Workout wear isn’t what it used to be. With celebrity trainers and athletic bloggers posting their gym looks on social media and high-end fashion designers incorporating activewear into their collections, fitness has definitely become fashionable. Sheer-paneled leggings, cut-out sports bras and funky socks aren’t your mom’s high-cut leotards. Suit up in gear from any of these stylish activewear lines and you’ll look pulled together all day — whether or not you make it to the gym for that workout.
Koral
Chic and modern, Koral is the epitome of high-fashion activewear. Highlights from this fun and transitional line include luxe leggings that resemble leather, jersey knit t-shirts with embellishments and a glossy lamé jumpsuit worthy of the runway.
Lolë
Athletic line Lolë is a favorite among active fashionistas, including Chicago personal stylist Annie Frances Peck.“It’s a company that carries the best quality, greatest styles that work for everyone and is a place all about community,” says Frances Peck. “This all-encompassing brand helps women feel great in their clothing, but also gives back through donations and charities.”
Zara Terez
These leggings aren’t for the wallflower. With funky prints that resemble glitter, cityscapes, emojis or old-school cassette tapes, you’re sure to stand out at your next barre class. Created by two friends in NYC, the line also includes children’s items. Pair these leggings with a solid-colored top or sports bra to keep things from looking too busy.
Outdoor Voices
This co-ed line favored by J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons (she put it on J.Crew’s website after falling in love with the brand) features lightweight leggings, sports bras and hoodies in soft colors and technical fabrics. If you prefer a complete pre-assembled outfit, you can purchase a “kit” which includes a total look of head-to-toe essentials.
Michi
Liza Wolin, a Chicago fitness instructor at Body R&D and AIR, favors Michi because the line fits well yet is super stylish. “You can take their leggings from the gym or class straight out to the streets,” says Wolin. “Their tops and sports bras are unique and edgy, but at the same time supportive and stay in place, allowing me to move around comfortably.”
Modern Heritage Socks
Who knew you could find motivation from your gym socks? Cheeky captions like “don’t quit” and “get moving” will definitely put pep in your step. These socks also make great gifts.
Lucas Hugh
This UK luxury athletic brand’s high-fashion activewear comes with high prices too — but there’s good reason behind the cost. Each piece is made from tight-weave polyamide/lycra mix fabrics with a mild compression fit to assist blood flow and guard against muscle strain. Sealed-seam technology prevents chafing while UV-protective, breathable fabrics keep perspiration at bay.
Monrow
If you favor looser workout wear or like to layer, Monrow makes trendy sweatpants and hoodies in a variety of colors and tie-dye prints. So cozy and ultra-soft, you’ll find yourself wanting to buy extras to sleep in too!
More from Make It Better:
