Once just worn by women and toddlers, rompers for men could be the trend in athletic wear this summer—and Reebok has taken the first step.
On Thursday, the sportswear company debuted the “ReeRomp,” an athleisure spin on the male romper trend among millennials. In doing so, Reebok has solidified what many felt was a brief fad into a certifiable fashion trend.
The fashion-forward choice has been the subject of vigorous online debate ever since a Kickstarter launched on Monday for the RompHim, a student project marketed to preppy millennials confident enough to don the onesie.
Naysayers dismissed the ReeRomp as an attempt to cash in on the social trend; their point seemed made by a mock item satirizing the faux mud-covered jeans sold at Nordstrom.
However, a Reebok press representative confirmed to RealClearLife that the romper is not a hoax. “It’s definitely going into production,” she said.
Made with its “ActivChill” breathable fabric, Reebok describes the romper as “the athleisure style staple you’ve always wanted but never knew you needed.”
Between its look and comfortable tailoring, the ReeRomp could be a fashion solution for trendsetters on the move. It wouldn’t be a major surprise to spot them at the next music festival or poolside.
“Guys can wear rompers too,” Eun Jung Park, ReeRomp designer, in a statement. “The current design that’s trending leans toward a preppy side with a collar and buttons. I designed ours to be really simple and sleek.”
The ReeRomp sells for $89, but Reebok hasn’t started taking orders yet. Eager customers will have to wait a month to purchase their romper.
While the male romper might have gone viral this week, neither Reebok nor RompHim is the first to embrace the trend. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton donned a romper at Coachella last month.
But the real fashion pioneer honors goes to Sean Connery, who wore a terrycloth romper with panache as James Bond in the 1964 film Goldfinger.
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