We get it. We’ve also spent the last year wearing either a trendy sweatsuit or some other sort of comfy garments that are equally good for lounging, working from home or catching a remote yoga class. And even though athleisure has been the norm for the last 12 months, we’re not totally tired of it. It’s just so convenient — and comfortable.
By now, you may be looking for ideas to shop for new activewear. We have some options that tick three boxes: comfort, style and actual functionality for fitness activities.
Exercise Clothes for Chic Shoppers
Fabletics. Let’s start with this Kate Hudson co-founded brand. The Almost Famous actress launched Fabletics in 2013, looking to bring a high-quality affordable athletic brand that was also hip to the market. In addition to having a wide selection of colors, Fabletics offers a great range of styles and sizes — they have a dedicated Plus Shop. One of their standards is offering a good fit for any body type. The label’s Instagram account is full of inspiration when it comes to a relaxed yet fashionable style, plus Hudson herself posts plenty of pictures of her wearing the clothes and being active.
Carbon38. This Jennifer Lopez and Nicole Kidman fav has been described as “high-fashion activewear.” At around $100 or more for a pair of shiny leggings, it sure can sound like an aspirational brand. Carbon38 has its own exclusive line as well as offering a curated selection of other designer brands on their website.
Lululemon. We couldn’t write about activewear and yoga clothes without mentioning this technical athletic apparel company that originated in Vancouver, Canada. Their logo in the shape of an Omega letter has become ubiquitous in yoga and Pilates studios. They have stores all across the United States and Canada and are a solid place to get a pair of durable classic high-waist leggings.
Athleta. This California women’s active apparel company has been part of the Gap family of brands since 2008. Like Lululemon, this is one of the quintessential brands that comes to mind when we think about leggings with smartly designed pockets, cushy sports bras and cropped long-sleeve tops that are great for layering up after a workout.
Alo. Neon apricot, electric violet, blue quartz, lavender smoke… These are some of the colors that this Los Angeles-based yoga brand offers in its selection of bra tanks and high-waist leggings. Plenty of celebrities — from Taylor Swift to model Bella Hadid — have sported some of Alo’s iconic pieces, like the Moto legging or the high-waist biker shorts.
Onzie. Are you looking for camo leggings and a matching sports bra? You’ll find it here. What about a long leotard bodysuit in leopard print? They’ve got that too. Actually, Onzie currently offers a selection of all their leopard garments in one place so that you don’t miss the chance to get a scrunchie or face mask with that pattern. Also, at around $70-80 per pair of leggings, this brand is a bit more affordable than some of the other options on this list.
Everlane. If you’re looking for an affordable no-frills collection in solid colors or with simple classic lines, Everlane’s Perform Collection could be what you need. This San Francisco-based company that claims transparency and an ethical approach to fashion is mainly sold online. Right now, their Perform line is betting on one trend we’re still unsure about: the bike short.
Street-Chic Style
Girlfriend Collective. This Seattle-based brand prides itself in transparency, eco-friendliness and ethically produced activewear garments. So much so that in their About Us page they detail how they source the recycled bottles used to make their compressive leggings and bras. They also go to lengths to explain why they manufacture clothes in Vietnam, where they have an SA8000 certified manufacturer, instead of the United States. Girlfriend offers a selection of leggings, shorts, skorts (shorts + skirt), unitards and other activewear garments in sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL.
Nike. This is another of the classic names included on our list. When it comes to Nike’s technical clothes, you can expect a solid combination of the latest street-chic style with materials and lines especially crafted for a specific activity, such as running or yoga. There’s also Nike’s continued research and development, which has produced textile technologies like Dri-FIT, a material known for its sweat-managing and breathable properties. Plus, Nike’s designers always seem to know where to smartly include an inconspicuous zipped pocket or reflective detailing, just in case you decide to work out at night.
Outdoor Voices. With this brand, you can opt for an Exercise Dress with a built-in shorts liner and phone pocket. Or you may be more of an All Day Hoodie with matching All Day Sweatpants kind of person. Or maybe you’re in the market for a bralette with enough support for a flow yoga class. Partially headquartered in Austin, Texas, this brand was founded in 2013 by Tyler Haney. She sees OV’s clothes as a way of staying healthy and happy, as opposed to promoting being an expert (or “the best”) at one specific physical activity.
Koral. This luxury activewear brand sells a premade kit of leggings and a sports bra in shiny aubergine color for $179 and also boasts a wide selection of Lustrous leggings and matching sports bras. Founder and Creative Director Ilana Kugel defines Koral as activewear that harmonizes “fashion, form and fitness.” The company has a focus on developing high-tech fabrics and using them in a way that makes it possible to dress these clothes up or down.
BlackMilk. If you’re looking for a punk vibe or a pair of colorful leggings in pop culture-based prints that could be used for a stretching session but also worn with a pair of Dr. Martens, BlackMilk could be it. The designers of this Australian brand dressed Beyoncé’s dancers for her 2018 Coachella performance. And while not everyone can pull off a mustard yellow long-sleeved bodysuit, a pair of Mermaid leggings sure look good on everyone.
Feeling the need for a sweating session yet?
