SWEAT IN STYLE - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TRENDSETTING ATHLEISUREWEAR FOR THE NEW YEAR

By: Aseem Tuteja

As January rolls around, the air is filled with resolutions and a renewed commitment to fitness. In 2024, the search for top-notch athletic wear will be taking a new turn. The distinctions between gym clothes, cozy loungewear and casual evening outfits have all but disappeared. Now, it is about finding versatile pieces that seamlessly fit into every part of your day, extending well beyond the confines of the gym, studio, or yoga mat. 

Here we explore some cutting-edge athleisurewear brands around the globe that might not be on your radar yet but should be.

Credit: Jade Stephens / @jadestephens

Lorna Jane (Australia)

With a deep passion for inspiring Active Living, Australia-based Lorna Jane emphasizes excellence in brand representation, product quality, and customer service. The brand's Activewear is designed not just for workouts but for everyday comfort and style, promoting confidence and motivation throughout various activities. Known for vibrant colours, feminine designs, and innovative fabric technology, the brand focuses on seamless blends of fashion and functionality, offering a wide range of leggings, sports bras, and tops designed for both workouts and everyday wear.

Stronger (Sweden)

Originating from Scandinavia, Stronger has become a global sensation with its minimalist and chic activewear. The brand's style combines Scandinavian minimalism with functional elegance, suitable for both workouts and casual wear. Driven by a vision to inspire women to embrace an active lifestyle, Stronger fosters a diverse community that celebrates movement. They are committed to responsible production, contributing to the UN's Global Goal of Good Health and Well-Being. Recognizing the fashion industry's impact on the environment, Stronger is actively engaged in sustainable business development. Teaming up with Trossa, they analyze their operations to identify areas for positive change aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating their commitment to minimizing social and environmental impact.

Titika (Canada)

Titika has been gaining prominence with its athleisure wear that seamlessly blends fashion with high performance. Offering a diverse range of activewear, from gym essentials to versatile athleisure pieces, Titika's designs reflect a fusion of urban chic and athletic functionality. The brand’s philosophy revolves around simplifying life choices, and infusing luxurious fabrics into technologically advanced wear for all occasions. Titika is committed to environmentally responsible practices, showcasing contributions from industry partners like TENCEL™ and LYCRA®. They emphasize the use of biodegradable and botanical origin fibres, such as TENCEL™ and Modal, to maintain environmental balance. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their culture, fostering creativity in an inclusive environment. The company values diversity of thought, origin, life choices, and beliefs, actively encouraging freedom of expression and individuality. Headquartered in Canada, Titika embraces the National Charter to remain diverse and inclusive while contributing to love, encouragement, and understanding in all encounters.

Alala (United States)

Based in the vibrant streets of New York City, Alala stands out as a premium athleisure wear brand, appealing to urbanites and fitness enthusiasts alike. Their high-end activewear is characterized by edgy and fashion-forward designs, seamlessly transitioning from the gym to the streets. The brand focuses on building a go-to wardrobe for vibrant women with sophisticated style, emphasizing timeless design, thoughtful quality, and intelligent fit. Alala takes a hands-on approach to design, production, and customer service, maintaining transparency and quality while being self-funded. The brand believes in the power of a great wardrobe to elevate mood and lives, spending months perfecting the fit and quality of their pieces. Founded by minority-female, Alala prioritizes inclusivity, with an all-woman team fostering a diverse and welcoming community.

Ultracor (United States)

Ultracor is a pioneering athleisure wear brand known for its luxury and performance-driven collections. With a focus on precision-cut, high-tech fabrics, their distinctive star patterns and sleek silhouettes bring glamour to activewear. Led by fashion industry veteran and female entrepreneur Asha Kai, the brand practices vertical fashion, producing every item made-to-order in-house to prevent overproduction and reduce their carbon footprint. The brand embraces eco-friendly practices, evolving solutions, and boundary-pushing engineering to become a beacon of conscious fashion, reducing its carbon footprint by 95%. Ultracor's vision for a clean, green future involves an on-demand-to-supply model, locally producing each item to eliminate waste and minimize environmental impact.

P.E Nation (Australia)

Australia-based P.E Nation is a powerhouse in athleisure, merging street style with athletic functionality. Since its launch in 2016, P.E Nation has expanded its offerings, evolving from street-meets-sportswear to include technical activewear, 90s streetwear, snow gear, menswear, accessories, fashion denim, and basics. The brand's philosophy centers on quality design, comfort, and fashion, encouraging an active lifestyle. As a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and Sedex, the brand ensures a respectful work environment across its supply chain. P.E Nation's mission is to provide a multi-functional wardrobe for a multi-directional life, focusing on sustainability and a better way of living.

As we dive into the new year with renewed fitness goals, exploring athleisure wear beyond the mainstream is a great way to invigorate your workout routine. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or someone just starting their wellness journey, the right athleisure wear can make a significant difference in your motivation and performance.