Whether you’ve recently joined a running club—which everyone seems to be doing these days—or you’ve become a committed gym goer, you’ll need to rely on the best activewear brands to get through your next sweat session. Given that there are countless sporty labels on the market, Marie Claire consulted two fitness experts for their opinion on which options are actually worth considering.
Yoga instructor Jessamyn Stanley and powerlifter Meg Boggs explain that above all, quality is key (stretchy leggings cut from sweat-wicking fabrics, supportive sports bras that hold everything in place, and cushioned sneakers that can handle miles on end are non-negotiable). However, Stanley and Boggs also share that the best activewear brands offer pieces that are versatile enough to wear beyond any workout.
“My athletic clothes and shoes need to effortlessly transition from a yoga class to a day of running errands or grabbing coffee with friends,” says Stanley. Boggs agrees, noting that her sportswear collection is filled with items that can blend into any athleisure outfit. “For a casual day out, I’ll often wear a sports bra and a pair of biker shorts with a baseball cap to give my look a street style feel,” she adds.
For further inspiration on how to style athletic-inspired pieces for an out-and-about moment, look toward fashionable celebrities who often use sportswear to anchor their off-duty uniforms. Kendall Jenner recently teamed an Alo Yoga workout set with black Aeyde ballet flats. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez took more of a loud luxury approach by pairing her yoga pants, windbreaker, and chunky sneakers with Gucci sunglasses and an Hermès Himalayan Croc Birkin bag.
With this in mind, Marie Claire created a comprehensive list of activewear brands that have an all-purpose appeal. Keep scrolling for Stanley and Boggs’ favorite picks, along with products to shop and useful styling tips.
An-Expert Approved Guide to the Best Activewear Brands
Nike
It’s no secret that Nike’s high-performance offerings are favored by athletes and fitness experts everywhere. As for Boggs, she’s a huge fan of the label’s Swoosh Medium Support sports bra. “I love that it provides enough coverage and it allows me to do intense workouts while feeling comfortable.” Top off the look with Nike’s Zenvy Gentle Support leggings alongside the label’s Pegasus Plus sneakers (which Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike recommends for long-distance running).
Alo Yoga
With celebrity fans like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Taylor Swift, you know this brand has to be doing something right. Alo Yoga specializes in developing quality materials that perfectly sculpt and support your body. New to the brand? We’d recommend starting with a few of their bestsellers, like the Accolade Crew Neck Pullover, the Airbrush Heart Throb Bra, and the Airbrush High-Waist Heart Throb Leggings, all of which are crafted with snug fabrics that you’ll want to wear all day long.
Girlfriend Collective
If you consider yourself to be a gym girlie and a champion of sustainability, you’ve likely heard of the sustainable activewear brand Girlfriend Collective. Their fabrics—designed with discarded plastic water bottles—are sweat-wicking, breathable, and have a four-way stretch that makes them unbelievably flexible. Just ask Stanley, who speaks highly of the brand. “I absolutely love Girlfriend Collective’s clothes which feel great against my skin while I’m working out,” she says. “Plus, their separates are versatile, so I can style them in endless ways outside of the yoga studio.”
Vitality
“I’m obsessed with Vitality’s Cloud II shorts—they don’t have a front seam and the nylon blend is extremely breathable,” says Boggs. “I own every single color and they are honestly the only bottoms that I workout in,” she adds. According to Boggs, Vitality’s pieces have a barely-there texture that truly feels cloud-like (hence, the collection name). If comfort is your priority, look no further than this athleisure label.
Lululemon
Every fitness enthusiast knows that Lululemon’s cult-favorite leggings are truly game-changing. There are countless legging styles to choose from, but the brand’s butter soft Align High Rise Pants are arguably the most popular of the bunch. Pair these supple bottoms with Lululemon’s Define Jacket Luon and Hold Tight Thin Strap Racerback Tank Top, and you’ve got yourself an athleisure look that you’ll want to wear on repeat.
Athleta
For the all-around athlete searching for a range of high-performance pieces, Athleta is the place to shop. Whether you’re planning to run, stretch, or surf, you’ll discover a varied lineup of options fit for practically any sweat-inducing activity. According to Boggs, Athleta's Renew Seamless Racerback Tank should earn a spot in your shopping cart. “It’s my favorite workout top because it’s lightweight and super stretchy,” says the weight-lifting pro. “It’s also the perfect length—the hem hits right above the hips so it’s not awkwardly long.”
Tory Sport
“These days, it’s all about the tennis skirt trend,” says Stanley, who is a major proponent of this preppy style. If you’re looking to master the look, try out Tory Burch’s high-fashion sportswear label, Tory Sport. Tennis-inspired styles are deeply woven in the brand’s DNA, so you’ll find plenty of pleated skirts to choose from. In addition to tennis outfits, the brand also has other noteworthy items like flared leggings, scoop-neck sports bras, cropped track jackets, and more.
Adidas
Adidas’ iconic designs have been around for decades and they've continued to dominate the sportswear industry. Among the fashion crowd, the most sought-after Adidas item is certainly their classic soccer shoe, the Samba OG sneakers. Why not play into the look, and while you’re at it, consider other perennial pieces like their Adibreak Track Pants and Firebird Track Jacket.
Beyond Yoga
As the name implies, Beyond Yoga’s clothes do indeed serve a purpose outside of the yoga studio. “The fact that their pieces are so cozy makes them ideal for practically any casual activity,” says Boggs. The powerlifter suggests Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye collection, which features a variety of styles made from polyester and elastane. “Their Spacedye pieces are so comfortable, I can easily wear them for hours on end,” adds Boggs.
Fabletics
Noticing a lack of high-quality activewear gear at an affordable price point? Well, Fabletics founders have made it their mission to fill this gap—without skimping on style. “I’ve always appreciated how Fabletics’ designs never fail to align with the most in-demand looks,” says Stanley. Ahead, you’ll find three sleek pieces under $100 that you’re guaranteed to love.
Sporty & Rich
The phrase, “sportswear with a street style spin” is most accurately embodied by Sporty & Rich. While perusing the label’s assortment, you’ll see a slew of effortlessly cool pieces that will earn you plenty of style points. Also, you simply can’t go wrong with one of their cute matching sets—a look that Stanely would certainly co-sign. “Whenever I’m in the gym, I love to wear a monochromatic outfit from head to toe,” she says. Follow her lead with Sporty & Rich’s emerald green Runner set.
FP Movement
Free People's activewear includes a performance-ready line full of vibrant sports bras you'll want to show off outside of the gym, leggings that are funky and bold, and everything else to keep you moving. Bottom line? This is the label to choose if you want to make a statement.
Superfit Hero
It can be quite a challenge to shop for extended sizes in the activewear space, but Superfit Hero is determined to make things a bit easier. “They offer sizing options up to 7X,” says Boggs. “I absolutely love how their sports bras are easy to slip on and off, and their pants are made with a high-rise waistband that feels super secure,” she adds.
SPLITS59
A-listers like Bella Hadid, Margot Robbie, and Jessica Alba are all dedicated wearers of SPLITS59. If you’re wondering what makes this label so loveable, it likely has something to do with the fact that their fabrics are stitched with quick-dry technology, so you can sweat through any spin class or sprint session without a problem.
Imbodhi
Although sustainability is often tossed around as a buzzword, Imbhodi is committed to ensuring that it’s anything but that. This activewear label is fairly new to the scene in comparison to other long-standing brands, but it has made an impressive amount of progress nonetheless. Their clothes are crafted with sustainably-harvested beech trees and eucalyptus trees, and Stanely can attest to the quality of their pieces. “I’m particularly fond of their jumper, which is beyond flattering and perfect to wear if you’re on the move,” says the yoga instructor.
Bandier
You might know Bandier as a multi-brand retailer, but this hotspot for all-things activewear also has its own in-house line. Bandier boasts a thorough mix of streamlined pieces that are easy to style and bold designs that have a standout flair (such as their workout set decorated with peekaboo slits).
On
Swiss athletic brand On is making strides in the sportswear space. They’re well known for their innovative sneakers built with lightweight technical gear, but their high-performance clothes deserve just as much praise too. Not to mention, they’ve recently appointed Zendaya as their ambassador. The style icon is expected to collaborate with the brand on one-off collections, so make sure to keep an eye on this sprouting label.
Live The Process
Live The Process is an American-owned brand that has both style and versatility in mind. Within their selection of signature ballet wrap tops, figure-hugging leggings, and midriff-baring tanks, you'll find everything you need for your athleisure collection.
Set Active
Need a break from your black leggings? Opt for Set Active’s neutral palette of biker shorts, leggings, and crop tops. Their viral monochromatic sets are ideal for low-intensity workouts or even high-speed grocery runs.
Varley
With classic silhouettes and straightforward shades, Varley is a minimalist’s dream. Keep things simple with their sculpted sports bra and high-rise leggings, and per Boggs’ suggestion, throw a baggy T-shirt into the mix. “I love the look of an oversized tee hanging over a pair of biker shorts,” she says. “It’s a timeless outfit formula that will always remain in style.”
Meet the Fitness Experts
Jessamyn Stanley is a yoga instructor, content creator, and the co-founder of The Underbelly, a virtual yoga community that offers online yoga and meditation classes. Stanley is also the author of two books, Every Body Yoga and Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance.
Meg Boggs is a powerlifter and the author of Fitness For Every Body. Boggs is passionate about sharing ways to appreciate and celebrate our unique body types.
