From chic layering staples to trail-tested performance gear, these brands are the ones to watch for 2026
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As the activewear market continues to grow and evolve, brands have been pushed further into technical design, sustainable materials and hybrid pieces that blur the line between fitness and fashion. Looking ahead to 2026, standout collections from Lululemon, Rhone, Set Active and Bandit Running point to what’s next: smarter construction, greater versatility and apparel that moves effortlessly from performance to everyday wear. Each piece featured here was personally tested to evaluate fit, function and comfort, showcasing how leading and emerging brands are shaping the next era of activewear.
Best for Activewear for Running
Janji
Janji is one of those brands that feels like it was truly created by runners, for runners. The Pace Short is lightly compressive, stays put thanks to their SiliDot Grippers, and has deep side pockets plus a clever pass-through “StashPass” pocket for layering. The Ascend Sports Bra offers high coverage and a racerback pocket big enough to hold a phone. Between the targeted anti-bounce band, breathable fabric and reflective details, it’s clear Janji is designing with real mileage in mind.
Ciele Athletics
Ciele‘S fall drop is designed with endurance athletes in mind. The RDShort is compressive yet flexible enough for rugged trail conditions, with ample waistband and leg storage. The GoCap Elite, a refreshed version of their signature running cap, adds lightweight, weather-resistant panels and breathable mesh. Together, they strike that balance between technical performance and daily versatility; I’ve seen Ciele everywhere from hiking trails to city park runs for good reason.
Bandit Running
Bandit has quickly become one of the most impressive running brands to watch, and one I find myself reaching for often. Their Fall ’25 Collection introduces 26 new pieces built with engineered knits, ripstops and laser-cut ventilation, but what stands out most is the way the design feels both thoughtful and functional.
Drawing influence from New York City’s energy and architecture, the collection has a modern edge without losing sight of performance. I’ve been wearing the Stamina Pop Stitch Volta Crop and the Striped Cadence 5″ Compression Shorts, and they’re incredible for running; the crop feels secure yet weightless, while the shorts deliver a compressive fit that stays perfectly in place. Everything feels like a second skin, with storage that’s cleverly integrated. It’s evident Bandit was created by runners who know exactly what matters when logging serious miles.
Stamina Pop Stitch Crop
$82
Lululemon
Lululemon has been one of my favorite activewear brands for almost a decade, and it continues to deliver pieces that feel timeless while still pushing innovation forward. The Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve Shirt is a great example, lightweight, with minimal seams and all-over airflow. I’ve also been especially impressed by their footwear, with the Chargefeel Sneaker 3 quickly becoming one of my go-to pairs for its bounce, comfort and versatility. This fall, Lululemon seized on a cultural moment in New York City with a one-mile High Line run led by DJ and avid runner John Summit, who finished with a surprise set at the Vessel. Outfitted in the Pace Breaker 5″ Shorts, Zeroed In Tank, Power Stride Socks and Split Shift Sneaker, Summit highlighted exactly why Lululemon remains a brand built to support performance, style and community all at once.
Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve Shirt
$78
Best Activewear for Pilates
Form Activewear
Form is a longtime favorite for me, particularly for mat workouts, due to its buttery-soft fabrics. Their Layered Bra with adjustable straps and Core Shorts with a seamless high-rise fit strike a perfect balance between supportive and flattering. For colder weather, pair the bra with the Core Leggings for a versatile set. The fabric is a consistent draw, but it’s the thoughtful construction that keeps it in heavy rotation.
Form Layered Bra
$54.40 ($68), 20% off
Branwyn
Branwyn is a women-led brand redefining Merino performancewear. The new Essential Compressive Shorts and Racerback Bra offer breathable, sustainable essentials that balance compression and comfort. Unlike traditional wool, Branwyn’s proprietary PowerSpun Merino blend isn’t itchy, but supportive and durable, with a firmer feel that holds up to tough workouts. It’s great for yoga or low-impact workouts.
Branwyn Merino Compressive Shorts
$85
Set Active
Set Active is everywhere for a reason. The apparel is equal parts trendy, versatile and comfortable. Standouts include the Formcloud Cloud Training Bra, Airluxe Breathe High-Rise Leggings, and the Formcloud Cloud Parke Pipe Shorts.
Set Active Formcloud Cloud Parke Pipe Shorts
$60
Stelle
Female-founded Stelle makes both women’s and kids’ activewear, striking a balance between elevated materials and accessible pricing. Their leggings are supportive and flattering without being overly mushy, and the broader assortment spans everything from yoga to dancewear. The kids’ line has been especially popular with parents looking for stylish yet practical activewear for their families.
Stelle Buttery Soft Legging
$14 ($28), 50% off
Forme
Forme went viral when Taylor Swift was seen wearing the posture-correcting bra while rehearsing for the Eras Tour. The bestselling bra is surprisingly comfortable and engineered to improve posture. For a limited time, use code FRIENDS20 for 20% off select items and get free shipping on orders over $250.
Forme Power Bra
$178 ($182), 29% off
Best Activewear for Racquet Sports
Après-Pickle
Bringing a dose of fun to the fastest-growing sport in America, Après-Pickle is a pickleball-inspired lifestyle brand that blends performance with playful, off-court style. Founded by menswear veterans, the brand’s après-pickle collection puts a cheeky twist on après-ski culture, designed for both the court and the clubhouse. Each piece features a custom pocket made to perfectly fit a pickleball, embodying the sport’s social spirit with elevated design. Athletech readers can get 25% off with code Athletech25.
Après-Pickle Pickleball Pocket Short
$51 ($68), 25% off
Spanx
Spanx is expanding deeper into performance, and the SPANXsmooth OnForm Tank Dress might be one of the smartest new designs. It includes a built-in bodysuit with hidden pockets, a shelf bra and removable cups. Patent-pending Take Off Technology simplifies bathroom breaks, a common issue with activewear dresses. The buttery-soft fabric with light compression makes it as functional for Pilates or yoga as it is chic for everyday wear. I also went for a long run in mine, and it held up surprisingly well.
SpanxSmooth OnForm Tank Dress
$99 ($138), 28% off
Best Activewear for Lifting
Rhone
Rhone has long been known for premium technical apparel that transitions seamlessly from training to everyday wear. A classic Rhone pick for the gym is the Reign Short Sleeve, a breathable, odor-fighting tee. For women, some favorites include the Longline Bra, for sleek support with removable cups and a racerback silhouette and its matching 7/8 Leggings.
Rhone Reign Short Sleeve
$68
Built for Athletes
Known for rugged backpacks, Built for Athletes has expanded into apparel designed for performance and everyday wear. Their apparel incorporates antibacterial and sweat-wicking finishes, reflective details and supportive waistbands. The high-waisted leggings are squat-proof with double-layered construction and flat seams that minimize irritation. It’s great for tough strength workouts in the gym that will withstand the test of time.
Men’s Port Training T-Shirt
$32 ($45), 29% off
Fabletics
Fabletics has built its reputation on a membership model that gives shoppers access to premium activewear at a fraction of typical retail prices, with monthly outfit credits, discounts and exclusive drops.
Two of the brand’s most recent launches show the range of what that model delivers: Luxe360, a line of silky, modal-based pieces like the Rib Shorts, Rib Bralette and rib-knit maxi dress designed for softness and versatility, and Khloé Kardashian’s latest PureLuxe collection, which updates the TLC Legging with a no-front-seam design and introduces a curve-hugging jumpsuit alongside contour-driven silhouettes. Co-designed by Khloé, the PureLuxe leggings keep their signature booty-enhancing scrunch seam while adding anti-chafe construction, four-way stretch, and a discreet phone pocket.
Fabletics No-Seam PureLuxe TLC Legging
$18.98 or 2 for $24 ($94.95)
Alo
Alo is setting a new standard for fashion and function. One of the best brands for lifting apparel, Alo apparel stays in place during the toughest sweat sessions while you look your best.
Alo Airlift Line Up Bra
$98
Best for Recovery
Vuori
Vuori’s Performance Joggers are some of the most comfortable recovery pants on the market, with buttery-soft fabric, a drawstring waist, and thousands of five-star reviews. It comes in so many colors that you may need to get multiple (I have).
Ponto Performance Jogger
$98
Planet Nusa
The Copenhagen-founded Planet Nusa brings the famous Danish style to the United States, with elegant but functional activewear. From celestial-themed sports bras and leggings to ultra-comfy teddy coats, Planet Nusa is the coolest brand to discover this year.
Planet Nusa LS2 Air Long Sleeve
$105
True Classic
True Classic has comfortable and soft basic tees for affordable prices and all-day wear that come in 72 colors. With over 60,000 five-star reviews, the shirt is a closet staple.
True Classic Classic Crew Neck
$29.99
Bombshell Sportswear
Bombshell is usually associated with bold, high-performance pieces, but their joggers are the real hidden gem. Buttery soft yet flattering, they’ve earned a reputation for comfortable loungewear. They’re perfect for recovery days, travel or just leaning into athleisure.
Bombshell Women’s Joggers
$82
Allbirds
Allbirds brings its sustainability ethos into apparel with pieces made from breathable, eco-friendly fabrics that carry the same DNA as its footwear: natural, versatile and low-impact. The new Remix Collection uses 28% recycled content, combining bounce and comfort with the brand’s signature minimalist design. Built to transition seamlessly from casual wear to movement, the line underscores Allbirds’ less-is-more approach while pushing further into performance-ready apparel.
