Views: 23
It’s hard to believe that 2026 is upon us. And if I’m being honest, last year unfolded less like a calendar year and more like a fever dream. Between Louvre heists, Michelle Yeoh’s now-iconic “Madame Morrible, flip it around, Wicked Witch” moment during the Wicked: For Good promotions, and those painfully ill-timed kiss cams at concerts, the year was unpredictable at best.
One thing that didn’t exactly shock us? Harry Styles running marathons. With no album rollout in sight, it feels only natural that the singer has redirected his energy elsewhere—endurance training included.
ELLE‘s Edit Of The Best Activewear Brands
- Best For Pilates: Alo
- Best For Gym: STAX
- Best For Running: On
- Best For Tennis: Sporty & Rich
And if you, like Mr Styles, are contemplating lacing up your runners—or simply setting a more considered tone for your health and wellness in 2026—allow us to start where it truly counts: the wardrobe.
Whether you prefer shorts, leggings or a flared pant to work out in, there’s no denying that the right activewear has a way of changing the entire experience. I’m personally leaning towards a chic crop top during Pilates, while reaching for a smooth, sculpting pair of shorts for a walk or a run.
Now, with movement firmly back on the agenda—and motivation at an all-time high—it’s the perfect moment to take stock of the brands shaping how we dress for it.
From bold street-style-inspired brands and luxe-leaning athleisure to globally revered labels raising the bar for functional performance wear, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best activewear brands to shop—and to add to your daily rotation.
Nagnata
Founded by powerhouse sisters Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, Nagnata made its debut on the athleisure scene in 2017 with a fresh, sustainability-driven perspective. Today, the cult label boasts sleek flagships in Byron Bay, Sydney, New York and Los Angeles. Designed for women who embrace a conscious, active lifestyle, Nagnata is growing fast—and it’s easy to see why. Expect bold colour palettes, luxurious wool textures and sculptural silhouettes that blur the lines between studio and street.
NAGATA
Romeo Trackpant 3.0
NAGATA
Micro Wool Mini Shorts
NAGATA
Splice Bodysuit
NAGATA
Scoop Wool Crop
Alo
Known for comfortable, durable and supportive cuts, Alo has served effortless activewear fits for nearly two decades. Famed for its signature fabrics—like Airlift, Airbrush, and Alosoft—the brand is committed to ensuring every piece moves with you, no matter how much you sweat. Endorsed by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid, the brand has become a global poster child for off-duty cool. With cult-fave styles, a fast-growing wellness platform (Alo Moves), and a commitment to conscious manufacturing, Alo proves that looking good and feeling grounded aren’t mutually exclusive.
ALO
Airbrush Heart Throb Bra
ALO
Softsculpt Precision Long Sleeve
ALO
Match Point Short
ALO
Cropped Accolade Crew Neck
Sporty & Rich
Speaking of nostalgic throwbacks, Sporty & Rich has swiftly evolved from digital mood board into a cult print magazine, and, now, a global fashion and wellness brand, with no signs of slowing down. Known for its effortlessly chic take on vintage athleticwear and its exclusive wellness club, the label has also mastered the art of collaboration, with standout capsules including a recent link-up with Adidas Originals. Think Wimbledon whites, 80s-inspired grey marle sweats, pleated tennis skirts, and slogan caps—each piece serving retro with a modern, minimalist twist.
SPORTY & RICH
Pleated Minidress
SPORTY & RICH
California Printed Cotton-Jersey Shorts
SPORTY & RICH
Syracuse Baseball Cap
SPORTY & RICH
Royal Club Zipped Cardigan
Adanola
Born from a simple idea—to make activewear that feels as effortless as your go-to denim—Adanola has quietly redefined what everyday movement looks like. As more than just gym wear, Adanola occupies that sweet spot between functional and fashion-forward. Clean silhouettes and sculpting details are paired with a sense of ease—whether you’re powering through a Pilates class or throwing on a hoodie for brunch. The brand is also well loved by the Instagram It-Girls like Kendall Jenner, Hanna Schönberg and Jihoon Kim.
ADANOLA
Ultimate Short Sleeve Top
ADANOLA
Ultimate Sleeveless Romper
ADANOLA
Yoga Pant
ADANOLA
Campus Oversized Zip Sweatshirt
P.E Nation
Back in 2016, when industry heavyweights Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning joined forces, few were bold enough to experiment with vibrant, retro-inspired colourways and athletic cuts. Activewear was, frankly, a little beige—until P.E Nation burst onto the scene. With its unapologetically bold prints, colour-blocked palettes and nostalgic sportswear aesthetic, the brand quickly carved out its own lane. Now a favourite in Pilates studios and gyms around the world, P.E Nation’s punchy silhouettes and signature hues are instantly recognisable.
P.E NATION
Foundation Short Sleeve
P.E NATION
Breakthrough Jacket
P.E NATION
Highgate Bike Short
P.E NATION
Fundamental Sports Bra
STAX
Catering to a diverse range of body shapes and sizes, STAX earned its stripes as the first Australian activewear brand to offer sizes 4 through 24. Founded by Perth-based couple Don and Matilda Robertson, the label is rooted in inclusivity, with a focus on ultra-stretchy, affordable, and comfort-first pieces designed for both gym layering and everyday wear. Celebrity fans include Jennifer Lopez and Megan Fox, who are often spotted in STAX’s sculpting, seamless sets, while limited-edition capsules with local influencers—like Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw—have only amplified its cult following.
STAX
Muscle Tank Astryx
STAX
Wrap Longsleeve Airlyte
STAX
Fold Over Flares Airlyte
STAX
Adira Crop Nandex
lululemon
Founded in Vancouver in the late ’90s, lululemon was one of the first brands to treat activewear as more than just something you sweat in. Originally designed with yoga at its core, the label quickly earned a reputation for precision cuts, technically minded fabrics and an almost obsessive attention to fit. What started as a niche studio staple has since grown into a global uniform—worn just as often for coffee runs and long-haul flights as it is for training sessions.
LULULEMON
Wunder Train Mesh-Back Bra
LULULEMON
Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight
LULULEMON
Jersey Training Short-Sleeve Shirt
LULULEMON
Define Jacket
Under Armour
Global powerhouse Under Armour are known for innovative designs and technology. The HeatGear range—created by founder and former college football player Kevin Plank—is easily one of the most popular choices for moisture-wicking comfort and keeping you cool throughout any workout. Today, Under Armour have expended beyond the original sweat-absorbing shirt, and now offer apparel for men, women and children, as well as shoes, accessories and other workout essentials. With premium materials and high-performance styles, Under Armour is made to ensure everyone looks and feels their best when working out.
UNDER ARMOUR
UA Launch Elite Short
UNDER ARMOUR
UA Tech Twist
UNDER ARMOUR
UA Infinity 2.0 High
UNDER ARMOUR
UA Tech Leggings
Adidas
When it comes to stripes—there can only be three. Distinctive, iconic, and notoriously Nike’s nemesis, Adidas has long blurred the line between performance and street style. A beloved brand both on and off the court, track and field, it has earned serious style cred and firmly deserves a spot on every activewear list. Spanning multiple collections—like Adidas Training, Adidas by Stella McCartney, Adidas Performance, and Adidas Originals—there’s something for every kind of mover.
ADIDAS
adi365 Running Essentials Longsleeve Shirt
ADIDAS
adidas by Stella McCartney Loose T-Shirt
ADIDAS
adi365 Running Essentials 2in1 Shorts
ADIDAS
Optime Workout High Support Bra
Nike
A global powerhouse that needs no introduction, Nike continues to blur the lines between activewear and everyday style with effortless ease. The brand’s relentless commitment to innovation shines through its vibrant, constantly evolving collections, which blend cutting-edge technology, inclusive sizing, and bold design. Reliable and accessible, Nike remains a favourite among gym devotees and fashion insiders alike. Keep your eyes peeled for NikeSKIMS—a highly anticipated collaboration with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS brand—set to launch later in 2025.
NIKE
Indy High-Support Bra
NIKE
AeroSwift Dri-FIT Mid-Rise Shorts
NIKE
Universa High-Waist Leggings
NIKE
Dri-FIT Oversized 1/2 Zip
On
Revered for its performance-first sneakers and signature CloudTec soles, On’s apparel has quietly flown under the radar—until now. With high-profile collaborators like FKA Twigs helping shift gears, the Swiss-born brand is embracing a more fashion-forward design lens. Once a humble niche running start-up, On is now delivering the goods: think edgy, ultra-lightweight mesh tanks, desert-hued crops, and high-tech layers that work just as hard on city streets as they do on the trail.
ON
Performance Flex Bra
ON
Studio Jacket
ON
Performance Tights Short
ON
Court Dress
New Balance
Spanning performance and lifestyle, New Balance has firmly cemented its status in the style set—these days, it seems everyone owns a pair of their cult kicks. The brand’s activewear delivers the same quietly confident appeal: minimalist, comfortable, and effortlessly chic. With durable, breathable fabrics and a design philosophy that favours ease over excess, it’s no surprise New Balance counts Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, and Emily Ratajkowski among its celebrity fans.
NEW BALANCE
RC Ultra Light Split Short 3″
NEW BALANCE
NB Essential Yoga Bra
NEW BALANCE
RC Essential T-Shirt
NEW BALANCE
Trackside Fleece Crew
Aje Athletica
An Australian label bringing runway energy to the running track, Aje Athletica continues to deliver collections that blend fashion with function. A go-to for modern, metropolitan women, the brand champions raw beauty and tough femininity, with each piece designed for movement and impact. Known for its bold monogram and directional silhouettes, this season’s drop channels velvety chocolate tones, soft blush hues, and effortlessly relaxed fits.
AJE ATHLETICA
Piping Al Legging 203
AJE ATHLETICA
Contrast Rib Knit Tank 135
AJE ATHLETICA
Double Strap Sports Bra 323
AJE ATHLETICA
Fitted Running Jacket
The Upside
From swim to après-ski wear, this Australian-born label covers most activewear bases—and its loyal fan base has skyrocketed the label internationally, showcasing its staying power. Drawing inspiration from all cultural corners of the globe, The Upside brings a spirited mix of bold prints, functional fabrics and flattering fits to every collection. Whether you’re flowing through a yoga class, hiking the coastline, or catching up over a long boozy brunch, each piece is designed to move effortlessly with you, while delivering a refined, fashion-forward edge.
THE UPSIDE
Panthera Billie Run Short
THE UPSIDE
Oxford Hutton Scoop Bra
THE UPSIDE
Neptune Cassandra Bodysuit
THE UPSIDE
Peached Florence Flare
The post The Activewear Brands Shaping The Modern Workout Girl’s Wardrobe In 2026 appeared first on ELLE.
