Activewear – What are the best brands?

What to look for when buying Activewear:

The Fit – you want to make sure they are a good length on you, and that they are tight enough to stay up while you are working out, but not so tight that they make you feel uncomfortable when you sit down.
Colour – make sure it is a colour or pattern you will wear! As well as checking that they are squat proof and that your underwear won’t show through, you can do this by holding them up to a light and stretching them, or popping a squat and looking in the mirror, you shouldn’t be able to see through them.
Ethical/Sustainable – This may not be important to everyone, but it is good to know where your clothes come from, and if the people making your clothes are being treated fairly. (Keep in mind I’ve used an American ethical fashion report, so some of the activewear retailers’ grades may not be accurate)
Material quality – You want to make sure your activewear is fit for purpose, such as breathability and performance. An example of this is the lululemon align leggings, their purpose is to be used for light activity like yoga. I used to own a pair of these for strength training 24/7 as they were my favourite pair, and they didn’t hold up very well, because they weren’t made for strength training! Although, most standard sports tights are made to cover any level of activity, just be sure to read the description of the different tights online!

Cotton on Body

Most of their leggings are quite thick material, however they do get fluff or hair on them quite easily, they often need a lint roll!
Their activewear tees, joggers and shorts range in material and quality. Some of their material is not the best in terms of breathability , so if you get very hot exercising or sweat a lot, they may not be the best fit for you.
Cotton on Body Activewear are cheaper than most other brands of activewear out there.
Most of the leggings are black, and they offer a couple of different lengths for their leggings.
Their sports bras are pretty good, they work well for me!
They don’t last forever, but with their pricing that should be expected.
Cotton On have many stores available so you can try their activewear on, or buy them online.
Scored an A- in the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report.

Lorna Jane

Most of their activewear tights are quite thick and very good quality material.
Their tights are very stylish and a great fit.
I find their sports bras to be the prettiest, but also the most supportive and very comfortable! Although I would recommend looking at the descriptions of their sports bras, as some may be designed for more low intensity activities, and these won’t be very supportive!
Good variety of lengths for their tights, for your taller or shorter girls.
They only scored a C+ in the 2019 Ethical Fashion report according to most sources, but it does show up as un-rated on the actual report website, so I’m unsure on this one!

Lululemon –

Most of their leggings are squat proof, but you’re best to ask or look at reviews incase!
Some are very thin material so normal underwear lines can show, be sure to try them on if you can.
Varying lengths in their leggings.
Good quality and long lasting, especially the Tight Stuff Tight and the Fast and Free Tights from my personal experience.
Rated an A- in the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report.

Aim’n –

Most of their leggings are squat proof
They have some cool colours and patterns!
Varying lengths in their leggings – they also do little matching leggings for toddlers!
Some of their leggings can be quite long on me which I’m personally not a fan of
Do not have a grade in the Ethical Fashion Report

Gymshark –

Some of their tights are not squat proof, check reviews!
Have some cool colours and patterns.
Good quality, relatively long lasting.
Most are quite long, which is great for your taller girls, but not so great for your shorter or even standard height girls, often their Gymshark athletes/models’ leggings are shown rolled up.
Surprisingly does not have an ethical rating despite being such a popular activewear brand.

Under Armour

Good quality, long lasting sportswear
I personally love their shoes when it comes to training! I find that they’re good quality and long lasting.
Rated an F in the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report, however this is the rating of Under Armour in the U.S. and may not 100% reflect Under Armour AUS/NZ

T/ALA

High performance sportswear
Flattering on all body types
Squat proof and apparently very sweat proof, even their lighter coloured leggings!
Ethical (Check out their Instagram page wearetala), and sustainable! Made from plastic bottles and factory offcuts, highly rated among many, do not have an ethical rating as of yet as they are a brand-new company.

Nike/Adidas

Both are very similar in prices, quality and length.
Adidas have a C grade in the 2019 Ethical Fashion Report, and Nike have a D. These too are the American ratings.
I am a fan of their shoes more than their activewear, all of my Nike/Adidas shoes seem to last me quite a long time in the gym.

Check out the Ethical ratings of any brand at this website: https://www.ethical.org.au/theguide/