Honestly, activewear is basically my entire wardrobe. So believe me when I say that my standards are high. Finding the best activewear brands Australia has to offer isn’t just about what looks good on the hanger; it’s about what actually holds up when you’re halfway through a walk, mid-workout, or just trying to get through a busy day comfortably. I’ve tested my fair share over the years (some loved, some quietly retired to the back of the drawer), and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that not all activewear is created equal.
Fit, fabric and staying power matter most to me. There’s nothing worse than leggings that slide down every five minutes or a sports bra that promises support but doesn’t deliver when the time comes. And while style is part of it, especially with athleisure becoming everyday wear, performance still needs to come first.
Skip ahead to my favourite activewear brands:
- Best for buttery-soft basics: lululemon
- Best for high-performance training: Under Armour
- Best for stay-put leggings: LSKD
- Best for reliable all-rounders: Nike
- Best for maximum support: Lorna Jane
- Best for sustainable style: Nimble Activewear
- Best for studio-to-street fashion: P.E Nation
- Best for inclusive sizing: STAX
- Best for luxury prints: THE UPSIDE
- Best for affordable gym gear: Gymshark
- Best for weightlifting & Pilates: Muscle Nation
- The honorable mentions: More brands we love
Aussies are also wearing activewear more than ever. According to IKEA’s Life at Home research, daily routines are increasingly centred around comfort, wellbeing and movement – which helps explain why activewear has become a wardrobe staple rather than something reserved for the gym. It’s not unusual now to go from a morning walk straight into errands, coffee or even work without changing.
With that in mind, I’ve pulled together a list of the best activewear brands in Australia – from my tried-and-true favourites to newer names that are genuinely worth knowing.
Best activewear brands in Australia 2026
1. lululemon
If you’ve spent any time in a gym, yoga studio, or honestly just walking around a Westfield, you’ll know that lululemon is basically the unofficial uniform of the activewear obsessed. That’s because the brand has built its reputation on technical, feel-good fabrics.
Personally, my Align No Line High Rise shorts are the ones I keep reaching for. They don’t fall down, they don’t dig in and the fabric has this buttery stretch that somehow manages to feel like I’m wearing nothing at all (don’t worry, it certainly doesn’t look like it!). Their leggings are just as reliable, and I recently started wearing the lululemon Daydrift pants to work. They’re probably the most comfortable ‘corporate looking’ pants I’ve owned, and that’s saying something.
Our top picks:
Align™ High-Rise Pant 25″
$129 at lululemon
Define Jacket Nulu
$169 at lululemon
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2. Under Armour
Under Armour is one of the more performance-driven brands on my list. I have a rotating collection of their shirts, socks and leggings because they handle sweat better than almost anything else I’ve tried. Their Iso-Chill technology is life changing for sweaty workouts; it feels cool against the skin the moment you put it on. This makes a huge difference for me during warmer workouts or long sessions.
Our top picks:
UA Meridian
$90 at Under Armour
UA Vanish Shorts
$65 at Under Armour
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3. LSKD
If you peeked into my wardrobe right now, you’d find a literal mountain of LSKD hoodies, shirts and more. They are one of the few brands where the leggings and bike shorts actually stay up while I’m walking or running. Their Auxiliary 2.0 Longline jacket was also an absolute lifesaver last winter, especially on those icy early-morning dog walks before work.
Our top picks:
Go-To FLXCotton Oversized Tee
$55 at LSKD
Fusion Ultra High-Rise Full Length Leggings
$110 at LSKD
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4. Nike
You can’t go wrong with the Swoosh. Nike is a staple in my drawer for everything from specialised running leggings to basic crew socks. Their Dri-FIT technology remains one of the most reliable moisture-wicking fabrics in the world. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a professional couch-surfer (I’m a bit of both, minus the professional part), their range is so vast that there’s truly something for every body type.
Our top picks:
Swoosh Medium-Support Sports Bra
$50 at Nike
24.7 ImpossiblySoft Oversized 1/2 Zip Top
$130 at Nike
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5. Lorna Jane
If you haven’t tried Lorna Jane’s Lotus No Chafe Full Length leggings, let me make the case. They’re the pants I keep coming back to – smooth, supportive and they hold their shape wash after wash without going sheer or saggy. I also rely on the Amy Maximum Support Sports bra for anything more high-impact than a walk. It’s one of the few that actually feels secure without being uncomfortable. That balance is harder to find than it sounds!
Our top picks:
Amy Thermal Pocket Full Length Leggings
$140 at Lorna Jane
Sammy Sports Bra$80 $50 at Lorna Jane
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6. Nimble Activewear
If you’re looking for sustainable activewear that still performs, Nimble is a Bondi-born favourite. Their In Pace Racer bra and matching shorts are pieces I’ve worn on repeat this year. The bra sits comfortably without digging in or shifting, and the shorts have that quick-dry feel that I love. And knowing many of their pieces are made from recycled plastic bottles makes that post-workout smoothie feel just a little more justified.
Our top picks:
In Tempo Run Short – 14cm
$89 at Nimble Activewear
Rain Or Shine Sherpa Jacket
$189 at Nimble Activewear
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7. P.E Nation
This is where activewear meets fashion. P.E Nation is less about high-impact training and more about pieces you can wear all day – bold colours, structured fits and sets that feel styled rather than purely functional. I find it a great option if I want my activewear to double as everyday outfits, without looking like I’ve come straight from the gym.
Our top picks:
Signature Full Length Leggings
$89 at P.E Nation
Nexus Rib Tank
$89 at P.E Nation
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8. STAX
Perth-based STAX made history as the first Aussie activewear brand to offer sizes 4 through 24 – a genuine commitment to inclusivity that goes beyond ticking a box. The brand’s focus on ultra-stretchy, sculpting fabrics has built it a very dedicated following, including some notable celebrity fans (Jennifer Lopez and Megan Fox have both been spotted in STAX sets, just to name a few).
Our top picks:
Parachute Pants
$99.95 at THE ICONIC
Zip Jacket Nandex
$89.95 at THE ICONIC
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9. THE UPSIDE
THE UPSIDE sits firmly in the luxury end of the Australian activewear market, and it wears that positioning with confidence. The brand spans gymwear, yoga pieces, court sports and swimwear – all connected by a bold, print-forward aesthetic. You’ll find organic cotton and recycled materials, and the brand even donates to the Cambodian Children’s Trust with every purchase.
Our top picks:
Racquet 25″ Pocket Midi Pants
$139.99 at THE UPSIDE
Castilla 5″ High Spin Shorts
$119.99 at THE UPSIDE
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10. Gymshark
The fit across the Gymshark range is impressive, especially considering the price point. It’s a more affordable option that still delivers where it counts – squat-proof fabrics, supportive waistbands and pieces that hold their position through high-intensity sessions. The Vital seamless range and Adapt collection are some of my favourites – and the brand regularly releases limited edition drops that sell out fast.
Our top picks:
Interval Seamless Midi Tank
$65 at Gymshark
Vital Sports Bra
$58 at Gymshark
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11. Muscle Nation
Aussie-owned Muscle Nation has carved out a loyal following in the fitness community, particularly among those who train hard and want their activewear to match. Muscle Nation specialises in gym-focused pieces – sculpting leggings, supportive bras and seamless sets that are built for lifting, HIIT, reformer Pilates and more.
Our top picks:
Elite Support Bra
$84.99 at Muscle Nation
Unrivalled Everyday Pocket Bike Shorts
$74.99 at Muscle Nation
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More of the best activewear brands in Australia
If you haven’t quite found your perfect match yet, or you’re just looking to diversify your drawer, these activewear brands are also high on my rotation for their consistency and fit.
- Adidas: A global giant that never misses when it comes to technical innovation. Their AEROREADY technology is incredible for moisture management during a heavy session.
- Aje Athletica: For when you want your workout gear to feel like high fashion. These pieces are sculptural, minimalist and perfect for a reformer Pilates class where you might actually see someone you know.
- Rockwear: A true Australian gym floor staple. They are the masters of the high-impact sports bra and offer some of the most durable, squat-proof leggings at a mid-range price point.
- Cotton On Body: The go-to for affordable activewear that doesn’t skip on style. Their seasonal drops are great for picking up trendy matching sets or reliable basics without the triple-digit investment.
- Running Bare: One of the original best activewear brands, they’ve been designing for the female form since 1983. Their leggings are legendary for a reason – they stay exactly where you put them.
- Bonds Move: You can’t talk about Aussie essentials without Bonds. Their Move range is all about comfort and breathability, making it my top pick for low-impact days or just running around after the kids (or dog, in my case).
- Nagnata: If you’re looking to invest in luxe-to-the-touch technical knitwear, this is it. It’s high-end, sustainably minded and looks incredibly chic paired with an oversized blazer for a post-gym brunch.
What should I look for in the best activewear brands Australia?
Choosing the right activewear is a bit like dating: it needs to look good, but it also needs to support you when things get intense and not disappear the moment you’re under pressure. If you’re tired of experiencing buyer’s remorse after your leggings go sheer in that first yoga class, here is what you actually need to look for.
The squat test (and the science behind it)
The ultimate dealbreaker. We’ve all been there – squatting in front of the change room mirror to see if our underwear is making a guest appearance. To avoid this, check the technical specs. Quality brands usually use a four-way stretch fabric with a higher GSM (grams per square metre).
According to technical fabric experts at Happy Healthy Fitness, a fabric should ideally have a minimum thickness of 350 GSM and a tight weave to ensure it remains opaque even when stretched to the limit.
Moisture-wicking vs. soft touch
If you’re doing a heavy cardio session, you want technical fabrics (like Nike’s Dri-FIT or Under Armour’s Iso-Chill) that use capillary action to pull sweat away from your skin.
However, if you’re doing low-impact Pilates or running errands, buttery soft fabrics like lululemon’s Nulu are the dream. Just remember: the softer the fabric, the more likely it is to pill over time if you’re rubbing against gym equipment.
Construction over ‘cute’
Look for flat-lock seams. These are the seams that lie flat against your skin rather than being raised. Not only are they more durable, but they prevent that dreaded chafing that can turn a 5km walk into a very uncomfortable experience.
The feel-good factor
Beyond the threads and the Lycra, there is a psychological element to what we wear. Dr. Kim Toffoletti, an Associate Professor at Deakin University, notes that for many Australian women, activewear is about more than just the gym.
“Activewear can be understood as a way women invest in care for themselves,” Dr. Toffoletti explains. “Even if they might not always have time for exercise, the outfit suggests that they are making an attempt to look and feel good.”
In short? If putting on that matching set makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if the dishwasher is overflowing), then the brand has done its job. Look for labels that champion inclusive sizing and body-positive fits so you feel empowered, not restricted.
Best activewear brands Australia – more frequently asked questions:
There’s no single answer – it depends on what you’re after. For quality and longevity, lululemon and Lorna Jane are hard to beat. For performance that keeps up with serious training, LSKD and Under Armour are excellent. Check out our full roundup above for everything you need to know!
For sustainable activewear in Australia, Nimble is a standout – it’s B Corp certified and uses eco-conscious fabrics throughout its range. THE UPSIDE uses organic cotton and recycled materials, while Running Bare produces locally in Sydney. Lorna Jane and LSKD have also made sustainability commitments in recent years.
Absolutely. Australian activewear brands have a strong global reputation for quality, particularly in the women’s activewear space. Brands like Lorna Jane, THE UPSIDE, LSKD and Nimble regularly feature in international best-of lists. The local market is competitive, which keeps quality standards high across the board.
The Australian market has really stepped up its game when it comes to inclusivity. Active Truth is a standout for its high-performance range (sizes 8-26) and waistbands that genuinely stay put. STAX and Mama Movement are also top-tier choices for their extensive size runs and bold colours, while Cotton On Body’s Curve range is a fantastic affordable option for reliable basics. The focus for these brands is on gear that is actually engineered for movement, rather than just being a scaled-up version of a smaller fit.
How I chose the best activewear brands in Australia:
At The Australian Women’s Weekly, we’ve been helping Aussie women make confident lifestyle choices for over 90 years – and when it comes to activewear, that really matters.
For this guide, I leaned heavily on pieces I’ve personally worn and tested over time, along with well-known brands that consistently come recommended by shoppers and fitness communities across the country. Activewear has well and truly become part of everyday dressing, so performance, comfort and longevity were non-negotiable.
I evaluated each brand against the following criteria:
- Fit & support: I looked at how well leggings, shorts and sports bras stay in place during movement – no constant adjusting, rolling or slipping mid-walk or workout.
- Fabric & performance: Breathability, stretch, sweat management and how the fabric feels against the skin were all key factors, especially for higher-intensity sessions or warmer days.
- Comfort for all-day wear: Many of these pieces aren’t just for workouts anymore, so I considered how easily they transition into everyday wear without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable.
- Durability over time: I paid attention to how each brand holds up after repeated washes and wear – including whether fabrics lose shape, fade or become see-through.
- Range & versatility: From Pilates and yoga to running and strength training, I looked at whether each brand caters to different types of movement and body needs.
- Style & wearability: While performance comes first, I also considered how easy each brand is to style outside the gym – because that’s how most of us are actually wearing activewear now.
- Value for money: I compared price points against quality and longevity to understand which brands genuinely feel worth the investment.
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