In this wellness era, when we regularly spend just as much time at the gym as we do socialising, having good gym kit is essential. Going to the gym makes us feel good – both mentally and physically – but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t simultaneously look good, too. For me, a new gym kit has sometimes been a motivator to get myself up off the sofa and go. I’m slightly hesitant to admit it, but it gives me the same thrill as putting on a new pair of shoes for the first time. 

But considering we wear our gym kits more frequently than we might wear a new pair of shoes, it’s an understandable buzz – and a great fitness kit is a worthwhile expense. Gone are the days of turning up to the gym in old baggy bed-style T-shirts and worn-out leggings and trainers. These days, we’re likely heading from brunch to barre class, and we need kit that will carry us through the day. Ideally, kit that doesn’t necessarily look like gym kit. 

Thankfully, a whole host of new fitness brands are creating just that: understated gym wear that looks sophisticated, without huge logos stamped all over it. These are gym leggings you can throw on with your cashmere sweaters or with a crisp shirt and confidently head out for a coffee. 

Keep scrolling for our picks of the best gym brands out there right now. 

Gym + Coffee

Combining two things a lot of us love (the gym and coffee), you’re guaranteed to remember the name of this one. The brand was founded in 2017 and offers elegant and minimalist pieces such as gym bras, leggings and cycling shorts in a whole host of fun and neutral colourways. Best of all, it offers fleeces and puffers too – perfect for throwing on top for coffee o’clock. 

Activate vest, £28, Gym+Coffee

Vaara

Former model Tatiana Korsakova understands the symbiosis between health, fashion and everyday living – that’s why she founded the London-based fitness label Vaara. Each piece – from the high-waisted gym leggings to the full-length tuxedo bodysuits and swimming costumes – is tailored for a perfect and comfortable fit. 

Technical knit leggings, £120, Vaara

Wone

Founded by a former sportswear designer for Nike, Wone is the most understated of all the gym brands out there. Its collections are quietly sold in limited capsules via its own website and via a select few retail partners. Crafted from French fabrics, the silhouette – with square-cut sports bras with superfine spaghetti tops – is essentially gym kit for lovers of The Row and Celine.  

Stretch top, £117 (was £195), Wone at Net-a-Porter

Year of Ours

American brand Year of Ours embodies the busy yet relaxed LA lifestyle through its sportswear: every piece is practical and stylish, but with fashion-forward design details that means the wearer can style these pieces and wear them to go about their daily life. The ribbed sports bra with matching leggings is best for medium-impact workouts such as jogging and comes in sizes XS-XL.

Tess ribbed stretch-jersey sports bra, £80, Year of Ours

LNDR

LNDR says its gym kit is “made to move – just like you”. Crafted from supersoft ribbed fabrics that feel luxe, it’s a nice change to the shiny spandex we’re used to wearing. Led by a team of three female creatives who say the brand was inspired by their constant on-the-go lifestyles and the fact that they never wore heels, the brand also uses biodegradable shipping packaging, and all its gym kits come in a reusable zip lock bag that is perfect for packing your after-work gym kit in. 

Peachy Keen shorts, £68, LNDR

Heroine Sport

Gigi Hadid is a fan of Heroine Sport’s sports bras. Does the brand need a better introduction than that? Based in New York, all of the brand’s leggings, gym bras and jerseys are proudly made in the US. With a design aesthetic that’s very statement, we especially love this shiny metallic zebra print set that’s guaranteed to make you smile as soon as you put it on.

Power metallic zebra-print leggings, £105, Heroine Sport at Net-a-Porter

All Access

US brand All Access makes street-ready activewear that is crafted from special, eight-way stretch fabrics to mean these pieces don’t just look good – they really perform. The debut leggings have an elongated wide waistband for extra comfort. They’re ribbed at the knees for a better fit, and are crafted with breathable mesh panels that wick sweat away and keep you cool when working out. Fashion editors love this brand for the cute product names – the Front Row sports bra and the Centre Stage leggings are personal favourites. 

The Upside

It’s rare for a sports brand to channel that boho-chic vibe, but that’s exactly what Aussie brand The Upside is famed for. Founded by former model Jodhi Meares, who came up with the idea for the brand when she was living between New York and Hawaii and practising yoga every day, The Upside exudes that relaxed and carefree Australian way of life in its fashion-forward prints, such as these retro floral leggings. 

Palm Springs Dance floral-print stretch leggings, £85, The Upside at Net-a-Porter

Girlfriend Collective

US brand Girlfriend Collective is pushing the boundaries in more ways than one. In a bid to help solve the world’s plastic problem, all of its gym wear is crafted from recycled plastic bottles diverted from landfills – with 25 water bottles used to make a pair of its super soft compressive leggings. Not only that, the brand is also size inclusive, ranging from an XXS to a 6XL. Is there anything not to love?

Compressive leggings, £72, Girlfriend Collective

Images: Girlfriend Collective; courtesy of brands