Finding the “best” activewears depends heavily on your specific needs, activities, budget, and style preferences. However, I can recommend some top brands that are consistently praised for quality, performance, and design across various categories.
Here’s a breakdown by common activewear needs:
Premium & All-Around Performance (Often Higher Price Point)
- Lululemon:
- Best for: Yoga, Pilates, studio workouts, running, athleisure.
- Why it’s great: Unmatched comfort, buttery soft fabrics (especially Nulu and Everlux), excellent fit, stylish designs, and impressive durability. They also have strong options for men.
- Key products: Align leggings, Wunder Train leggings, ABC pants (men), Scuba hoodies.
- Nike:
- Best for: Running, training, basketball, general gym workouts, a wide range of sports.
- Why it’s great: Industry leader in innovation and technology (Dri-FIT, Flyknit), extensive product range for all activities, cutting-edge footwear.
- Key products: Dri-FIT apparel, Pegasus running shoes, Metcon training shoes, Pro collection.
- Adidas:
- Best for: Running, training, lifestyle, soccer, classic athletic style.
- Why it’s great: Strong performance wear, iconic designs, comfortable fabrics, innovative footwear technology (Boost foam). Good sustainability initiatives.
- Key products: Ultraboost shoes, Z.N.E. collection, Techfit apparel.
- Vuori:
- Best for: Everyday wear, yoga, light workouts, travel, ultimate comfort.
- Why it’s great: Known for incredibly soft, comfortable, and versatile fabrics that perform well but feel like loungewear. Blurs the line between performance and casual.
- Key products: Performance Jogger (women), Kore Short (men), Halo Essential Hoodie.
Performance & Gym Focused
- Under Armour:
- Best for: High-intensity training, compression, moisture-wicking, cold weather gear.
- Why it’s great: Excellent at managing sweat and body temperature, durable compression gear that supports muscles, great for serious athletes.
- Key products: HeatGear, ColdGear, UA RUSH.
- Gymshark:
- Best for: Bodybuilding, gym training, functional fitness, trendy styles.
- Why it’s great: Very popular among the gym community, known for seamless designs, flattering fits, and good value for performance.
- Key products: Vital Seamless, Adapt Fleck, Legacy collections.
- Rhone (Men’s Specific):
- Best for: Men’s performance, elevated gym wear, stylish and functional.
- Why it’s great: Premium fabrics, tailored fit, excellent attention to detail, versatile pieces that can go from workout to casual.
- Key products: Commuter Pant, Swift Short, Reign Long Sleeve.
Studio & Lifestyle Focused (Often Inclusive Sizing)
- Athleta:
- Best for: Yoga, Pilates, barre, hiking, travel, inclusive sizing.
- Why it’s great: High-quality fabrics, excellent fit (including petite, tall, and plus sizes), B Corp certified (strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices). Owned by Gap Inc.
- Key products: Salutation Stash Tight, Elation Tight, Brooklyn Ankle Pant.
- Alo Yoga:
- Best for: Yoga, fashion-forward activewear, celebrity style.
- Why it’s great: Known for its luxurious fabrics, trendy designs, and strong presence in the yoga community. A bit pricier but very stylish.
- Key products: High-Waist Moto Legging, Airlift Legging, Alosoft fabric.
Budget-Friendly & Good Value
- Old Navy Active / GapFit:
- Best for: Everyday workouts, basics, great value.
- Why it’s great: Affordable, decent quality, and a wide variety of styles and sizes. Great for building a basic activewear wardrobe without breaking the bank.
- Key products: PowerSoft leggings, Dynamic Fleece.
- CRZ YOGA (Amazon Brand):
- Best for: Lululemon “dupes,” comfortable, budget-friendly studio wear.
- Why it’s great: Often compared to Lululemon Align leggings for their soft, brushed feel at a fraction of the cost. Good quality for the price point.
- Key products: Naked Feeling Leggings, Butterluxe Leggings.
Sustainable & Ethical Choices
- Girlfriend Collective:
- Best for: Sustainable activewear, inclusive sizing.
- Why it’s great: Made from recycled plastic bottles, strong commitment to ethical manufacturing, wide range of sizes (XXS-6XL), and stylish, minimalist designs.
- Key products: Compressive Leggings, Bike Shorts, Bras.
Factors to Consider When Choosing:
- Activity Type: Are you running a marathon, doing yoga, lifting weights, or just lounging? Different activities require different levels of support, compression, and breathability.
- Material: Look for moisture-wicking fabrics (polyester, nylon blends) for intense workouts. Cotton is comfortable but can hold sweat.
- Fit & Comfort: Does it move with you? Is it too tight or too loose? Flatlock seams prevent chafing.
- Durability: How well does it hold up to repeated washes and wear?
- Style: Do you prefer bold colors, classic black, or trendy patterns?
- Price: Activewear can range from very affordable to luxury. Set a budget.
- Sustainability: If ethical production and recycled materials are important to you, research brands’ practices.
Ultimately, the best way to find your perfect activewear is to try on different brands and styles to see what feels best and performs well for you!