I'm Updating My Workout Wardrobe—These 9 Brands Are at the Top of My List

By Kevin Harson25 April 2025

When I go shopping, one of the categories I tend to skip over is workout clothes. For a long time, that was because I didn't really like working out. In college, I'd go through phases where I tried to get into a routine, but it never really lasted.

I even used to buy matching sets to try to motivate myself. (They never did.) Over the past few years, though, my relationship with exercise has shifted. I actually look forward to going to the gym or taking a class now. Still, even as it became a habit, I hesitated to invest in activewear because it felt a little frivolous given my former track record. Lately, I've realized I'm definitely past those days, and I'm actually excited to invest in exercise clothes I'll wear on a weekly basis.

In the process, I've been noticing a mix of newer athleisure brands alongside familiar names like Gap and Aritzia that have launched lines of their own. These are the ones currently at the top of my list.

GapFit Activewear

I only recently discovered that Gap has an activewear line, and honestly, I was impressed. I've already talked about how into Gap I am lately, and its workout pieces fit right into the same vibe—simple, solid-color staples. Called GapFit, it's perfect if you're looking for affordable basics. Highly recommend.

Gap

GapFit Power Exercise Dress

Gap

Lightweight Performance Cropped Leggings

Gap

GapFit Power Exercise Skort

Adanola

I love Adanola's collections, especially its workout dresses and matching sets. Nothing's overly designed, but its high-quality activewear and wardrobe essentials still feel elevated.

Adanola

Ultimate Square Neck Dress

Adanola

Ultimate Racer Back Piping Bra

Adanola

Ultimate A Line Piping Skirt

Adanola

Ultimate Halter Neck Dress

Adanola

Ultimate Scoop Neck Cap Sleeve Top

Adanola

Ultimate Leggings

Vang Athletica

I found Vang Athletica through influencer Gabi Cross, who co-founded the brand. It's based in Australia and focuses on minimal, clean silhouettes without loud logos—which I love. I also appreciate the neutral color palette.

Vang Athletica

4-Inch Shorts

Vang Athletica

Second Skin T-Shirt

Vang Athletica

Full Length Leggings

Vang Athletica

Second Skin T-Shirt

Golden by Aritzia

I didn't expect to find a full activewear line at Aritzia, but then I found Golden. The designs are elegant and are offered in different materials depending on the kind of support you want—whether that's low, medium, or high impact. The leggings also come in five inseam lengths. It feels like workoutwear that's been designed very intentionally.

Golden

Butter Tumbler Tank

Golden

Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise 5-Inch Short

Golden

Butter Essential Waist Longsleeve

Golden

Butter New Cheeky Hi-Rise Capri

Golden

Life Atmosphere Hi-Rise 3-Inch Short

CSB

Here's another TikTok find. I came across CSB through influencer Isabelle Mathers, who collaborated with the brand—that's what initially got me to check it out. I like that all of its pieces have an understated romantic touch.

CSB x Isabelle Mathers

Freedom Halter Tank

CSB x Isabelle Mathers

Ballet Wrap Top

CSB x Isabelle Mathers

Freedom Leggings

CSB x Isabelle Mathers

Halter Tie Tank

CSB x Isabelle Mathers

Freedom Scrunch Shorts 4-Inch

CSB x Isabelle Mathers

Freedom Sculpt Tank

Beyond Yoga

If your goal is comfort above all else, Beyond Yoga is perfect. I'd heard people rave about how soft its piece were, so I finally tried them on in person, and they weren't exaggerating. Everything felt so movable in a way I wasn't used to with traditional workout clothes that are more compressive. I can't wait to buy sets from the brand's Spacedye collection.

Beyond Yoga

Court Appeal Spacedye Active Minidress

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Points Crossover Skirt

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Starting Line Active Minidress

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Leggings

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Slim Racerback Crop Tank

Beyond Yoga

Fearless Asymmetric Spacedye Active Minidress

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Refocus Cropped Tank

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Keep Pace Biker Short

Form

Form was founded by Pilates instructors Sami Clarke and Sami Spalter, and it shows in the details. The pieces feel thoughtfully designed for movement but still look wearable outside of a workout. Nothing feels overly "performance," which makes the brand ideal for low-impact workouts or just feeling comfy.

Set Active

As the name suggests, Set Active is all about matching sets. With the brand's mix-and-match model, everything's made in coordinating tones, and you can easy build a little capsule. The designs are usually pretty classic, so they never feel overly trendy and won't go out of style.

Set

Airluxe Breathe Y-Back Bra

Set

Airluxe Breathe High Rise Leggings

Set

Airluxe Breathe Scoop Bra

Set

Airluxe Breathe Mini Shorts

SET

Formcloud Cloud It Bra

SET

Formcloud Cloud High-Rise Leggings

Exercere

I kept seeing people wearing Exercere on my feed and thought it looked so cute—I knew I wanted to try it. I've been wanting the Ballet Wrap Blouse. It's the kind of activewear that makes you feel put-together, even if you just rolled out of bed.