The best activewear brands are those that can deliver well beyond the gym, a run or fitness class. Fit for purpose for exercise as well as leisure time, stellar workout wear should be versatile, comfortable, able to endure movement and, inevitably, sweat. January is a common time for people to consider investing in new activewear – thanks, in part, to all the new year‘s resolutions we‘re setting.
Picking the right brand depends on the exercise you plan on doing. Lululemon is renowned for its leggings, while Adidas stocks a vast range of pieces for varying activities, from trail running to football and yoga. And, of course, the sportswear behemoth has released a series of cult collaborations over the years, including an ongoing partnership with Grace Wales Bonner, which fashion insiders have adopted as an everyday uniform (the tracksuits and trainers have been especially popular).
Whether you’re committing to a new PB or routine, or you need a new sports bra for motivation, scroll on for the best activewear brands to bookmark for 2025.
- Best for designer collabs: Adidas X Stella McCartney Recycled-Polyester Shorts, £80
- Best for sports bras: Sweaty Betty Power Sports Bra, £55
- Best for leggings: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25”, £88
- Best for athleisure: Lounge Essential Cami Top,
£25£13
Lululemon
Lululemon’s leggings, contoured outerwear and smart accessories have become legendary amongst fitness buffs. The brand’s Align leggings, which come in a plethora of colourways and lengths, are consistently voted best in class thanks to their comfortable construction and flattering fit.
Lounge
Originally founded as an underwear-first brand, Lounge designs each piece with the female form top of mind. For 2025, we’re bookmarking the Essential leggings and cami top which feel like silky, sculpting second-skins.
Adidas
One of the OGs for high-performance sportswear, Adidas has in recent years expanded its oeuvre to include lust-worthy fashion collabs with the likes of Wales Bonner and Stella McCartney, alongside its successful Adidas Originals line, all of which look just as good on the city streets as they do in the gym.
Tala
Tala may have only launched in May 2019, but it has already garnered a cult following, thanks to its functional and flattering fitness-wear made from recycled and natural materials. With a range of separates and accessories on offer, available in sizes 2XS to 4X, you’re sure to find something to love.
Nike
In apparel, Nike’s figured out the sweet spot for high-performance fitness pieces that masquerade as real clothes. Aside from cozy sweats and puffers, the brand’s DRI-Fit tech, featured in compression pieces, is thinner (and somehow stronger) than traditional stretch yarns for a featherlight touch that lets you move more freely.
Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga has become a surprising cult hit for its jumpsuit and bodysuit skills, with top-rated designs beloved by its customers. Plus, the brand has figured out how to create slick maternity options that mix comfort with style.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective considers all bodies in its process with extended sizing, then goes a step further to offer an eco recipe for each piece. For example, the brand’s oft-sold-out bike unitard diverts 26 water bottles from landfills, while the Dylan bra diverts 12.
Vuori
Drawing inspiration from the coastal California lifestyle, Vuori combines comfortable daywear silhouettes with high-performance fabrics to create exercise staples you’ll want to wear day in, day out. At the top of our list for 2025? The versatile Restore hoodie.
PE Nation
PE Nation creates streetwear with an activewear soul. Designed to look its best in any setting, the label’s garments stand the test when it comes to the demands of vigorous exercise. Shop by workout to source the items that suit your needs.
Sweaty Betty
A true high-street stalwart, Sweaty Betty has been dressing fitness lovers for over 25 years, and continues to convert with its sturdy Power leggings and Seamless running tops.
Alo Yoga
Associated with supermodels like Candice Swanepoel and the Hadid sisters, Alo Yoga’s designs are exactly the kind of athletic wear you’ll see in celebrities-in-the-wild paparazzi shots and yoga classes alike.
On
Launched by three-time World Duathlon champion Olivier Bernhard and engineers David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti, On’s activewear provides form and function at an incredibly high standard. The marriage of clean-cut designs and performance technology results in timeless pieces that will last a lifetime.
Varley
It’s been nearly a decade since Lara and Ben Mead launched Varley – a brand with a product range that hits the definition of “athleisure”. From elevated knitwear to outerwear and super-soft jersey leggings, its staples will see you through both a steady workout or lounging time at home.
