Best Activewear Brands for Women 2022

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Working out means different things to different people, but one universally accepted truth is that you should feel comfortable. We’re not exactly wearing jeans in downward dog, so finding activewear that caters to your lifestyle is a top priority. Are you searching for sweat-wicking technology that can handle a burpee, or does your low-impact routine require super-stretchy materials?

The prerequisites can be overwhelming, but we found the very best athletic brands, categorized by your needs. From Amazon picks to athlete-approved styles to labels we discovered on Instagram, here are 29 workout brands t0 get you moving.

There's a reason why Nike is one of the most recognizable fashion brands. But it's not just great marketing: Nike is at the forefront of technologically advanced activewear loved by pro athletes, not to mention its sleek designs will take you from HIIT to happy hour in no time at all.

Alo Yoga has fast become one of our favorite workout brands. Not only do its cute sets sneak their way onto the grids of Kendall Jenner and the Hadids alike, but they’re made with real yogis in mind (seriously, check out their AloMoves fitness app if you want to challenge your practice).

Lululemon's Align leggings have a cult following largely because they great for all levels of workouts and come in a wide color and size range that would please just about anyone searching for their perfect pair. They’re on the pricier side, but rarely do customers complain. Case in point: I’ve owned a pair for over four years and the seams are still in pristine condition.

Athleta, an offshoot of Gap Inc., is a go-to brand for all your workout needs. Its high-quality sportswear is an investment you simply won't regret.

With over 7,200 reviews on this pair of leggings alone, Zella is the best-rated workout gear on Nordstrom. Look to this brand for basics you can trust.

If you’ve ever seen a squat on Instagram, you’ve likely seen Gym Shark (they’re that intertwined). The UK brand was founded in 2012 by a then-19-year-old, but today it is a fitness empire loved by influencers for its ease of wear and durable design.

Beyonce loves Adidas, Stella McCartney loves Adidas, we love Adidas, everyone loves Adidas. The workout brand offers everything from lifestyle clothes to intense gear, but we’re partial to anything with its iconic three stripes.

Amazon's wide range of workout offerings remains unparalleled, and these are its top-reviewed leggings. One of the 28,000 reviewers wrote excitedly: "Thick, COMFY, supportive material. Stretch for days! Hides all that post-baby belly chub like a dream! And the best part! The pockets!" We rest our case.

For sleek, minimalist apparel in all the colors, try Lemedy. It's one of Amazon's most-loved brands. This bra, for example, boasts over 44,000 reviews and 23 colors.

You can't talk about workout clothes in 2021 without mentioning the viral TikTok leggings. With a ruched back that flatters your assets, it was one of the biggest trends of the year, and Seasum helped make it happen.

For another butt-flattering legging, look to CFR. With a subtle pattern that swoops under your backside, you’ll be looking and feeling your best (alongside the other 7,000 customers who reviewed this pair).

Core 10 is a Reebok brand offshoot that's only offered on Amazon, but boasts the same great styles you know from its original line, at a more accessible price tag.

Quinsen is known for its matching ribbed sets that look ideal for hiking Runyon in L.A. We suggest ignoring the excessive photoshopping in their product photos, though.

If you want the butt-scrunching leggings without the texture of the viral pair, Riojoy's simpler style is for you.

I’ve raved about Beyond Yoga before, and I’ll do it again. It makes the softest, barely-there leggings that move with you as you flow, but are durable enough to wear on hikes, too.

If you’re craving workout gear with a little more oomph, look to Alala. The brand adds unexpected feminine details, like the ruffled trim on this sports bra.

Inclusive workout brand Girlfriend Collective makes some of the cutest monochromatic activewear and is rightfully leading the way in making the workout dress a thing.

Outdoor Voices bridges the gap between playful workout gear and technical wear. Bold color-blocking is its strong suit, not to mention the pieces are made for standing out in the great outdoors.

London-based brand Sweaty Betty has been going strong since 1999, and was on the forefront of making playful luxury workout clothes. We’re talking about fun styles for all your activities, including snow bunny base layer sets and printed power leggings.

Free People's subdivision of activewear is just as cute as the rest of its boho offerings, but with a fitness spin. Styles come in a range of colors and sweet details, like cross-back bras and frilly matching sets.

Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn't approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she's scouring eBay for vintage Levi's and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.

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