I’m not sure exactly when my love of activewear began. It could’ve been when I first started taking my dance training more seriously or maybe it was post-covid during which activewear became my daily uniform, with nowhere else other than the supermarket or the park to go for our daily outings. Either way, I now have an overflowing drawer of activewear and I can firmly say that is one of the most worn and loved sartorial categories.
That said, there are also many pieces I bought early on that didn’t live up to their waist-cinching, hip-holding and butt-lifting expectations or that simply didn’t wear well. Not great for me, but great news for you as I have now tried and tested pretty much all of the most well-known sportswear brands and I’m pleased to report I have some firm favourites.
What to look for when shopping for activewear tends to be a pretty personal choice. Specifically down to what sport, if any, we are making the purchase for. I always look for medium to high-impact support in my sports bras and with leggings it has to be a high-waist, zero transparency and compressive fabrics to hold me in, give me confidence and support my back. I also frequently wear my smarter sports leggings with a sweatshirt and crisp white trainers when doing the school run, so I tend to go for block colours rather than prints. Casual and polished is the name of the game.
So, whether you’re vegging out or hitting the first of Pilate class of 2023, here are my top 9 sets to buy right now.
Style Notes: Today more than ever activewear is way more than purely functional. British label Adanola is the cool go-to brand for stylish athleisure that can be worn every day, even when not working out. This chocolate colour way is my new favourite but it’s the matching cropped cardi that had me sold.
This is perfect for high-impact sports and it has removable padding, too.
The V-waist detail is super flattering and helps to define the waist.
I will be wearing this cropped cardi outside of my dance classes, too.
Style Notes: It’s been a while since I last wore bright printed leggings, as lately I gravitate towards matching sets in block colours as I feel they look more polished. That said, I was super impressed with the latest M&S Good Move range. The leggings feature this fab punchy pink leopard print while this soft cotton top has a hidden bra for support (but is still long enough to cover my midriff). This pink fleece was a must to pull the look together and shows just how chic activewear can look.
This cotton top is great for everyday use or low-impact sport like yoga. I love that it has a hidden crop top for extra support.
For lovers of bright prints.
Comfy sweats need not ever be boring.
Style Notes: I’ve wanted to try these H&M leggings for a while as I had heard great things and they didn’t disappoint. There are a few things I love, from the matt finish to the high waist, but what had me sold is the thicker fabric across the wide waistband that provides a lot of support. They have a great selection of sports bras too depending on the support required, but I liked this bra-like style which is great for everyday and gentle exercise. I’ve paired it with this fleece gilet to complete the look.
Great support without too much coverage.
Seamless and flattering.
Layer over a matching sweatshirt.
Style Notes: Now, this look is basically me in sportswear form. I love colour and always prefer fun sets in bright shades of pink and lilac, however, I’m equally happy with the super flattering black base colour here that is lifted by the splashes of neon pink and orange. The leggings are high-waisted, the sports bra is supportive and long enough to cover my waist and the matching jacket is super cool. Sportswear first and foremost has to be functional for me, especially as I do high-impact Brazilian samba dancing, but if it can look this cool too I’m on to a winner.
A great all-round sports bra.
High-waisted and flattering lines.
As stylish as sportswear gets.
Style Notes: Under Armour is known for its technical base layers, so it wasn’t surprising that this set felt like a second skin. That said, if it is high-level support you’re after, then this set probably isn’t for you. However, the moisture wicking fabric is perfect for sweaty runs or weight training in the gym. This unusual minty shade made a nice change from the usual all-black or vibrant sportswear colour palette, too.
Great for outdoor runs.
For that second-skin feeling.
An everyday sports bra.
Style Notes: I’ve seen Varley activewear in stores many times but haven’t had a chance to try them until now and these leggings have to be my new favourite black pair. They are comfortable, supportive, and high at the waist, which I love. The wrap-over sports bra is pretty genius too as it has removable padding and provides a touch of shaping for smaller chests and push-up support for larger busts. You know you’re onto a winner when you try on a sports bra and leggings combo that doesn’t need fiddling around with and makes you smile.
The perfect black sports bra that isn’t boring.
My new favourite leggings.
Style Notes: I really like the detailing on this set by American label Lorna Jane. The seam under the bust lifts and shapes your chest and the ribbed corset-inspired detail around the waist gives this sporty look a sculpted silhouette. The oaty colour way feels calming which is perfect for moments of mindful movement.
Proof design details in activewear are endless.
These have a really nice detailing at the ankle.
Style Notes: Australian label The Upside is all about creating stylish yet functional pieces you can wear in and outside of the gym. The knitted, ribbed fabric of this top and leggings is perfect for low-impact sports like barre and pilates but would look super-cool for a relaxed weekend brunch with friends too.
Cropped sweats are the most flattering.
The knitted fabric of this set is super soft.
This vibrant aqua shade is a nice alternative to khaki green.
Style Notes: I have been wearing Girlfriend Collective sets for about 3 years now and personally, when it comes to my needs, no other brand comes close. From the thickness of fabric, the compressive qualities, the high-waisted leggings and supportive sports bras, to the extensive array of colours, styles and extensive size range available, they’re one of the few brands that you can rely on producing your favourite styles season after season without them being modified or tweaked in some way. Throw in the recycled fabrics and affordable price point and you get one of the best activewear brand I own.
The Paloma bra is Girlfriend Collective’s best-selling style, especially for larger busts.
