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The coolest activewear brands to know in 2026, tried and tested
Workout gear that's stylish enough for day-to-day (but performs when you need it to)
Knowing which activewear brands are actually worth shopping – beyond the household names like lululemon, Nike, and Gymshark – can feel overwhelming. With so many options on the market, the best women’s activewear needs to strike the perfect balance between style, comfort and performance.
Whether you’re heading to a Pilates class, spin studio, tennis court, or squeezing in a gym workout before brunch, your activewear should work just as hard as you do. Think supportive sports bras, squat-proof leggings, breathable fabrics and sweat-wicking designs that won’t distract you mid-workout. (No one wants to be adjusting straps during a reformer session or battling a rolling waistband halfway through a spin class.)
Luckily, here at Cosmopolitan UK, we’ve tested a lot of gym wear. Our shopping and wellness editors have personally tried everything on this list — from yoga-ready leggings to high-impact running sets – and below are our expert-approved edit of the best activewear brands for women in 2026. Bookmark this one.
Best activewear brands for women, tried and tested:
Adanola is one of the newer names on the activewear scene and a bona fide cool-girl favourite. Known for its minimalist aesthetic, muted colour palettes and effortless fits, the brand delivers comfortable, wearable activewear that works just as well for Pilates, gym sessions and off-duty days. Think elevated basics you’ll reach for on repeat - proof that sometimes, less really is more.
Monday Body is the activewear sister to Monday Swimwear, founded by Tash Oakley. The brand is especially loved for its sculpting yet ultra-comfortable fits, with sports bras that offer excellent support for bigger busts. An Australian brand that truly understands form and function, Monday Body delivers pieces you’ll want to live in, both in and out of the gym.
Alo Yoga is known for its impeccably-cut activewear that's ideal for Pilates, yoga, tennis and studio workouts. From sculpting sports bras to sleek dresses with thoughtful details like piping and hidden undershorts, the brand delivers flattering fits designed to move with you.
BAM is an industry leader in ethical and sustainable activewear, making it a go-to for shoppers who want their workout wardrobe to reflect their values.
Regularly recognised by sustainability directories like Good On You, BAM uses bamboo-based fabrics across most designs, runs on renewable energy, and traces much of its supply chain to protect worker welfare.
Better still, it delivers all of this at an accessible price point - proof that sustainable activewear can be both cute and affordable.
Once you find your Now You Live colour, you won't stop there. The brand's softly sculpting, compressive YouMove fabric — four-way stretch, soft-touch feel, medium support — comes in everything from leggings and bras to shorts and jackets, all designed to work together. Chic, neutral, practical, and the kind of activewear you'll reach for whether you're working out or not.
P.E. Nation is a premium pick that more than earns its place in your wardrobe.
From cute, matching sets to clever tote bags that double as yoga mat carriers, the brand nails the balance between style and performance.
Designed with a laid-back Californian sensibility, Vuori's soft, stretchy fabrics are ideal for Pilates, yoga, gym workouts and rest days alike. The brand excels at creating pieces that don’t feel overtly “gym” – think relaxed silhouettes, brushed fabrics and lived-in comfort that make its kit just as appealing for travel, errands and downtime as it is for training.
Nike is a legendary activewear label for many reasons, but I especially rate the brand for its genuine commitment to body inclusivity and a size-inclusive activewear range. These leggings, for example, go up to a 4X in the plus-size range, making Nike a go-to for supportive, performance-led gym wear.
There’s a reason lululemon is one of the most famous activewear brands in the world – its products genuinely deliver. I’ve tried countless training shoes over the years, and the Blissfeel 2 are my favourite all-rounders. I wear them everywhere, from the gym to the office and even the tennis court. While they’re not tennis-specific, for the casual level I play at, they work brilliantly.
On delivers sleek, performance-led fitness gear, but it’s the brand’s running trainers where it truly excels. Known for their lightweight feel and responsive cushioning, On shoes are a favourite with runners training for everything from casual 5Ks to longer distances.
H&M might already be a high street favourite, but its Move activewear collection is seriously worth your attention. The range delivers understated, matching sets in high-impact colourways that are great for gym sessions, Pilates and low-impact workouts.
Gymshark is a go-to for trend-led, performance-focused activewear that actually delivers.
Best known for its supportive leggings and sculpting fits, the brand is especially popular for gym workouts and spin classes, striking the sweet spot between style and function.
With accessible price points and sets you’ll wear on repeat, Gymshark is a reliable choice for building a hardworking activewear wardrobe.
ASICS is a go-to activewear brand for runners, trusted for its technical excellence, supportive footwear and performance-driven design.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K, building endurance for a half marathon, or gearing up for a full marathon, ASICS delivers cushioned, responsive trainers and functional running kit designed to go the distance.
With standout colourways and innovation-led engineering, it’s a favourite for runners who want both comfort and style mile after mile.
Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
