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Best activewear brands for women, from high street to luxury
From up-cycled gear to retro-style sportswear, invest in some new ‘fit kit’ from these fashion-forward stores
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“If you look good, you feel good”, that’s how the saying goes. Though we’re paraphrasing slightly, when it comes to the gym, there is simply no denying the effects a new set of matching activewear can have on your motivation. So, with that in mind, we’ve been busy putting together a comprehensive list of the best activewear brands for women, with options for all budgets.
Whether you’re still smashing your New Year’s resolution (congrats) or feel motivated by the arrival of the summer months, when it comes to maintaining healthy habits, we think a decent sports bra, pair of leggings and trainers will keep you on the right track.
Maybe you’re aiming to try out yoga for the first time this year? Or, are you gearing up to run your fastest 5k yet? Some of you might just simply want to hit the gym more and feel confident while doing so. Whatever your goals are, we’re here to help.
We’ve pulled together a list of the very best athleisure brands out there that are sure to help you with PBs and PBLs (personal best looks – yes, we did just make that up). There really is no better time to invest in hi-tech performance sportswear that features pretty patterns and flattering cuts.
We’ve covered all bases here, from high street giants to stylish street-ready luxury boutiques and sustainable shops with eco credentials. Essentially, you can consider this your personal directory to the best activewear brands to know.
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High street activewear brands
Adidas
The brand with the three stripes. Loved by many, including us, this German manufacturer is known for producing hard-working, performance-driven sportswear that passes the sweat test every single time. From its popular boost running shoes to more modern pieces, Adidas is a go-to brand for HIIT, running and everything in between.
Asos
Asos offers an extensive roster of fitness brands, including Adidas, Nike and Reebok – but did you know it also has its own sportswear line named 4505? Expect minimalistic basics that work just as well for an afternoon catching up on Netflix as they do for pilates.
Cos
Known for its minimal apparel, this Scandi brand focuses on simplicity, function and innovation across its activewear collection. Seamless, flattering and sustainable, Cos effortlessly fills a gap in the market for anyone who wants something technical, understated and on-trend without the large price tag.
Ellesse
Italian sportswear brand Ellesse is filled with fashion-forward, street-to-studio pieces, made in high-performance fabrics. Inspired by classic, retro sportswear, Ellesse features comfy, utilitarian cuts – we particularly like the high-neck, long-line crop tops.
H&M
When it comes to activewear, Swedish fast-fashion clothing company H&M offers affordable, no-fuss, beyond-the-gym staples. If you’re after basics such as a pair of high-waisted, seamless black leggings or a racerback tank, look no further.
M&S
M&S’s Goodmove range is both affordable (sports bras are available from £12, Marksandspencer.com) and technical – they also use sustainable fabrics such as recycled polyester. Featuring pretty designs, the printed leggings and lightweight running jackets are certain to make a statement, too.
New Balance
New Balance isn’t globally recognised by accident. Just take a look at the brand’s running leggings and breathable tanks to witness the commitment to innovation. Forget trends, this sportswear brand is only interested in kit that actually enhances your workout, so you can always perform at your best.
Nike
With every fashion brand wanting to get into activewear, we have to pay tribute to the original king of the bracket, aka Nike. Say goodbye to boring shorts and tees and release your inner athlete with fashionable and functional sportswear. More recently, the brand launched its first dedicated maternity collection, Nike (M). So, what are you waiting for? Just do it.
Under Armour
Whether you’re striving for a flow-state run or weight training in your bedroom, Under Armour’s extensive product range is designed to steer you through your toughest workouts. Its latest technology – Iso Chill – provides additional breathability and ventilation via laser perforation.
Luxury activewear brands
Adidas by Stella McCartney
Renowned fashion designer Stella McCartney always pushes the boundaries, blurring performance activewear with whacky contemporary shapes and classic styles. Fashion-led and fitness-ready, the Beach Defender collection even offers sustainable, tactical performance wear designed for use on land and in the water.
Alo Yoga
Hailing from Los Angeles, the home of healthy living, Alo Yoga Sportswear offers flattering and flexible yoga pieces designed to meet the needs of LA’s rich and famous. Bright colours such as neon apricot orange are sure to boost your mood (and everyone else’s).
Beyond yoga
Also from LA, Beyond Yoga cleverly merges comfort with a pared-back design. The brand’s luxuriously soft fabrics, neutral colours and flattering designs are perfect for layering, and plead to be worn long after your yoga practice has finished.
LNDR
This is another great premium sportswear brand that aims to create collections that look just as good around town as they do inside the gym. LNDR was founded by three active, international women based in London, who wanted to create a brand around “the lifestyle we want to live, the products we want to wear, and the people we wanted to hang out with”. LNDR feels classic with its familiar sporty vibe – wear a coordinating set to a HIIT or spin class.
Lorna Jane
Born and raised in Australia, Lorna Jane has become an international success due to its confidence-boosting clothing. This female-owned label blends style, functionality and quality fabrics to remind women that being healthy doesn’t have to be about finding more time, eating less or trying to look like anyone else. Expect flattering cropped tanks and bike shorts in a refreshing colour palette.
Lululemon
Lululemon is one of the best-known (and most-loved) luxury sportswear brands in the world. Whether you’re a runner after sweat-wicking, flattering separates or a yogi needing second-skin, high-waisted leggings that won’t slip when you’re in a downward dog or attempting a headstand, this Canadian label is full of high-quality, timeless looks. We want everything.
PE Nation
If you follow Kayla Itnes or Kelsey Wells on Instagram, you’ll be familiar with this retro-inspired brand from Australia. Made for sweaty HIIT and strength sessions, PE Nation is filled with bold, boyish styles and sporty colour-block combinations.
Pocket Sport
Designed by Louise Thompson of Made and Chelsea fame, this up-and-coming activewear brand is made for modern lifestyles. Combining bold colours with flattering cuts, Pocket Sport offers functional matching sets that look great in and out of the studio.
Sweaty Betty
Designed by women, for women, this UK-based label – named after the founder’s determination to make it cool to sweat – is on a mission to empower women through fitness. Known for its unmissable colourful prints and hi-tech fabrics (the power leggings are famous for a reason), Sweaty Betty is often the first pick from our workout wardrobe – we love the brand’s cutting-edge activewear as much as we love the brand ethos.
The Upside
If you like leopard or zebra print, you’ll love this chic activewear label from Australia. Made from technical fabrics in sophisticated silhouettes, The Upside will elevate your performance (and you’ll look cute in the process).
Varley
Designed in LA, produced in London, and made from Italian fabrics, Varley draws inspiration from city street-style scenes. There’s something very understated about Varley’s luxurious collections, which feature sleek, open racerback designs and seriously soft staples. Be sure to size down, though, as the kit comes up big.
Sustainable activewear brands
BAM
Whether you’re getting fresh air on a hike or heading to a pilates class, BAM – Bamboo Clothing – makes athleisure that is “inspired by the planet and designed for adventure”. The best part about activewear made from bamboo jersey? Not only is it soft and breathable, it’s also guaranteed opaque – so the leggings are completely squat-proof.
Contur
After luxury activewear with a conscience? Try this small British brand – Manchester-based and London-produced – with garments made from recycled Econyl. Perfect for yoga and pilates, we especially love the bestselling block rocker crop (from £20, Conturuk.com). The brand has a way with colour, too, combining bold block shades with a hint of gold shimmer detailing.
Girlfriend Collective
This Seattle-based start-up launched with a bang stateside after it offered a free pair of leggings to its first customers – they ran out of stock on their first day. Since then, Girlfriend Collective has built a cult following by designing minimal, size-inclusive, eco-friendly pieces – 25 recycled water bottles make a single pair of its luxe compression leggings (£80, Johnlewis.com). Expect pretty, Instagramable shades such as terracotta, powder blue and apricot, and high waistlines that don’t roll down.
Nimble Activewear
Bondi Beach-based label Nimble Activewear believes the very best workout wear is both practical and affordable. Engineered for “everyday athletes”, and made from used and recycled plastics, Nimble produces flattering cuts that hug you in all the right places, in pretty colour palettes and feminine prints.
Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices, a New York-based brand, is on a mission to get the world moving. Products are made using sustainable textiles and responsibly sourced materials, including recycled polyester crafted from water bottles, and feature sharp silhouettes in understated colours. We adored the brand’s recent partnership with UK cycling brand Rapha, too.
Reformation
If you’re already a fan of Reformation’s beautiful dresses, you’ll be sure to love its sustainable activewear range, too. Made with recycled plastic bottles, simple, stylish, square-neck crops meet high-rise leggings and Kylie Jenner-esque bike shorts – this is the cool girl’s solution to sustainable workout gear.
Silou
Made for movement on the mat, this London-based brand, founded by yoga teacher Phoebe Greenacre, is sustainable luxury activewear at its finest. Silou’s kind-to-the-planet designs feel soft against the body, while the flattering, tailored cuts refuse to sacrifice on style. If you’re after an immediate confidence boost, try one of the brand’s contemporary full-length bodysuits – perfect for yoga.
Tala
“Slow fashion, sustainable style” is Tala’s mantra. Created by influencer and Oxford University graduate Grace Beverley, if you’re looking for workout leggings that mould to your body, in bold colours made from upcycled, recycled materials or from factory offcuts that would have otherwise gone to landfill, you’ll probably adore these.
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