Wave goodbye to yoga-style comfies; there's a more striking athleisure aesthetic in town. In case you missed it, bright and bold sportswear is on the rise. And after beige-gate of 2021 (we're looking at you, lifestyle influencers), our wardrobes couldn't be more ready for a hefty dose of COLOUR, thank yew.
There's no denying this latest trend serves strong Fresh Prince of Bel-Air vibes, taking a nod from the '90s and early noughties. Thanks to classic silhouettes decked out in primary colours and unapologetic graphics, you'll quickly recognise sportswear-influenced pieces around town.
So it's safe to say when New Zealand sporting OGs, Canterbury, dropped their limited edition Played in Heaven collection, we (and our fits) felt pretty blessed. The iconic brand holds a 118+ year history synonymous with sports (you've definitely seen the logo repped proudly by the likes of the All Blacks, Wallabies and currently the Kangaroos) and their rich history dates way back to WWI where they outfitted the NZ and Australian armies. Iconic.
With an ethos to create the toughest sportswear—in a sense that encapsulates both the quality of the garments and the mental resilience and grit of those who rep the brand.
Read on for our top picks from the exclusive capsule to add to your rotation right now, and enter here for the chance to win a $500 Canterbury wardrobe.
Your Go-To Oversized Tee
Price: $89.99
Although a white tee might be the reigning wardrobe essential, we'd argue an oversized tee is a close runner-up. You can dress this one limited edition tee up or down any day of the week, so opt for something with a splash of fun. This one here is all about right now—giving you just enough spice with the show-stopping stripes and on-trend colourway. Dress it down with bike shorts and your fave kicks, or amp things up with a mini-skirt, strappy sandals and a chunky necklace.
Shop the Played in Heaven Short Sleeve Crew here.
A Statement Sporty Jersey
Price: $179.99
It's fair to say we've been obsessed with this peek-a-boo-style button collar making the rounds on knitwear. So when this retro flair entered the athleisure scene, we were pretty stoked. Chunky stripes and eye-catching colours make another appearance, showing off the shade of the moment—bright red. Go for a fitted look with this one tucked into blue denim for your weekend brunching needs. Or, opt for a pair of leather pants to make it happy-hour appropriate—yes, we're talking about those leather pants all over TikTok right now.
Shop the Played in Heaven Long Sleeve Rugby Jersey here.
Jersey Shorts With Style
Price: $89.99
If your loungewear collection looks a little lack-lustre, inject some personality with these mega comfy cotton shorts. These go-to threads feature red panels on the front, blue on the back, and vintage logo detailing. Throw these on with your matching rugby jersey for a cosy statement, or dial it back with an athletic crop. Plus, all the 'Played in Heaven' pieces are unisex—so you and your beau can even do that cute matching thing.
Shop the Played in Heaven 8" Short here.
Show Off Accessories
Hat Price: $59.99 And Tote Price: $89.99
We hate to admit it—but colour might not be for everyone. But if you're keen to dip your toe into this trend, accessories that shout loud might just be the way to go. We're obsessed with the bucket hat and tote from this collection, as they're both made from fabric scraps—so each one is totally original. Plus, it's saving on fashion waste—win-win. Both offer classic, casual shapes and stick with the stripes theme. We'd throw the bucket hat on with a more muted ensemble for a summer vacay, or grab the tote on our way to the market.
Shop the Played in Heaven Uglies Reversible Bucket Hat here.
Shop the Played in Heaven Uglies Tote Bag here.
Inject some fun into your look and drop by Canterbury. While the limited edition Played in Heaven collection might lure you in, you'll stay for the timeless sporting styles they offer for everyone.
Image credit: supplied
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by Canterbury and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.