Athletic clothing is now a standard feature on the fashion scene. Of course, it’s always been at home in the gym and the sports field, but as the athleisurewear movement continues to gain momentum, more and more people are looking for outfits that combine form with function. Consequently, brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma continue to grow, while smaller, newer brands join the market with unique and inspiring offerings. We’ve rounded up some of the best workout and gym clothing brands to know. Common elements include innovation, technical fabrics, improved performance, a passion for movement, and a commitment to sustainability. Next time you expand your wardrobe, keep these companies in mind.
1. Nike
Nike is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable workout and athletic clothing brands. Its mission is to expand human potential. As such, they focus on design innovation, technical performance materials, and producing more sustainably. Choose from a massive collection of sport-specific clothing, including yoga, running, gym, tennis, golf, dance, basketball, football, rugby, skateboarding, or tennis. Alternatively, there’s also a selection of lifestyle and casual outfits for men, women, and children for days when you’re not training. Another tenet of Nike’s philosophy is that sport is for everyone. That’s why they continue to innovate for inclusion through developing products such as sports hijabs and hands-free running shoes for people with disabilities.
2. Adidas
Similar to Nike, Adidas is one of the most well-known workout and athletic clothing brands globally. Launched in 1949, the brand continues to make gains in technology, innovation, performance, and sustainability. It’s all about sport. Whether you’re a weekend hiker, new to running, an elite football player, or a yoga instructor, there are options for you. Even if you’re less active, Adidas has a strong following for its street style, and casual yet fashionable aesthetic — the three stripes and mountain logo are instantly recognizable. When it comes to innovation, it is applied to the technology in their clothing and shoes and the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Partnerships with organizations and projects like Parley for the Ocean, Sport Infinity, and Futurecraft Loop tackles problems commonly presented by the textile and clothing industry.
3. Puma
German brand Puma believes in the empowering and transformative abilities of sport. It’s about being brave, confident, determined, and joyful. You’ll find garments for most sports within their range, including golf, football, running, basketball, yoga, and motorsports. However, there’s also plenty of space for lifestyles and athleisurewear for those who want to transition between the gym and life seamlessly. They’re also constantly changing the game to be faster and stronger. As such, innovation is the key to success. Landmarks in the process include the development of evoKNIT for temperature regulation, Speedcoat for futuristic race suits, EvoPower in football shoes, EVO TRG jacket for thermal optimization, and finally, active gaming footwear for the e-sports generation.
4. Reebok
Boundary pushing brand Reebok is part of the Adidas Group. As such, their goal is to be the best fitness brand in the world. It’s based on the belief that active people become the best versions of themselves physically, mentally, and socially. Shoes lead the way, with styles like the Nano, Club C, Forever Floatride Energy, and Instapump Fury finding places as iconic Reebok designs. Then, in clothing, the best sellers feel luxurious, perform excellently, and suit various sports and activities. There are also collaboration collections with personalities such as Les Mills, Maison Margiela, and Cardi B. If you prefer to keep it old school, you can throw it back to vintage styles, such as Reebok Classic Leather and Reebok Classic Nylon.
5. 2XU
If you’re looking for advanced performance apparel and leading-edge compression, the 2XU is the answer. Also known as Two Times You, it launched in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005. The brand is the brainchild of professional triathlete Jamie Hunt who became obsessed with performance fabrics. The proprietary PWX compression fabric sets the company apart from competitors and makes them the best in the world. Backed by medical technology and research, these garments let you train hard, perform better, and recover faster. Plus, they’re lightweight, flexible, and have graduated compression to increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The best-sellers are, of course, compression tights and shorts. However, they’re complemented by a range of compression tops and other traditional items for both men and women. There’s also a pregnancy collection and endurance edit for elite sports like triathlons and distance swimming.
6. Rhone
Find the perfect balance of fit, form, and function with Rhone. This workout and athletic clothing brand is made for men who are committed to the pursuit of progress. A line-up of the finest tech fabrics goes into the collection of tees, polos, tanks, jumpers, hoodies, button-downs, henleys, vests, jackets, joggers, pants, shorts, tights, and swimwear. These materials include Polartec® Delta™, a lightweight, cooling, sweat-wicking fabric, and Polartec® Alpha® for heat retention without moisture. Then, there’s also Goldfusion, which uses gold particles for colorfastness and odor control, while Silvertech threads silver into the fabric to prevent bacteria and smells from building up. It’s next-generation technology in classic and timeless designs. While the target market is men, the ladies do get a look in with a capsule collection of hoodies and joggers for cozy comfort
7. Asics
Asics is probably best known for its high-performance running shoes, such as the Gel Kayano and Gel-Nimbus. Beyond shoes, the brand also has clothing for men, women, and children. This range includes t-shirts, tanks, leggings, shorts, jackets, polos, and jerseys. You can also shop by sports such as running, football, tennis, cricket, training, hockey, netball, track and field, and touch football. When it comes to innovation, the company turns to their ASICS Institute of Sport Science to develop and work with new and unique materials to continue to achieve excellence in all areas.
8. Gymshark
If ever there was a workout and athletic clothing brand with a cult following, it’s Gymshark. Ben Francis and a group of friends founded the company in 2012 as teenagers. The company’s social media presence and following is part of the reason for the brand’s popularity. A robust online community engages with the brand and gives customers access to information, challenges, and work-out examples. However, it’s more than just Instagram likes, with a devotion to innovation and performance. Must-have styles for women include Flex Leggings, Flex Shorts, Adapt Seamless Leggings, Essential Tee, and Fit Seamless Sports Bra. For the gents, it’s Arrival Shorts, Veer T-Shirt, Crest Hoodie, Retake Quilted Bomber, and Critical Zip Joggers. There’s also a selection of accessories such as socks, gloves, hats, bags, bottles, and resistance bands.
9. Fabletics
Kate Hudson is the famous face behind workout and athletic clothing brand Fabletics. She launched the company with Don Ressler and Adam Goldenberg in 2013. The goal was to create accessibly priced, quality activewear and to inspire women to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The other unique detail about Fabletics is the shopping method. You can purchase any of their leggings, joggers, shorts, tanks, tees, sweaters, or sports bras like a regular retail store. Alternatively, you can join the VIP membership program. Each month you get charged a set amount and receive member credits to use on any 2-piece outfit. You also get better prices, VIP sales, and access to the Fabletics FIT app, and you can cancel or skip anytime. Plus, there are new collections and items released each month, so there’s always something new to explore, and you’ll never get bored!
10. Lululemon
The rejuvenating and calming effects of yoga are at the core of the Lululemon brand, and you can even join free in-store and online classes. The first designs released in 1998 were yoga outfits for women. Since then, the range has expanded to include menswear, as well as garments targeted for running, cycling, training, and anything else that gets you sweaty. Select from sports bras, leggings, shorts, t-shirts, joggers, tanks, and swimwear. Plus, there are outfits for casual wear, including polos, dresses, button-down shirts, jackets, hoodies, and skirts. Lululemon has also embarked on a journey to improve its inclusivity, equity, and diversity. Change is happening through increased inclusion of underrepresented groups, larger size runs, expanded training, feedback, and open dialogue.