For me, 2025 is all about celebrating the small wins, so I just want to tell you all that I’ve successfully joined a gym, gone to the gym and actually worked out consistently for eight weeks. This may not feel like a big deal to those who exercise regularly, but I haven’t been to the gym for five years prior to joining mid-January, so I’m pretty impressed with myself. 

When I say I’m ‘new’ to the gym, I have, of course, had many memberships over the years. You know, the kind you end up not cancelling for months even though you never set foot in the place, but it makes you feel better just knowing you’re a member? Yeah, that kind. And as these memberships existed mostly throughout my 20s, my only goal when joining the gym back then was to get skinny. Because as someone who was a teenager throughout the Special K diet years, I believed that people would only eat healthily or work out in pursuit of that. Now in my 30s, though, I’m finally ready to see fitness in a whole new light: I’m doing this to have more energy, become stronger and fitter and to add a new hobby to my life that isn’t just going to work or going out for dinner (my actual favourite hobby). 

The hardest part was joining in the first place, but with a little help from a January newbie discount at my local gym and my boyfriend willing to start with me, I’ve now gone four times a week, every week. And dare I say it: I no longer hate going. Again, small wins. In fact, in the last eight weeks I’ve managed to go from being too nervous to walk in on my own and spending the entire time hiding on the treadmill to walking in confidently on my own and trying out all the different machines – mainly by copying some personal trainers I’ve seen on TikTok. Because I’ve learned that no one cares, no one is watching you (unless it’s to use the machine you’re on) and everyone has to learn the ropes somewhere, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. 

As a fashion editor, I have a lot of clothes that I love, and one of the reasons I began this fitness journey is so I can feel my best in the clothes I already own. My first step after joining the gym? Try out some of the best activewear sets to see what suits me. I’ve now tested 14 activewear sets from brands including Alo, Adanola, M&S and F&F and these have made me realise that well-fitting, aesthetically pleasing outfits for the gym can give you the confidence you need to get out the door in the first place.

What prompted me to test out so many activewear kits? After digging out all of my old activewear – the stuff I’ve had for years – I soon realised that most of it didn’t fit properly, didn’t suit my current style or simply didn’t make me feel good. And so I went on the hunt for the best new gym collections that have launched for 2025. Whether it’s Lululemon’s new Glow Up collection or Oti Mabusi’s collaboration with Tu at Sainsbury’s, I put them all to the test. And while everybody is completely different, this guide may help you to decide which brands are worth investing in. For example, I now know that I prefer high-waisted leggings, I like a bra top without a cut-out at the back and I feel most comfortable in darker colours. 

Which activewear was tested

While a lot of people are now wearing tracksuit bottoms to the gym, we all know these are designed to be comfy, so I decided not to try any of these. Shorts were also an option, but I tested during winter, so it was all about leggings, tops, sports bras and the occasional jacket. And I believe finding the leggings that fit perfectly is the trickiest part of buying new activewear, so this was my main focus. Luckily, I found not one, not two, but five pairs I’m now completely obsessed with. 

How each gym kit was tested

Firstly, each kit was picked not only for the look, but it also needed to be machine washable: the hand-washing pile at the bottom of my laundry bin does not need to get any bigger. Once I picked the activewear from the newest launches from each brand, I then wore them for a workout (mainly at the gym) once or twice to test them. This is where I made notes – usually while on the treadmill, as this is the best place to multitask – about how they felt as I was moving in them. And let me tell you, thinking about the outfit you’re wearing rather than the workout itself made the minutes fly by quicker than usual. 

For reference, I’m 5ft 4.5in (yes, the half inch is important), a size 10 and a 32D bra size. 

Best activewear sets tried and tested by a fashion editor

SCORE: 9/10

In the last few years I’ve done so little exercise; I didn’t even own a pair of trainers I could even attempt to workout in. So my first step was to find out which shoes gym people are loving at the moment, and the Nike Metcon 6 came up near the top of most reviews for 2025. I picked the white pair, unknowing that it had a silver sparkly heart on the back, but my 10-year-old self would have loved them, so I do too. From the first wear, they’re the comfiest trainers: true to size, the laces stay tied up and they’ve given me no hints of blisters. Now, onto the kit. 

This is the first time I visited my new gym and this kit made me look like I knew what I was doing. Spoiler: I didn’t. I’m wearing a size medium top and leggings and the material (50% of which is recycled) is super stretchy and moves with your body. I loved how the long-sleeve top had finger holes, which made it feel better to hold onto the treadmill (yes, I hold on sometimes – no judgment here, thank you), and the khaki colour of the set combined with my braided hair made me feel very Lara Croft. The top doesn’t have support so I added a sports bra underneath and I liked the elasticated logo detail that made sure both pieces stayed put throughout my workout. 

Size range: XS–XL (UK 4–22)

Colours: Dark green, light green and black 

Washing: Machine wash cool

Shop Nike dark green pro dri-fit cropped long sleeve top at Next, £40

Shop Nike dark green pro sculpt dri-fit high-waisted leggings at Next, £55

Shop Nike Metcon Free 6 Trainers in white/silver at Next, £120

Shop Nike white crew everyday cushioned crew socks (3 pack) at Next, £14

SCORE: 8.5/10

Never Fully Dressed is the London-based label you would usually associate with the vivid colours, bold prints and size-inclusive dresses you’d want to wear to a wedding. But did you know it has activewear, too? The refined edit has a few signature sets that are true to brand in the way of prints and bright colours. Leopard print is key this year, and this is one of the only prints I would incorporate into my everyday looks if I were to wear this set to work before a workout. 

My thoughts? It’s such a fun set that got me a lot of compliments at a workout class. Having never been one to go to classes, it was a bold move for me to turn up in a printed cropped set, but I loved it. I sized up in the top to a 12, but I would suggest sizing up twice as it comes up quite small and can’t be adjusted – the straps are elasticated at the back. I kept to a size 10 for the leggings and these were the perfect fit around the waist but slightly longer on the leg, as is often the case at my height. It’s one of those sets you could easily wear with a shirt, jacket and trainers and feel put together, in an athleisure girlie kind of way. 

Size range: UK 6–28

Colours: Leopard

Washing: Machine wash at 30ºC

Shop Never Fully Dressed leopard sports bra, £39

Shop Never Fully Dressed leopard legging, £49 

SCORE: 8.5/10

The Reaktiv x Oti Mabusi collection for Tu at Sainsbury’s is a collaboration I’d heard good things about, so I was excited to give it a go. This was my first try of wrap-front leggings (I’m wearing a size 10 in the full kit) and I’m fully converted – how are they so comfy? It was my time of the month when these pictures were taken, so the crossover style supported my tummy and also disguised the bloating. They were also a great length and didn’t bunch up too much at the ankle – it made the kit look extra smooth. And let me tell you, it’s as smooth as it looks: the material is just so soft and stretchy. The top has a layer of support underneath, but it’s very light, so I added a sports bra. Having worn this set in peak January, I added the borg hoodie for the start of my workout and it’s my new favourite cosy hoodie that I can’t stop wearing around the house. 

This is the brightest set I tried out of all of them, and although I loved the colour, it made me realise I feel more comfortable in neutral, tonal colours that aren’t so ‘look at me’. That being said, the more confident I get at knowing what I’m doing in the gym, the more I keep looking at other brighter kits online, so watch this space.

Size range: XS–XXL (UK 4–26)

Colours: Sky blue or dark green

Washing: Machine wash at 40ºC

Shop Tu at Sainsbury’s Reaktiv yoga built-in support vest, £14

Shop Tu at Sainsbury’s Reaktiv yoga wrap waist leggings, £20

Shop Tu at Sainsbury’s Reaktiv borg hoodie, £28

SCORE: 10/10

I’ve worn Adanola tracksuits before and can confirm they feel as good as they look, but I couldn’t wait to try the activewear – I always see it doing the rounds on Instagram. And, I’m not surprised; it made me feel so good as soon as I put it on that it made me genuinely excited to go to the gym – something I never thought I would say. Although it’s available in seven different colours, navy just felt very chic. Again, something I didn’t think I would be saying about a gym kit, but here we are. It’s a set that I would happily layer with a jumper and maxi coat and wear to brunch or for a work event – it just fits so well. 

Another crossover pair of leggings (I’m wearing a medium), they sit at the perfect height – being high waisted but not joining the sports bra. They’re made from recycled polyamide and elastane and the combination creates a slight sculpting effect, but not too much that you feel too sucked in so you can’t move freely. You can also get these leggings in a flared version, but after trying a pair (they didn’t make the cut for this piece), I can confirm flared leggings do not suit my shorter legs, so they’re not for me. I went for a medium in the cross-back bra, and although this is supposed to fit AA–C cups (I’m a D), it fits me just right, even without adjustable straps. I’ve found the medium support bra is perfect for a gym session or class, and after trying all of the 14 kits, this is the first set I wore again afterwards – proof that it’s a firm favourite. 

Size range: XXS–XXXL (UK size 4–20)

Colours: Navy, black, brown, grey, dark green, olive green, blue

Washing: Machine wash inside out at 30ºC

Shop Adanola ultimate cross back bra, £29.99

Shop Adanola ultimate wrap over leggings, £39.99

SCORE: 9.5/10

I’ve seen Tala sets all over TikTok (the place where I’ve spent a lot of time saving and copying gym routines), so I knew they had to be in included here. It’s the ‘sculpt seamless’ collection that’s gone viral, and in January the London-based brand launched new styles, which is what I’m wearing above in a size medium. 

Putting on the seamless top with built-in bra took me back to being a teenager and wearing my first push-up bra – I was not expecting the boost and support from what looks like a plain vest top. I love the fuss-free style with a discreet brand logo on the back and the square neckline is something I look for when it comes to basics in my wardrobe anyway. The only thing is – as someone not used to showing cleavage often – I felt like I had to cover the top up with the jacket to wear it. But this could also be down to nerves – I wore this one when I was new and slightly hesitant around the gym. 

The leggings have a ribbed band along the top so this feels really supportive around the tummy and the seamless design makes the pairing just look sleek. The slight scrunch detail on the bum is also what makes this set super popular. As soon as I added the zip-up jacket, this is when I really understood why the collection is going viral, with fans saying it makes them look ‘snatched’ – because this is the only way to describe what the compression material does to your silhouette. This is the kind of three-piece set I feel like I need to wear while drinking a matcha, and although I’m yet to get to this level of fitness aesthetic, I feel like I can fake the vibe in this outfit.

Size range: XS–XL (UK 8–16)

Colours: Plum, cream, black 

Washing: Machine wash inside out at 30ºC

Shop Tala sculpt seamless built-in bra vest, £44

Shop Tala sculpt seamless scrunch legging, £54

Shop Tala sculpt seamless zip through longline jacket, £64

SCORE: 10/10

F&F Active has collaborated once again with Kate Ferdinand, and the collection has everything from reflective running kits and yoga outfits to athleisure styles to wear on an errand-running day – and it starts from just £10! The monochrome contrast detail top and leggings was one of my favourites out of all the kits. I’m wearing a size small here, and although it fits really well, I’ve discovered I prefer the bra tops to be a bit looser rather than on the tight side. This top has built-in support that held me in place really well, but it wasn’t so low-cut that I felt like I was about to pop out of it. 

When it comes to the leggings, the material felt thicker than some of the others but supportive, and I like how they weren’t shiny or see-through – no one wants transparent leggings. I added a zip-up jacket with reflective detailing that belongs to another set, but I really like it. Technical jackets are a mini trend spotted all over the runways at Bottega Veneta and Gucci, so I’ll also be wearing this done up with jeans and loafers for weekends. 

Size range: XS–XL (UK 6–22)

Colours: Black 

Washing: Machine wash at 30ºC

Jacket, £22.50; top £14; leggings £18; all available in-store at selected Tesco stores 

SCORE: 10/10

Bringing the cool Californian athleisure vibe to the UK, Vuori opened a flagship store on Regent Street in December 2024, and it’s as chic as you might imagine. As one of the more high-end activewear brands I tried, I expected great things, and I wasn’t disappointed. Arriving perfectly packaged, the minimalist design from start to finish is what makes this label feel exclusive. I went for the ‘dynamic’ bra in a medium and it fits like a dream. I loved how the thin racer back can be hidden under almost any gym top if needed and I styled it (I say ‘styled’ because it feels like everyday clothes) with the popular ‘daily’ legging style. 

I also wore these leggings in a size medium (fits size 10–12 UK) and they’re so easy to put on. Struggling into gym kits is something I discovered is a new pet hate of mine, but these felt just like putting on a pair of comfy trousers. The best thing about these leggings? They’re available in three lengths – short, regular and long – so they’re suitable for all. I went for the short length and they’re perfect for my (5ft 4in) frame, sitting just about my ankles under my socks. They also stayed put for my entire workout, but I like how they have the drawstring waist detail perfectly positioned on the lower tummy, the area I sometimes feel conscious about when in tighter clothes. 

Size range: XXS–XXL (UK 4–24)

Colours: Black, grey printed, green, light brown, green stripe

Washing: Machine wash on cold

Shop Vuori dynamic bra, £70

Shop Vuori daily legging, £100

SCORE: 10/10

Another Californian brand I was excited to try. I’ve seen the whole Kardashian clan promoting Alo on Instagram, and my initial thought was ‘How good could it be?’ Very good, it turns out. The leggings are my absolute favourite out of all the pairs I tried, and although on the pricier side, if you’re going for a classic colour like black (they come in six other hues) then I would say the cost-per-wear would be worth it. With a small brand logo on the back on the calf, it’s subtle enough to wear these as part of an everyday outfit with knee-high boots and a blazer. So, what do I love most about them? The high-waisted pair is designed for high intensity workouts, so they’re good for cardio and weight training days as well as classes. The waistband is also quite wide, so the structured, shaping material smooths over your thighs, tummy and bum. I went for the full length, but the ⅞ slightly cropped style would have also been a good length on me. 

For the bra, I went for the matching ‘airlift’ style and it fits really well, has adjustable straps and keeps you in place without being too tight. If you have a bigger chest, I would suggest sizing up for this one, and it’s also cropped like a normal bra, so you may want to wear a vest on top (as I did). I added the cropped logo vest in white, and it’s basically the vest top I live in all spring/summer as soon as the sun is out. This combination with the black set and white set felt like a look I could easily pull off as an outfit as well as a gym kit. Now, I just need to practice pronouncing the name ‘Alo’ in the cool American way (as in aloe vera) rather than sounding like an Eastender saying ‘Hello!’

Size range: XXS–XL (UK 4–16)

Colours: 11 colours for bra and 7 colours for leggings

Washing: 

Shop Alo airlift intrigue bra, £68

Shop Alo aspire tank, £58

Shop Alo high-waist airlift legging, £128

SCORE: 9.5/10

Firstly, Lululemon clothes are in US sizing and I’m wearing a size 6 (UK size 10) in the top and leggings so make sure to check your size before ordering. I got the chance to visit the brand’s new Regent Street store and try out the new Glow Up collection during a HIIT class at a Third Space gym. Having never done a HIIT class before, I didn’t know what to expect, and although I struggled to walk properly for a couple of days afterwards, it was so good to have someone teach me what to do in a room full of women who were doing the same. I’d heard great things about the iconic Align leggings, so I was keen to try the new super high-rise style from the latest collection. Now knowing I’m a fan of high-waist leggings, I instantly loved these. I originally didn’t think the top or leggings would fit when I saw how small they looked on the hanger, but the stretch is incredible – yet doesn’t feel too tight when you put them on. The tank has hidden support and it’s so good that I didn’t require a sports bra underneath.

The new trainers felt so easy to work out in, but I do recommend sizing up by at least half a size (or even a full size), as they were on the small side. I prefer a slightly cropped top for working out (I didn’t think I would ever say this) so I would like the top to be slightly shorter on me, but it fits so well and didn’t rise up when completing the intense workout, so it’s a winner.

Size range: US size 0–14 (UK size 4–18)

Colours: 6 for the top, 5 for leggings and 4 for trainers

Washable: Machine wash on cool

Shop Lululemon Glow Up tank top medium support, £68

Shop Lululemon Glow Up super high-rise tight, £108

Shop Lululemon Chargefeel 3 workout shoe, £138

SCORE: 9.5/10

This is the only set I kept from before my big activewear clear out, and it’s an all-time favourite of mine. The Irish brand has created sets that are made for minimalists, and I love this ribbed set. There’s something about the material that just makes them feel extra comfy to move in, and it doesn’t dig in or fold over when you wear them. I like how the top is really stretchy – you can pull it on and not have to worry about detangling straps or adjusting it – it just fits nicely on the body. The one thing I will say is it always takes a while to rearrange the padding that comes in it after washing, so I always remove them before (as the label suggests), and slot it back in before use. 

The leggings are a ⅞ style, so perfect for those who are more on the petite side or if you just prefer a slight crop to your leggings. I’m wearing a size small here, and they’re so stretchy this is meant to fit UK sizes 6–10. The extra stretch means you can pull these up to wear higher waisted or have them lower on the hips. This will also make the length longer if you’re slightly taller. All in all, this is one of those sets I’ve always reached for on the rare occasions I would do any form of exercise before getting my gym membership. 

Size range: XS–L (UK 4–20)

Colours: Green, black, blue, plum

Washing: Machine wash at 30ºC

Shop Gym + Coffee lotus chevron bra, £35 

Shop Gym + Coffee lotus chevron 7/8 leggings, £60

SCORE: 8.5/10

The most size-inclusive set I tried, I love that Simply Be always has everything in sizes 10–32. I’m wearing a size 10 top and leggings here, and I will always appreciate a monochrome set. The clever piping on both pieces draws the eye to the waist, so this was a nice touch, and the material is quite thick and stretchy so it feels really nice on. The vest doesn’t have any hidden support so I wore a sports bra underneath to add this. As someone who prefers cropped tops, this was a bit long on me, but it may well be the right length if you prefer to be more covered or you’re taller than me. 

The leggings were a good length with only a slight bunch at the bottom, which I tucked into my socks. Again, this will probably make them the right length for someone slightly taller. As a high-waisted pair, they felt supportive around the tummy and thighs, and I like how you could easily get away with wearing this set outside of the gym.

Size range: UK 10–32

Colours: Black

Washing: Machine wash on cool 

Shop Simply Be SB3 active piping vest, £28 

Shop Simply Be SB3 active piping leggings, £32

SCORE: 9/10

I’ve seen so many reviews of Primark’s new activewear collections with people describing it as similar to Skims, and I get it now. The sets are super soft, smooth and seamless, offering that minimalist look that’s achieved by a lot of the more expensive brands. I’m wearing a size medium crop top, T-shirt and leggings, and they fit like a glove. All really stretchy, the crop top doesn’t have any adjustable straps so you just pull it on, but it still feels supportive (I would say light-medium). It also felt like it gave me a boost in the right places and the ruched detail at the front makes it feel more like a bra. Although it would probably be enough support for a workout, I added the cropped T-shirt on top and I liked the look of this duo. 

For the leggings, they’re the right length, feel smooth and they have a drawstring inside so you can tighten them to make sure they don’t slip. I liked the idea of this more than the reality – the string moved about when I was doing weights, so I’m not sure it’s needed. All in all, it’s a simple fuss-free set that I would definitely wear to a coffee shop or at the weekends with an oversized jacket as it has absolutely no branding. Well done, Primark!

Size range: XXS–XXL

Colours: 8 colours

Washing: Machine wash at 30ºC

T-shirt £9; crop top £8; leggings £11 all available in-store at Primark

SCORE: 9/10

Amazon has so many activewear brands online that it was hard to choose, but I wanted to put Adidas to the test as I’ve never tried them before. I’m wearing a size medium in the top and leggings and a 32D in the sports bra, and they fit well, but I could have sized down in the top as it’s quite a loose-fit. I really like how the sports bra is full coverage so you don’t pop out anywhere and the stretch waistband detail and adjustable straps make it comfortable, easy to work out in and really supportive. The only thing I didn’t like is that it has a small cut-out at the back, but of course this is personal preference. The white top was quite sheer, but I liked how lightweight and thin it was, as it didn’t make me extra sweaty from layers. 

As for the leggings, they fit perfectly and were the right length for me at a ⅞ cropped style. They came just up to my belly button, and I prefer the extra-high-waisted styles, so a bit too low for me, but these would be ideal if you like a slightly lower pair. The thing I love about these is that they have a pocket! So handy to avoid leaving my phone on different machines throughout my workout. 

Size range: Top and leggings – XXS–XXL (UK 2–22); sports bra XXS–4XL plus (30–48 A–G)

Colours: White or pink top/black, navy, lilac or grey leggings and six colours for sports bra

Washing: Machine wash on cool

Shop Adidas technifit medium-support bra at Amazon.co.uk, from £21

Shop Adidas own the run tank top at Amazon.co.uk, from £18

Shop Adidas optime 7/8 leggings at Amazon.co.uk, from £24

SCORE: 8.5/10

Another brilliant pair of crossover leggings (I’m wearing a size 10 here), and after trying out 14 activewear sets, I’m happy to confirm that these are one of my favourite designs to wear. And how fun is this subtle leopard print pair from M&S? The ⅞-cropped style made them the absolute perfect length for me and the print wasn’t too loud so I can wear them to run errands in, too. When it comes to the bra, I’m wearing a 32D and it’s the most supportive sports bra I’ve tried as it’s designed for high intensity workouts. Keeping me in place at all times, it was also quite shaping, so it looked like I was wearing a normal bra underneath a top. 

When it comes to the top, I think the tie-back style would be best for pilates or yoga. It felt nice and lightweight, but I had to steam it before wearing it, and when I’m heading to the gym, I prefer to chuck my kit on and run out the door as fast as I can before my brain has time to process what I’m doing and change my mind.

Size range: UK 6–24, bra 32–42 A–E

Colours: Leopard leggings and burgundy, cream and mint T-shirt

Washing: Machine wash on cool 

Shop M&S freedom to move ultimate support sports bra, £26

Shop M&S modal tie-back T-shirt, £19.50

Shop M&S go balance printed wrap waist 7/8 leggings, £25

Images: courtesy of brands