Outside of the realm of sports bras, Under Armour impressed us in so many categories: base layers, leggings, sports accessories and fleeces. You can shop by sport or by technology (CoolGear and HotGear are worth particular note), and delivery is super speedy.
New Balance needs little introduction – ICYMI, not just a destination for fashion trainers (the 530 hype lives on) but for actual sports gear, too. Among their bestsellers sit joggers, sweatshirts, long-sleeve running tops and gym leggings with pockets, where running gear is designed for performance – but stylish enough to wear to brunch. In 2025, I’m bookmarking their sports bra which has a phone pocket built-in (!) and this cosy hooded jacket. Just perfect for cold-weather runs.
The dark horse of the activewear world – particularly when it comes to yoga and pilates – Free People’s activewear line injects feminine, bohemian influences into its sportswear. Countless pieces have garnered the influencer stamp of approval over the past year, including the cross-back Righteous Runsie (go to a London run-club in the summer and you’ll spot it) – and the floaty, flirty run shorts pictured below. It may be expensive, but the quality matches.
Founded on the philosophy of ‘mindful movement’ and the belief in the transformative power of yoga, Alo Yoga’s collections are thoughtfully designed according to current trends – but are also made with practice in mind. Their pieces have been spotted on the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Candice Swanepoel, which should act as proof enough for its quality.
British activewear brand Tala was founded by fitness entrepreneur and sports influencer Grace Beverley back in 2016, and it quickly built up a cult following. It was born to fill the missing gaps: sustainably-produced activewear that champions the female form and flatters all body shapes. Everything from its gym leggings – as tested by GLAMOUR contributor Karina Marriott – to its gym jackets and tops is made from recycled and natural materials, and available in a plethora of sizes.
Next up, perhaps my favourite activewear brand of all time. I’ve tried my fair few. Lululemon Athletica is a technical athletic apparel brand known for its high-quality pieces across all fitness and exercise sectors, from yoga to running, weightlifting. And while I could write entire features dedicated to many of their lines (their Luxtreme™ Fabric is perfect for yoga, and their Wunder Train line a one-stop-shop for your sweatiest workouts), their Align range is the star of the show.
Whether I’m working from home or actually working out, I am living in the brand’s industry-acclaimed Align leggings, which consistently top best-of round-ups for their buttery-soft fabric, high-waisted fit and second-skin feel. They’re breathable, sweat-wicking and they never chafe or fall down. Take it from someone who has rowed, cycled, boxed and ran in them. Elsewhere, Align sports bras and tank tops are equally as soft and supportive.
You can’t go shopping for the best women’s gym brands without coming across Nike (or its subsidiary label, Converse). Nike is worn by NFL players and NBA players alike – as well as everyone else on the streets (activewear or real clothes?) – making them the most coveted sports brand around. Its bestsellers? Air Jordans, slogan hoodies and its retro sports apparel are all worth noting, as well as its compression leggings and anything featuring their own DRI-Fit tech.
Save when you shop for the best activewear brands for women with these Nike discount codes.
The Gymshark legacy began all the way back in 2012 from a tiny garage in Birmingham. Today, the brand – whose flagship store is located on London’s Regent Street – creates tools that aim to help everyone become their personal best: the clothing you’ll sweat in, the content you’ll find inspiration in, and the community you’ll become your best in.
