UK sports brands: Best British activewear brands to know

Right this way for your new favourite leggings 🏋️‍♀️

It's always a good time to update your gym kit, whether you spend your weekends in athleisurewear running errands, are planning to overhaul your fitness regime now the sun has finally made an appearance, or you simply need a new item for your kit. Whatever your reason, why not look to "shop local" so to speak?

With so many sports apparel brands out there, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. One way to narrow it down is by looking geographically, and we're lucky enough in the UK to have an abundance of top-performing – not to mention super stylish – exercise clothing labels.

Editor-favourite Adanola ranks high on our list, thanks to their oversized, Instagram-able tees and effortless neutral gym leggings. Varley makes chic gymwear pieces that integrate seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe, and Pokita does great tennis gear. Internationally-adored Gymshark is also British, believe it or not. Stripe & Stare has branched out from their comfy Tencel underwear, and recently launched biodegradable, tie dye yoga kit. And did you know that Freya offers band and cup size specific sports bras, for the ultimate in customised support?

Below, find 15 UK sports brands to scope out for your next fit kit hero piece...

Adanola is a favourite among the Instagram set for their cosy matching sweats and minimal lycra co-ords. Add in their canvas totes, caps, "Go Outside" logo tees, and perfect tennis skirts, and you've got a recipe for a much-moodboarded brand aesthetic. It's activewear for That Girl™, if you will. (Ask TikTok). And at reasonable prices (£39.99 for leggings), everyone can get in on the fun. If you're tempted, why not check out our honest review of the brand before you commit?

SHOP ADANOLA

Varley is the trans-Atlantic love child of founding couple Lara and Ben Mead. Launched in 2015 and headquartered between London and Los Angeles, the label captures the upscale aesthetic of both cities. They create gymwear and everyday athleisure pieces, so you can build a perfect capsule wardrobe that goes with you anywhere.

SHOP VARLEY

Look to Silou London for elegant, sustainable basics, like their gorgeous unitards for yoga and barre. The label was founded by a mum of four and former model; plus a yoga teacher, so the pieces have all been designed by women, for women. Silou prides itself on sourcing ethically-produced, non-toxic fabrics which are OEKO-TEX certified and GOTS approved, so can you can feel good about what you're putting on your body.

SHOP SILOU LONDON

Of course Sweaty Betty is British! Having launched way back in 1998 and still going strong, this gym wear brand is one of our all time faves – and for good reason. Prioritising performance and style, a pair of their Power Leggings sell every 60 seconds. If those stats don't speak for themselves, how about the fact they have literally thousands of 5-star reviews? Sweaty Betty are also one of the more size inclusive activewear brands we've come across, with their high-impact sports bras going up to a size 38F. We love to see it.

SHOP SWEATY BETTY

Grace Beverley, a fitness entrepreneur and founder of the popular Shreddy workout app, launched Tala in 2019, with resounding success. The brand's elevator pitch? "Sustainably-produced activewear that doesn't let you down on performance, flattering fits, quality or style, and without the hefty price tag." The chic neutrals are popular with influencers for a stylish yoga-to-coffee vibe, for good reason.

SHOP TALA

For pretty pastel sets, best-selling bike shorts, and cosy trackies, check out Manchester-based Kiht Collective. They're reasonably priced (bike shorts are £28) and focussed on ethical production. Your parcel arrives in recycled packaging, and KC even plants a tree on your behalf when you order. Look good whilst doing good, what's not to like?

SHOP KIHT COLLECTIVE

Contur is a WH go-to for premium, locally-made activewear you can feel your best in. All their pieces are crafted in London from ECONYL®, a recycled fabric made from repurposed ocean waste. Great for: luxe all-in-one bodysuits and squat-proof colourblock leggings.

SHOP CONTUR

Founded by two female athletes based in London and Los Angeles, Pruzan is leading a running revolution. Frustrated at the lack of long distance-wear options and inspired by bodies in motion, the unisex collections aim to marry design with security and performance, for life on and off the track. Oh, and everything is composed of 100% recycled polyester and elastane, so not only is it eco-friendly but long-lasting, quick drying, and lightweight too. Ideal for mobility. Community is at the heart of the brand, and there's a weekly Run Club for London locals.

SHOP PRUZAN

After creating the world's softest Tencel knickers and PJs, it didn't take long for the folks at Stripe & Stare to branch out into comfy loungewear that doubles as activewear, too. Hallelujah. Lightweight joggers and sweatshirts made from the same sustainable TENCEL™ Modal fabric as the rest of the collection come in a rainbow of pastel hues as well as fun prints and not forgetting reliable black, too.

SHOP STRIPE & STARE

Did you know Gymshark is a Brit brand, too? Yep, the label famous for their seamless leggings was born right here in the UK. With a wide selection, regular punchy sale reductions, and every colour choice under the sun, they're one of our faves.

SHOP GYMSHARK

If you're ready to upgrade your black gym leggings, check out Pokita for polka dots, leopard print, and pastels galore. They do great tennis kit, but offer plenty of activewear and gym essentials as well. Plus, they're an eco-conscious brand, aiming to use leftover fabrics, regenerated materials, and recycled packaging where possible.

SHOP POKITA

Our go-to brand for quality, supportive bras (especially for bigger cup sizes) handily also does sportswear. And the best part of all? They offer sports bras in specific band and cup sizes (like a regular bra) instead of just small, medium large etc. This is a life-saver if you have a wide ribcage but small breasts, or a narrow ribcage with big boobs. So, enter size-specific Freya bras for the perfect fit. A thousand times yes.

SHOP FREYA

FeelFit is on a mission to help you look and feel your best, while still being considerate to our planet. Their pieces are made with ECONYL to reduce waste, and organic and recycled cotton. Their Bristol store is even powered by spin bikes, sending 74% of the energy back to the local power grid. The brand also participates in a tree-planting scheme, in pursuit of carbon neutrality. Colour us impressed.

SHOP FEELFIT

Asquith was founded out of a desire to make elegant, naturally breathable activewear that benefited both people and the planet, and they've been doing just that for the past twenty years. Everything is made from bamboo, organic cotton and Bambor® and as well as being sustainable are super soft and comfortable to wear. Though the collections (which includes a maternity range) are ideal for activities like yoga and pilates, the pieces are designed to work just as well off the mat as they do on.

SHOP ASQUITH

Raised in rural Norfolk, Ellie Wales was in her final year of sixth form when she founded Whale Of A Time in 2016. With the first collection consisting of three sweatshirt styles that sold out almost instantly, the brand has since grown to span all casualwear categories, with activewear and swimwear covered too. While the rugby shirts and deck shirts may be rooted in an outdoor active lifestyle, they work just as well worn with jeans as they do leggings.

SHOP WHALE OF A TIME

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