Stay Comfortable While Working Out
Sometimes, the clothes you wear end up doing more than just fitting the moment. Athleisure stepped in when people wanted comfort without letting go of performance or style. It’s about wearing something that works and looks great all at the same time. Here, we celebrate the brands that truly pride themselves on getting that balance right.
1. Lululemon
Engineered for motion, Lululemon cracked the code in 1998 with yoga pants that moved like a second skin. You'll find details like hidden waistband pockets and anti-chafe seams in every piece. Their buttery-soft "Align" fabric? Basically a cult classic. It consistently ranks among their top-selling styles worldwide.
Lululemon vs. Alo Yoga Leggings / Pros and Cons + Overall Review by Karina Reske
2. Nike
Powerhouses aren't born but built. Nike's fusion of performance tech and streetwise style earned its global crown. Think Dri-FIT, which cools like a breeze, or Flyknit, which hugs every contour. You've probably worn them during gym class or errands. Their revenue hit $51 billion in 2023.
Review & On-Feet: Nike Flyknit Racer "Pure Platinum" by Sean Go
3. Alo Yoga
Stretch beyond the studio. Alo Yoga, founded in 2007, crafts minimalist silhouettes that blur the gym-to-brunch boundary. Don't ignore their Airlift leggings—compressive yet breathable, like a high-five for your quads. Even though monthly views are modest, their YouTube presence supports a global yoga community.
Lululemon vs. Alo Yoga Leggings / Pros and Cons + Overall Review by Karina Reske
4. Vuori
Function meets California zen in Vuori's moisture-wicking performance apparel. Started in 2015, it's less hype and more refinement. Ever tried shorts that feel like pajamas but hold up during sprints? That's Vuori's signature. It's now valued at over $5 billion—without relying on influencer gimmicks.
Ranking Vuori Shorts from Best to Worst by Aaron Cronk
5. Adidas
From 1949 to today, Adidas has never sat still. The brand’s Heat.RDY fabric handles sweat like a champ, while its collaborations—including Stella McCartney and Pharrell—inject runway DNA into training gear. Their Ultraboost shoe line alone has surpassed $1 billion in sales since its 2015 debut.
10 Things You DIDN'T Know About The ADIDAS ULTRABOOST by Seth Fowler
6. Montirex
Craving function with urban edge? Montirex blends both. This Liverpool-based newcomer exploded post-2020 with eye-catching panel work and rain-ready fabrics. Athletes love it. So do rap artists. Product drops like the “trail hybrid” series have earned rapid sellouts, especially during peak winter demand in the UK.
Be Ready for It | #AdventureIsCloser | Montirex by Montirex
7. Gymshark
Born in a UK garage in 2012, Gymshark now dominates TikTok timelines and squat racks alike. Built by lifters for lifters, their seamless tech and sculpting fits mean you'll never fuss mid-set. It ships to over 230 countries and was valued at $1.45 billion by 2020.
GYMSHARK TRY ON HAUL (very honest opinions) by WORKOUT WITH GINA
8. Castore
Built like a Formula 1 machine—precise and relentless—Castore boosts activewear to elite status. Launched in 2015, it outfits pro teams like McLaren and Newcastle United. Their compression tops? Laser-cut, moisture-mapping marvels. Castore’s top-tier sponsorships fuel consistent global brand growth.
Introducing Castore Sportswear by Tessuti
9. Under Armour
Sweat launched this empire. In 1996, Under Armour ditched drenched cotton and birthed the “compression revolution.” ColdGear, HeatGear, Iso-Chill—you name it. Every innovation aims to push your limits, not just keep pace. They reported over $5.9 billion in revenue during 2023 alone.
Under Armour ColdGear Infrared by Under Armour
10. Athleta
Inclusivity walks the runway with Athleta. Gap's performance branch champions every body type with Powervita leggings and swim-to-street crossovers. Think maternity-friendly waistbands or adaptive fits for every phase of your life. The brand became a certified B Corp in 2018—a rarity in activewear.
Powervita by Athleta: New Ultimate Yoga Fabric by Athleta
11. Outdoor Voices
Break a sweat or don’t—Outdoor Voices wants you moving regardless. Founded in 2014, their signature “Doing Things” ethos backs breathable fabrics and playful palettes. You’ll spot their color-blocked leggings in parks and coffee shops alike. Their RecTrek pant became a customer favorite soon after release.
Things I’m Loving | climbing pants, style, food & random Summer faves by Amanda Chan
12. Fabletics
Started by Kate Hudson in 2013, Fabletics made fashion-first activewear accessible through a subscription model. Their PowerHold leggings hug like a second skin and resist sheer disasters. Celebrity collaborations and inclusive sizing have attracted over 2 million VIP members across more than 10 countries.
FABLETICS – PowerHold High-Waist Leggings [Commercial] by ES FILMS
13. Adanola
Minimalist but punchy, Adanola makes loungewear that looks gym-ready—and vice versa. This UK brand exploded via Instagram, thanks to clean silhouettes and neutral palettes. The Oversized Hoodie is a customer favorite. In 2023, they expanded their product line to include swimwear and unisex essentials for everyday wear.
ADANOLA TRY ON HAUL | Kendall Jenner collection + viral knit hoodie + more | 2025 by Georgie Clarke
14. On
Swiss-engineered to float, On's CloudTec shoes broke running norms in 2010. But they didn’t stop at sneakers. Their activewear line mirrors that same innovation: lightweight and adaptable. In 2021, the brand went public on the NYSE with a valuation of approximately $6.5 billion.
On Running CloudTec Video by Becker Shoes
15. Skims
Skims started with shapewear, but its Soft Lounge and Fits Everybody collections now lead in the comfort-centric athleisure space. Founded by Kim Kardashian, it pairs tech-y fabrics with inclusive cuts. During its 2023 funding round, Skims was valued at $4 billion, making it a retail force.
16. Nobull
Built to endure, Nobull crafts gear for CrossFitters and no-excuse lifters. Think ballistic mesh uppers and no-frills cuts. Their training shoes are used in elite competitions worldwide. In 2021, Nobull became the official sponsor of the CrossFit Games—an endorsement grounded in grit.
NOBULL Mesh Runner Review | That Great for Running? by BarBend
17. Varley
LA meets London in Varley’s modern, transitional designs. Their DoubleSoft™ fabric delivers lounge-level softness. Founded by a husband-wife duo, the brand’s neutral tones and architectural fits made it a hit with yoga teachers and stylists alike. In 2023, they opened their flagship store in London’s King's Road.
18. Rhone
Designed for men who live in motion, Rhone blends tailored cuts with sweat-savvy fabric blends. Founded in 2014, their “Commuter Pant” became a cult favorite for its office-to-gym adaptability. Rhone, in 2022, expanded its retail presence with new store openings while maintaining a strong DTC foundation.
Rhone Commuter Pants Review - Most Versatile Athletic Pant by As Many Reviews As Possible
19. Stax.
Stax. turned heads with bold, sculpted fits and unapologetic branding. Founded in Perth, the label exploded through influencer marketing and size-inclusive ranges. The brand's Premium Seamless V6 collection generated buzz during its 2022 launch. High demand pushed them into global markets.
20. Halara
Halara went viral for a good reason. Their “In My Feels” dresses and Cloudful fabric cater to movement and chill alike. This is where fast-fashion pace meets everyday comfort. Launched in 2020, Halara ships internationally and has built a massive presence across TikTok and Instagram fashion communities.
Massive Unboxing - In My Feels Everyday Dress (Activewear Finds) | halara by Halara
