Now that the defining lines between athletic wear, loungewear, and relaxed after-hours wear have been blurred to soft smudges, searching for the best fitness-wear is a triple play. In 2024, everything lives beyond the gym, the studio, or, of course, the yoga mat.
Designer collabs and ballet-all-day layers are leading activewear’s metamorphosis as we twirl through the new year. Alo Yoga’s ability to make a disco-themed leotard feel polished enough for a night out while perfectly suited for a barre class is part of the reason why the fitness brand has become a favourite of highly lensed megastars from Hailey Bieber to Kendall Jenner. Adidas, meanwhile, has become the label to watch for collaborations, whether it’s Wales Bonner’s retro separates or Stella McCartney’s streamlined designs.
Here, a running (ehem) tally of the emerging, essential, and delightfully useful brands making some of the best activewear in the game to shop and infinitely style.
The best activewear brands at a glance
Lululemon’s leggings, contoured outerwear and smart accessories have become legendary amongst fitness buffs. The brand’s Align leggings, which come in a plethora of colourways and lengths, are consistently voted best in class thanks to their comfortable construction and flattering fit.
One of the OGs for high-performance sportswear, Adidas has in recent years expanded its oeuvre to include lust-worthy fashion collabs with the likes of Wales Bonner and Stella McCartney, alongside its successful Adidas Originals line, which looks just as good on the city streets as it does in the gym.
Tala may have only launched in May 2019, but it has already garnered a cult following, thanks to its functional and flattering fitness-wear made from recycled and natural materials. With a range of separates and accessories on offer, available in sizes 2XS to 4X, you’re sure to find something to love.
In apparel, Nike’s figured out the sweet spot for high-performance fitness pieces that masquerade as real clothes. Aside from cozy sweats and puffers, their DRI-Fit tech, featured in compression pieces, is thinner (and somehow stronger) than traditional stretch yarns for a featherlight touch that lets you move more freely.
Beyond Yoga has become a surprising cult hit for its jumpsuit and bodysuit skills, with top-rated designs beloved by its customers. Plus, they’ve figured out how to create slick maternity options that mix comfort with style.
Girlfriend Collective considers all bodies in their process with extended sizing, then goes a step further to offer an eco recipe for each piece. For example, their oft-sold-out bike unitard diverts 26 water bottles from landfills, while their Dylan bra diverts 12.
Drawing inspiration from the coastal California lifestyle, Vuori combines comfortable daywear silhouettes with high-performance fabrics to create exercise staples you’ll want to wear day in, day out. At the top of our list for 2024? The versatile Restore hoodie.
P.E Nation creates streetwear with an activewear soul. Designed to look its best in any setting, their garments stand the test when it comes to the demands of vigorous exercise. Shop by workout to source the items that suit your needs.
A true high-street stalwart, Sweaty Betty has been dressing fitness-lovers for over 25 years, and continues to convert with its sturdy Power leggings and Seamless running tops.
Associated with supermodels like Candice Swanepoel and the Hadid sisters, Alo Yoga’s designs are exactly the kind of athletic wear you’ll see in celebrities-in-the-wild paparazzi shots and yoga classes alike.
