We spoke with AEO Performance Senior Designer Stacy M. about the technical advantages, fashion details, and inspiration for our new performance line. Read on to learn more about why you should buy AEO Performance.

Who or what did you pull inspiration from to design the AEO Performance line?

The AE girl!  It’s easy when you have such a cool customer to take inspiration from.  We wanted to incorporate her fashion trends with functional fabrics to create a line that is fresh, new and relatable.  The idea is to have pieces that are great to wear before or after your workout as well as during your favorite sport or activity.

How is designing performance wear different than designing everyday clothes?

There are many factors we take into consideration while designing AEO performance. Most importantly is the fabric and how it reacts with different workouts.  Secondly, the silhouette is designed with full movement and comfort in mind no matter what sport or activity is taking place.  We also think about how the seams and fabric effect your workout, such as breathability, chaffing, scratching or itching against the skin.  Lastly, we think about all activities from serious runners to yoga and pilates to a girl who wants to wear our performance line to class. 

What is your favorite way to live your life healthfully?

I like to eat healthy, try new workout classes and have fun while doing it.   I’m also a strong advocate for everything in moderation.  If you want that hot fudge Sunday or box of popcorn, make sure to balance it during the week with fresh fruits and salads.

How would you style Performance wear outside the gym?

The line is so great because it’s designed to be worn inside and outside the gym, any day of the week!  Our basic black bottoms and fleece crop pants are comfortable and perfect to match with our fashion tops.  The peplum tanks and tee are great to wear with our bottoms or your favorite AEO jean fit.  We also have a white windbreaker that you can layer with any outfit.

If you could spend the day with any sports professional, who would it be and why?

I’m a big sports fan so I have a few. NY Giants’ QB Eli Manning is high up on the list, but Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams and a few of the amazing female surfers out there would probably have a lot to teach me. I would hope to gain a little bit of insight as to how they balance their demanding profession with everyday life.

How does AEO Performance fabric stand out from other fitness line materials? Tell us a little more about the construction.

We have worked really hard developing the perfect fabric for our customer and I think we’ve done it.  It has wicking, which keeps you cool and dry during your most strenuous workouts – and there is a moss finish added that gives the fabric a super soft hand feel.   Our black core fabric used in bottoms has black spandex to reduce the shine when bending and moving while working out.  The best part about this fabric is the compression (really sucks you in/everyone loves their butt to look great!) and of course has a really great price.

What special details make AEO Performance different than other lines?

AEO stands for quality and detail.  All of our bottoms have signature waistband stitch details on the back as well as a hidden waistband pocket to hold your ID and money.  We always think about feminine details like ruffles and pretty mesh fabrics along with function details like zipper pockets on our run tops and reflective trims on the bottoms and running jackets.

AEO Performance is constructed with flat seams – what do flat seams do for the customer?

Flat seams are used to decrease the amount chaffing or scratching to the skin, which makes our styles more comfortable to wear.  Sleep in them if you want – they are super comfy!

What physical activities is AEO Performance best suited for, or are there specific pieces for certain activities?

The line is designed for the most intensive activities to simply wearing it everyday. Hence our tagline “great for a workout or a hangout”.  We have styles suited for running, cardio, yoga, spin, dance and for just hanging out with friends.

How can customers best take care of their AEO Performance gear?

Always follow the care instructions on the inside of each garment!

How versatile are the pieces between different seasons?

All the styles are very versatile throughout the year.  Depending on your workout of choice, we offer four core bottom lengths that work year round along with an assortment of tanks and tees for any style of activity.  For colder months we also offer 2^nd layer pieces that are amazing for layering to and from the gym or for outdoor activities.