I live in Los Angeles, also known as the land of activewear, where leggings, matching sets, and workout dresses pass as daily wear. Around here, you learn the best new activewear brands simply by walking down the street and seeing what everyone is wearing. As someone who works from home and wants to be able to run off to a workout class at a moment's notice, I wear athleisure practically every day too. So, as an unofficial expert on the matter, I have some brands you need to know about.
These are the brands I wear on repeat and hear my friends raving about. They are splurge-worthy because they hold up after all the washes and wears I put them through.
1. Carbon38: Buttery-Soft Pieces That Feel Like Wearing Nothing
Carbon38's Melt fabric is one of my all-time favorites, making these items some of my most grabbed for. It is super soft and non-compressive — I prefer comfort over being held in super tightly. In this fabric, the double-layered contrast bra and contrast waistband legging are some of my go-tos, as well as the strappy tank and high-rise leggings set. I also love the brand's strappy dress, which has built-in shorts (and is on sale right now). These pieces feel like you are wearing nothing, and to me that makes them worth every penny.
Bra: $108 at Carbon38
Leggings: $118 at Carbon38
2. Set Active: The Brand That Helps You Coordinate Your Look
Set Active is the matching sets brand that everyone seems to be wearing, and I can see why — the brand claims to specialize in sets. My Luxform Lux Rise bra and high-rise leggings from the brand are super flattering. The leggings I am wearing are available in sizes XS-XXL. The bra I am wearing is almost sold out, but the Lux gym bra is a similar option that is popular with customers. If you prefer leggings without front seams, Set is a great brand for that.
Leggings: $80 at Set Active
Bra: $60 at Set Active
Similar bra: $69 at Set Active
3. Alo Yoga: Household-Name Brand with Flattering Pieces in Various Lengths
I am 5-foot-10 and always keep my eye out for brands that make clothes long enough for me. Alo Yoga is a tried and true favorite. If you are not tall, do not fret either: Many of the leggings also come in a 7/8 length that petite gals can wear as full-length. Overall, I love the flattering fit of this brand. One of Alo's most popular items is the high-waist Airlift legging, which I have styled with the Joah Brown deep V pullover (another one of my favorite athleisure brands) and my beloved Reebok Club C 85 Vintage sneakers. The leggings have a sheen that always elevates your look and camouflages any lumps and bumps. I also love my Airbrush One And Done onesie and Sway bootcut sweatpant. The curved seams on these lounge pants make your butt look great, in my humble opinion.
This list is just scratching the surface of my Alo collection, so you could say I am a loyal customer.
Leggings: $135 at Alo
Sweatpants: $128 at Alo
4. Splits59: Retro-Inspired Activewear with Impressive Quality
I am so impressed by Splits59, a retro-inspired brand I have been seeing around LA as of late. The two sets I own from this brand are comfortable, and more importantly, the quality is great: The fabric feels elevated, and the seams do not fray. The items look good as new after washing, and they hold their shape very well.
There is the Ella Airweight bra and Ella high waist Airweight 7/8 legging available in solid colors or with nostalgic blue stripes down the sides, and I also love the Airweight tank and Airweight high waist 3.5-inch short for warm weather.
Bra: $82 at Splits59
Leggings: $108 at Splits59
5. Vuori: The Brand with Effortless California Style
I love my pieces from California-based Vuori, ranging from jackets to onesies to these super lounge-worthy sweatpants. The Halo essential pant has an on-trend wide leg and is actually long enough for me in the long length, and because they are so lightweight they are perfect for working from home or traveling. It comes in three different hems, and reviewers of different heights seem happy with the variety. Reviewers agree, rating this style 4.6 stars.
Promising review: “These pants are perfect for lounging, traveling, or running errands. Honestly, so surprised just how versatile they are and so absolutely comfy. The fit was perfect and at 4’11” that’s such a rare find. They’re my favorite go to, now. I’ll definitely be getting more.” — Amber S.
$118 at Vuori
6. LSpace: My Go-To for More Fashion-Forward Pieces
If you want something beyond the same old basic leggings, LSpace has pieces like the Ace jumpsuit. It has flattering princess seams, a cute criss-cross back and is a total compliment magnet. There is also a shelf bra with built-in cups for added support. Get this outfit in sizes XS-XL.
This jumpsuit has a shelf bra and removable pads for a flattering, supportive look. It is made for activities like Pilates and yoga, but I wear it more if I want a cute look for a walk, or hike, or such. It is a one-and-done outfit, making it easy to style.
$150 at LSpace
7. Floatley: A Beloved Intimates Brand That Secretly Makes Activewear Too
I have tried — and love — some of Floatley's comfortable bras, so I have my eye on their nicely edited range of activewear. Their signature crossover leggings come in a fabrication that promises to be lightweight and moisture-wicking. The strappy, medium-impact Cozy Adapt bra has a hook-and-eye back closure for a more tailored fit, and the scoop-neck Be Well bra has a neat criss-cross back for extra style points.
Promising review: "The most comfortable leggings I have ever worn. Floatley is the correct name for this product. They float around your waist hips and legs while also providing a little massage. Love them." — Janet Ford
Leggings: $45 at Floatley
Cozy Adapt Bra: $45 at Floatley
Be Well Bra: $38
