Break A Sweat In Style With These Luxury Activewear Brands

Once a utilitarian practice performed in a baggy t-shirt and shorts and swiftly gotten out of the way in a solitary fashion, working out has transformed into something of a status symbol, with many choosing to stay in their exercise gear long after the last shavasana. 

While supportive activewear crafted from breathable, sweat-wicking properties are necessary to get through your run, weights session, or HIIT, yoga, barre, or pilates class, pieces that are also luxurious and aesthetically pleasing can serve as something of a motivating factor to exercise in the first place.

Given our nation’s propensity for exercise, Australia is home to some of the most stylish activewear brands on the globe. Homegrown favourites include sōlo the staple, P.E Nation, and The Upside, while international athleisure giants like Lululemon and Alo Yoga continue to find fans on Australian shores.

Whether you’re looking to expand your ever-growing activewear wardrobe or simply looking for the perfect one-and-done set, these are the best activewear brands in Australia worth knowing about.

1. Rockwear

Born in 1991, Rockwear unites function with fashion. Designed to withstand rigorous workouts while looking good, Rockwear’s tights are particularly beloved for their durable, high-quality construction that holds its shape over the years and is tried and tested to be squat-proof.

2. The Upside

Founded in 2013 by Australian model and founder of Tigerlily swimwear Jodhi Meares, The Upside is one of Australia’s most recognisable activewear brands. Known for its bold patterns and classic cuts, The Upside comprises garments for yoga, running, gym, swim, and leisure, catering particularly well to yoga- and gym-goers.

3. Kynd Society

Taking a thoughtful approach to their collections, Australian label Kynd Society releases just four core collections a year, with each collection produced in limited numbers. Styles include leggings, crop tops, jumpers, and tank tops, with pieces best suited to low-impact exercises such as yoga, pilates, walking, and biking.

4. P.E Nation

Sitting at the forefront of Australian athleisure culture, P.E Nation was founded in 2016 by Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning. The brand has since become known for its experimental cuts, graphic designs, and trendy silhouettes, combined with technical fabrications. Designed for those who want to luxuriate in activewear well after the workout has ceased.

5. Boody

Australian B Corp-certified company Boody places sustainability at its forefront, crafting underwear and activewear from breathable cotton and organically grown bamboo fabric. The tightly curated activewear offering comprises shorts, tank tops, tights, and crop tops, with supportive styles ideal for both high- and low-impact exercises.

6. Marysia

Founded in New York by Polish-born former dancer and surf enthusiast Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, chic swimwear brand Marysia recently expanded into activewear. Styles are designed for tennis, pilates and yoga, with the collection taking on a distinctly high fashion tone. Highlights include the Iga Onesie and Bianca Dress.

7. 2XU

One for the runners. Australian label 2XU is most well-known for its compression garments, which are favoured by serious and novice runners, triathletes, and cyclists alike. Its technical fabrics are designed to improve performance and recovery, with styles catering to men, women, and children. While 2XU has traditionally had a perception of being for hardcore athletes only, recent collections and collaborations have worked to make the brand more inclusive to all. Case in point: the recent 2XU x Lara Worthington edit that spotlights chic pieces that work to sculpt the body while providing optimal support for the gym, pilates, and beyond.

8. sōlo the staple

Created specifically to cater to the needs of practicers of pilates, Australian label does away with leggings designed for running and loose tank tops in favour of bodysuits that showcase the silhouette and allow for corrections during class. With long and short bodysuits available in a range of hues, sōlo the staple takes a fashion forward approach to address an overlooked need. Crafted from buttery soft material that is decidedly squat-proof, a sōlo the staple bodysuit is a must-have for any yoga or pilates afficinado.

9. First Base

Fusing sports and surf culture, Bondi-born label First Base takes an essentialist approach to activewear and athleisure, with pared-back designs with a hint of graphic detailing. First Base also makes sustainability a priority, using organic cotton, recycled nylon, and bamboo in its designs, using compostable packaging, and offering made-to-order capsule collections.

10. lululemon

It’s almost impossible to talk about activewear without mentioning lululemon. Founded in 1998, the Canadian brand has become a global phenomenon with a pair of lululemon leggings considered something of a status symbol. The use of patented technical fabrics such as Nulux, Luon, and Luxtreme ensures each piece is breathable and sweat-wicking.

11. Alo Yoga

Born out of a love of the transformative power of — you guessed it — yoga, Los Angeles brand Alo Yoga is beloved by dedicated yogis and celebrities alike. It’s contemporary cuts and varied colour palette cement Alo Yoga’s pieces as on- and off-mat essentials.

12. Nimble Activewear

Sleek and stylish, Nimble creates quality activewear that lasts the distance. With styles catered to high-, mid-, and low-intensity workouts, there’s something for everyone. Pared-back and free from superfluous details, Nimble pieces utilise MoveLite fabric which is made from recycled plastic bottles and boasts performance-oriented features.


Words by T. Angel