There is no denying the performance boost that comes from a good-looking activewear set. Whether you are lifting heavy, hitting the pavement for a 5k personal best, or flowing through a weekend Pilates class, the best activewear needs to meet a lot of requirements: sculpt your silhouette, support high-impact movement, and pass the squat test every time.
Thanks to major innovations in technical textiles, today’s best activewear sets merge second-skin comfort with high-performance function. Think buttery, moisture-wicking four-way stretch, anti-chafing seams, and targeted compression fits that transition effortlessly from high-intensity training to off-duty streetwear.
To help you navigate the crowded sportswear market, we’ve rounded up the best activewear brands online and on the UK high street. From affordable high-street heroes and cult gym staples to premium designer labels and eco-conscious sustainable workout brands, here is your definitive buyer’s guide for every sport, aesthetic, and budget.
Best high street activewear brands
Adanola
Manchester-head quartered, Adanola is a more recent arrival in the activewear space and has moved quickly to cement its place into many sports and athleisure wardrobes. Even the likes of Kendall Jenner adore its off-duty sweats and sculpting sets.
Prices may vary
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Adidas
The brand instantly recognisable by the iconic three stripes, Adidas is loved by many (including us). This German manufacturer is known for producing hard-working, performance-driven sportswear that passes the sweat test every single time. From its popular boost running shoes to more modern pieces, Adidas is a go-to brand for HIIT, running and everything in between.
Prices may vary
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Asos offers an extensive roster of fitness brands, including Adidas, Nike and Reebok – but did you know it also has its own sportswear line named 4505? Expect minimalistic basics that work just as well for an afternoon catching up on Netflix as they do for Pilates.
Prices may vary
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When it comes to activewear, Swedish fast-fashion clothing company H&M offers affordable, fuss-free, beyond-the-gym staples. If you’re after basics such as a pair of high-waisted, seamless black leggings or a racerback tank, look no further.
Prices may vary
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M&S’s Goodmove range is both affordable (sports bras are available from £12, Marksandspencer.com) and technical – it also uses sustainable fabrics such as recycled polyester. Featuring pretty designs, the printed leggings and lightweight running jackets are certain to make a statement, too.
Prices may vary
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New Balance
New Balance is globally recognised for good reason. Just take a look at the brand’s running leggings and breathable tanks to witness its commitment to innovation. Forget trends, this sportswear brand is only interested in the kit that actually enhances your workout, so you can always perform at your best.
Prices may vary
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With every fashion brand wanting to get into activewear, we have to pay tribute to the original king of the bracket, aka Nike. Say goodbye to boring shorts and tees, and release your inner athlete with fashionable and functional sportswear. More recently, the brand launched its first dedicated maternity collection, Nike (M). So, what are you waiting for? Just do it.
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Prices may vary
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Under Armour
Whether you’re striving for a flow-state run or weight training in your bedroom, Under Armour’s extensive product range is designed to steer you through your toughest workouts. Its latest technology – Iso Chill – provides additional breathability and ventilation
Prices may vary
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Swt Active
Designed for Pilates, barre and yoga enthusiasts, Australia-based Swt makes athleisure that you won’t want to take off. From camo micro shorts, to fold-over capris and halter-neck sports bras, the designs are fashion-forward, sculpting and supportive, taking you from the studio to the street.
Best luxury activewear brands
Adidas by Stella McCartney
Renowned fashion designer Stella McCartney always pushes the boundaries, blurring performance activewear with whacky contemporary shapes and classic styles. Fashion-led and fitness-ready, the “beach defender” collection even offers sustainable, tactical performance wear designed for use on land and in the water.
Alo Yoga
Hailing from Los Angeles, the home of healthy living, Alo Yoga Sportswear offers flattering and flexible yoga pieces designed to meet the needs of LA’s rich and famous. Bright colours such as neon apricot orange are sure to boost your mood (and everyone else’s).
Prices may vary
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Beyond Yoga
Also from LA, Beyond Yoga cleverly merges comfort with a pared-back design. The brand’s luxuriously soft fabrics, neutral colours and flattering designs are perfect for layering and plead to be worn long after your yoga practice has finished.
Prices may vary
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Free People
The brand known for its boho fashion and clothes for free-spirited women, Free People also boasts a stylish and laidback activewear section, FP Movement. From the softest Americana activewear to ready-to-wear hiking get ups, there’s something for every sport and wellness activity.
Prices may vary
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This is another great premium sportswear brand that aims to create collections that look just as good around town as they do inside the gym. LNDR was founded by three active, international women based in London, who wanted to create a brand around “the lifestyle we want to live, the products we want to wear, and the people we wanted to hang out with”. LNDR feels classic with its familiar sporty vibe – wear a coordinating set to a HIIT or spin class.
Prices may vary
Shop Lndr.uk now
Lululemon
Lululemon is one of the best-known (and most-loved) luxury sportswear brands in the world. Whether you’re a runner after sweat-wicking, flattering separates or a yogi needing second-skin, high-waisted leggings that won’t slip when you’re in a downward dog or attempting a headstand, this Canadian label is full of high-quality, timeless looks. We want everything.
Prices may vary
Shop Lululemon.co.uk now
PE Nation
If you follow Kayla Itnes or Kelsey Wells on Instagram, you’ll be familiar with this retro-inspired brand from Australia. Made for sweaty HIIT and strength sessions, PE Nation is filled with bold, boyish styles and sporty colour-block combinations.
Prices may vary
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Founded in London by designer and runner Tim Soar, this brand embraces design technology, sports science and the real-world experiences of runners into its run, trail and race wear. Expect ultra-breathable mesh, silk-blend T-shirts, fast-wicking vests from this ultra cool running brand.
Prices may vary
Shop Soarrunning.com now
Sweaty Betty
Designed by women, for women, this UK-based label – named after the founder’s determination to make it cool to sweat – is on a mission to empower women through fitness. Known for its unmissable colourful prints and hi-tech fabrics (the power leggings are famous for a reason), Sweaty Betty is often the first pick from our workout wardrobe – we love the brand’s cutting-edge activewear as much as we love the brand ethos.
Prices may vary
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The Upside
If you like leopard or zebra print, you’ll love this chic activewear label from Australia. Made from technical fabrics in sophisticated silhouettes, The Upside will elevate your performance (and you’ll look cute in the process).
Prices may vary
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Vuori
Known for its premium fabrics and versatile designs, Vuori has gained a loyal following for creating clothing that effortlessly transitions from workouts to everyday wear. What sets Vuori apart is its focus on high-performance materials, such as its signature dreamknit fabric, which offers an ultra-soft feel without compromising durability or stretch. Vuori’s commitment to sustainability is also key, with a focus on ethical manufacturing practices and eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester.
Prices may vary
Shop Vuoriclothing.co.uk now
Best sustainable activewear brands
Whether you’re getting fresh air on a hike or heading to a pilates class, BAM – Bamboo Clothing – makes athleisure that is “inspired by the planet and designed for adventure”. The best part about activewear made from bamboo jersey? Not only is it soft and breathable, it’s also guaranteed opaque – so the leggings are completely squat-proof.
Prices may vary
Shop Bambooclothing.co.uk now
Girlfriend Collective
This Seattle-based start-up launched with a bang stateside after it offered a free pair of leggings to its first customers – they ran out of stock on their first day. Since then, Girlfriend Collective has built a cult following by designing minimal, size-inclusive, eco-friendly pieces – 25 recycled water bottles make a single pair of its luxe compression leggings (£80, Johnlewis.com). Expect pretty, Instagramable shades such as terracotta, powder blue and apricot, and high waistlines that don’t roll down.
Prices may vary
Shop Girlfriend.com now
“Slow fashion, sustainable style” is Tala’s mantra. Created by influencer and Oxford University graduate Grace Beverley, if you’re looking for workout leggings that mould to your body, in bold colours made from upcycled, recycled materials or from factory offcuts that would have otherwise gone to landfill, you’ll probably adore these.
Prices may vary
Shop Wearetala.com now
Finding flattering cycling clothes can be a task, so consider Luca your one stop shop. From brightly coloured jerseys and fun scrunchies to practical base layers and high waist shorts, style and comfort are covered, while sustainability is at its core with small-batch production and consciously
Prices may vary
Shop Rideluca.com now
For more recommendations, check outthe supermarket clothing lines rivalling Zara and Mango
