As we welcome a brand new year, you might be heading back to the gym, or starting a new fitness regime. I've searched high and low for the best activewear collections that will make anyone smile by just looking at them.
For those of you who are working on your fitness goals or you're attempting the viral 50 Days Strong social media challenge, I'm here to help you find some new activewear that will actually make you WANT to work out. Step away from the black, say goodbye to the grey. Let's bring some colour into our lives.
I'm a strong believer that colour will boost your mood, and it's easy to buy the black sports leggings with the matching black tank top and throw on a grey hoodie over the top, but life's for living - embrace colour.
© Leanne BayleyIf you're looking for new sportswear for the gym or for your home workouts, or just for being a cool girl who likes functional streetwear sans exercise, we've searched for the top sportswear brands for activewear that will really help smash your goals. We're talking prints (hello leopard print!), neon, lots of colours and jazzy designs for your sportswear wardrobe. Don't be boring in 2025, take a walk on the wild side.
- Top activewear brands for logo lovers: Nike, Adidas and Gymshark all feature their logos throughout their activewear.
- Top brands for active streetwear: Red Run, Adanola and Lululemon are three of our favourite brands for looking stylish wherever and whenever.
- Top activewear brands for affordability: Next is an affordable option, as is Marks & Spencer Good Move.
- Top activewear brand for understated luxury: Sweaty Betty takes the crown for this one.
How we chose the best fun activewear brands
- Quality materials: Colour aside, we have looked at the brands that take their sportswear seriously. You want your activewear to look good but you want it to last.
- Mix and match options: You might want to create a capsule activewear wardrobe.
- Cool details: We wanted to feature brands that pay attention to the small details - cool pockets on leggings for your mobile phone or secret compartments for your keys. These things make a huge difference.
- Colour or prints: Confidence is key! We looked to the brands that balance functionality with style.
Best activewear brands for women in 2025
M&S Good Move
© M&SEditor's Note:
I love Marks & Spencer's GoodMove Collection. I wish they had more matching sets available in store, though a lot of the pieces you can mix and match with. I chose this limeade Ultraheat™ Zip Up Fitted Running Top because it instantly sparked joy and made me think of the sunshine. Team with the printed leggings the model is wearing, I love that there is a secure pocket on the side which means you can keep your phone with you.
M&S hero styles have been refreshed for 2025, with a bold new aesthetic, featuring graphic prints and complemented by vibrant bright accents. Within the popular GoodMove collection, you can now get reflective gym leggings made with recycled polyester, and a matching Flexifit sports bra with cross-back straps.
Lululemon Activewear
© LululemonEditor's Note:
My new obsession with Lululemon is next level - the Aligne leggings (yes, the one Meghan Markle loves) are my number one buy. You just can't beat them! But if you're looking for a bit of fun for your workout wardrobe, the bright blue Align Sweetheart Bra is a fabulous colour.
Lululemon is a popular choice with women all over the world. Whether you're after a pair of leggings or a sports bra, the popular Wunderpuff puffer coat or sports shoes.
Sweaty Betty
© Sweaty BettyEditor's Note:
I would say Sweaty Betty is a trusted fitness brand - I'm a big fan. Yes, it's considered to be quite expensive but if you're really into your activewear, it's a great brand to shop with and I think the staff are next level in store. I really love this cherry purple after-class sweatshirt. Who says you can't exercise in style?!
You can always count on Sweaty Betty for some stylish activewear - no matter what exercise you favour the most. From yoga to pilates, running or even skiing. If you weren't already sold on the soft, sculpting fabric and vibrant colour, the leggings have a medium rise with a smooth ‘stay-put’ waistband.
Nike Women Activewear
© NikeEditor's Note:
Nike is a firm favourite when I'm shopping for new activewear. The website is easy to use and there are plenty of options and new products drop daily. I'm drawn to this Dri-FIT running top for my summer fitness goals.
There's no denying that Nike is the power player for activewear. If you're looking for bright colours, Nike's definitely up there. Within the womenswear collections for 2025, we're seeing even more brights - and we're obsessed with all the pink in the collection.
Adidas
© AdidasEditor's Note:
Adidas stocks lots of mix and match items on the website, and I love that. There are also lots of trendy colours to choose from and cool accessories to match with. I am obsessed with these ruby red leggings - they make me want to start running.
Adidas has everything you need for quality activewear. Whether you're after performance technology for high energy workouts, or whether you're after comfort for those relaxed recovery days.
Gymshark
© GymsharkEditor's Note:
How much am I loving this safari-inspired set?! If you're too afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, try layering the bra with your favourite black or white tank top.
Gymshark really does cater to gym bunnies and the pieces are targeted towards young women who want to look cool in the gym but wear clothes made for training.
Alo Yoga
© Alo YogaEditor's Note:
I only recently discovered alo yoga, and I'm completely obsessed. Choose from cool leggings, bra tops, tees, tank tops, hoodies and so much mor4e. You can also buy accessories online as well. This bright coloured red pullover gets my vote to brighten up my workout.
Alo has everything you need for quality activewear. Whether you're after performance technology for high energy Peloton bike rides, or whether you're after comfort for those relaxed recovery days.
Lovall Activewear
© LovallEditor's Note:
Lovall is a new power player when it comes to activewear. Designed for all types of fitness, this navy Empower jacket features extra stretch when you're breaking a sweat – I also like that it's a softer alternative to black.
Lovall offers a wide range of products, including leggings in different lengths, sizes, and fits. The winter leggings are a popular choice with shoppers.
Red Run
© Red RunEditor's Note:
Red Run is more than just a go-to for a gym outfit, this is the active streetwear you need in your wardrobe. You know the score - the kind of outfit that you can wear daily and feel stylish and comfortable in, and if you suddenly want to do a quick pilates class, you're already kitted out. The new Urban Fusion collection is perfect for anyone who wants to make an entrance as soon as they walk in the gym or on the track.
UK based brand Red Run design their sportswear to be so stylish and flattering you could wear it out to brunch after your workout. The collection is designed to show power and strength, be comfortable and fit well, to enhance those body parts you’ve worked hard on or help pull you in on those days that you need that extra bit of confidence. The luxurious, thick, breathable fabrics ensure your body stays cool whilst you train retaining your energy.
Scroll down for top tips on what to look for when shopping for activewear. We reached out to the ultimate expert - Megan Kimmance, Red Run Co-Founder & Creative Director, who gave us her top tips.
Meet the expert: Megan Kimmace
Megan Kimmance is the founder of Red Run. She's a UCLAN fashion design graduate & Graduate Fashion Week finalist. After years of working in fashion design, commercial & wholesale distribution roles for brands such as Vivienne Westwood and KTZ, she set out to fill the gap in the emerging activewear market to blend performance wear with trend-led fashion.
