If going to the gym is a part of your daily routine, you know just how much use you get out of your trusty activewear.
Whether that means wearing your favourite leggings to pilates every morning or throwing on your favourite shorts to hit the supermarket on a Sunday, activewear is in high rotation.
Ever felt self-conscious that your underwear was showing through a see-through pair of leggings during downward dog? That problem is eliminated with high-quality activewear.
Keep scrolling to meet a few of our favourite activewear brands. You deserve to look good while you feel good, and more importantly to feel good while working out.
For Fashionable Activewear
If your goal is to look great while you work out, these brands have some of the chicest activewear options out there. You can easily go from the gym to brunch in these options, or double them up as comfier outfit choices for lazy weekend days.
Faebella
Created by Alisha Jayne, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman who was inspired to create Faebella when she became an art tour guide at Bond University, where she also studied. In this position, Jayne learnt the stories behind the artworks and took visitors through the significance of these for her people and their culture.
Jayne realised that many people didn’t know the stories and meanings of symbols used in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork. According to the Faebella website, Jayne “believed that more people would appreciate the art styles more if they understood them and wanted to find a way to be able to share that understanding. Alisha envisioned a lot of the paintings would look stunning on clothing.”
To add a pop of colour to your activewear wardrobe, go for the Gloria Messenger Leggings, designed by Yuwaalaraay woman, Wendy Rix.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBKUHnDHYcl/
The Upside
Known for fun, quirky prints and bright colours, The Upside has some of the most unique patterns. We especially love the leggings, which come in a variety of fun prints. They look perfect paired with complimentary sports bras, or even just a plain white tee.
Right now, we’re eyeing the Poppy Yoga Pant and Tiger Yoga Pant as fun options to wear at the gym or on a coastal walk. The brand’s men’s options are equally as good: The Ikat Camo Ultra Trainer Short, and the Big Logo Muscle tank are the perfect mix of retro and modern.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NwD0NF3a-/
P.E. Nation
Let’s be real, no one is surprised to see P.E. Nation on this list. Specifically designed to be the intersection of streetwear and activewear, the brand is constantly ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest trends, both in and out of the gym.
With bright, bold colours and punchy graphics, P.E. Nation’s selection of leggings, bras, and tops will make you want to live in your activewear day in and day out.
We can imagine that the Co-driver Hoodie would look just as good with jeans as it does with biker shorts. The Training Day Cross Body Bag is also the perfect small bag for toting your wallet and phone to your next workout class.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5RWWGVhQ8k/
FP Movement
FP Movement is the activewear line of the famously boho-cool brand Free People. And just the same, FP Movement is always on-trend when it comes to what’s the latest in activewear.
With its signature easy, soft designs FP Movement’s wide range has that extra design element that so many other gym clothes are lacking.
The Lightning Synergy Top, for example, has the coolest back we’ve seen on a sport’s bra; and the Side to Side Performance Onesie has us rethinking our usual yoga outfit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B44_QVjlP__/
Best Sustainable Activewear
For those making a conscious effort to become more sustainable in everyday life (we should all be, really), these activewear brands will align with both your style sense and values.
Without compromising looks for morals, these brands have created some amazing options while doing what’s best for the environment in the meantime.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend is well known for its Compressive Leggings, which contain 25 recycled post-consumer water bottles. All of these bottles are sourced from a place in Taiwan that used to be called “Garbage Island” but a change in practices has seen Taiwan become the world leader in recycling, with 55% of waste being recycled.
The Compressive Leggings come in a variety of colours and lengths and are perfect for running, yoga or simply wearing to brunch. Pair with a Summit Track Jacket to keep warm against the elements.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-xMxUsg8K9/
Nimble Activewear
This brand is making activewear history by crafting its leggings from recycled plastic. Since 2015, the brand has recycled 806,031 plastic bottles — and we only expect that number to keep growing for years to come.
Without compromising on style, Nimble is stopping waste in its tracks, finding a way to make old trash into treasure. The Spring in Your Set is perfect for an early morning jog, and the Easy Move Set would be a great one to throw on to take the dog for a walk.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TUwNwl19Z/
Dharma Bums
Working with organic cotton, recycled nylon, and sustainable bamboo, this brand does its best to ensure that every article of clothing it creates is doing minimal damage to the environment.
We love the look of the Asana Wrap Front Tee for something you could throw on for going from home to the gym. The Breeze Knit Relaxed Pants also look like they’d transition easily from yoga studio to the beach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LP1OMFgk1/
First Base
Built on a love of surfing and sports culture, First Base was created to be an activewear embodiment of Bondi Beach — and it’s living up to that vision.
With a focus on ethical and sustainable designs, First Base is making a big difference through small changes. In addition to recycling 1,318 kilos of plastic waste, the brand has planted 1,672 trees with one being added to that number every time someone shops.
For a super-cool gym outfit, we’d recommend pairing the grey marle Infinite In Motion Legging with the Recreation Crop Top.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tVmtpBAIq/
Best Functional Activewear
While having great looking activewear is always a bonus, high-intensity athletes might need something that is a little more technical. These brands have mastered the art of activewear so that they will feel and perform just as good as they look.
Whether you’re running a marathon or in a HIIT class, these brands will live up to your energy levels.
STAX.
Founded in Perth by Don Robertson alongside Matilda Murray in 2015, STAX. is an Aussie-owned brand that creates premium sports and luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle. With an emphasis on style, quality and size inclusivity, it’s workout gear that you can wear to the gym and beyond.
Jump on the tie dye trend with these Tie Dye Tights, which you can wear with the matching Tie Dye Crop Top to make it a set.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2IXY79hP2s/
Lululemon
Basically synonymous with “activewear”, Lululemon is a fan favourite for its high-quality materials and fits.
Lululemon has great men’s options as well and carries a few workout accessories to meet all of your gym needs. You’re guaranteed a great fit with the brand’s Align Pant.
For men, the Pacebreaker Short will be your new go-to. Not to mention, the brand’s Secret Sock is favourite for men and women alike, and will likely start to take over your entire sock drawer in no time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4GV5gqD43g/
Outdoor Voices
“We make high-quality products for sweating in that make you feel strong, confident and ready for Doing Things.” That’s the motto at Outdoor Voices — and that sounds pretty good to us.
With its futuristic-chic design and signature TechSweat fabric, any athlete is sure to love this brand. Outdoor Voices sells pieces separately or as kits, so you can have the perfect gym outfit from the get-go.
A few best-sellers include the ⅞ Springs Legging for women and Cloud Knit Hoodie for men. If you’re new to Outdoor Voices, try one of these and you’re sure to be hooked.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4432BlJRPH/
Nike
As they say, a classic never dies, and Nike has been serving up quality activewear since 1964.
Made to perform, Nike’s activewear has been trusted by athletes for decades and the brand only continues to improve as new fabrics, fits and technologies enter the scene.
The men’s Dri-FIT Shirt is specifically designed to hold up through any hot yoga class. Women will love the FE/NOM Flyknit Sports Bra, designed to provide high support no matter what activity you’re doing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/5XUzeMgUbL/