Best Sportswear and Athletic Wear Brands for Women: Stylish In and Out the Gym

Choosing the right athletic wear can make all the difference in your workouts. The best brands combine performance, comfort, and style, ensuring you feel confident and supported whether you're at the gym, on a run, or practicing yoga. With so many options available, it's important to find pieces that suit your activity level, personal style, and budget.  With brands like Lululemon and Alo leading the way in athletic fashion this year, this guide highlights similar brands that combine sportiness with style, offering pieces designed to flatter and define the body.

Looking your best often means feeling your best—it’s a mantra that holds true. Wearing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable can transform your workout experience. Below are some of the top sportswear brands for women, highlighting what makes them stand out and how they help you achieve the perfect fit for every activity... on and off the gym. This is your guide to the best sporty-chic brands on the market.

Lululemon

Lululemon is synonymous with premium activewear, offering sleek, functional designs that are perfect for yoga, Pilates, and low-impact workouts. Founded in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, by Chip Wilson, the company started as a yoga-focused brand and quickly grew into a global phenomenon. Lululemon is now recognized for its high-quality fabrics and versatile designs that cater to both fitness and casual wear. The Align leggings are a cult favorite, known for their buttery-soft fabric and lightweight feel. The brand also emphasizes sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials into many of its products, which resonates with mindful consumers.

Top Picks from Lululemon:

• Align High-Rise Leggings
• Energy Longline Bra
• Define Jacket

437

437 blends activewear and lifestyle fashion, creating versatile pieces that work both in and out of the gym. Founded by best friends Hyla Nayeri and Adrien Bettio in Toronto, Canada, the brand started with a mission to design flattering swimwear for all body types. Its success inspired them to expand into activewear, where their body-hugging fabrics and sleek designs continue to empower women. 437 has earned a loyal following by promoting inclusivity and making women feel confident, blending fashion with functionality.

Top Picks from 437:

• The Kenzie Sculpt Legging
• The Wrap Top
• The Tie-Back Tank

‍Gymshark

Gymshark is a favorite among gym-goers, offering trendy, functional pieces at an affordable price point. Founded in 2012 by Ben Francis in the UK, Gymshark began as a small business run out of Francis’s garage. Initially focused on gym accessories, the company expanded into fitness apparel, gaining traction through influencer marketing on social media. Known for their seamless leggings and crop tops, Gymshark combines performance and style, catering to those who love high-intensity workouts like weightlifting and CrossFit.

Top Picks from Gymshark:

• Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
• Adapt Animal Sports Bra
• Training Loose Fit Shorts

Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga has become a staple for women seeking stylish, high-performance activewear that seamlessly transitions from workouts to everyday wear. Founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, Alo (short for Air, Land, and Ocean) started with a mission to spread mindful movement and inspire healthier lifestyles. Today, it’s a global brand recognized for its luxurious fabrics and on-trend designs. Their leggings and bras offer the perfect balance of comfort and support, while their tops and jackets add a polished edge to athleisure. Alo’s commitment to sustainability and mindful living has made it a favorite among wellness enthusiasts.

Top Picks from Alo Yoga:

• Airlift High-Waist Leggings
• Wild Thing Bra
• Accolade Hoodie

Sporty & Rich

Sporty & Rich combines preppy, collegiate-inspired fashion with modern athleisure, making it a standout brand for those who value effortless style. Founded by Emily Oberg in 2014, Sporty & Rich started as an Instagram mood board and quickly grew into a lifestyle brand. Their collections feature timeless designs like oversized sweatshirts, classic joggers, and chic accessories, all made with premium materials. Perfect for light activities or lounging, their pieces blend casual luxury with practicality.

Top Picks from Sporty & Rich:

• Terry Cloth Shorts
• Wellness Club Sweaters and Caps

Athleta

Athleta, part of the Gap Inc. family, is a versatile brand that prioritizes comfort and inclusivity. Founded in 1998 and acquired by Gap in 2008, Athleta set out to create performance apparel tailored specifically for women. Their designs cater to a range of activities, from yoga and loungewear to hiking and running gear. With their Powervita fabric and extended sizing options, Athleta makes activewear accessible to women of all shapes and sizes. The brand also incorporates sustainable materials, appealing to those who value ethical fashion.

Top Picks from Athleta:

• Salutation Stash Pocket Leggings
• Momentum Tank
• Triumph Hoodie

Alphalete

Alphalete has gained a loyal following for its high-quality, stylish activewear designed to enhance confidence in the gym. Founded in 2015 by fitness influencer Christian Guzman, the brand began as a small clothing line and quickly grew into a globally recognized fitness apparel company. Alphalete focuses on flattering fits and premium materials, offering seamless leggings, sports bras, and crop tops that cater to high-intensity workouts. Guzman’s influence and Alphalete’s dedication to performance have made it a favorite among weightlifters and fitness enthusiasts.

Top Picks from Alphalete:

• Amplify Seamless Leggings
• Surface Limitless Sports Bra
• Essential Crop Hoodie

Nike

Nike is a leader in sportswear, offering innovative designs and high-performance materials for a variety of activities. Originally founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, Nike rebranded in 1971 and has since become one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Known for their Dri-FIT technology, Nike’s pieces wick away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable. From leggings to sports bras and their iconic running shoes, Nike caters to a broad audience while maintaining quality and style.

Top Picks from Nike:

• Nike Pro Leggings
• Nike Alpha Sports Bra
• Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Running Shoes

Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective is beloved for its focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Launched in 2016 by Ellie and Quang Dinh, the brand was created to offer stylish activewear made from recycled materials, like water bottles and fishing nets. Known for their minimalist designs and extended size range, Girlfriend Collective empowers women of all shapes and sizes to feel confident in their activewear. Their ethical practices and focus on transparency have made them a standout brand for socially conscious consumers.

Top Picks from Girlfriend Collective:

• Compressive High-Rise Leggings
• Paloma Bra
• Float Seamless Tank

On Cloud

On Cloud is the go-to brand for women who prioritize footwear that’s equal parts stylish and functional. Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On Cloud revolutionized running shoes with their patented cushioning technology. Designed to deliver both performance and aesthetic appeal, On Cloud shoes are perfect for runners, outdoor enthusiasts, and casual wearers. Lightweight and durable, they’ve become a favorite for athletes looking for comfort and innovation.

Top Picks from On Cloud:

• Cloudflyer Stability Shoes
• Cloudswift Running Shoes
• Cloudnova Lifestyle Sneakers

Style plays a significant role both in and out of the gym, influencing how we feel and how others perceive us. Feeling good about how you look can translate into better focus, energy, and an overall positive mindset, whether you’re crushing a high-intensity interval training session or taking a casual stroll in the park. Stylish athletic wear is no longer limited to the gym; it’s become a versatile wardrobe staple that seamlessly transitions into everyday life.

The rise of the sporty chic fashion trend reflects the growing demand for activewear that blends functionality with aesthetics. It’s about finding that perfect balance where you can look effortlessly polished while staying comfortable and ready for movement. This trend embraces the idea that fitness and fashion go hand in hand, offering endless opportunities to express your personal style. Sporty-chic is a lifestyle choice rather than gym-specific outfits and these brands embrace the ideology of that perfectly.

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