The Complete Activewear Guide
A polished guide to choosing, styling and elevating performance wear for workouts, weekends and everything in between.
Activewear has quietly stepped out of the gym and into everyday life. Today, it sits comfortably at the intersection of performance and polish, designed to move with you through workouts, travel days, coffee runs and casual plans without missing a beat. The modern wardrobe calls for pieces that work harder, look sharper and transition seamlessly, without ever feeling like a compromise.
From performance-driven essentials to elevated layers and considered accessories, here’s a confident, fashion-forward activewear framework for building workout outfits that look good and perform beautifully.
Written by: Dawn Rajah – Published: 09.01.26
Why Activewear Should Work for Both Fitness and Everyday Style
Athleisure hasn’t just changed how we dress, it’s changed what we expect from our wardrobes. What began as purely practical workout wear has evolved into a refined fashion category in its own right, shaped by premium fabrics, flattering cuts and design-led detail. Today’s best activewear outfits are engineered for movement but styled for real life.
Luxury and performance activewear brands have blurred the boundaries, creating gymwear that feels just as at home under a wool coat or oversized blazer as it does mid-session. The result is a new kind of versatility: gym-to-daywear looks that support your training while keeping you stylish.
At its best, activewear should feel intentional, not accidental. Think sculpting silhouettes, breathable fabrics and elevated colour palettes that make getting dressed feel instinctive, whether you’re heading to a morning class or stepping straight into the day.
Best Activewear for Different Types of Workouts
Gym Sessions
For strength training and high-energy workouts, performance leads the way. Look for breathable tanks, compression leggings and supportive footwear designed for cross-training; the ideal gymwear for guys and women alike. Moisture-wicking fabrics help regulate temperature, while second-skin fits offer support without restriction.
Technical gym leggings with high waistbands provide both comfort and confidence, holding their shape through squats, lunges and everything in between. For women, pair with a streamlined sports bra and lightweight running trainers to create a gymwear look that feels purposeful and polished.
Yoga and Pilates
Low-impact workouts, like yoga and pilates call for softness and freedom of movement. Stretchable fabrics, minimal seams and sculpting finishes are ideal when deciding what to wear for yoga, offering gentle support without distraction.
Form-fitting tops and softly structured sports bras allow for fluid transitions between poses, while tonal workout sets create a clean, elongated silhouette. Neutral hues and muted pastels work particularly well here, lending a calm, considered feel to your yoga attire.
Outdoor Running and Walking
When training outdoors, smart layering activewear makes all the difference. Begin with thermal or sweat-wicking base layers, then build with windproof jackets or lightweight gilets depending on conditions. Reflective detailing, secure pockets and supportive trainers enhance both comfort and confidence.
If you’re wondering what to wear for running, it depends on the intensity. For walking or long-distance runs, breathable fabrics that adapt to changing temperatures are key. A streamlined crossbody gym bag or lightweight backpack keeps essentials close without interrupting your stride.
Rest Days, Errands and Lounge-to-Brunch
This is where activewear truly earns its place. Relaxed joggers, oversized sweatshirts and refined knit sets blur the line between gymwear and everyday workout clothes. Cropped hoodies paired with sleek trainers strike the perfect balance between casual and styled - ideal for off-duty days that still call for polish.
Soft fabrics, thoughtful proportions and clean colour palettes ensure men’s and women’s loungewear feels elevated rather than purely functional.
How to Style Activewear Beyond the Gym
Mix and Match for Maximum Versatility
The secret to elevated activewear is contrast. Technical leggings instantly feel more intentional when paired with a tailored trench coat or a longline wool silhouette, shifting the look from sporty to city-ready in one step. A sports bra layered beneath a quarter zip, finished with a structured outer layer, creates a modern base-layer formula that feels styled rather than thrown on.
These combinations allow workout pieces to earn their keep, moving confidently beyond training sessions and into everyday rotation.
Layering Techniques for All Seasons
Layering is where function meets finesse. In cooler months, long-sleeve thermals worn beneath sleeveless tanks add warmth without weight, keeping the profile clean and streamlined. Bomber jackets, padded vests and statement outerwear introduce texture and shape, while still delivering on practicality.
Seasonal styling leans towards considered layering that balances performance with personality. Think technical fabrics softened by relaxed silhouettes, elevated finishes and thoughtful proportions that feel wearable, not overworked.
The Power of Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touch that bring athleisure to life. Clean, box-fresh trainers ground outfits with a crisp, contemporary edge, while ribbed socks add subtle texture and visual interest. Crossbody gym bags and sleek backpacks keep things practical without compromising on style.
A baseball cap, sunglasses or a lightweight scarf adds character and confidence, proving that the smallest details often do the heaviest lifting.
Choosing Functional Yet Stylish Pieces
When building an activewear wardrobe, fabric matters just as much as fit. Breathable, antimicrobial materials help regulate temperature and maintain comfort throughout the day, while thermal layers introduce flexibility for changing conditions. Sculpting fabrics enhance shape and support without feeling restrictive, striking the balance between form and function in gymwear.
Colour choices help define the look. Earth tones, monochrome palettes and soft pastels offer versatility and longevity, while touches of violet or khaki introduce a fashion-forward edge that still feels refined.
In terms of fit, high-waist leggings provide support and a flattering silhouette, while racerback designs encourage freedom of movement. These details may be subtle, but together they create pieces that feel confident, comfortable and considered from the first wear.
Our Favourite Activewear Brands
A strong activewear wardrobe starts with knowing which brands do what best. From performance-led innovators to fashion-first names redefining athleisure, these are the labels delivering style, support and longevity in equal measure.
Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty has mastered the art of flattering performance wear. Known for sculpting silhouettes and confidence-boosting fits, its sets are designed to move seamlessly between workouts and everyday wear. Consider it a go-to for stylish gym clothes that feel just as considered styled with outerwear as they do in the studio.
Under Armour
Built for intensity, Under Armour leads with technical innovation. Sweat-wicking fabrics, engineered support and durability-driven design make it a favourite for high-performance training and gym wear for guys who prioritise function. Ideal for those who take their workouts seriously and want kit that keeps pace, no matter the session.
Calvin Klein
Clean, refined and unmistakably modern, Calvin Klein brings a fashion-led sensibility to gymwear. Neutral palettes, streamlined silhouettes and subtle branding make these pieces easy to style beyond the gym, perfect for those who prefer their activewear minimal and quietly elevated.
Skins
Designed with performance science at its core, Skins specialises in compression gear that supports muscles, improves circulation and aids recovery, best for focused training sessions and serious workout clothes.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Bringing a heritage lens to modern sportswear, Polo Ralph Lauren blends classic American style with relaxed athletic ease. Think refined tracksuits, elevated basics and off-duty pieces that feel timeless rather than trend-led, ideal for polished athleisure and weekend wear.
BOSS
Sharp, streamlined and impeccably cut, BOSS redefines activewear with a tailored edge. Its performance pieces are sleek and understated, designed for those who favour structure, neutral tones and a more refined gym-to-daywear aesthetic.
Anine Bing
Anine Bing approaches activewear through a distinctly fashion-first lens. Minimalist silhouettes, muted tones and effortless styling make its pieces feel more like wardrobe staples than workout gear. Perfect for low-impact movement, travel days and elevated off-duty looks.
Build Your Workout Wardrobe
The best activewear is a balance of performance and polish. By investing in versatile staples, layering thoughtfully and embracing fashion-forward details, you can create a wardrobe that supports both your workouts and your lifestyle.
Mix technical essentials with elevated outerwear, play with colour and proportion, and let accessories refine the finish. With a curated selection of premium activewear brands, building a confident, modern workout wardrobe has never felt more intuitive.
Whether you’re training hard, travelling light or embracing everyday comfort, our activewear collections move with you and maintain a polished, considered look.
FAQs
What are fashion-forward activewear colours right now?
Activewear is leaning towards refined, wearable tones that feel considered rather than trend-driven. Earthy neutrals such as stone, taupe and chocolate brown remain popular for their versatility, while monochrome black and soft grey continue to anchor modern gym wardrobes. Muted pastels, including blush, sage and powder blue, offer a softer alternative, and deeper shades like khaki or muted violet add subtle depth without overpowering an outfit. These colours work particularly well for creating coordinated sets that transition easily from gym to daywear.
What features should I look for in a sports bra?
The right sports bra depends on both your activity level and comfort needs. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to manage sweat, along with secure underbands for support. High-impact workouts benefit from firm compression or encapsulation styles, while low-impact activities such as yoga and Pilates suit lighter, flexible designs. Adjustable straps, racerback cuts and seamless construction also improve fit and freedom of movement, helping the bra feel supportive without restricting you throughout the day.
Can I wear leggings and a sports bra outside the gym?
Yes, leggings and sports bras can be worn beyond the gym when styled with intention. The key is balance. Layering a sports bra under a zip-through top, knit or tailored outerwear instantly elevates the look, while high-waist leggings in neutral tones create a clean, streamlined base. Finished with polished trainers and simple accessories, this approach turns workout staples into confident athleisure outfits suitable for travel, errands or casual plans.