Performance & Style Boost With Women’s Activewear
Fashionable workout clothes are a must for women who want to stay healthy, fit, and stylish all at the same time.
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 in 2023, curated for those who seek high-quality, stylish, performance apparel.
1/15
ADIDAS
Best Activewear Long-Sleeves
from $29
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“For an ongoing collaboration with Wales Bonner designer Grace Wales Bonner, Adidas classics are reimagined with retro details. Warm color palettes, crochet, “Trefoil,” and stripes can all be found in this drop.”
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-ed 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, the label has incredible apparel for men, women, and kids and is supported by brand ambassadors like Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
2/15
OLD NAVY
Best Plus Size Activewear
from $7.97
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Comfortable, stretchy, breathable, extra high-waisted, and with a hidden pocket at the back, Old Navy’s compression tights are ideal if you want to ‘spice up’ your workout clothes to look good and feel good.”
Old Navy is an American clothing and accessories retailing company owned by the multinational corporation 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 and heavy gym sessions to surfing.
3/15
KORAL
Best Activewear Tops
from $39
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“With mock-neck crop tops and bike shorts delivering high-functioning wardrobe staples beyond the classic styles, Koral manages to 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.
4/15
FREE PEOPLE
Best Women’s Activewear Shorts
from $28
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Ideal for streamlined basics, Free People’s activewear apparel – from yoga shorts to running tanks – is superb, affordable, and available in a range of colorways and silhouettes.”
As a major fashion retailer known for attractive and well-sourced women’s activewear, Free People have 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.
5/15
AIRIE ACTIVEWEAR
Best Activewear Pants
from $9.57
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Packed with fun prints, exciting colors, and feminine details, American Eagle activewear is a must if you want to have fun regardless of the activity type: yoga, jumping rope, running, walking your dog, or having 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 to squat-proof leggings, match running shorts, bike shorts, bottoms, and super cute tanks.
6/15
LIT ACTIVEWEAR
Best Activewear Jacket
from $38
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“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 mindfully-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.
7/15
NIKE
Best Activewear Dress
from $23.97
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“In the latest activewear collections, Nike’s offering resembles upscale luxury fashion with a new unique urban flair, 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.
The most celebrated activewear brand in this article, 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.
8/15
GAP
Best Maternity Activewear
from $24.99
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Originators and champions of a uniquely radical and optimistic sense of American style, G.A.P.’s everyday activewear apparel has comfort at its core.”
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 stores” plans, with the closure of 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.”
9/15
ASOS
Best Affordable Women’s Activewear
from $4.35
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Whether exercising at home, working out in the gym, or channeling that athleisure aesthetic, ASOS has something to suit your body and personality.”
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.
ASOS stocks everything from the biggest activewear brands out there right now, from sport minimizer bras to biker shorts.
Expect sweatpants and padded sports bras from Nike, discounted sweat sets and athletic accessories from Puma, complete gym wardrobes from Reebok and meager prices.
10/15
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
Best Sustainable Activewear
from $20
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you like to stay coordinated while working out, look to Girlfriend Collective for matching legging and training top sets featuring mesh detailing and bold color options.”
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.
You’ll find styles in both classic shades and standout patterns, so you can express your individuality while you work up a sweat.
11/15
EVERLANE
Best Activewear Leggings
from $68
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Everlane’s women’s activewear line of leggings, yoga pants, workout clothes, branded sports sneakers, stretchy gym clothing, and specialist athletic attire are designed to last for years.”
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.
Featuring an extra-high waist, minimal seams, an interior pocket, and lightweight compression with technical sweat-wicking properties, these are my can’t-leave-home-without leggings right now; highly recommended!
12/15
ATHLETA ACTIVEWEAR
Best Petite Women’s Activewear
from $12.99
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“From yoga apparel to support your pose to high-performance activewear that increases performance, you should try the brand’s high-rise tights (over 6,000 five-star reviews) or their bestselling compression crop top 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.
13/15
ELLIE ACTIVEWEAR
Best Activewear Sets
from $39.95
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“With every monthly Ellie box, you get to discover (and wear) new activewear sets that make you look good, exercise well, and grow your confidence – and trust me, feeling that way is worth every penny.”
Ellie Activewear is a subscription business model where the brand sends you one high-quality 3-piece activewear outfit every month for a low price monthly outfit.
Delivered right to your door, you’ll get the brand’s latest activewear and accessories, saving time, money, and sanity; it takes time to hunt down fitting activewear (and discounts).
14/15
CHAMPION
Best Activewear Crop Top
from $12
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“From tees, tanks, tights, leggings to sweats ideal for cross-training, studio, or just hanging out, Champion women’s athletic apparel line featuring moisture-wicking performance is designed to keep you training most comfortably.”
One of the most popular 90s fashion trends, cropped tops are not only comfortable but also 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, including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, L’eggs, Just My Size, Hanes Hosiery, Barely There, Wonderbra, Dim, Berlei, Bonds, Duofold, Airé, Beefy-T, C9 by Champion, Celebrity, Daisyfresh, J. E. Morgan, One Hanes Places, Maidenform, Rinbros, Ritmo, Sheer Energy, Silk Reflections, Sol, Sol y Oro, Tagless, Bonds and Zorba.
15/15
TAIL ACTIVEWEAR
Best Activewear Skorts
from $30
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Committed to delivering fashionable styling, dependable sizing, and the best in technical fabrications, Tail Activewear focuses on activewear for women living a super active lifestyle.”
Tail Activewear uses blocks to ensure consistent sizing from year to year, and the tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear are thoughtfully designed to flatter many body types; you’ll feel confident knowing you look your best.
The result of our unwavering dedication to customers is a fabulous, fashionable wardrobe that will have you feeling your best for a round of golf, a tennis match, a yoga class, traveling, or even just running errands around town.
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 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 that you should know about right 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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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these activewear brands is your favorite and why?
Are there any other activewear brands you’ve tried and want to add to this list?
Comments below, please!
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.
