by Sarah Morrison
As a positively reluctant gym goer partial to business casual, my workout wardrobe (or should I say athleisure wardrobe) certainly leaves much to be desired. Often left high-and-dry (no pun intended!) more times than I care to admit, the performance pants of yesteryear that comprise my fitness drawer are certainly nothing to write home about. But now, as a freshly minted fashion writer, I can’t afford to leave any sartorial stone unturned any longer (or forgo the gym for that matter—after all, summer’s right around the corner!). Which is why, with a little help from my friends at Google, I’ve taken to the web to scour its furthest reaches in order to bring you my personal lens on the most functional and stylish activewear gems out there today. Without further ado, the 6 brands to help you power your way through.
1. P.E. Nation
Hailing from the land down under, Australian label P.E. Nation—a favorite of It-girls worldwide—has claimed a spot in the world of coveted sportswear thanks to its eye-catching offering of body-sculpting pieces fit for any workout imaginable. Its spirited, 70’s-tinged sensibility, imbued with graphic appeal, embodies the very definition of downtown cool. We’ll be channeling their “tomboy meets city girl” aesthetic whenever possible, thank you.
Quarterforce Sports Bra ($109), Down Force Legging ($139), Throw In The Towel Tank in Navy ($89)
2. ADAY
To the gym or simply to brunch? Keep them guessing when you don ADAY: the New York-based technical clothing brand equipped with a transeasonal collection of mix-and-match pieces versatile enough for any woman-on-the-go. Each piece of ADAY’s stylish collection is crafted in high-tech fabric, imparting an enduring quality that looks as good as it feels. What’s more, the brand’s less-is-more approach to design lends a much-needed eco-friendly touch. Transitioning from barre to brunch has never looked chicer (or more sustainable!).
Fast Forward Bra ($68), Crop & Roll Leggings in Midnight ($125), Made it T-Shirt in Midnight ($78)
3. Koral
The laidback spirit of California meets the dynamic energy of Brazil in each of Koral’s perfectly engineered pieces. All those who value both form and fashion will warmly embrace the flattering silhouettes that Koral continues to churn out season after season. Punctuated by contemporary design elements galore (think mesh and faux leather), Koral is every fashion girl’s athleisure dream.
Sweeper Sports Bra ($70), Double Layer Tencel Tee in Black ($85), Echo Friley Pullover in Geometrico ($175), Set High Rise Obscure Legging in Black ($68)
4. The Upside
Rooted in a palette of whimsical florals and playful prints, another Australian favorite, The Upside, is leading the way for of-the-moment athleisure. A fresh sensibility marries high-tech craftsmanship to elevate every key piece in one’s workout wardrobe. Spotted on celebs such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Bella Hadid and the like, it’s the model off-duty look reimagined.
Turkish Tile Yoga Pant ($139), Turkish Tile Ballet Bra ($79), The Upside Logo Cap in White ($49), Clean Track Pant in Mushroom ($169)
5. LNDR
On the cutting edge of innovative sportswear lies LNDR—a (you guessed it!) London-based brand that’s disrupting the industry in more ways than one. A must-have for the minimally-minded, the brand is raising the bar with its exclusive collection of streamlined weather-proof jackets and temperature-regulating sports bras, leggings and shorts. Marked by its high-compression, yet breathable construction, LNDR is the second-skin you didn’t think you needed in your life.
ALL SEASONS Jacket / Khaki Petrol ($200), Bike Short in Black ($120), SHIFT Sports Bra in Navy ($75)
6. Beyond Yoga
If you prefer to keep your workout look more understated, then you’ll love Beyond Yoga. Owing to its sophisticated, muted color palette, this luxury athleisure brand has become a mainstay in the closets of classically-conscious fashionistas everywhere. Yoga-inspired and performance driven, Beyond Yoga combines soft, durable fabric with a hint of high fashion, delivering in both style and functionality.
Walk and Talk High Waisted Capri Legging in Terra Leather ($80), Under Lock and Keyhole Tank in Coral Dust ($75), Beach Worn Cropped Pullover in Blue Crush ($66), Crossroads Cropped Pullover in White ($68)
Our Sunday Best Weekly
Join our community today for special conversations, smart style guides, discerning trend reports (and more)—brought to you only when it matters the most (we don’t spam, promise).