With the end of lockdown right around the corner for many of us, social outings, group hikes and yoga classes are back on the menu. If you’re anything like me, you’re looking for some fresh activewear looks to wear as you spring into summer! Something that says, ‘hello world, I’m back, did you miss me??’ We reviewed some of the best activewear brands, ranking them in terms of sustainability (this can be hard to measure so I used the ‘Good On You‘ app where possible to help), comfort, quality, and value for money.
I hope it helps you invest in activewear you truly love, that helps motivate you to move more and feel better!
Nimble Activewear
Launched by two best friends in Bondi, Nimble Activewear is an Australian brand that aims to empower and uplift women through movement. I think it’s one of the best activewear brands on the market. Nimble sells sports bras, leggings, shorts and more, that have all been converted from more than 1.1 million plastic water bottles into beautiful wearable pieces. Plus, you can work out in your Nimble activewear knowing that you are supporting a worthy cause as the brand donates $1 from every purchase to women’s shelters around Australia and conservation efforts. They are rated ‘it’s a start‘ by Good On You.
Comfort: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Sustainability: 3/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Elite Eleven
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Elite Eleven is a premium sportswear and lifestyle brand for both women and men. Their amazing quality and decent price point makes them a stand out amongst similar business ventures. I particularly love their ‘cross-over’ range, the soft material and flattering waist-line gives me that boost of confidence I need after months of sitting on the couch eating chocolate (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) 😉 Elite Eleven don’t have a rating on Good On You.
Comfort: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Sustainability: 2/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Fjallraven
Fjallraven is an outdoor clothing and equipment company, and provides some of the best gear money can buy. Known for their iconic backpacks, the Swedish brand has a large range of activewear such as tights and tanks, however they also sell some amazing items such as shells and mountaineering jackets that are tailored for intense hiking and trekking. Their hiking leggings are some of the best, with extra durable padding on the knees and bum. Though their prices are reasonably high compared to other brands on this list, if you are willing to spend a little bit more, Fjallraven is one of the best activewear brands as their focus on quality and durability is unmatched! They are rated ‘it’s a start’ by Good On You.
Comfort: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Sustainability: 3/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Cotton On
Started as a clothing company, Cotton On has ventured into the activewear sphere, and their items are a good affordable option. Sitting in the lower price range, the quality is decent, however from experience, their items are better suited for more low impact exercises. With a great value for money, the brand has plenty of styles and colours to choose from, however be aware that whilst their price tags are great, they are a fast fashion brand and produce their items in mass quantities which can have a significant environmental detriment. Cotton On and Cotton On Body are both rated ‘not good enough’ by Good On You.
Comfort: 3/5
Quality: 2/5
Sustainability: 2/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Yarn
Yarn is an Australian activewear brand that supports the endeavours of the Indigenous community through showcasing one of a kind designs from Indigenous Australian artists. They employ 35 culturally diverse Indigenous and Non-Indigenous team members and are driven by the mission of “creating an inclusive marketplace for and in collaboration with the Indigenous community.” While you’re sweating it out in your Yarn activewear, you can feel great not only physically, but mentally, knowing that you are providing opportunities for Indigenous artists to present their work so that Australians can develop an appreciation of First Nations culture. Yarn doesn’t have a listing on Good On You.
Comfort: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Sustainability: 3/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Gymshark
With one of the biggest arrays of items on this list, Gymshark is a global superstar and one of the best activewear brands in the industry. Their materials are sweat-wicking, flexible, and durable, and as a whole, the brand really understands gym-goers by creating functional clothing. While they might be designed for the gym in mind, Gymshark activewear translates well into the outdoors as their clothing is comfortable and designed for intense movement (bending, stretching, jumping etc.)
Their items are high quality, and sit within the middle range of pricing. Their recent items feature some stunning designs, and their website is sure to have something for everyone. The brand uses recycled packaging and their entire product line is vegan, however they use few ‘eco-friendly’ materials and are rated ‘not good enough’ by Good On You.
Comfort: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Sustainability: 2/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Team Timbuktu
Founded in 2018, Timbuktu’s focus was to provide items that are both sustainable and fashionable. Their strong environmental conscience is admirable in a world driven by fast fashion, and their stunning unique designs make them one of the best activewear brands across the board. Their ethical production line as a small family-run business delivers incredibly soft materials and a size-inclusive range. Sustainably made from recycled bottles, Timbuktu’s products are the perfect blend of activewear, hiking gear and brunch attire. They’re rated ‘good’ by Good On You.
Comfort: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Sustainability: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty has some of the most unique, eye-catching designs on the market. Their unique style and quality materials are designed to turn heads whether you’re out on a hike or on your morning stroll. Established in the UK, the brand actively supports a variety of social causes and uses a beautifully diverse range of models in their campaigns. While they are trying to push towards more sustainable materials, the brand is rated ‘not good enough’ by Good On You.
Comfort: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Sustainability: 2/5
Value for Money: 4/5
