Ever since activewear transitioned from fashion faux-pas to downright trendy, athleisure fashion is giving us a run for our money (pun intended). You’ve seen it everywhere and worn by everyone — including our favorite celebrities — from the streets to the runways, from fitness studios to happy hour, and back again.
Many brands are now extending their lines to fit into our multifaceted lifestyles, making it difficult to know which fashion activewear brands are actually worth sweating for. Because, let’s face it, as comfortable as (some—not all) seamless tights may be, if they stretch after a couple of wears, they’re as good as done.
Bearing this in mind, Luxe Digital’s highly discerning (a euphemism for critical?) editors tested the most popular activewear brands to determine which could keep up with our on-the-move lifestyles, making us look and feel good—whether running errands, running late or actually taking the office treadmill for a spin.
We looked for materials with high-tech innovations like moisture wicking, breathability, compression and temperature regulation. Even better if they are eco-friendly and made from recycled materials or natural fibers.
And if the designs are also flattering and fashionable, well… they earned a spot on our carefully curated list of the best activewear brands for women.
It’s a tall order, we know, but these athletic and athleisure labels hit the ball out of the park.
Verdict: Stretching the limit from studio to street to our sofa, this is the celebrity-favorite brand that convinced us to basically live in our activewear.
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Verdict: A favorite brand of ours for performance activewear with a sophisticated downtown New York attitude, Alala inspires us to live a life that moves us.
Verdict: The activewear brand behind the Internet-famous exercise dress has us dress the part, from long workouts to long weekends.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As busy mothers and hard-working professionals, we value luxury pieces that make a life in motion a little more sumptuous—and a lot more seamless. All year long, we rigorously test and review luxury brands, and go the extra mile to unearth superlative products to support a more sustainable lifestyle.
For this article, our (highly critical) team of editors at Luxe Digital tried on dozens of luxury activewear brands over long periods of time to test how they performed and held up over various occasions. Yep, we endured many squats, sit-ups, and sprints for your benefit.
For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.
Best activewear brands for women
Keep reading to discover the most stylish luxury activewear labels on the market that every modern trendsetter needs in their life.
Warning: Once you start buying these luxury workout clothes, you’ll be wearing them everywhere all the time.
1. Alo Yoga
Los Angeles-born Alo Yoga offers elevated athleisure clothing that features unexpected details such as rips, cutouts, lacing, and mesh detailing. A celebrity favorite – from Gigi Hadid to Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner – Alo Yoga transitions easily from practice to the coffee shop.
Their leggings, tanks, sports bras, and other activewear staples are all made of high-performance, innovative fabrics for that perfect move-with-you fit.
Best brand for: stylish yet affordable activewear clothes that look good from the studio to the coffee shop.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Eco-aware, ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials (organic cotton and recycled polyester) |
Size range: | XXS–2XL |
2. Alala
Alala is a super trendy New York City-inspired luxury activewear brand. Featuring high-tech performance fabrics with high-fashion details (from mesh backs to cut-out tops and more), Alala’s sophisticated pieces can be worn anywhere from dinner to a party, or even work.
Effortlessly cool and contemporary. Be ready to elevate your yoga outfits with cute gym clothes.
Best brand for: premium elegance yet functional activewear.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Sustainable materials (recycled fabric, plant based fibers) |
Size range: | XS-3X |
3. Nike
One of the most successful and recognizable sportswear brands in the world, Nike offers everything from quality shorts and t-shirts to shoes and socks that are both fashionable and functional. The brand also sells a lot of high-quality gym gear for your home.
Over the years, Nike has developed a cult following by constantly innovating on new designs and reissuing its classic ones. A cut above the iconic brand’s mainline offering, Nike Sportswear NSW Collection is the pinnacle of Nike’s performance apparel that totally looks good for everyday wear.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Sustainable materials, zero waste philosophy |
Size range: | XXS-3X |
4. Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices is on a mission to get the world moving. The athletic brand wants you to have fun while doing it. They believe freeing fitness from performance starts with having fun and generating endorphins. That’s why they create high-quality products for Recreation that make you feel strong and confident.
We love Outdoor Voices’ super cute exercise dress and uber-comfortable MegaFleece Sweatshirts.
Best brand for: a casual day in the office or an active day at the beach.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Raw materials, longevity, circularity |
Size range: | XXS-XXXL |
5. Summersalt
Australian brand Summersalt started off as a stylish swimwear brand but have since branched out into activewear and loungewear. And we’re glad they did! Their activewear line is simple and comfortable yet designed with a little je-ne-sais-quoi that makes their clothes stand out in the studio.
Best brand for: budget-friendly sports bras, leggings, and pullovers.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials, eco-friendly materials (TENCEL™, TENCEL Modal, and Cupro) |
Size range: | XS-2X |
6. ASOS Activewear
Looking for a touch of Scandi design in your fitness wardrobe? Take a look at ASOS latest activewear collection. Whether you’re into intense HIIT classes or home workouts, or you just like that athleisure aesthetic, ASOS sells a large selection of stylish clothes to get you comfortable when moving or chilling. They have an entire line dedicated to curvy and oversized women too.
Best brand for: affordable yet stylish and minimalist clothes.
Country of origin | UK |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials (TENCEL™) |
Size range: | XXS-XL, Petit, Curve, Maternity, Tall |
7. Wolven
Make sustainable sexy. That’s Wolven’s motto and you can tell. Every workout clothes that the brand designs is beautiful and elegant but also friendly to the environment. Their activewear collection is durable too.
Designed in Downtown Los Angeles with sustainable fabrics, Wolven’s sportswear are produced in small batches. For the nature lovers at heart, these earth-inspired prints are designed to instantly transport you to the magic of the sacred outdoors — even if you’re powering through asanas inside.
Best brand for: sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled-PET fabic, carbon-neutral |
Size range: | XS-XL |
8. Sweaty Betty
Born in London in 1998, sassy activewear brand Sweaty Betty (which defines its name as “Someone who works out, but definitely likes cake”) offers an incredible range of workout essentials.
Sweaty Betty is one of the first active fashion brands to bring a holistic lifestyle approach to their high-end workout clothes. Their covetable selection of studio-to-street designs features quirky graphic tees, pops of colors, and fun patterns.
Best brand for: the origin of fashionable activewear.
Country of origin | UK |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Lower-impact materials, organic cotton, plant-based fibres |
Size range: | XXS-XXL |
9. Athleta
The Gap-owned fitness brand Athleta designs stylish athleisure wear for women and girls for a variety of activities including yoga, running, swimming, and hiking.
Best brand for: affordable and timeless sportswear.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Organic cotton, recycled nylon fabrics |
Size range: | XXS-3X |
10. Tory Sport
Tory Sport is the performance luxury activewear for women by Tory Burch that seamlessly balances style and performance. Defined by classic American sportswear, Tory Sport offers a comprehensive range of stylish and wearable sports clothing and athletic wear for coming and going, running, studio, tennis, and golf.
Best brand for: the fitness fashionista.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$$ |
Sustainability: | Organic materials, recycled fabrics |
Size range: | XXS-XXl |
11. P.E Nation
A favorite of the Kardashian-Jenners, P.E Nation is an Australian sportswear brand that has taken your social media feed by storm. This uber-chic athleisure brand with a “tomboy meets city girl” attitude is best known for merging technical qualities with retro-inspired designs through its body-sculpting and eye-catching garments from geometric shapes to bright colors.
Seamlessly merging high fashion and fitness, P.E Nation is the perfect fit for fast-paced urban lifestyles.
Country of origin | Australia |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials |
Size range: | XXS-3XL |
12. Lululemon
No luxury activewear edit would be complete without the Canadian brand Lululemon. Best known for its yoga-inspired athletic clothing roots, Lululemon now offers an expansive and reliably well-made range of elegantly muted activewear products (from basic gym gear to trail and hiking apparel). Sure, they have some of the best yoga leggings on the market, but they also have cute tops and gym gear now.
A sure win for both the gym and the street-style scene.
Country of origin | Canada |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Sustainable materials, circularity |
Size range: | XXXS-XXL |
13. Perfect Moment
Launched by extreme sports documentary maker Thierry Donard, Perfect Moment is a French athleisure brand for the adventure-seekers.
Blending high performance with style, Perfect Moment creates rigorously tested activewear (including ski, surf, swim, and workout staples) offering optimal athletic performance and an exceptional fit.
Country of origin | France |
Price: | $$$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials |
Size range: | XS-XL |
14. Under Armour
The American sportswear label Under Armour launched in 2016 Under Armour Sportswear (UAS), a premium athleisure range designed by Belgian designer Tim Coppens. UAS fuses high-performance sportswear designs with an elevated sartorial touch. They have really cute and sexy gym clothes on their website.
Country of origin | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled and renewable materials |
Size range: | XXS-3X |
15. Adidas
Adidas is a sportswear powerhouse that combines quality and style to create modern, street-savvy activewear. The activewear brand’s signature three-stripe motif has gained iconic status in popular culture.
Country of origin | Germany |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials |
Size range: | 2XS-2XL, Petit, Plus size, Maternity, Tall |
16. Adidas by Stella McCartney
Adidas by Stella Mccartney is the ultimate chic activewear brand for fashion-forward women. This highly successful long-term collaboration between the fashion designer and sportswear giant continues to hit the mark.
The collection (which includes clothing for yoga, running, tennis, athleisure, and more) features bold hues and prints, high-quality and high-performance fabrics, elegant silhouettes, and undeniably fashionable designs that will stand out no matter where you roam.
Country of origin | Germany/UK |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled polyester |
Size range: | 2XS-2XL |
17. Y-3
Y-3 is a collaboration between sportswear giant Adidas and Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. Launched in 2002, the partnership aims to blend the innovative sportswear technology of Adidas with Yamamoto’s avant-garde fashion flair, resulting in a unique and high-end line of athletic and athleisure apparel and footwear.
Characterized by its modern minimalist aesthetic, the Y-3 line celebrates Japanese culture through clean lines and meticulous craftsmanship while also exploring a more playful side with neon hues and unkempt brushstrokes.
If you’re more into the fashion of activewear and less concerned with hitting new PBs, the Adidas Y-3 collaboration is the perfect way to make sport a style statement.
Best for: Breaking a sweat—but make it fashion.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$$ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials |
Size range: | XXS-XL |
18. The Upside
The Upside is an Australian luxury activewear label that offers chic, versatile athleisure pieces in dynamic prints, florals, and patterns. The Upside combines body-sculpting styles with high-tech materials to elevate your workout wardrobe – from leggings to bras and tanks.
A favorite amongst A-list celebrities, from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Bella Hadid, and Kim Kardashian, The Upside creates functional pieces that look great in and out of the studio.
Country of origin: | Australia |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Certified Organic cottons, recycled materials, anti ‘fast fashion’ approach |
Size range: | XXS-XXL |
19. FP Movement by Free People
FP Movement is Free People’s active fashion line which triumphs both bohemian chic style and function. Their leggings, bras, and sweats offer ultra-chic details (such as decorative cut-outs and added straps), trendy color schemes, and impeccable fit.
Perfect whether you’re actually working out or not.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Eco-conscious design, circularity, waste reduction |
Size range: | XXS-XL |
20. Varley
Varley is a performance-first lifestyle brand that offers technically innovative, fashion-forward athleisure apparel for the modern woman. Varley’s clothes can be worn ‘from the school run to the office, from the ballet barre to the boxing ring’.
From leggings to outwear, the collection features pastel and neutral tones, mesh details, and trendy patterns.
Country of origin: | USA/UK |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials, minimal waste policy |
Size range: | XXS-XL |
21. Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga is a luxury athleisure brand with mostly muted solid colors. Their high-performance leggings, bras, and tanks feature intricate straps, mesh insets, and luxe textures.
The yoga-inspired collection is made in the USA from soft, durable, easy-care fabrics.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials, wood based fiber |
Size range: | XXS-4X |
22. Allbirds
When professional football player, Tim Brown and renewables engineer, Joey Zwillinger teamed up to create the most sustainable shoe in 2014, we knew that they were onto something special.
As one of the best sustainable activewear brands, Allbirds is renowned for its use of innovative, eco-conscious materials and closed-loop systems. Paying respects to its muse, Mother Nature, almost all of the materials used are natural, renewable, biodegradable or recyclable. But they’re also incredibly comfortable and high performing with unique properties such as breathability, temperature regulation and unparalleled softness.
Like its signature Sweetfoam soles, Allbirds’ collection of shoes, apparel and accessories hits the sweet spot between quality, comfort and consciousness—from the world’s lowest CO2 running trainer to ultra-zen yoga pants.
Best for: Making an active lifestyle sustainable.
Country of origin: | New Zealand |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Sustainable materials and closed-loop systems |
Size range: | XS-XXXL |
23. Live the Process
Celebrated for seamlessly transitioning from studio to street, Live the Process makes living in activewear as fashionable as it is functional.
Founded in 2013 by former fashion PR manager, Robyn Berkley, the lifestyle brand is ethically and meticulously manufactured in the United States by quality-driven women. Live the Process is also one of the most sustainable workout brands, with the goal of creating luxurious activewear that embraces local labor and reduces environmental impact.
We wear our Live the Process apparel, accessories and lingerie daily—whether it’s to actually run or just run errands—and are continuously impressed by how comfortable they are, with high-tech features such as four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, heat reduction and wind resistance. Plus, they look as great as they feel.
Best for: Making living in activewear an appropriate lifestyle choice.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$$ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials |
Size range: | XS-L |
24. Girlfriend Collective
Paving the way for a more body-positive industry image, Girlfriend Collective is all about inclusive sizing, with its compression collection quickly becoming a cult-favorite amongst curvy it-girls.
Additionally, the conscious brand has gained further recognition for its eco-friendly approach and innovative use of recycled materials. Made from recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets and other plastic waste, Girlfriend Collective is a light on the planet as it is to wear. Which says a lot, considering that the label’s tights are some of the most lightweight and comfortable we’ve tried.
From recycled stretch jumpsuits to compression shorts, Girlfriend Collective holds up after the sweatiest of workouts and still feels great lounging on the couch post-gym. It’s also one of the more affordable luxury gym clothing brands, so feel free to stock up.
Best for: Celebrating every body.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials |
Size range: | XXS–6XL |
25. Splits59
If you’re someone who lives in workout wear, regardless of how much you actually workout (no judgment here), you’ll know how quickly ordinary fashion activewear fabrics tend to wear out. After a couple of weeks, they’re totally stretched and potentially see-through.
Splits59 is fully aware of that problem and dedicated to solving it with quality designs that are also more edgy with a slightly retro flair. Think: flared sweats, old-school rugby tops, asymmetric sports bras and striped tennis dresses.
Aesthetics aside, the vintage-inspired activewear brand feels as cool as it looks. Made from breathable Airweight fabrics and moisture wicking materials, you’ll want to stay for drinks at the club, even after a tough run around the court.
Best for: High tech materials take on a retro flair.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Recycled materials |
Size range: | XS-XL |
26. Sporty & Rich
What was once a Pinterest mood board in 2015 has materialized into one of the most coveted it-girl activewear brands. Founded by fashion editor Emily Oberg in New York, Sporty and Rich lives up to its name, counting famous faces, such as Rita Ora and Olivia Culpo amongst its ever-growing fanbase.
As one of the most sought-after luxury activewear brands, the affluent label is distinguished by its 90s-inspired graphics with positive prints like “Be Nice” accenting simple tees, country club jerseys and velvet sweats.
Sporty and Rich releases limited edition drops throughout the year, which tend to sell out immediately by those in-the-know.
Best for: Spreading positivity through club-inspired prints and sport.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$$ |
Sustainability: | Biodegradable packaging |
Size range: | XS-XL |
27. The North Face
If you’re more of an outdoors mover—be it trail runs or mountain hikes or overnight cycles—you’ll need an activewear brand that can keep up in tricky terrains and withstand volatile climates. In which case, we recommend The North Face.
Aptly named, you could say that the brand is our North star when it comes to tackling the big outdoors with its extensive range of high-performance gear—from fleece down puffers to waterproof rain jackets to breathable tees to durable duffels and backpacks.
Function aside, the brand’s iconic designs also appeal to fashion-conscious adventurers with its collection of vintage-inspired athleisure. The North Face isn’t just for scaling mountains, it’s also for lying horizontal (you know, taking the recommended recovery period seriously and all.)
Best for: Making the ascent easier.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $$ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials |
Size range: | XS-3XL |
28. New Balance
Founded in 1906 in Boston, New Balance was inspired by the perfect balance found in nature and more specifically how chickens achieve perfect balance standing on three claws. Producing some of the best sneakers and apparel, the well-established athletic brand has since found its own feet when it comes to balance—dedicated to hitting the sweet spot between performance, comfort, style and affordability.
As one of the more affordable luxury athletic brands, New Balance doesn’t compromise on quality or craftsmanship. The brand’s extensive line of activewear is made from lightweight, quick-drying materials. While its impressive line of retro inspired sneakers have just the right amount of cushioning.
We also appreciate that New Balance is simultaneously committed to reducing carbon emissions and waste throughout the manufacturing process.
Best for: Getting the healthy lifestyle balance right.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Reduced carbon emissions and waste |
Size range: | XS-XXL |
29. Champion
Born in 1919, iconic sportswear brand, Champion, is best known as the inventor of the humble hoodie—yep, the one we still know and love over a century later. As one of the first activewear brands to introduce a sports bra to its collection, the trailblazing label also paved the way for comfortable women’s activewear. And the signature C logo quickly became as fashionable on the streets as it was on courts, fields and tracks.
But that’s not why it’s still considered one of the best women’s activewear brands today. Nostalgia aside, Champion continues to push the boundaries when it comes to designing affordable quality activewear and athleisure wear that is superlatively comfortable, stylish, sustainable and socially responsible.
And of course, it doesn’t hurt that the label’s collection is branded with the century-old C logo.
Best for: Creating champions on and off the track.
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials, reduced waste and socially responsible initiatives |
Size range: | XS-3XL |
30. Fabletics
Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, we had high hopes for the activewear brand, Fabletics—all of which it exceeded with highly functional designs that are also chic and fashionable.
Between our editors, we’ve picked up a couple of pairs of Fabletics tights, most of us going back for a second (or third) pair when we realized just how comfortable, affordable and flattering they are. We don’t know what it is exactly (the brand calls it Instaboost technology), but we all found that they offer maximum compression and define our figures—and that’s before we’ve even hit the gym.
We also love that many of the brand’s tights have pockets for phones, keys and cards. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re living in workout wear, which apparently becomes inevitable with Fabletics.
Best for: Flattering your form with Instaboost technology (rather than countless squats.)
Country of origin: | United States |
Price: | $ |
Sustainability: | Eco-friendly materials |
Size range: | XXS–4XL, Maternity |
There you have it: the best luxury athleisure and activewear brands for getting your sweat on in style.
But what exactly is athleisure wear?
Chic activewear has become a wardrobe staple. One of the hottest trends in fashion, athleisure is casual wear that combines high-quality athletic staples with versatile leisurewear to offer the utmost comfort whilst maintaining style.
Focusing less on sportswear as technical apparel, and more as a lifestyle, athleisure can be worn anywhere, anytime.
Women’s activewear brands frequently asked questions
The best activewear brand right now is Alo Yoga. It’s a celebrity favorite, with Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner among its customers.
You can buy quality workout clothes online. Most sports brands have their own online stores. We list the best sites on our list of the best activewear brands for women.
Brands most similar to Lululemon are Alo Yoga and Alala. These brands are stylish and highly functional for the studio or chilling at home.
Women should wear comfortable and flexible clothes to the gym. You want first and foremost a gym outfit that lets you stretch and run however you like. You also want something that gives you confidence at all time and looks cute.