If the last six months in quarantine have taught us anything, it’s that when it comes to fashion, comfort is king! At least for the foreseeable future, gone are the days of squeezing yourself into unforgiving heels, or zipping yourself up in uncomfortable dresses. Instead, it’s time to invest in cozy and comfortable pieces for your daily wardrobe. But not to worry, staying home doesn’t have to mean giving up on your sense of style! In fact, these days there are so many great go-to activewear brands that offer on-trend workout clothes as well as fashionable loungewear. That’s why we put together this awesome list of 15 trendy cool activewear brands you’ll love. So whether you’re a die-hard fitness enthusiast, meeting with friends for a socially distant hang, or simply working from home (an exercise in and of itself), we’ve got you covered!
1) Girlfriend Collective
Wanna dominate your athletic wear game and also be a responsible shopper? Well, get ready to have a love affair with Girlfriend Collective. This sustainable activewear brand founded by husband and wife duo Ellie and Quang Dinh, is fun, comfortable, and beautifully basic. Featuring fabrics from recycled water bottles and other plastic wastes, this brand is doing much more than just offering workout clothes to keep you stylish! Ever wanna rock a unitard but didn’t feel confident enough to take the plunge? Well, here’s your chance with the Unitard from Girlfriend Collective. With a square-neck design and slip on style, this look is perfect for year-round layering. From sports bras to leggings, biker shorts, tees and bodysuits in a range of rad colors, you’ll have no problem breaking up with your tired streetwear.
2) LNDR
If you know a thing or two about fashion, and I think you do, it should come as no surprise that some of the coolest and trendiest names in ladies’ gym wear are coming from one of the fashion capitols of the world – London! British-based activewear brand LNDR is certainly no exception. Founded by Joanna Turner, Sarah Donnelly and Donna Harris in 2015, LNDR has set forth (and accomplished) a mission to create quality, genuinely premium workout apparel that you can wear everywhere! And isn’t that just the perfect mission for our current state of affairs? From yoga studio, to the gym, and even to the streets when the occasion calls, you’ll be a true Londoner (or at least look like one) when you step into the brand’s stylish exercise clothes like the Striped organic cotton-jersey T-shirt and Techtonic seamless stretch leggings.
3) No Ka’ Oi
Striving for excellence during quarantine can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But when you have stylish women’s athletic wear to help keep you feeling strong, inspired, and beautiful then at least you’re in good hands! That’s why activewear label No Ka ‘Oi (which is literally the Hawaiian word for excellence) offers workout clothes for women that are going to keep you on track with your goals! Simona Finelli, the founder and creative director of No Ka ‘Oi, has taken her broad-ranging interests in fashion, contemporary art, and wellness to create the perfect (awe-inspiring) storm for a brand that addresses the demands of an active, fashion-forward lifestyle. Inspired by the the forces of the natural world, this Italian brand of gym clothes takes your style to excellent new heights. In fact, we’re not going anywhere without the brand’s Sunlight zip-up jacket, and if you’re a big fan of head-to-toe matching then Sunlight 7/8 leggings have (literally) got you covered!
4) VAARA
Some of this season’s best color blocking looks are found in the activewear tops and cute workout tops from women’s activewear brand Vaara. Founded by former model Tatiana Korsakova, this contemporary sports and athletic fashion label is the epitome of cool and trendy! Is there anything more fresh that Vaara’s Elsa color-blocked stretch sports bra? Perfect for low impact workouts and fresh street style too, this sports bra made from Italian-sourced quick-drying stretch fabric is supportive, stylish, and sexy. And when you’re in need of a little warmth, let the Maeve paneled cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt work its magic. When you’re on the hunt for quality and style, Vaara is a very very good choice!
5) Nagnata
Sustainable, cool, and good for the environment, activewear brand Nagnata takes the cake. Founded by designer sister duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, this brand proves that stylish genes really do run in the family. The Aussie brand offers upcycled textiles and certified organic cotton so you never have to wonder about quality or carbon footprint. We’re just a little more than obsessed with Nagnata’s Striped ribbed technical stretch-organic halterneck top. And technically speaking, we think you will be too! And as cooler temps take over, you definitely won’t want to be without Nagnata’s Striped ribbed-knit organic cotton turtleneck sweater.
6) Nylora
Newer to the workout wear scene, but an honorable mention nonetheless, fitness label Nylora offers an enviable collection of goodies for the gym and beyond. Founded in 2018 by designer Carolyn Jang, NYLORA is the activewear brand of choice for all the cool-girls out there. The Parsons-trained designer with expert experience in knitwear, created NYLORA in order to offer athletic wear that’s tailor-made for an urban lifestyle. NYLORA’s ready-to-wear collections are so versatile, you can wear them in the gym or on the street, making its offerings so much more than just fashion gym wear. Run, don’t walk to get your hands on the traffic-stopping Kenzie Leggings in Lemon.
7) The Upside
Let’s face it! Especially in times of strife, it’s best to look on the bright side of things! Just ask Sydney based contemporary activewear brand, The Upside. With the cutest prints and endless mix-and-match possibilities, you’ll never be at a loss for what to wear! Founded by Jodhi Meares, this fabulous brand marries function and style in its offerings of sports bras, leggings, sweats, joggers and athletic tops. The Upside’s Forest Midi Pants get our top prize for cuteness. With its forest trees and animal print motifs, staying active and cool is a walk in the park. Feeling like exploring your wild side? The textured fabric Ice blue leopard leggings are just the thing.
8) Varley
A great reputation goes a long way, and one of our favorite trendy cool activewear brands out there is Varley. Innovative, timeless, and made to last, this L.A based brand is the go-to choice for ladies who like to look good in style as much as they like to sweat. If you’re committed to comfort but don’t want to skimp on style, check out the Varley’s Valley pants, with its mid-weight super stretch weave material and jogger style. There’s no doubt this brand has a high fashion vibe, but you’d never know it by how good they feel on!
9) P.E Nation
If there’s one thing you can say for sure when it comes to one of the hottest street-inspired sportwear brands out there – these aren’t your high school P.E class gym clothes! Leading the charge in the street-inspired sportswear world, Australian brand P.E Nation has garnered quite a following for its high quality and a high-end esthetic. You’ll find a myriad of contrasting panels in an array of fun colors to choose from, perfect for hitting the streets or breaking a sweat. We love the Aerial Drop Leggings! Don’t be afraid to get a little matchy-matchy with P.E Nation’s Aerial drop Jacket.
10) Adam Selman Sport
If there’s one thing that contemporary fashion designer Adam Selman knows how to do, it’s deliver an ultra sexy-sporty look that works in and out of the fitness studio. Selman, with his namesake brand, brings with him both a Pratt Institute pedigree as well as unparalleled playfulness. And if you’re looking for a little back-up, just ask some of the label’s most well known fashion fans! From Rihanna to Lady Gaga, you could say these heavy hitters know a thing or two about style. Looks like the lacy Long Sleeve Crop Top and the Sport Combo Gym Short are truly one-of-a-kind. From dresses to skirts, pants, tops and sweaters – you can’t go wrong in Adam Selman’s tried and true label.
11) Heroine Sport
Now you can be your very own superhero – ahem – super heroine, with the high-tech performance gear from Heroine Sport. Cutting edge looks with with flattering cuts is what this stylish New York based brand is all about. Founded in 2014, Heroine Sport has emerged as a super fun workout apparel brand ranging in leggings to sports bras, jersey tanks, biker shorts and sporty jackets – all performance ready so you too can fight crime! Get pretty in pink with the Heroine Sport Marvel Leggings in magenta, or channel your inner Wonder Woman in the Starlet cutout metallic stretch sports bra! Cause real talk, we could all use a little extra shimmer these days!
12) L’Etoile Sport
Let’s face it, you may never be the next Serena Williams, but with New York based American sportswear brand L’Etoile Sport, now you can at least look the part! Luxury fabrics and modern designs make up this super stylish and sporty brand. But don’t worry, this inspired brand founded by Yesim Philip has looks that are just as perfect for wearing to brunch with friends than at the tennis club. Take the Textured stretch-jersey tennis dress for example. With its flattering form-hugging bodice and super comfortable stretch-jersey fabric, you’ll be sure to turn heads on and off the court when sporting L’Etoile Sport.
13) Koral
Since it’s launch in 2014, KORAL has been a fave fashion destination for all the fashionable fitness-loving ladies out there! With a focus on both function and style, this popular brand by Ilana Kugel has just the right amount of edge to transition into street style! Super sleek looks like KORAL’s Chase High Rise Infinity Legging kick up the cool factor in your workout wardrobe in a major way. The best part is, this versatile brand is just as well versed in super stylish loungewear (case in point: The Oblivion Dive Sweatpant), so you don’t always have to break a sweat to look like a million bucks.
14) KITH
Founded by Queens native Ronnie Feig, a well known figure in the footwear world, Kith is a multifunctional lifestyle brand that offers workout clothes for women, and then some. Progressive, edgy, and street-ready cool vibes are spilling out of the brand’s go-to looks. Women Zip Jackets, Neon Track Pants, and brand-ready Sports Bras from Kith, all make it just that much easier for you to show up as your most stylish self at home and beyond. And for all you fashion loving mamas out there, you (and your littles) are in for a real treat. Inspired by Ronnie Feig’s love for cereal, Kith Treats is the kids apparel wing of the beloved Kith brand, and is sure to keep your kid as cool as can be with rad looks like the Swirl Hoodie.
15) Year of Ours
Feeling fresh as a daisy has never been easier thanks to Los Angeles based sportswear label Year of Ours. Whether you’re ready for a run, or some more mellow fun, simply slip into Year of Our’s Daisy Leggings and call it a day! Super sweet and perfect for workout-to-street transitions, you’re going to love all the whimsical takes on workout gear this L.A label has to offer! From Leopard leggings to Tye-dye tanks, this is definitely one of the most stylish gym wear labels around. Designed for the modern woman in mind, you can truly make this your year to shine with a little help from your friends at Year of Ours.
