grey joggers with strappy heels
- Pair a cropped heather grey hoodie with a bold mini skirt
Conclusion
With its stylish versatility, flattering tone, and casual vibe, it’s no wonder heather grey has become a modern wardrobe staple. The color suits the athleisure trend and provides an easy matching piece for everything from weekend wear to work outfits. As athleisure continues to grow in popularity, expect to keep seeing heather grey pieces everywhere from high fashion to basic fast fashion for years to come.
