Best sports brands to sweat it out in
Best sports brands to sweat it out in
Whether you’re taking a stroll outside or getting sweaty with an intense exercise regimen, these sports brands will kit you out with activewear, leisurewear, shoes, accessories and more.
Dani Maher
7 min read
August 25, 2021 – 10:48AM
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From running to yoga, HIIT to tennis, and golf to pilates – no matter your sport of choice, these brands will support you through every workout in style. Image: Lululemon.
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No matter your preferred style of exercise, one thing’s for certain: the right gear can help you hit your goals with far more comfort and ease.
My housemate is a runner, so her closet is filled with supportive leggings and sweat-wicking shirts. Me? I’m more of a brisk walker and on-and-off Yoga with Adriene follower, so my closet’s kitted out with cushioned sneakers and loose-fitting tees.
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Whatever your workout of choice, having durable, comfortable and chic gear to throw on can help you feel motivated and supported. It’s time to throw out those holey sneakers, worn-out trackies and transparent leggings, and restock your wardrobe with high-quality picks from these top-rated sports brands.
BEST SPORTS BRANDS GUIDE
We’ve rounded up our favourite sports brands that offer multi-function designs to take you from your workout to your day plans and everything in between.
NEW BALANCE
‘Dad sneakers’ are back in style, so there’s never been a better time to stock up on New Balance. Image: New Balance.
New Balance may not have been considered the coolest brand on the block when you were a kid, but their dedication to chunky ‘dad sneakers’ has circled back into style in a big way. While their wide range of sneakers – with styles to suit every sport, from running to golf – is their main selling point, they also sell other exercise essentials to kit you out from head to toe, including men’s hoodies, women’s tights and much more.
SHOP NEW BALANCE
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
New Balance Solvi v2 Women’s Running Shoes, $110
Need a new pair of runners? This sleek indigo and white pair feature a durable rubber outsole and mesh upper for breathability – plus the midsole is cushioned for comfort.
New Balance Men’s Essentials Icon Hooded Sweatshirt, $70
Perfect for keeping you warm before or after a workout, or for wearing any time at all, this terry fabric hoodie has a comfortable, relaxed fit, and printed logo detailing.
ASICS
From their infinitely popular GEL sneakers to their activewear, ASICS is a mainstay for athletes of all skill levels. Image: ASICS.
From their best-selling running shoes, to activewear and sporting accessories, ASICS has been creating high-performing gear since 1949. The Japanese brand is Olympian-approved, so you can trust its quality to help you put your best foot forward for your fitness goals.
SHOP ASICS
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
ASICS Women’s Fujitrail Jacket, $190
Designed for water-repellent protection so you can exercise in any weather, the lightweight Fujitrail Jacket has ventilation holes and reflectivity to keep you safe and protected from the elements without being weighed down.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 5
Available in men’s US sizes seven to 15, the Gel-Quantum 180 5 has an intuitive fit system for a customised and comfortable feel. It has gel technology-based cushioning in the midsole and a breathable mesh upper to add to that comfort too.
UNDER ARMOUR
Designed to get you through every workout great or small. Image: Under Armour.
What began as a small brand creating a sweat-wicking shirt for athletes has grown into a worldwide brand creating innovative workout gear and accessories for amateurs and pros alike. Under Armour stocks every essential you could need, blending low-key designs with streetstyle graphics to suit every style.
SHOP UNDER ARMOUR
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Under Armour Women’s UA RUSH Tank, $65
This loose-fitting yet flattering black tank is a wardrobe essential, perfect for the lightest or most intense training. Anti-odour technolog keeps things fresh, and the side-vent construction allows for air circulation.
Under Armour Men’s Project Rock Charged Cotton Short Sleeve, $65
Available in black or grey, this tee from the Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson-approved Project Rock collection is constructed from sweat-wicking, quick-dry Charged Cotton. It has a relaxed fit with a simple UA logo graphic.
NIKE
Nike are the giants of the sportswear world for good reason. Image: Nike.
What roundup would be complete without any mention of the reigning champion of sportswear brands, Nike? Beloved for their ability to combine style with performance for comfortable and supportive clothes and accessories, the brand creates everything from activewear to leisurewear to accessories – and anything else that falls in between.
SHOP NIKE
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Nike One Luxe Tights, $100
These tights aren’t the cheapest option, but having owned them for over a year, I can confirm they’re top-notch in quality. Lightweight, opaque, stretchy and comfortably high-waisted, they’re flattering and supportive, and won’t slip down no matter how vigorous your workout.
Nike Brasilia Medium Duffle Bag, $50
Hunting for the perfect gym bag? Look no further. The Brasilia has ample storage room with a durable woven design, and plenty of compartments to transport all your gear wherever you go.
ADIDAS
Streetwear meets activewear with the iconic adidas. Image: adidas.
Another brand that can’t be missed, German-founded adidas is known for its ability to translate from gym to street in style. Encompassing multiple sub-brands like adidas Originals, adidas Performance and adidas by Stella McCartney, you can’t look past the brand for its high quality shoes, activewear, streetwear and exercise accessories.
SHOP ADIDAS
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
adidas by Stella McCarney TruePurpose Medium Support Bra, $120
Created using adidas’ sustainable Primegreen recycled materials, this sleek racer-back, moisture-wicking sports bra is ideal for medium to high-intensity workouts.
adidas Originals Trefoil Men’s Baseball Cap, $25
Adorned with the instantly recognisable adidas logo, this 100 per cent cotton black baseball cap is perfect for your next outdoor workout or adventure.
CHAMPION
Champion blends style with comfort and high performance materials. Image: Champion.
A leading athletic wear brand since 1919, Champion creates laid-back styles equally suited to a low-key workout or a day of leisure and relaxation. Always at the forefront of new sportswear technology development without compromising on their signature style, their creations are comfortable yet on-trend.
SHOP CHAMPION
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Champion Women’s Roch Zip Jacket, $70 (RRP$119.99)
Ideal for accompanying you on your next walk, jog or run, this navy zip-up jacket has a mesh liner for breathability, a drawcord at the waist, and two front pockets.
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Champion Men’s Script Cuff Pant, $48.74 (RRP$64.99)
The perfect pair of trackies, these Champion Script Cuff Pants have an elasticated waistband, slim leg, logo graphic and a supersoft feel.
PUMA
Puma offers minimalist, high-performance pieces to cover you from head to toe. Image: Puma.
Founded in 1948, Puma is yet another market leader in innovative and functional sportswear for pros and amateurs. Their minimalist designs cover your every need from head to toe and from child to adult, with styles for everyone to love.
SHOP PUMA
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Puma Women’s Run Favourite Short Tights, $50
Looking for the perfect pair of bike shorts to get you through the warmer months? The Run Favourite Short Tights have a high-waisted design with an inner key pocket, generous stretch, and moisture-wicking technology.
Puma Men’s Active Woven 5” Shorts, $35
Another one for sunny weather, these lightweight shorts have a comfy elastic waistband, mesh side pockets and a clean, simple design with the iconic Puma logo to the left leg.
LULULEMON
The always-on-trend pieces from Lululemon deserve a space in your wardrobe. Image: Lululemon.
While it began in 1998 as a yoga-focused activewear brand for women and men, Lululemon has since grown to encompass a wide range of sportswear – while still retaining its Zen, yoga-inspired origins. Whether you’re after hardcore exercise gear to get you through a HIIT workout, a yoga mat for the foundation of your flow, or laid-back athleisure wear you can wear to post-workout brunch, they’ve got you covered – with the most flattering, stylish designs.
SHOP LULULEMON
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Lululemon Women’s Align Tank, $69
The Align Tank is made from a lightweight, buttery soft material with a built-in bra so you can get through your workouts in maximum comfort.
Lululemon Men’s Evolution Short Sleeve Polo, $89
With its streamlined fit and sweat-wicking properties, this polo is perfect for your next golf day (or any other activity you may have in mind).
REEBOK
Designed for those who see fitness as a way of life. Image: Reebok.
Blending the latest technical fabrications and performance technologies with a healthy dose of streetstyle, Reebok creates a range of shoes and sportswear for those who see fitness as a way of life. With pieces that easily translate from leisurewear to activewear, their multipurpose collections feature plenty of unisex designs with minimalist and retro appeal.
SHOP REEBOK
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Reebok Classic Vector Tee – Unisex, $40
A simple tee to get you through a casual workout. Made from pure cotton jersey with a natural stretch and regular fit, it has a slightly retro vibe that’s very on-trend.
Reebok CL Legacy Grow – Unisex, $140
A sneaker that’s equally worthy of getting you through a light workout or just completing your brunch look, the CL Legacy Grow has a performance canvas upper, studded-grip outsole, and is made from at least 50 per cent plant-based materials.
ECHT
Modern, chic sportswear for all genders in an array of colours and functional styles. Image: ECHT.
Melbourne-based ECHT has only been around since 2014, but it has quickly grown to find international acclaim thanks to its comfortable, modern and chic styles for men and women alike. Designed for the “modern day athlete”, ECHT is dedicated to offering boundless styles that can take you from the gym, to brunch, to the shops with ease.
SHOP ECHT
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
ECHT Support Leggings, $64
Featuring minor scrunch detailing, ribbed knee and cuff panels, these stretchy leggings are high waisted and breathable.
ECHT Explore Hoodie, $58
This slim-fit hoodie has a kangaroo pocket, ribbed wrist cuffs, and a refined fleece fabrication for comfort.
ELLESSE
From stylish streetwear to functional sportswear, Ellesse is a must-shop. Image: Ellesse.
Since its origins as a skiwear brand created by an Italian tailor seeking to blend style with performance, Ellesse has gone on to become a creator of premium sportswear. From chic tennis ensembles to comfortable sweatpants that are still fashionable enough to wear outside the house, the brand’s activewear essentials always impress.
SHOP ELLESSE
WHAT WE’RE LOVING:
Ellesse Skate Tennis Skirt, $69.95
Made from lightweight and opaque performance fabric, this tennis skirt features a branded waistband and a pleated design. It’s functional enough for the courts and cute enough for the cafe.
Ellesse Bardy Vest, $149.95
Available in black, khaki or navy, this sleeveless puffer vest has a zip-through front and can keep you comfortable on those early winter morning jogs, or just as you go about your days in the transitional seasons.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BRANDS FOR SPORTS SHOES?
Looking for sneakers so you can hit the ground running? Some of the top-rated, most-loved brands for sports shoes include Nike, adidas, Brooks, HOKA ONE ONE, New Balance, and Saucony.
WHERE CAN I FIND AFFORDABLE SPORTSWEAR?
If you’re on a budget, you can find affordable sportswear at Catch, or in the Sports Sale section of THE ICONIC. For great value exercise brands, check out Cotton On’s activewear for men and women, Ryderwear, Gymshark, and Boody.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR ACTIVEWEAR BRANDS?
Among the most successful and popular activewear brands at the moment are Nike, adidas, Puma, Under Armour, New Balance, Lululemon, Columbia Sportswear, ASICS, FILA, and Reebok.
Looking for more exercise and sporting recommendations? Check out our guides to the best treadmills to get your sweat on from home and the best walking shoes for women, plus our review of the best massage guns professionals love.
Make sure you get the best deal on every purchase by visiting news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll find discounts on top brands from Lorna Jane to Foot Locker.
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