So, it's the start of a new year, and we're all getting clued up on the best activewear brands — it's virtually impossible to motivate ourselves otherwise, right?
For context, I've vowed that 2026 will be the year I finally lock in a workout routine I can stick to. Preferably, one with enough variety to keep me interested but also effective at helping me gain the strength I've craved for years.
But, and it goes without saying, I'll need activewear to do it all in. So, while trialling new ClassPass studios and fresh running routes over the last few weeks, I've also been flitting between athleisure brands to see if I can secure a new favourite.
My findings? Premium brands like lululemon and Sweaty Betty are home to the very best leggings, while Adanola and FP Movement nail that minimalist, just-came-from-Pilates aesthetic.
Elsewhere, Swiss brand On Running is hard to beat when it comes to performance-focused running trainers and apparel, while Gymshark and TALA have all bases covered when it comes to strength training.
So, whether you're gearing up for your first reformer class or you're on the hunt for outdoor running gear that'll see you through the coming months, I've got you covered with my edit of the best activewear brands for women in 2026.
How I test the best activewear:
I, alongside our team of shopping editors – Sophie Cockett, Shani Cohen, Georgia Trodd and Mayola Fernandes – double as Glamour guinea pigs and so are constantly roadtesting the latest beauty, fashion and wellness releases to see which they're really worth your cash. For this guide, the fitness keen were asked to test a few products from each activewear brand for up to two weeks.
When reviewing products, we considered them against the following criteria:
| Design | Is it practical, fit for purpose and aesthetic? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much? Is it good quality? |
| Delivery | How quickly did it arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
| Giftability | Would this make a suitable birthday or Christmas gift? Is it something the recipient actually wants, needs and would enjoy? |
For those we haven't yet tested, we asked industry experts whether the pairs selected would get their stamp of approval, and read countless customer reviews.
Why you can trust me: Sophie Donovan
As a shopping writer, it's been my job to test a host of wellness products for the last two years — that's 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere. From sexual wellness products, including the best vibrators, to running trainers and menstrual products such as period pants, I've tried thousands of products across hundreds of brands so I can publicly declaring the best.
Over the last year, I've attended countless press days, spoken to various women's health experts, sex therapists and activewear designers, plus regularly read up on the latest research across all the above categories. As a result, you could say I am more of an expert on the subject of wellness than your average online shopper.
Ahead, the best activewear brands for women in 2026, approved by Glamour editors:
1. Adanola
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past, let's say, three years, you'll have spotted Adanola making many an appearance on your Instagram feed. Serving up a capsule wardrobe for your workout and leisure time, every single item in their (now extensive) collection matches the next. Their brunch-to-leg-day pieces are tonal – think chocolate browns, navy blues, and cherry reds – pushing us in the sartorial direction of a wardrobe filled entirely with clothes we'll actually wear.
And they're built for performance, too. Take the Ultimate Leggings, for example. They launched back in 2020 and have sold over one million units since, scoring highly in our squat and sweat tests. “I bought the Ultimate Leggings in Coffee Bean about two years ago, and they're still my go-to pair for gym sessions and workout classes,” says Glamour contributor, Georgia Lockstone. “I love that they've got no front seam – and the wide waistband stays firmly in place even when I'm on the treadmill.”
2. New Balance
New Balance needs little introduction – ICYMI, not just a destination for fashion trainers (the 530 hype lives on) but for actual sports gear, too. Among their bestsellers sit joggers, sweatshirts, long-sleeve running tops and gym leggings with pockets, where running gear is designed for performance – but stylish enough to wear to brunch. As we head into cosy season, I'm definitely bookmarking the Linear Heritage Fleece Full Zip, and a fresh pair of 9060 trainers. Just perfect for the colder weather.
3. FP Movement
The dark horse of the activewear world – particularly when it comes to yoga, pilates, and snowy winter pursuits – Free People's activewear line injects feminine, bohemian influences into its sportswear. Countless pieces have garnered the influencer stamp of approval over the past year, including the cross-back Righteous Runsie (go to a London run club in the summer, and you'll spot it) – and their famously floaty and flirty running shorts.
And don't worry – the bold colours and prints aren't just reserved for the warmer months. The Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket is the perfect piece for layering over your activewear, while their beautiful base layers are spot-on for stylish skiers and snowboarders.
4. TALA
British activewear brand Tala was founded by fitness entrepreneur and sports influencer Grace Beverley back in 2016, and it quickly built up a cult following. It was born to fill the gaps: sustainably produced activewear that champions the female form and flatters all body shapes. Everything from its gym leggings – as tested by Glamour contributor Karina Marriott – to its gym jackets and tops is made from recycled and natural materials, and available in a plethora of sizes.
5. LULULEMON
Next up, perhaps my favourite activewear brand of all time. I've tried my fair share. Lululemon Athletica is a technical athletic apparel brand known for its high-quality pieces across all fitness and exercise sectors, from yoga to running and weightlifting. And while I could write entire features dedicated to many of their lines (their Luxtreme™ Fabric is perfect for yoga, and their Wunder Train line is a one-stop shop for your sweatiest workouts), their Align range is the star of the show.
Whether I'm working from home or actually working out, I am living in the brand's industry-acclaimed Align leggings, which consistently top best-of round-ups for their buttery-soft fabric, high-waisted fit and second-skin feel. They're breathable, sweat-wicking, and they never chafe or fall down. Take it from someone who has rowed, cycled, boxed and run in them. Elsewhere, Align sports bras and tank tops are equally as soft and supportive.
6. JD Sports
My early memories of JD Sports? My brother begging my parents for a stop inside to obsess over the latest football kits. But I've recently discovered the brand stocks a host of big activewear names — Nike, HOKA, adidas, North Face, Under Armour, ASICS and On — as well as workout accessories (Stanley Cups and workout bags). But the brand also has all the latest fashion trainers and in high-demand colours. Those pony hair leopard-print Sambas? At the very top of my working wishlist.
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7. Lovall
Lovall has long been our go-to for black leggings for everyday wear, paired with knee-high boots and an oversized knit. Take the Everyday High Waisted Leggings, available in a UK 6 to 28 (!) and crafted from soft cotton, meaning they won't throw off your pH, no matter how sweaty you get.
But the brand does a (limited) range of activewear that's both budget-friendly and fit for purpose, those olive-coloured Cycling Shorts seeing me through many a spin class.
8. NIKE
You can't go shopping for the best women's gym brands without coming across Nike (or its subsidiary label, Converse). Nike is worn by NFL players and NBA players alike – as well as everyone else on the streets (activewear or real clothes?) – making them the most coveted sports brand around. Its bestsellers? Air Jordans, slogan hoodies and its retro sports apparel are all worth noting, as well as its compression leggings and anything featuring its own DRI-Fit tech.
Save when you shop for the best activewear brands for women with these Nike discount codes.
9. GYMSHARK
The Gymshark legacy began all the way back in 2012 in a tiny garage in Birmingham. Today, the brand – whose flagship store is located on London's Regent Street – is co-signed by influencers and athletes alike. It's a not-too-expensive favourite for many a fitness fanatic, and one you're sure to fall in love with too.
This winter, burgundy is the big colour of the season – and it features heavily in their latest collection: Cosy Luxe X Soft Sculpt. Designed to look and feel like a second skin, the Flow Leggings are ideal for low-intensity workouts and rest days, while the Cosy Luxe jogging bottoms and sweatshirts are super soft and snuggly.
10. Adidas
Adidas nails that sweet spot between real clothes and high-performance activewear. One glance at the multiple staffers rocking Firebird track pants in the Glamour office will act as proof. Of late, the brand has collaborated with the likes of Stella McCartney and Wales Bonner, while their Originals line has blown up (and gained approval from Glamour's Associate Visuals Editor Louisa Bryant). Those looking for actual gym-wear won't be disappointed, of course. Shop for the best-of-the-best in swimwear, tennis skirts, football gear, hiking attire and more.
Save when you shop for the best workout clothes for women with these Adidas discount codes.
11. SWEATY BETTY
Sweaty Betty is a global activewear and lifestyle brand for women, but it's also a community that believes fitness is a switch that triggers becoming the woman you want to be. “Leggings and sports bras won't change the world on their own. But with a grab-my-hand, let's-go-for-it-now spirit, the women who wear them can” says the label. Preach.
Their activewear feels luxe and of the highest quality, and all of the styles we've tried have scored highly in testing. “It's true what they say about Sweaty Betty, it's worth the investment,” Glamour's Georgia Trodd said. "I never spend much when it comes to my gymwear, but now I've tried SB, I definitely will be – you can feel the quality before you even put anything on.
“The leggings I tested were not only squat-proof (I checked), but they were also compressive, which made me feel super secure. It meant that they didn't roll down, either, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.”
Elsewhere, Sophie Donovan – who notes that “sports bras are the one item in my gym wear wardrobe that I’ll always splurge on” adored the Zero Gravity Running Bra. “I’ve invested in far too many that either lose their support within a few washes or don’t offer any at all,” she said.
“The Zero Gravity Bra is the most supportive one I’ve tried to date, with almost a suction-cup style design. I also love the two separate clasps at the back, meaning no more struggling to pull my sweaty support over my head post-run. I currently live in the midnight cherry purple colourway — a nice alternative to bog-standard black.”
12. ALO
Founded on the philosophy of ‘mindful movement’ and the belief in the transformative power of yoga, Alo Yoga's collections are thoughtfully designed according to current trends – but are also made with practice in mind. Their pieces have been spotted on the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Candice Swanepoel, which should act as proof enough for their quality.
13. H&M Move
If it's not already, H&M should certainly be on your radar for way more than just their designer collabs with Rokh, Mugler and Simone Rocha. In fact, the Scandi-stalwart also happens to design some of the best affordable activewear on the high street – with their simple matching sets making a stylish and supportive addition to any workout.
The Sports Leggings with SoftMove come in heaps of different colours, and make a great staple addition to any gymwear wardrobe – while the Zip-Top Running Jacket with DryMove is a must for winter jogs. Meanwhile, the recently released Ski Collection is where you'll find everything from basic base layers and bib trousers to chic padded jackets and gorgeous embellished goggles.
Save when you shop for the best sports brands with these H&M discount codes.
14. On
Born in the Swiss Alps in 2010, On started as a running brand – focusing on creating trainers that would revolutionise the sensation of running. In the years since, they've branched out to offer an array of activewear, apparel, and accessories for other pursuits like court sports and gym training – but running is still very much their bread and butter.
Simple yet stylish, expect staple high-performance pieces that have been engineered to see you through everyday life, intense outdoor pursuits, and everything in between. On our wishlist this season? The seriously chic All-Day Puffer Vest, primed for running around town, as well as this burnt red pair of training leggings.
15. Oner Active
One of the green flags we look for when seeking out new activewear brands? Female founders, because they know what we're looking for when it comes to sports bras, shorts and running jackets. Krissy Cela founded Oner Active in 2020 after she became a personal trainer and struggled to find flattering activewear that combined empowering colours with performance properties.
I can't fault the fit of Oner Active's EffortlessLife Seamless Leggings, which also stay in place whether I'm squatting or sprinting. And while aesthetics aren't the priority when stocking up ahead of a new training block, the option to match my running jacket, shorts, and bra is much appreciated.
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16. M&S Good Move
In 2024, M&S reported that over 1.3 million customers searched for sportswear on M&S.com, with the top search term being ‘Sports Bras’ (200,000 searches), followed by ‘Goodmove’ (160,000 searches). That's a lot of people, A) wanting to get fit, and B) wanting to get fit wearing M&S.
The entire collection is amazing and vast – affordable, but underpinned by quality and innovation. Think: dynamic, moisture-wicking and Cool Comfort fabrics that will keep you cool and comfortable whilst working out, to Stormwear technology that will protect you from the elements, whilst outdoors.
It's also worth noting that M&S stocks many other activewear brands, too – including Adidas, Girlfriend Collective, and Under Armour.
17. Under Armour
I will wax lyrical about Under Armour sports bras to anyone who will listen. Not only incredibly flattering, but they're built for serious performance and make me feel confident and supported even in the bounciest of HIIT classes. My favourite is the white, medium-support Infinity 2.0 Mid Sports Bra, which is seriously sweat-wicking, has breathable side panels and adjustable straps – but I've tried and loved many. You can shop by the support level you desire on their website, and there's a plethora of colours and cuts available.
Outside of the realm of sports bras, Under Armour impressed us in so many categories: base layers, leggings, sports accessories and fleeces. You can shop by sport or by technology (CoolGear and HotGear are worth particular note), and delivery is super speedy.
Save when you shop the best activewear with these Under Armour discount codes.
18. Varley
“Varley is a fashion-centric brand that is designed with movement in mind,” Kay Barron, Net-A-Porter's Buying Director, told Glamour contributor Rosie Lai. “Its collection of elevated knits, outerwear, sweats and refined basics allows for an effortless transition from a workout class to a social occasion, or of course, you can skip the workout class!
"Over the past three months alone, we have seen a remarkable 967% increase in customer searches on the site for ‘Varley DoubleSoft’ alongside a 500% rise in customer searches in the same time period for ‘Varley Jumper’, which shows the growing interest in these styles."
Save when you shop the best activewear with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
19. Vouri
Rather than activewear, Vouri produces ‘performance apparel’, designed to take you from the gym to the beach and then onto brunch. Inspired by its surroundings in Encinitas, California, you'll find leggings, sport bras, flares and hoodies finished in various hues of blue — but, more importantly, all crafted from high-performing materials. Take the Clean Elevation Legging: not at all see-through and with a suede-like finish, they're perfect for wearing on your next long run, as well as while running errands.
More fitness and exercise content:
- Best gym trainers, tried and tested by editors
- The best yoga pants for low-intensity workouts
- The best protein powders for women, including the best vegan protein powder and the best whey protein powder
- The best sports swimsuits according to wild swimmers
- The best yoga mats for training indoors
