Do you want to look sporty and rich? These are the athleisure brands you need to know about… and the ones that are SO outdated
When ageless supermodel Christie Brinkley celebrated on Instagram that she was “finally happy” at the age of 70, it wasn’t with a slice of cake and a new cardigan, but with a smiling mirror selfie in tight sportswear.
It doesn’t matter that she still has abs that a 25-year-old would be proud of: it was her dedication to fitness equipment that matched her own energy that really stood out.
‘Athleisure’ – the trend of wearing sportswear outside the gym – is still going strong, almost a decade after it took over the catwalks.
Look at any celebrity street photo today and chances are they’re wearing pristine leggings or sweatpants, a sweatshirt and a new pair of sneakers. And these aren’t bought in High Street shops or the supermarket – there’s a whole new range of stylish brands to keep up with.
Your brightly colored Sweaty Betty leggings may have once marked you as part of the gym’s “in” crowd, but now they’re starting to date. So ditch your saggy sweats and leave the Lululemon at home. These are the IT-leisure brands you need to know now…
ALO YOGA
One model wears a lilac Alo Yoga bra, £75 and £140 leggings
Supermodel Christie Brinkley wears the Splendor bra, £55
Founded in 2007 with yoga at its core, Alo is the ultimate casual wear brand in LA. Because while its fabrics are designed to deliver great performance – whether you’re sweating like a pro in a hot yoga studio or just trying not to sleep through your Savasana – it’s best known as the legging brand of choice for A-listers from Hayley Bieber and Taylor Swift.
Training sets are available in a range of colours, including a pretty pastel lilac – one of the biggest trends of 2024. Don’t worry if you’re not ready for that tiny Christie Brinkley bra (below), wrap yourself in an oversized one instead sweater or sweatpants and a parka.
TALA
Models wear gey Tala tank top, £42, gray leggings, £56, navy blue bra, £38 and navy blue leggings £56
Fitness influencer Grace Beverley was 22 when she launched Tala, an instant hit thanks to her huge TikTok following.
The idea? Creating a sustainable and ethical alternative to the major sportswear brands – but at a price point well below the high-end athleisure market, and with inclusive sizes up to 4XL.
The fabrics are largely recycled or natural, and thanks to the supportive and compressive details, they not only perform in the gym, but also look great at brunch.
Tala’s ‘scuplt Seamless’ collection features a flattering ribbed racerback tank top with built-in bra. With four neutral colors – black, cream, gray and navy – there’s an option to match any outfit, in or out of the gym. And if you don’t plan on hitting the treadmill, the Everyday Sweats are as comfortable as they come.
SPORTY & RICH
Emily Oberg’s Sporty & Rich brand t-shirts cost from £49
Although their £49 caps are a splurge, they’re a staple of the It-girl athleisure wardrobe
Hands up if you do NOT want to look sporty and rich? Everyone?
Emily Oberg started her Instagram account at the age of 20, sharing vintage-style images.
Ten years later, she’s running one of the most sought-after sports-lifestyle brands in the world, a sort of Gen-Z Goop, complete with in-store spas, skincare line, coffee table book and of course, a fantastically stylish line of retro meets minimalist athleisure.
Although their £49 caps are a splurge, they are a staple of the It-girl athleisure wardrobe. Sporty & Rich: a brand that does what it says on the label.
ADANOLA
The brand is loved by celebrities such as supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who wears a £46.99 unitard and £14.99 hat
Pack of Adanola socks, £21.99. The casual wear brand was born in Manchester
Have you seen the smart twenty-somethings wearing oversized sweatshirts, bomber jackets and joggers around town?
Probably worn with a shiny ponytail, a baseball cap and perfect contours? Chances are they’re wearing head-to-toe Adanola – a Manchester-born casualwear label that’s appealing to the influencer crowd with great success.
Sportswear truly designed for the street, the brand is loved by celebrities like Love Islander Molly-Mae Haag and supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – who loves it so much she’s collaborated with the brand on a capsule collection.
Top pieces include a flattering olive green workout top and matching shorts in a buttery soft fabric.
VARLEY
A £70 pink skort from the ultra-luxe brand created by Brits Lara and Ben Mead
A half-zip jumper from Varley for £125
London meets LA in this ultra-luxury brand created by Brits Lara and Ben Mead, after an inspiring holiday in Santa Monica.
Although the couple’s brand sells yoga leggings and other sports equipment, it is more athleisure than athleisure-inspired, describing itself as “a fashion brand rooted in movement.”
It’s certainly a fashion brand rooted in wealth, with all the hallmarks of affluent America, from après-ski alpine sweaters to tennis club skorts, an understated palette and easy, understated silhouettes that keep the abs in check.