Remember when “fitness clothing” meant a pair of black leggings (maybe the same ones you wore around the house) and whatever T-shirt and sports bra you could dig out of a drawer? Maybe you don’t — that’s how far activewear brands have come since the days that “athleisure” was still a long-forgotten word from a ’70s sneaker ad. Nowadays, not only do we have behemoths like Nike and Adidas, but thanks largely to the rise of stylish sportswear pioneer Lululemon, there’s a whole industry of fashion-meets-function brands that offer clothing you can wear from barre class to the bar.
More: The Exact Beauty Products 7 Fitness It-Girls Keep in Their Gym Bags
On the one hand, it’s great because we have a lot more choices when it comes to what to wear to work out — but on the other, it can get a little overwhelming. New fitness brands are a dime a dozen these days, and knowing which ones offer style, performance and value isn’t easy.
More: The Best Places to Find Stylish, Cheap Workout Clothes
To help steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a guide to 16 must-know activewear lines. Some are brand new, while others have more than a decade in the biz and are totally underrated. Click through the gallery below to shop them all.
Originally posted on StyleCaster.
Alala
No, you’re not imagining it. This stuff is chicer than most of your regular wardrobe — so if you want to wear them to dinner, a party or even work (we’ve done it!) you’re totally in the clear. We love this racer tank in particular.
Alala
No, you’re not imagining it. This stuff is chicer than most of your regular wardrobe — so if you want to wear them to dinner, a party or even work (we’ve done it!) you’re totally in the clear. We love this racer tank in particular.
The Upside
Gym clothes feeling a little blah lately? This Aussie brand has fun prints in spades — plus, many of its pieces can do double-duty as swimwear.
Without Walls
Urban Outfitters’ in-house activewear label is a good bet for on-trend pieces like these Without Walls crisscross leggings that don’t break the bank (look out for sales for an even better deal).
Without Walls
Urban Outfitters’ in-house activewear label is a good bet for on-trend pieces like these Without Walls crisscross leggings that don’t break the bank (look out for sales for an even better deal).
Koral
Founder Ilana Kugel has mastered the sexy-sporty look with the jet jumpsuit, so it should come as no surprise the LA transplant was born in Rio.
Sweaty Betty
Whether you need a new gym bag, a winter-proof hoodie, thermal leggings or a lightweight tank for your next vinyasa class, this London-based stalwart has you covered.
Joe Fresh
For gym gear that doesn’t cost as much as your monthly membership, check out this Canadian brand’s cool, affordable selection.
Beloforte
From laser-cut leggings to micro-suede-trimmed tanks, this California brand is all about the details. We’re in love with their Sofia bra.
Beloforte
From laser-cut leggings to micro-suede-trimmed tanks, this California brand is all about the details. We’re in love with their Sofia bra.
Alo
Whether you’re a yogi or not, you’ll love this label’s super-comfy leggings, strappy bras and cozy post-workout hoodies. the Vixen fitted crop tank is so pretty.
First Base
This ethical Aussie label will give you a reason to get off your butt and go to spin class (even if that reason is to show off your rad leggings).
First Base
This ethical Aussie label will give you a reason to get off your butt and go to spin class (even if that reason is to show off your rad leggings).
P.E. Nation
There’s something irresistibly appealing about this Aussie brand’s retro vibe — and it has swimwear too!
C9 Champion
Don’t sleep on Target’s performance offerings — C9 has a wide range of leggings, tanks, hoodies and more (along with a wide range of sizes).
Aday
An NYC startup with slick collections made for those Saturdays when you go from brunch to barre to boutique-hopping. Their Throw It Higher leggings are super-comfy.
Aday
An NYC startup with slick collections made for those Saturdays when you go from brunch to barre to boutique-hopping. Their Throw It Higher leggings are super-comfy.
Michi
If your workout style favors all things black, mesh and strappy, you need to keep this made-in-Canada brand on your radar. We’ll bet you’ll run faster in these Radiate leggings.
Michi
If your workout style favors all things black, mesh and strappy, you need to keep this made-in-Canada brand on your radar. We’ll bet you’ll run faster in these Radiate leggings.
Varley
Printed pieces can be chic too, as this LA line proves on the regular. (Though if you’re a solids fan, it also has plenty of that.) The Biona Ash python legging is on sale for just $70 right now.
Varley
Printed pieces can be chic too, as this LA line proves on the regular. (Though if you’re a solids fan, it also has plenty of that.) The Biona Ash python legging is on sale for just $70 right now.
Beyond Yoga
Ten years in, this everything activewear brand makes pieces that are fun, functional and never boring.
Ultracor
You haven’t felt leggings like these before; they’ll sculpt and shape in all the right places, through Pilates class or a run in the park.
Ultracor
You haven’t felt leggings like these before; they’ll sculpt and shape in all the right places, through Pilates class or a run in the park.
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