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The best women's athleisure brands to shop online
The best athleisure brand overall
The best environmentally friendly athleisure brand
Working out makes you feel good, and working out in these leggings can be good for the planet, too. Girlfriend Collective's tights are made from 25% recycled water bottles, and while that doesn't sound all that comfortable, you'll be shocked by just how dreamy these bottoms really are.
The company uses a compression-esque fabric that is well-suited for workouts, and the leggings are actually surprisingly warm. So much so that I wouldn't necessarily recommend that for a session of hot yoga or a long cycling class — these are probably best for a shorter, intense workout, or an outdoor run.
The material is also very soft, which means that they're not only comfortable for your workout but also comfortable enough to be worn all day. Really, Girlfriend Collective is all about wearing leggings both in and out of the gym, and you'll certainly have no problem in either setting. Plus, because this material doesn't pill, no matter how often you wear and wash your pair, you'll find that they resist age.
While you may expect such a pair of leggings to set you back an arm and a leg, Girlfriend Collective is actually quite reasonable when it comes to pricing. Remember, this is the company that once gave its leggings away for free (you just had to pay for shipping). Today, they'll cost you just a bit more, but not a ton — you can get a pair of full-length tights for $68.
Girlfriend Collective is now in the business of making more than just tights. The Cupro line of tops is breathable, hypoallergenic, and versatile. Made from the eponymous material "Cupro," this fabric is made from cotton linter — a super soft fiber that sticks to cotton seeds and is usually either down-cycled or dumped into landfills.
Cupro is soft and silky, commonly drawing comparisons to rayon and silk. It's lightweight but drapes more than cotton, which makes it a beautiful choice for the various wraps and halter top tanks that Girlfriend Collective now offers.
The tops as a whole cling to your body in just the right way, without feeling sticky or inappropriate. And while most athleisure tops come in either pedestrian colors or crazy prints, Girlfriend Collective manages to strike a balance with interesting hues that are still appropriate for any setting.
Pros: Ethically and sustainably made, affordable, long-lasting, versatile
Cons: Because of the relatively thick material, some may find the tights a bit too warm for workouts
Shop Girlfriend Collective's collection hereThe best beachy athleisure brand
Headquartered in Encinitas, just a quick jog away from the beach, it's no surprise that Vuori derives its inspiration from the Californian lifestyle of sun and surf. And with clothing that is truly made for the outdoors, you'll have no problem going from your morning yoga session on the beach to an afternoon surf appointment, and everything in between.
Whereas some brands will offer certain pieces that fall more on the athletic side and others that are meant to be more leisurely, Vuori has found a way to combine these two worlds in seemingly every design.
Take, for example, the Altitude Sports Bra, which looks more like a chic top than something you'd wear on a run. Luckily, you can do both with this comfortable piece, which comes in a flattering eggplant or heather grey shade.
Or, check out the Performance Jogger, made of a light-weight moss jersey fabric that is breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying, and four-way stretching for the ultimate in flexibility. While I’ve certainly worn these to a kickboxing workout, I’ve also tucked in a top and thrown on a pair of heels and made my way to my office (and gotten compliments to boot). Really, there’s no place that Vuori clothes can’t go.
Indeed, it’s the easy styling of Vuori that ultimately sets the brand apart. While its clothes are meant to sweat in, they're also meant to easily transition into the rest of your life as well.
Pros: Soft, moisture-wicking material, easy transition from the gym to everyday life, simple and minimal design
Cons: If you’re not a fan of that California lifestyle (or general style), Vuori may not be for you
Shop Vuori’s collection hereThe best athleisure startup
If you don't want to carry around three outfits for before, during, and after the gym, ADAY may be the solution for you. The Smoke It Up Bra and Crop And Roll Leggings can be worn in just about any scenario.
ADAY is all about simplicity and seeks to create fabrics and clothing that are multipurpose, long-lasting, and sustainable. And that’s incredibly evident in the brand’s leggings. You’ll want to check out both the Crop & Roll and the Throw & Roll options — thanks to small details like gunmetal snaps, zippered pockets, and slit details at the ankle, these tights look too good for a workout (but would certainly stand up to one).
That’s because they’re both made of a material that is quick drying, sweating wicking, and sun cream and oil resistant. Plus, they have an elastic waistband with an adjuster so that you can keep the tights tighter during a workout and looser during the workday.
While the other brands on our list generally focus on workout gear with a side of everyday clothes, ADAY takes the opposite approach. The company has a wide range of tops, jackets, and even jumpsuits for you to check out. While you probably wouldn’t go to a yoga class in say, the Jump In Jumpsuit, it’s certainly comfortable enough to tempt you to do so.
I’m a huge fan of the Shore Thing Turtleneck, a top that would do well on a cold run, but would also look beautiful with your favorite pencil skirt or pair of slacks.
Pros: Comfortable, versatile, with many neutral color options for a wide range of occasions
Cons: You may not want to do an intense workout in ADAY’s clothes
Shop ADAY’s collection hereThe best traditional athleisure brand
Reebok has certainly cut its teeth on workout gear from shoes to tights to sports bras, but as it turns out, the brand has also turned a knowing eye toward the athleisure market. In addition to your normal workout gear suspects, Reebok offers a number of sweaty-worthy yet sleek tops and bottoms that can help you complete any look.
I'm a particular fan of the Metallic High Rise Leggings — while I've worn them to HIIT workouts and kickboxing routines in the past, I've also thrown them on under a chunky sweater and a pair of boots for a chic look.
The metallic finish certainly sets them apart from other leggings in your wardrobe, and while you may think that the extra shine could be a bit unflattering, nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, these metallic leggings have a surprisingly slimming effect, which is great both in and out of the gym.
I also love Reebok's tops, like the Training Supply Cowl Neck, which is certainly a cozy option for the winter. Perfect for transitioning from a run to running errands, this long-sleeved sweater features fabric cuffs and a relaxed fit, which means it's as fashion-forward as it is comfortable. Plus, thanks to its side pockets, it's supremely functional as well.
The Dance Crop Hoodie is another great casual option — I tend to use mine as a warmup piece before starting a harder workout, and then throw it back on when I'm ready to face the world again (sweat still pouring, of course).
Pros: Wide selection of both athletic and athleisure gear; fantastic for transitioning; great for hard and easy workouts alike
Cons: Less fashion-centric than other brands
Shop Reebok's collection herePopular Right Now
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