Fashionable workout clothes are a must for women who want to stay healthy, fit, and stylish simultaneously.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best 15 brands in the activewear category, including athletic wear, loungewear, and after-hours-wear apparel brands.
Without delay, these are the best 15 activewear brands right now, curated for those who seek high-quality, stylish, performance apparel.
1. ADIDAS
Best for Long-Sleeve Gear
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Check out Grace Wales Bonner’s collaboration with Adidas for classics reimagined with crochet stripes and retro Trefoil.
Adidas is one of the most popular athletic clothing brands in the world.
Adidas has a vast collection of workout clothes worth looking at and limited lines that cater to the sensibilities of fashion-focused athletes through luxury and performance.
Adidas activewear collections span the essential fitness closet, featuring high-quality shorts, tanks, leggings, jackets, and shoes with versatility beyond a quick trip to the gym.
Globally recognized, brand ambassadors like Kendall and Kylie Jenner sport the label’s incredible apparel.
2. OLD NAVY
Best for Plus Size Activewear
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Old Navy’s extra high-waisted compression tights are comfortable, stretchy, and breathable and have a hidden pocket at the back.
Old Navy is an American clothing and accessories retail company owned by Gap Inc.
With a functional and attractive design, Old Navy provides a wide selection of activity-specific activewear apparel.
Discover great activewear, from yoga to dance classes, heavy gym sessions, and surfing.
3. KORAL
Best for Tops and Bike Shorts
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Koral’s mock-neck crop tops and bike shorts bring an element of futurism to the fitness space.
Ilana Kugel founded the Koral Activewear brand, a Brazilian swimwear designer living in Los Angeles, US.
Ilana became frustrated with the limited range of existing activewear brands and used her experience to create contoured silhouettes that harmonize fashion and function.
Treading the line between technical innovation and contemporary design, Koral uses signature fabrics of high-tech properties for enhanced performance.
Nowadays, Koral takes a ‘design-with-purpose’ approach to its line of women’s activewear, creating fashion-forward pieces designed to empower women.
4. FREE PEOPLE
Best for Yoga Shorts and Running Tanks
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Free People’s yoga shorts and running tanks are superb, affordable, and available in various colorways and silhouettes.
As a major fashion retailer known for attractive and well-sourced women’s activewear, Free People has stepped up a notch with the launch of the F.P. Movement line.
There’s a lot to love about Free People’s F.P. Movement activewear line, but above all, it is the price/quality ratio.
The collection retains Free People’s trendy aesthetic while adding its unique flavor to workout clothing, all at unmatched prices, ideal if you’re after an excellent activewear discount.
5. AIRIE ACTIVEWEAR
Best for Yoga Pants
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Affordable activewear for yoga, jumping rope, running, dog walking, or a dance party.
American Eagle Outfitters is a leading specialty retailer offering affordable, on-trend activewear apparel, accessories, and personal care products.
The company operates over 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites.
Regarding activewear clothing, the label stands out by using fun colors, prints, and feminine details that you won’t see from other activewear brands.
Comfort, mix, and match are priorities – you can pair your favorite sports bras with squat-proof leggings, match running shorts, bike shorts, bottoms, and super cute tanks.
6. LIT ACTIVEWEAR
Best for Fitness Jackets
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Lit Activewear is not exclusive to fitness fanatics but anyone pursuing a conscious, mindful, and active lifestyle.
Lit Activewear provides a complete activewear wardrobe you need to feel empowered, up-to-trend, and full of vigor.
Every Lit Activewear garment conveys a modern philosophy that balances innovative design with sustainable fashion.
Simple, well-refined, versatile, and matchable to multiple styles, these activewear garments are designed to be flaunted and shown off in the streets.
7. NIKE
Best for Sports Dresses
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Nike’s latest activewear collection resembles a blend of luxury fashion with urban trends, capturing what’s on-trend in contemporary fashion.
Nike has found the sweet spot for high-performance fitness pieces that can work as daily clothes in activewear apparel – see the brand’s collab with Sacai.
Nike’s DRI-Fit tech featured in compression pieces is thinner (and stronger) than traditional stretch yarns for a featherlight touch that lets you move easily.
This article’s most celebrated activewear brand, Nike, is synonymous with activewear and streetwear.
Nike is a one-stop shop for women’s, men’s, girls’, and boys’ activewear – not to mention footwear.
8. GAP
Best for Maternity Activewear
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By putting comfort at its core, GAP’s current activewear collection hints at a relaxed, preppy fitness style.
Founded in 1969, over the last 50 years, G.A.P. has grown into seven brands, all championing high-quality clothes driven by equality, inclusivity, and sustainability.
In October 2020, the brand announced its online clothing store plan after closing over 350 Gap and Banana Republic stores across the U.S. by the end of 2023.
However, the brand’s aim remains the same “Do more than sell clothes; shape culture.”
9. ASOS
Best for Affordable Women’s Activewear
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ASOS’s sport minimizer bras and biker shorts compete with the biggest activewear brands out there right now.
ASOS stocks some of the best and most affordable get-fit kits for women searching for the most stylish and trendiest workout clothes possible.
Yet, there’s plenty of activewear apparel even for those who prefer monochrome moments with HIIT’s streetwear-inspired activewear sets, complete with breathable mesh panels and handy zip pockets.
Expect sweatpants and padded sports bras from Nike, discounted sweat sets and athletic accessories from Puma, complete gym wardrobes from Reebok, and meager prices.
10.
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
Best for Sustainable Gear
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Girlfriend Collective’s matching legging and training top sets featuring mesh detailing and unique colors are sustainable and comfortable.
Sustainability meets style with Girlfriend Collective, a loungewear and activewear brand that makes all apparel from 100% recycled plastic water bottles.
You can read the breakdown of how many bottles went into your garment.
For example, their bike unitard removed 26 water bottles from landfills, while the bra repurposed 12.
Moreover, once you’re done with the clothing, you can give it another life by returning it to the brand for recycling.
Above all, Girlfriend Collective creates all body types and shapes; the brand’s extended sizing offers an eco recipe for each piece.
11. EVERLANE
Best for Leggings
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Check out Everlane’s bestselling line of leggings, yoga pants, light workout clothes, stretchy gym clothing, and compression crop tops.
Everlane is an American clothing retailer headquartered in San Francisco, California, with stores in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, and Palo Alto.
According to the founders, Everlane is not big on trends.
“We want you to wear our pieces for years, even decades, to come. That’s why we source the finest materials and factories for our timeless products – like our Grade-A cashmere sweaters, Italian shoes, and Peruvian Pima tees.”
And that’s true, as my Everline ‘Perform Legging’ is made from premium performance fabric from a renowned Italian mill and feels fantastic.
12. ATHLETA ACTIVEWEAR
Best for Petite Women
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From yoga apparel to support your pose to high-performance activewear that increases performance, Athleta’s apparel is ideal for a chic studio look.
Regarding activewear designed for practical and honest women, Athleta remains among the best.
The brand represents women via clothing for various body shapes, sizes, activities, and aesthetics from fabrics that move and bend the way they should.
Athleta is a performance lifestyle brand designed by women, featuring collections spanning yoga and training to travel and sleep.
On the brand’s official store, you’ll find cult brands like Toesox and Tavi Noir, loved by celebs like Hailey Bieber and Heidy De la Rosa, to name a few.
13. ELLIE ACTIVEWEAR
Best for Fitness Sets
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With every monthly Ellie box, you discover (and wear) new activewear sets that make you look good, exercise well, and grow your confidence.
Ellie Activewear is a subscription business model where the brand sends you one high-quality 3-piece activewear outfit for a low-priced monthly outfit every month.
You’ll get the brand’s latest activewear and accessories delivered right to your door, saving time, money, and sanity; hunting down fitting activewear (and discounts) takes time.
14. CHAMPION
Best for Cropped Tops
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From tees, tanks, tights, leggings to sweats ideal for cross-training, studio, or just hanging out, Champion’s apparel line is designed to make you train hard.
One of the most popular 90s fashion trends, cropped tops are comfortable and super stylish.
Champion (stylized as Champion U.S.A.) is an American manufacturer of clothing specializing in sportswear and HanesBrands’ second-largest brand.
Hanesbrands Inc. is an American multinational clothing company that owns several clothing brands, such as Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, L’eggs, Just My Size, Hanes Hosiery, Barely There, Wonderbra, Dim, Berlei, Bonds, Duofold, Airé, and many more.
15. TAIL ACTIVEWEAR
Best for Skorts
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Fashionable garments, dependable sizing, and moisture-wicking performance fabrications, Tail Activewear is for women living super active lives.
Tail Activewear uses blocks to ensure consistent sizing from year to year.
The brand’s unwavering dedication to customers results in tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear designed to flatter many body types.
The skorts are fabulous and ideal for golf, tennis matches, yoga classes, traveling, or a relaxed summer Preppy party in the garden.
Conclusion
Many activewear brands are run by inspiring women who create activewear for powerful women seeking stylish, high-performance workout gear.
You’ll find performance workout shirts, pants, tank tops, workout shorts, and many more from moisture-wicking fabrics ready for everyday wear.
Discover athletic-based wear that is ready for the gym, yoga classes, CrossFit, running, hiking, or just a walk on the beach.
From cute leggings and chic yoga pants to comfortable sports bras and trendy tops, these are the best activewear brands you should know about now.
These are the 15 best activewear brands for gym clothes, designing and offering relaxed sweatpants, structured training tights, padded sports bras, and reflective jackets.
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Natalie Wilson
Natalie is an expert communications advisor for large media firms, specializing in implementing, managing, and delivering marketing strategies with award-winning results. Natalie uses her expertise and connections to provide The VOU's audience with a deep understanding of the Australian lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and popular brands.
