16 Best Athleisure Brands to Get You Through This Winter

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You were wearing athleisure way before it became trendy—or before it had a name, for that matter. This innovative mix of athletic wear and leisurely loungewear offers a compelling reason for people to invest in it: It’s versatile. You can wear it as workout clothes or pajamas, while running errands or going to class. The category stands out as a style that seamlessly combines comfort, function, and fashion. Its appeal lies in its ability to effortlessly transition from a workout session to any outing, from the office to a night out with friends. The ever-rising trend of sweatshirts? Sounds amazing.

Thankfully, there are more labels than ever fulfilling our athleisure needs. But to make sure we could provide you with brands that truly are the best, we consulted two experts for their opinions on the matter. Liz Muñoz is the CEO of plus-size retailer Torrid, and Ramon Martin is the chief design officer of size-inclusive fashion brand Universal Standard. They helped us vet each of the brands on this list. Below, find the 16 of our favorite athleisure brands.

The Exercise Dress

Outdoor Voices is built on the belief that fitness doesn’t have to be about being the first or the fastest—just show up and have fun. The brand is also committed to a sustainability initiative, prioritizing high-quality, long-lasting materials to keep all of our favorite pieces “in our gym bags and out of landfills.” Nothing represents the hazy line between workout gear and easy, everyday style better than this original Exercise Dress. Don’t worry; of course it has built-in shorts. Get a dress that can do both.

Prices: $

Best for: Warm weather, outdoor activities, tennis, casual dress

Customer review: “I have this dress in three colors and rotate them all in my wardrobe. The dress makes me feel super confident and I wear it in many different settings (golfing, hanging out casually with friends on a Saturday, running errands, etc.).”

Style pictured available in XS to XL

Ready to Rulu High-Rise Jogger

A cult favorite, Lululemon tends to get the most attention for its colorful yoga leggings, but you can also take life off the mat with the vast option of additional athleisure offerings. Shop by activity (golf, tennis, running, etc.), or choose from a range of low-key accessories and casual wear, like these sleek, high-rise joggers.

Prices: $$

Best for: Yoga, workouts, loungewear, sleepwear

Customer review: “These joggers are super comfy and warm. Highly recommend.”

Style pictured available in 0 to 20

Aces Tennis Skirt

You probably know Alo Yoga as the influencer-favorite brand—the one with the very best matching sets seen all over TikTok and the Instagram of Kendall Jenner. But Alo Yoga also wins my vote for best in show when it comes to do-it-all transitional pieces, like trousers, skirts, and outerwear. This stark white tennis skirt, while fitting the viral tenniscore trend, could easily be worn both on and off the court.

Prices: $$

Best for: Casual dress, workouts, yoga, outerwear

Customer review: “Really beautiful and material is soft and comfy.”

Style pictured available in 00 (XXS) to 14 (L)

5 Stripe Sweatpant

Aviator Nation has a dedicated following among celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Zac Efron. While these sweatpants are ideal for lounging, they’re versatile enough to wear for various occasions. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the gym, or simply hanging out with friends, Aviator Nation sweatpants are a fashionable and functional choice.

Prices: $$$

Best for: Casual dress, loungewear

Customer review: “Softest sweats I own. Colors are sewn on beautiful stitching. I adore them. Worth every penny.”

Style pictured available in XS to XL

Next-to-Naked Bodyshort

Specializing in polished basics for a wide range of body types, Universal Standard also carries a range of elevated activewear pieces. “The best part about [them] is that they can be worn alone for a minimalist look or mixed and matched with other styles to add layering complexity or accommodate colder weather,” Martin says. He notes that the Next to Naked collection is an all-time bestseller for the label, made with luxuriously soft, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial fabric that effortlessly shapes and complements.

Prices: $-$$

Best for: Mix & match, casual dress, loungewear, workouts

Customer review: “I love this bodysuit!! It’s so comfortable and fits so well! Great by itself to workout or out a button down over or to wear out! So versatile!”

Style pictured available in 00 (4XS) to 40 (4XL)

Soft Lounge Tank

SKIMS is known for using soft, high-quality fabrics that prioritize comfort. The materials used in its lounge- and activewear are meant to feel luxurious against the skin. The designs often accentuate the body’s natural curves, making you feel even more confident.

Prices: $

Best for: Workouts, high-impact activities, loungewear

Customer review: “These tank tops are my absolute favorite, I now have three of them. They fit well and do work without a bra.”

Style pictured available in XXS to 4XL

Fox Techflex Jacket

Splits59 knows good activewear isn’t just another pair of yoga pants—it’s a confidence boost, an attitude adjustment, or your morning motivation. The brand offers a wide range of styles, from classic and understated to bold and edgy. This variety ensures that you can find not only the best activewear for workouts, but also for loungewear, too.

Prices: $$

Best for: Casual dress, athletic wear, workouts

Customer review: “Awesome jacket!”

Style pictured available in XS to L

Game Changer Seamless Back Yoga Pant

IZ Adaptive is making sure that everybody has access to modern wardrobe basics, especially those who might struggle with conventional clothing. Founder Izzy Camilleri spent years custom making uniquely crafted clothing for a wheelchair user living with paralysis. She listened to real voices about the challenges traditional wardrobe items often present, and shortly thereafter, IZ Adaptive was born. Made with materials and closures that are created specifically for people with disabilities, the designs offer a secure fit for physical therapy or just everyday life.

Prices: $$-$$$

Best for: Everyday and casual dress, sleepwear, loungewear, physical therapy

Customer review: “IZ makes the best pant/jeans we have found for our paraplegic daughter.”

Style pictured available in sizes 2 to 24

Renegade Set

Two words: matching sets. You already know and love Free People for its adventurous, boho-chic aesthetic, but Free People’s FP Movement line has plenty of cool-girl options inclusive of skorts, sweatshorts, activewear, bras, and more. FP Movement also offers a wide range of wellness products, so you can treat yourself to a Sunday Riley night oil or glowy mask while you kick back in this two-piece sweat set.

Prices: $$

Best for: Outdoor activities, beachwear, loungewear, casual dress

Customer review: “Top has a hood but does not have a zipper or other closures so almost like a sporty/ casual cardigan. Bottoms are extremely flattering and comfortable.”

Style pictured available in XS to XL

Go Far Fleece

Crafted with ethics and Earth in mind, this female-founded brand focuses on offering snug and colorful apparel that is made for those who like to be outdoors (including swimwear!). The brand is all about inclusivity, diversity, and investing in the planet. Plus, the Alder website offers a refreshing level of transparency so you can actually learn about the factories where each piece is manufactured, as well as access complete sizing and measurement guides—with some products ranging up to size 6XL. This is athleisurewear that you’ll feel good in no matter the activity.

Prices: $$

Best for: Outerwear, swimwear, outdoor activity, loungewear, casual dress

Customer review: “I just received my Go Far fleece in size xl/2x in the blue combo. It’s super soft and beautifully made. The improved stretchy cuffs are excellent. I love the choice to use the lighter color tone as an accent.”

Style pictured available in XS to 5xL

The Quarter Zip

Cropped hoodies are easy to layer with other pieces. Whether you throw it over a tank top or wear it under a jacket, the shortened length adds a layering element to your outfit that can elevate the overall look. 437 might be a newcomer to the athleisure scene, but it already counts Bella Hadid as a huge fan.

Prices: $$

Best for: Loungewear, casual dress, sport and athletic wear

Customer review: “I love the design & color”

Style pictured available in XS to XXL

Standards Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

This is a brand that needs no introduction, because the countless amount of high-profile, fresh-faced campaigns and advertisements have done most of the work. If you’re a part of the, “not wearing pants unless I absolutely have to” club, then Calvin Klein has plenty of athleisure and loungewear choices for you. Not only that, but CK also carries a range of gender-neutral options that you can match with your S.O. (or gift him to “borrow” at a later date).

Prices: $$

Best for: Everyday and casual dress, loungewear, sleepwear

Customer review: “I like the color and I love the fleece joggers”

Style pictured available in XXS to XXL

Compressive High-Rise Legging

Sustainability, transparency, and inclusivity—that’s the goal of Girlfriend Collective, and they succeed every time. With multiple inseam length options and sizing available in XXS to 6XL, their sporty styles of joggers, bras, sweatshirts, and leggings give an ethical voice to the athleisure wear lifestyle. But don’t take my word for it, you can comb through the thousands of raving reviews on their site and see for yourself.

Prices: $

Best for: Workouts, casual dress, outerwear

Customer review: “The feel is amazing. Compressive but not restrictive. The quality feels great and they do not roll down your waist.”

Style pictured available in XXS to 6XL

Short Sleeve Adaptive Top

Functional adaptive wear has come a long way, and Reboundwear is leading the charge with innovative options that don’t skimp out on style. Reboundwear clothing is organized by varying needs related to disabilities or specific circumstances, like prosthetics, cancer and chemotherapy, incontinence, dialysis, and post-surgery recovery, just to name a few. Shirts like this adaptive top take into consideration space for heart monitors, ports, and infusions with five zippers for easy access points with the wearer or caregiver in mind.

Prices: $

Best for: Everyday and casual dress, physical therapy, loungewear

Customer review: “This Reboundwear Women’s Short Sleeve Lindsey Top is the best garment to wear after rotator cuff surgery. I discovered it on Amazon, read the reviews and am very happy with it.”

Style pictured available in S to 3XL

Clara Cutout Bodysuit

A workout romper combines practicality, comfort, and style, making it a compelling choice for those who want a hassle-free and fashionable option for their fitness routine. Although known for their swimsuits, Frankies swimsuits dove head first into the athleisure market. The styles are elevated, trendy, and fun. The price points are on par with brands like Alo, Set Active, and Spiritual Gangster.

Prices: $$

Best for: Workouts, loungewear, casual dress

Customer review: “Love it, contours your body!!”

Style pictured available in XS to XL

FeatherFit High-Rise Side Pocket Leggings

Many activewear brands focus on creating leggings that are not only functional but also stylish. GlowMode is one of them. These leggings are not only great for a tough workout but equally as cute for a dressed-up athleisure look. (Plus, GlowMode makes our favorite yoga pants!)

Price: $

Best for: Workouts, loungewear

Customer review: “Obsessed with all the GlowMode stuff. These fit great, aren’t see-through, and are buttery.”

Style pictured available in XS to XL

What does athleisure mean?

The term “athleisure” was originally coined in 1979 to describe garments and shoes designed for those who want to appear athletic. Fast-forward to current times and Merriam-Webster defines the term as “casual clothing—like yoga pants, sweatpants, and hoodies—that are designed to be worn both for exercising and for doing (almost) everything else.” Plenty of today’s athleisure styles are cross-functional, but keep in mind some offerings still aren’t actually made with performance benefits.

The trend arguably took flight in the 2010s as brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas churned out sleek activewear pieces that shoppers began sporting both in and out of the gym. Now, athleisure remains hotter than ever, with a growing number of brands entering the market to meet consumer demands.

How do I style athleisure?

On warmer days, Martin suggests pairing a short bodysuit with a sweater or button-down, sneakers, and folded socks, adding that the top layers “can be tied around the neck or waist if it gets too hot.” During colder months, he advises a go-to look of leggings, a puffer jacket, and a statement beanie for a sleek yet playful winter outfit.

And with “tons of premium athleisure options available these days, it’s easy to achieve a polished look that’s work-appropriate,” Martin says. The key to nailing business-casual is creating visual interest with your outfit, he explains. For example, consider styling a sophisticated pair of leggings with a tunic and tailored coat. “The looser fit and length of the tunic will create a beautiful silhouette, and the tailored coat will act as an important layering piece,” he shares.

Meet the Experts

Liz Muñoz is the CEO of plus-size retailer Torrid.

Ramon Martin is the chief design officer of size-inclusive fashion brand Universal Standard.

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