In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re proud to present this strong lineup of female-founded fitness brands striving to empower women 24/7 and 365 days out of each year. From big-time celebrity labels like Eleven by Venus Williams to smaller eco-friendly activewear crafters, the market for workout clothes created by women and for women is boundless.
Ahead, find everything from inclusive sizes to multipurpose designs, sweat-wicking fabrics to sustainable materials, and more sporty styles we love to support. Join us in giving female business owners their flowers by shopping for a sweet new yoga mat or fresh pair of thoughtfully made leggings.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff—and, while we do receive commission from Amazon, all of the goods linked to on our site are independently selected and supported by our Shopping team.
Alala
The Greek goddess and personification of a “war cry”, Alala, is the focal point of this woman-owned activewear brand. The CEO, Denise Lee, founded the company to provide effortless day-to-night activewear for every kind of woman on the go. Check out the bold and bright bestselling styles (leggings, sports bras, outerwear, and more) hanging out on the site right now.
Shop Alala
Alala Captain Ankle Tight, $, available at Alala
THINX
This brand is most well-known for its, “washable, reusable underwear designed to replace pads and tampons, or be worn with tampons and cups for extra protection.” But, just recently this woman-owned retailer launched a line of equally absorbent leggings, shorts, and leotards for exercise or lounging around the house.
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THINX Leotard, $, available at THINX
Outdoor Voices
Although Outdoor Voices did not invent athletic dresses, Tyler Haney‘s female-founded brand is famous for its, “versatile and confidence-boosting,” Exercise Dress. This single piece boasts 2,752 reviews on its site, has a whopping five-star rating, and is totally Instagram-feed-worthy. Take a peek at this activewear staple and loads of other sweat-wicking styles that Outdoor Voices has to offer.
Shop Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Sweaty Betty
The Sweaty Betty story begins in 1998 with Creative Director and founder, Tamara Hill-Norton. She was on a mission to brighten up the lackluster world of women’s activewear and 23 years later, she’s still doing just that. Over on her site, you’ll find full collections of workout clothes, loungewear, and more unique staples to diversify your fitness wardrobe.
Shop Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty Power Workout Zip Through Jacket, $, available at Sweaty Betty
Electric Yoga
Michele Bohbot founded Electric Yoga to create activewear that caters to both sides of the style spectrum. Whether you feel most confident in a sleek, black, and muted design or prefer bright, high-energy color palettes, Electric Yoga has it for you. These thoughtful designs also carry over to the brand’s bestselling accessories like this waterproof workout bag that can accompany you anywhere.
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Electric Yoga Karma Ultra Light Allover Bolt Bag, $, available at Electric Yoga
Eleven By Venus Williams
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Venus Williams needs no introduction, but we will shed some spotlight on her fashion-forward activewear brand. The site is loaded with tennis essentials, leggings, visors, and more sporty clothing designed by athletes, for athletes.
Eleven by Venus Williams Center Court Tennis Skirt, $, available at Eleven by Venus Williams
The Culture Fit
According to Culture Fit’s site, “nothing cleanses your body like deep breathes and sweat,” which, is probably why this female-founded and black-owned business designs its yoga mats with an “ultra-absorbent microsuede top layer.” Reviewers say:
“Hi! I love my new pink kente yoga mat. It is beautiful and of really good quality. It is really thick and has a nice soft covering. It is totally worth it. I love using it every day. Thank you!”
Shop The Culture Fit
The Culture Fit The Culture Fit Yoga Mat, $, available at The Culture Fit
Carbon38
This female-founded retailer curates quality brands, collaborates with creators in the industry, and designs its own branded label collections. Co-founder, Katie Warner Johnson, strives to meet the “multifaceted demands of today’s woman,” through a practical yet stylish wardrobe.
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Beach Riot Megan Legging, $, available at Carbon38
Beyond Yoga
Co-founders, Jodi Guber Brufsky and Michelle Wahler combined their passion for body positivity in fashion to create Beyond Yoga in 2011. Now, this globally recognized brand offers a wide selection of workout clothes, maternity fashion, loungewear, and more pieces that instill inclusivity.
Shop Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank, $, available at Beyond Yoga
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