New Year, New You? No, thanks. Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or prefer to hit the road in your favourite running shoes, working out should be a pleasure. It is, however, hard to get the most of out an exercise class when you’re worried about saggy shorts and subpar sports bras. Even if you’re still tuning into at-home workouts, isn’t it time you treated yourself to exercise gear that’s up to scratch? Kit yourself out with our pick of the best gym, athleisure and activewear brands for women.

Lululemon

Let’s start with a heavy hitter – because in the activewear world they don’t come much bigger than Lululemon. Founded by Chip Wilson in Vancouver in 1998, many credit the brand’s early stylish yet functional yoga-focused apparel with creating the entire athleisure category. Fast forward two decades and the brand remains at the top of its game, with over 700 stores around the world and a range that features clothing and accessories for men and women as well as events, festivals and an online community of ardent fans.

The key to Lululemon’s success is its nine patented materials, each designed to enhance a specific sport or activity, from light yoga and walking to long runs and hardcore gym workouts. Keep an eye out for the brand’s frequent collaborations with artists and designers for something statement to add to your gym wardrobe.

Tala

Relatively new on the fitness scene given it was only founded in 2019, Tala has definitely been making a name for itself as a go-to brand for sustainable but high-performance athleisure and activewear. Founded by entrepreneur Grace Beverley, Tala stocks a bit of everything, from underwear to tracksuits and swimsuits to sports bras. The best bit? All are made from eco-conscious materials, including wood pulp-based fibre sourced from sustainably-managed forests, recycled nylon and Lycra.

Alongside limited-edition lines, Tala is home to a number of core collections including SkinLuxe, the buttery-soft, made-for-movement activewear; 365, comprising athleisure staples which can easily transfer from Pilates classes to coffee dates; and FormTech for runners, as well as DayFlex. The latter is where you’ll find a variety of your favourite fitness pieces, such as sports bras, in a variety of flattering designs – think square necklines, deep V, bandeau and open back style. Elsewhere, discover classic yoga pants, tennis dresses, cycling shorts, polos and leggings. You name it, Tala has it.

Sefi

Aiming to fill the gap between activewear and streetwear, Sefi was founded to offer performance-enhancing gym gear that also looks (and feels) good enough to wear every day. Accordingly, the range is vast with everything from traditional leggings and sports bras to co-ord sweats and lingerie on offer. And, while we're pretty sure you're going to want every piece, it is undoubtedly the shorts that are the standout. Available in both five- and nine-inch lengths, as well as in a range of patterns and shades, they're some of the most flattering and comfortable on the market.

Wolford

Long a go-to for tights you could really depend on, in recent years Wolford has expanded its remit to include lingerie, bodywear and some seriously good gym gear. Created under sub-label The W, this is athleisure with the glamour taken up a notch. Think shimmering leggings and bodysuits, vegan leather jumpsuits and crop tops with lace inserts. And if you're thinking all that doesn't exactly sound practical for a hardcore HIIT session perhaps the endorsement of Wolford ambassador – and personal trainer to the stars – Tracy Anderson will persuade you otherwise.

Fabletics

Founded in 2013, Fabletics has been outfitting fitness fans across the pond with high-tech gym gear and sport-specific styles for nearly a decade – and, as of late 2021, it landed in the UK. Alongside an expansive store on Regent Street, Fabletics' products are available online, meaning you can finally get your hands on its huge range of leggings with variable compression, three grades of sports bra and a vast array of loungewear.

While everything can be bought one-off, the true genius of Fabletics is its membership programme, which currently boasts more than 2 million members. Membership costs £54.99 per month and unlocks discounts of up to 50 per cent, monthly member VIP credits, first dibs on exclusive drops and full access to all the workouts, guided meditation sessions and expert advice on the Fabletics Fit app.

Live The Process

Uber-chic American activewear brand Live The Process has become quite the new normal saviour thanks to an offering that runs the gamut from sweat-wicking workout gear to cashmere loungewear that's smart enough for any Zoom meeting. The emphasis here is on slow, mindful but effective forms of exercise, such as yoga, Pilates and barre, and the activewear offering reflects this with a series of flattering leggings, bodysuits, crop tops and co-ords that will have you feeling great before you even step on the mat.

Sweaty Betty

The UK’s answer to Lululemon, Sweaty Betty was founded in Notting Hill in 1998 by husband and wife team Simon and Tamara Hill-Norton with the goal of changing the way women think about exercise. Each of its collections is inspired by the couple’s travels, often resulting in brightly patterned pieces, and tested extensively to make sure they keep up with whatever your workout routine throws at them.

Now with more than 150 stores and concessions internationally, the Sweaty Betty brand is about more than just exercise gear. The company offers a full complement of workout videos, recipes and tips on healthy living via its website and also encourages girls and young women to become empowered through physical activity via the Sweaty Betty Foundation.

Varley

Another brand founded by a husband and wife duo, Lara and Ben Mead created Varley in 2014 for the modern-day woman. Over 10 years on, they now have two stores in London (their flagship on the iconic King's Road) and two in New York. Showcasing contemporary clothing from the everyday essentials to cosy, chic outerwear and knitwear and branching out into luxe loungewear and slick activewear, effortless style meets comfort in Varley's collections.

Breathe through your sun salutations, hit the gym or ace it on the tennis court in a matching two piece set or club dress, before flinging over your sporty jacket and heading straight to your lunch date. Varley brings the perfect multipurpose, multi-chic style.

Alo Yoga

The activewear brand for yogis, Alo Yoga made its entrance into the athleisure sphere in 2006 when founders Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge wanted to spotlight the transformative power yoga, combining breathwork with postured practice for mental and physical wellbeing. An LA baby, the brand is one to watch – spot it on celebs including Gigi Hadid and Hailey Baldwin, influencers and in-the-know gym bunnies.

Alo Yoga clothing is comfortable and practical with street cred. From sweatpants to sports bras to sweatshirts, they've got you covered with all the gear for yoga and Pilates, plus spanning into running kit and gymwear.

Read more: London's best high-end gyms and health clubs