Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a sporty spice, work from home or are a new mum and (like me) love the support you get from a pair of high-waisted leggings, activewear has been taking up a large chunk of space in our wardrobes for some time now, even long before Covid-related lockdowns began.
This has meant an increase in the number of brands designing activewear and a wider variety of styles. Long gone are the days of purely functional workout clothes with unflattering seams and eye-watering prints. The rise of stylish athleisure brands means replacing our favourite jeans with a pair of leggings has become the norm. There has also been a huge rise in eco-friendly brands investing in innovative manufacturing processes and fabrics as we all grow more aware of what we wear and how its made. So, how to know which sets are right for you?
I tried on some of the most popular activewear brands available right now, so read on to find out how they fit, and what activities they are best to wear for…
I’ve been meaning to try Free People’s activewear for a while now as I’m always drawn to their extensive offering of brights as wearing these sunny shades always put a spring in my step. As expected, their knitted fabrics have the comfort and ample stretch a regular yogi would need no doubt already have this set on their radar. It’s sold as a bundle of 3 including a pair of cycling shorts too, but you can mix and match by buying the pieces separately.
Girlfriend is hands down my favourite activewear brand right now and I always recommend it to my friends. For me they tick all the boxes – compressive yet breathable fabrics, high-waisted leggings in various lengths that don’t fall down and a full range of inclusive sizing. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles and come in a range of colours whether you like classic back or softer shades and their style range is ever-growing. Are you sold?
You will probably be familiar with Marysia swimwear and its no surprise given the brand’s dedicated customer following that they have now added cute tennis dresses and leggings to their offering. Using the same fabric as the swimwear the racerback sport bra holds well and the leggings have pockets to hold tennis balls for any pros out there. I’m no tennis expert but this is definitely the elevated activewear pieces I would choose to take me from the pilates mat to lunch with my friends. Just add some white trainers and a sweatshirt á la Lady Di circa 1992.
If you’re new to the activewear scene and the thought of wearing lycra out of the house doesn’t fill you with excitement this set is the perfect way to opt for a print without going for anything to shouty. The navy and black camo print is fun without being too in your face and this longer line sports bra is actually one of my favourites. You get the same support as a sports bra without the fuss of buying a top to go over it too.
Philippa and Sarah of WeAreTwinset recently launched their own clothing line that includes activewear sets. As two busy working mums they have created stylish activewear in muted shades that easily work their way into your daily wardrobe when you’re on the go. The fabric they have chosen is super soft, despite the sports bra being incredibly supportive. If you like Lulu Lemon leggings with the comfort of the wide panel waistband then this is the set for you.
London-based Alexandra Miro is fast becoming one of the jet-set’s favourite resortwear labels, so I was interested to try her new activewear sets. Using her signature colour block panelling that creates a super flattering optical illusion I would recommend this set for low-impact activities such as pilates or if you’re looking for daily comfort without compromising on style.
Debenhams recently launched their own affordable activewear and its great if you’re looking to enhance your curves or add some shape to more athletic figures. The low impact bra is perfect if you prefer not to feel too restricted when doing weights or an abs work out at home.
The cult leisurewear brand known worldwide for their colourful tracksuits have created an eco-friendly activewear range made from caster oil believe it or not. The nylon used is a non-food-crop that doesn’t disrupt the food chain or the environment.
Their fabric is super breathable, coated in BioWick® which is a plant-based treatment that helps absorb sweat with peppermint oil to keep you smelling fresh too. Pretty neat and perfect for days you don’t want to get changed out of your sports gear.
It was recently reported that Marks & Spencer 1.6 million items of activewear a year, including 500 pairs of their ‘Go Move’ leggings a month.
With a great selection of affordable tops and leggings they even cater for pregnancy bumps and a size range up to UK 24 but also have my favourite long sleeve crop tops that are very flattering and sit nicely over high-waisted leggings too.
Andanola’s cool and understated sweats and baseball caps are an influencer favourite and their activewear is pretty good too.
With seamless edging that moves with you and super soft fabrics perfect for early morning yoga classes where you can throw on their matching hoodie for the school run. Their muted colour palette seamlessly works it way into your wardrobe too.
I love the one shoulder detail too which makes a nice change from the classic racerback style.
British activewear label EYO is one of a host of new brands putting sustainability at the forefront of their designs. Using regenerated nylon made with plastic waste rescued from the ocean, with biodegradable packaging and transparency over where their garments are made – this is definitely brand to make you feel good from the inside out.
This Beach Riot set is one of their signature activewear designs that they produce every season in different colours and prints.
The twist front crop top adds a rare touch of detail to the typical sports bra shapes and works well on smaller and larger busts alike (I recently spotted my favourite, Tracee Ellis Ross, looking fantastic in Beach Riot) and is great if you’re looking for fun prints and brights.
Now, Bow Tee is the sportswear division of cult online retailer Oh Polly. I tried their leggings back during the first Covid lockdown as I was looking for more colourful and higher-waisted activewear and I became hooked.
They’re all about contouring so there’s no hiding in their signature knitted leggings but they’re super compressive, high waisted and are by far one of the most comfortable and supportive sets I own. . Next up, Lily’s edit of classic items you’ll love forever.
