Frankly, we’re sick and tired of seeing Lulu and Alo as the pinnacle athleisure wear brands. Because they’re not! Slave Labour, and fake commitments to sustainability. And they charge you for that. Nevertheless, we love giving shine to companies who are doing it right. Brands that are awesome, but don’t have the recognition, yet, in such a competitive market.
That’s what this list is about. With diligent research, we found the 9 best athleisure brands not named Nike and Lululemon:
1. Varley – Where Style Marries Movement
Varley is an athleisure wear brand that speaks to the heart of fashion-forward athleisure. Born from a marriage of London’s classic sophistication and Los Angeles’ laid-back luxury, Varley offers a wardrobe that moves with you and elevates your everyday. Their signature DoubleSoft™ collection, featuring pieces like the Always High Legging and the Slim Cuff Pant, is a testament to their commitment to quality and style.Â
Each piece is carefully crafted to be as functional in a yoga session as it is fashionable at a weekend brunch​​​​​​​​. It’s not just about making activewear; it’s about crafting a lifestyle. Founded in 2015 by the dynamic duo Lara and Ben Mead, Varley has blossomed into a global brand that represents a seamless blend of performance and poise, designed not just for the active moment, but for life itself​​.
2. Outdoor Voices – Activewear for Every Body
Outdoor Voices has carved a niche for itself in the athleisure wear world with a mission that goes beyond mere apparel to champion a lifestyle. With a range that includes The Exercise Dress and TechSweat™ collections, they emphasize the joy of movement, be it a serene yoga session or an energetic tennis match​​​​.
It’s great to see the wide range of fabric types and styles these guys work with. Not only TechSweat. There’s a selection of proprietary fabrics made for specific clothing. They also prioritize sustainability, working with recycled materials to craft their signature pieces​​. Outdoor Voices is for those who believe in celebrating fitness as a part of everyday life, not just a performance metric.
3. Betabrand – Athleisure Plus
Betabrand gets it. You’re busy. You’ve got things to do, places to be, and zero time for outfit changes. Enter the Dress Pant Yoga Pants. These are the pants you can wear to nail that presentation and then to yoga right after – without skipping a beat. They’re the Clark Kent of pants, minus the phone booth swap. Customers can’t get enough of them, and why would they? They’re like that best friend who’s always up for anything.
plus, Betabrand doesn’t just make clothes; they make them with you, the wearer, in mind. They’re all about that feedback life, constantly refining their designs based on what you tell them. Because who knows better about what you need than you, right?​
4. TexTale: Raising the Bar for Sustainable Comfort
TexTale is a great one for the fellas. With their roots as a luxury garment producer, TexTale crafts tees that are not only high-end and well-made but also boast sustainability as a core value​​.
Their tees, particularly the “Oops Stain Repellent Crew T-Shirt,” are a marvel of modern technology and design. Imagine a tee that repels stains, maintains its sophisticated look through rigorous testing, and fits comfortably for a variety of body types, from S to 4XL​​. This isn’t your average tee; it’s an everyday essential, upgraded.
What sets TexTale apart is their commitment to both the environment and quality. They’ve integrated innovative tech like EasyClean™ and SilkySoft™ into their fabrics, making their tees not just water-repellent but also super soft and flexible​​. It’s comfort, redefined.
5. Fresh Clean Threads: Tailored Tees for the Modern Man
Fresh Clean Threads, formerly known as Fresh Clean Tees, began its journey as a subscription service focused on the quintessential basic tee. Over the years, they’ve expanded their offerings beyond t-shirts to include polos, tanks, and more, evolving their brand to match their growing catalog​​​​.
Fresh Clean Threads stays true to its mission: delivering well-fitting, high-quality basics without unnecessary frills. They’ve managed to nail the balance between simplicity and style, ensuring their tees are anything but basic in fit and feel​​.
Additionally, their commitment to sustainability is evident. They’ve partnered with the Coral Reef Alliance, directing a portion of every sale to preserving coral reefs, and their production takes place in certified wrap factories that adhere to acceptable working conditions​​.
6. Take Life Further – Redefining Athletic Lifestyle
Pioneering the “Gym-To-Street Wear®” revolution, Take Life Further (TLF) stands out with its commitment to push boundaries. Their ethos isn’t just about clothes; it’s a lifestyle mantra that encourages you to transcend limits. From the oversized joggers that double as your style statement to the scrunch butt leggings, TLF outfits are engineered for the grind and crafted for the after-hours.
Take, for instance, their Oversized Tee, a paradigm of their exclusive Cotton Luxe DNA fabric that’s gym-ready yet street-savvy. Dive into their world and you might just find your wardrobe echoing their motto: Gear up in style and comfort to take life further​​​​​​.
7. Wolven – Sustainability as a Statement
Make sustainability sexy. That’s the tagline. Their leggings, made from recycled bottles, represent a movement towards sustainability that doesn’t sacrifice style or comfort​​. Whether it’s yoga, brunch, or a relaxed day at home, Wolven offers athleisure wear that’s as versatile as it is eco-conscious​​.
Endorsed by athletes across various disciplines, Wolven’s garments are engineered for performance and designed to make a statement​​. With a team of artists, activists, and designers at its core, Wolven infuses every piece with the ethos of environmental care, ensuring that with every purchase, you’re not just choosing fashion but also choosing a future for our planet​​. Their Lineage Crossover High-Waisted Short, with its silhouette-defining ruching and serpent totem, exemplifies their approach to blending high fashion with high function​​.
8. Alala – Chic Meets Strength
Simply looking at their product photos you can feel the cozy fabric. Makes you just want to jump into a pair of the shirts and leggings. Alala’s athleisure wear pieces, inspired by the clean lines of geometry and the boldness of sophisticated colors, make you feel like you’re wearing confidence. And it’s not just about looking good; it’s about the power moves you make while wearing them. Alala’s entire ethos is about empowering women, one luxury athleisure piece at a time​​​​​​​​​​.
9. Plenty – Where Style Abounds
Now, Plenty might seem like the new kid on the block, but they’ve got style in spades. Their men’s and women’s clothing resemble high-end luxury goods. But the good news; their shirts aren’t $600 dollars!
 Their athleisure line isn’t just about clothes that you can sweat in. It’s about pieces that make you feel like you’re part of an exclusive club. Where every member is as fashion-forward as they are fitness-focused.Â