Your activewear should not only support your fitness journey but also make you feel fabulous. As more of us prioritise health and wellness, workout clothes have transcended seasons to become a year-round wardrobe staple. With that in mind, the best activewear brands create supportive outfits that make us feel good, stylish and ready to crush our wellness goals all year round.
For wellness enthusiasts, performance often outranks style. For instance, the practicality of squat-proof workout leggings overshadows the appeal of aesthetically pleasing ones that need constant adjustment. Fortunately, several activewear brands have struck a unique balance, combining style, quality, and performance in gym wear, thus fulfilling every fitness lover’s dream.
Advancements in technology have also reshaped our expectations of sportswear. Brands now offer advanced features like sweat-wicking technology, which draws moisture away from the skin to the fabric’s exterior, allowing you to stay dry, comfortable, and focused on enhancing your routine and well-being.
Now, let’s dive into our top 5 favourite fitness brands. We’ll share why we’re obsessed with them and why we think you’ll fall in love with them too. (And hey, if you have a favourite brand that didn’t make our list, don’t hesitate to share it with us!)
Sweaty betty
Sweaty Betty is one of the best luxury activewear brands, hands down. Beyond an activewear brand, it is a lifestyle brand for the modern woman. Created to empower women with strong and feminine aesthetics, they offer undeniably fashionable designs with a perfect fit and top-notch quality. Their high-performance leggings suit everything from hardcore HIIT sessions to relaxed yoga classes. They’re so good that we’ve snapped them up in multiple colours, doubles of neutral colours :)!
But what truly sets Sweaty Betty apart is their commitment to creating versatile, inclusive, and ethically-made activewear. Their range is designed to transition seamlessly from the gym to running errands, perfectly embodying the ‘athleisure’ trend. They also cater to diverse body shapes and sizes, making fashion-forward fitness wear accessible to more women. Plus, their ethical manufacturing processes mean you can feel good about where your gym gear comes from.
Their high-performance fabrics offer sweat-wicking and quick-drying features, not to mention bum-sculpting technology! Their customer service is another standout point, with easy returns making online shopping a breeze. Lastly, being a part of Sweaty Betty means joining a community of fitness enthusiasts. They offer loyalty programmes that give insiders access to a whopping 50% off on birthdays, free delivery, and early access to sales.
With sports bras, bike shorts, and accessories as high-quality as their famed gym leggings, along with stylish everyday wear, Sweaty Betty has become our go-to brand to build an enviable activewear collection.
We are obsessed with: Power Leggings ❤️
Nike
Most people have a Nike piece in their gym wardrobe, standing out as a key unisex activewear brand. It’s a go-to choice for athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike, offering an incredible range of athletic wear using high-tech fabrics that deliver style and performance.
Known for its innovative spirit, Nike remains ahead in the activewear scene, transforming recycled plastic bottles and sustainable fabrics into the latest collections. These collections not only serve the needs of the wellness-conscious but also contribute positively to our planet.
Their diverse clothing range, including high-waisted leggings, sports bras, track pants, and t-shirts, provides trendy yet sustainable options to shop for your gym kit. Perfect for a busy day transitioning from workout to casual outings.
One item from Nike that has found a permanent place in our hearts (and wardrobe) is the Nigerian jersey jacket with ultra-chic details that allow us to display our national pride in style. Let’s not forget their sneakers. After several trials and errors with various sports brands, we’ve found that Nike sneakers can’t go wrong. They now make up 75% of our shoe collection!
Investing in Nike’s latest collection is always a good idea, especially if you value a blend of fashion, functionality, and sustainability.
We are obsessed with: Nigeria Football Jacket ❤️
Gymshark
Gymshark, a brand that took social media by storm, is now a cult favourite among activewear brands to know. Loved by influencers and everyday gym-goers, this brand offers high-performance gear crafted from quality fabrics featuring vibrant colours and trendy prints. We’ve been fans of Gymshark for years and can personally vouch for their quality, style, and performance.
The brand offers men a diverse range of workout essentials, including leggings, joggers, shorts, tanks, tees, and accessories. Gymshark doesn’t hold back on innovative and trendy feminine designs for women either. Their sports bras range from light support bralettes for rest days, featuring decorative cut outs for that extra stylish edge, to high-support ones for intense workouts.
But Gymshark isn’t just about aesthetics; they also emphasise performance tech. Their activewear features moisture-wicking or stretch fabrics, ensuring you stay comfortable during your workout. Additionally, they offer inclusive sizing and are reasonably priced, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Moreover, Gymshark has successfully built a community around its brand. They motivate their customers to lead healthier lifestyles through workout guides and inspirational content.
We are obsessed with: Colorful Matching Gym Sets ❤️
Adidas (Ivy Park)
Adidas partnered with Ivy Park to create collections that redefine activewear’s blend of fashion and functionality—spearheaded by global superstar Beyoncé. Ivy Park’s line offers chic activewear clothing that makes you look good and feel amazing.
Adidas has long been a staple in sportswear, offering fashionable and functional looks, but the partnership with Ivy Park takes it a notch higher. With the rise of athleisure, Adidas + Ivy Park truly stands out. The collection is specially designed to transition effortlessly from gym workout sessions to street-style fashion, making them a perfect addition to your gym and casual wardrobes.
While not every piece in the Adidas + Ivy Park collection is designed for high-intensity workouts, this range offers plenty of options to facilitate movement and flexibility for activities like pilates or yoga sessions. Additionally, the line features many stylish accessories that can inject a touch of fashion-forward chic into your gym gear.
However, distinguishing between athleisure and activewear is the key to making the most of this collection. While some pieces are designed to enhance your casual look with their fashion-forward aesthetics, others are engineered with functionality in mind, making you stand out on the gym floor. So, whether you want to elevate your style or enhance your workout, Adidas + Ivy Park has you covered with its versatile and trendy range.
We are obsessed with: Ivy Park Gym Bag ❤️
Puma
A global heavyweight in the sports and activewear industry, Puma is our go-to brand for unexpected finds. With their finger always on the pulse of the latest trends, they consistently deliver fresh, unique designs to shake up your workout wardrobe. Whether it’s unique prints, vibrant colours, or unconventional styles, there’s always something exciting in their latest collection.
Puma’s collections offer a broad range of products, including modest gym sets, cover-ups, training shoes, and casual wear, making it a one-stop shop for all your fashion and workout needs. Puma’s collaborations with top athletes and celebrities, including Rihanna, Usain Bolt, and Neymar Jr, make them stand out. Their Fenty by Rihanna line was highly acclaimed for its unique, fashion-forward designs that stole the show.
Puma is committed to sustainability, with numerous initiatives to reduce environmental impact. They’re continually innovating to incorporate recycled materials into their products and aim for sustainable production practices. Puma’s dedication to inclusivity, with sizes ranging from XS to XXL, ensures everyone can find stylish, top-notch activewear.
Finally, Puma’s high-performance footwear is worth mentioning, from their running shoes that provide excellent cushioning and support to their trendy casual sneakers that add an athletic edge to any outfit.
We are obsessed with: Puma X Rihanna Fenty Trainers ❤️
Other notable brands
Among other stylish activewear brands we adore, Victoria’s Secret stands out with its gorgeous bras and shorts that have become a staple in our workout rotation. Another brand that has impressed us is Girlfriend Collective; their sustainable activewear is something we’ve dabbled in and are eager to explore further. Lastly, Lululemon is on our radar as a brand we’re excited to try in the near future.
While shopping for stylish activewear brands, remember that mixing and matching is the key to building a versatile workout wardrobe. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two brands. Instead, go for diversity – explore new brands and try different styles. This way, you can curate a timeless and stylish collection that flatters your body and inspires you to stay active and healthy. Like any of the fitness wears or brands featured above? You can get them discounted! Shop our vibrant pre-loved closet on Vinted or Depop; good for your pocket and the world.
In the end, remember that stylish activewear should be a fusion of comfort, fashion, and function. Choose pieces that you love, and that motivates you to move, sweat, and feel your best. Because when you look good in your workout gear, you’ll naturally want to work out more. And that’s what stylish activewear is all about – inspiring movement, promoting wellness, and empowering you to be your healthiest, most confident self. Check out our Afrobeats Workout Playlist to keep you moving during your next session!
