Five Brands That Blur The Lines Between Activewear And Streetwear

Over the last decade, the world of athletic apparel has undergone a dramatic transformation with numerous brands now seamlessly blending high-performance functionality with stylish, versatile designs. As someone who lives in it, I can attest to the fact that this wasn’t always the case.

The latest iterations of “athleisure” wear allows fitness enthusiasts and the like to transition effortlessly from their workout to the rest of their busy lives. Technical performance fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and thoughtful details have elevated athletic apparel to the point where it’s become a staple, not just for the gym, but for the office, running errands, grabbing coffee with friends, and beyond.

Athleisure is also a booming industry. In 2023 the global athleisure market was valued at $358.07 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030. The growing trend of health, wellness, and longevity further fuel the need for comfortable, yet stylish apparel has further catapulted this category onto the main stage—and there aren’t signs of slowing. In 2023 the global athleisure market was valued at $358.07 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030.

With so many options, I rounded up five athleisure brands that blur the lines between activewear and streetwear beautifully that will allow you to perform under the heat of activity and leave you looking cool the rest of your day—no matter what you have in store.

FITMAMA

Miami-based Erika Boom has been in the fitness industry for over two decades in various capacities ranging from owning the first pre- and post-natal fitness studio in Miami, starting an all-women’s cycling club, and creating her own line of bicycles.

Colombian-born Boom entered the fitness fashion world in 2014 when she launched FITMAMA, an apparel brand inspired by her own need to find workout clothing that made her look and feel good. “I would describe FITMAMA’s design aesthetic to be modern, experimental, unexpected, versatile, fun and each powerful piece makes a woman feel confident and ready to work out and also transition seamlessly to do anything before or after in it,” Boom tells me over email about her brand.

I recently met Boom at an event where she happened to be launching her latest collection in collaboration with another brand from Colombia that I love, Especia. I was immediately drawn to the colorways, the textiles used, and cuts that I hadn’t seen before (particularly Boom’s unitards) and quickly wondered to myself how I never knew about this brand before? “I think my designs and fabric are very distinctive. Plus, they are handmade by women in Colombia for women all over the world,” shares Boom about what makes her brand stand out.

I only have one matching outfit at the moment. But my next workout purchase from this brand will definitely be one of the unitards, which I have seen on petite frames like mine, and they hug in all of the right places—not any easy feat. My current set washes incredibly well, the fabric is sturdy and fits snugly without making me feel like I am in a sausage casing. When it comes to the cut of her designs, Boom knows what she is doing—something her years in fitness undoubtedly shaped. “It’s always a direct reflection of where my personal relationship is with both fitness and fashion. I know what feels good and looks good when you move.”

Heroine Sport

I am always in the market for unique athleisure wear. I was recently invited to a fitness class that I was unable to make. But it was sponsored by LA-based brand Heroine Sport, which immediately caught my eye and similarly to FITMAMA, I wondered how I hadn’t come across the brand prior. The designs are bold and perfectly blend athleticwear with streetwear.

“Coming from a fashion ready to wear background, my design philosophy for Heroine Sport has been to create sportswear that seamlessly merges high-fashion aesthetics with top-tier performance for the modern dynamic woman,’ shares Nima Taherzadeh, who founded the brand in 2015. “By harnessing cutting-edge fabrics and sophisticated silhouettes, our collections are designed to be versatile and transitional. This ensures our customers can move effortlessly through their day, whether they are traveling, working, or exercising.”

All of Heroine’s designs are made stateside, which Taherzadeh tells me is a key differentiator. “Heroine Sport stands out by being sustainably made in the USA, unlike many in the industry who manufacture overseas. Supporting local manufacturers and businesses is deeply ingrained in our brand DNA.” When it comes to the textiles used for Heroine’s designs, Taherzadeh shares with me that a significant portion of the collection is crafted from high-quality recycled and sustainable fabrics. Regardless, fit is the cornerstone for the brand. “Our unwavering focus on fit ensures that each design not only performs exceptionally but also feels impeccable.”

I don’t have firsthand experience with the brand yet. However, I plan on buying a few sets to add to my collection in the very near future.

Monday Body

I am a big fan of Monday Swim. The fit is great, and the prices are on point. So, when co-founders Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman launched Monday Body almost a year ago, I was thrilled to check out their offerings.

“Monday Body is all about elevated, timeless pieces that prioritize fit,” shares Oakley. Versatility of wear is also a priority for the brand. “Our collection can fit seamlessly into someone’s everyday wardrobe. Whether they are going to sweat it out at HIIT class or simply want to blend some activewear into their outfit for the day, Monday Body has that versatility.”

Monday Body fits me like a glove. “Our tagline is ‘only the best for your body’ for a reason. We spend a lot of time perfecting every fit,” Brugman tells me over email. The brand also utilizes sustainable materials for its designs. “All of our fabrics are made using recycled materials, so women don’t have to choose between style, function, and sustainability,”

I have been regularly wearing several designs from Monday Body for working out and beyond. I love the fabrics used, which are both supportive and comfortable. The pieces are stylish and also wash incredibly well despite my regular wear and tear in the steamy Miami sun and heat.

Year of Ours

I have been wearing Year of Ours designs for years. Founded by Eleanor Haycock alongside celebrity stylist and designer Alejandra Hernandez, the pair launched the LA-based brand in 2016 with a mission to offer styles and sizes for every body type.

“At our core, we are a brand that prioritizes and prides itself on inclusivity,” Haycock tells me over email about the brand. “We are not only inclusive in our sizing, but also inclusive in the ways in which our designs can be worn. From working out and running errands, to playing tennis and even lounging at home, our styles crossover into everyday fashion with sporty details and versatile silhouettes.”

Year of Ours’ aesthetic is inspired by sports culture and is very distinctive. “We’re known for our lace-up designs with our signature Football Legging, track stripes, piping, and color blocking,” continues Haycock. Fit and quality is at the core of every design. “We are very hands on with fitting and production, and we are genuinely proud of the product we put out.” Sustainability is also a priority for the founders. “Our team works hard to ensure our efforts in the design and production process are as thorough and sustainable as possible. Over 50% of our products are made in Los Angeles, tying into our sustainability efforts.”

I love the pieces I have from the brand, particularly the Recycled Cut-Out Onsie that I get so many compliments on whenever I wear it. The color choices are on trend, the cuts are very flattering and versatile, and I am impressed with the quality. “Our pieces are not made just for performance, but also to feel fashionable. We want women to put on our clothing and feel confident in whatever their next move is.”

Nubyen

I came across the London-based brand, Nubyen a few years back. Founded in 2016 by two practicing medical doctors who are husband and wife, and a veterinary surgeon who doubles as the COO, the brand offers a unique blend of clean beauty and sustainable activewear.

“We bridge the gap between ready-to-wear and active with fashion forward trendy styles that are fully functional from your morning workout to your afternoon errands run. We believe in versatility. Now days clothing is best if its functional,” co-founder Dr. Lola Rachel tell me over email. “We cater to the women who are ambitious, health conscious, & love investing in themselves mentally & physically whether you’re a mom, single at college, or striving towards the next goal. We understand busy schedules. Our garments will pull together your final look effortlessly.”

What I like about the brand’s activewear is that the designs are unique, they come in great colorways, they are very well made at a price point that is quite accessible for the quality, and they offer versatile pieces that don’t even look like activewear—like their dresses that have built in shorts that I would undoubtedly wear out in the evening. They are also sustainably minded. “We believe in nurturing & respecting the planet. Our forest-friendly packaging is recyclable, we use Eco-print sublimation technology for our activewear range, and we ensure our products have over 35% recycled polyester,” shares co-founder and COO, Hanna Lanré.