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The Best Workout Wear And Accessories: The ELLE Editors Reveal The Kit They Won't Exercise Without
From leggings to sports bras and performance trainers, the team share the activewear that goes the distance
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those perfect wardrobe building blocks, they’re up to the task. From the new and niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
The best activewear clothes and accessories will adapt to an array of activities, whether you're pursuing a PB in your local run club or perfecting a pose in Barre. But beyond the gym floor, the rise of WFH has seen many of us adopt athleisure as everyday wear. We now rely on sculpting leggings that wash well and will look as good when worn for Reformer as meeting friends for a weekend brunch, and trainers that deliver as highly in the style stakes as they do on a mixed trail run.
The rapid growth of the UK wellness industry (said to be worth over $223 billion in 2024) has also seen a plethora of new brands enter the market since 2010. The likes of Tala, Sporty and Rich, Adanola, Varley and On have quickly amassed loyal fan bases and impressive social media followings, while LA starlets Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid are often seen wearing athleisure separates to run errands. With many Gen Z and Millennials now choosing a run club over a debauched night out, there exists a wealth of fitness product whether you're seeking to level up in Soul Cycle, F45, Barrecore or strength training.
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Lululemon is loved for its leggings, On counts Zendaya and Mia Regan as fans, and Adanola enlisted Kendall Jenner for an edit having seen gross profits surge by 124% in 2024. We've also witnessed the rise of the Fashion Trainer, spearheaded by Wales Bonner for Adidas, whose cult designs can reach resale prices exceeding $500.
But how to choose the correct kit? When seeking separates for high intensity workouts, yoga or Pilates, look for polyester, nylon, elastane and spandex, which are known for their moisture-wicking, breathability, and stretch. More eco-conscious blends of cotton and bamboo will feel soft against the skin and suit lighter movement.
Running shoes should offer flexibility and support to cushion your feet, and styles differ for trail running versus flat roads or shorter, more casual runs. As a rule, look for waterproof trainers with mesh vents on the upper to boost airflow and allow any moisture to escape, keeping your feet cooler and reducing the risk of blisters. Gait analysis is often offered free as part of the fitting service in running shoe stores and will help you choose the shoe spec best suited to your foot type, terrain and running motion.
Many brands now offer multiple lengths in leggings, whether you're petite, tall, or just fancy the extra coverage, and most gymwear doesn't need to be hand-washed – just use a gentle spin at 30 degrees for a minimal time then air dry.
To power up your next workout, we've enlisted a selection of seasoned ELLE editors (who favour a variety of sporting pursuits) to share their favourite gym kit and accessories.
ELLE editors on the activewear and accessories they won't exercise without:
'I alternate between Spin and Reformer classes so need flattering, comfortable leggings that suit both pastimes. With Adanola having achieved cult status (and endorsement from Kaia Gerber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emily Ratajkowski) I bought a pair of its Ultimate Leggings and can attest to the product name’s bold promise. With a four-way stretch fabric, they have a higher waistline for extra support and contour and come in three lengths – ankle, cropped, and tall. They wash brilliantly and I’ve been known to pair them with slingbacks and an oversized blazer at weekends. As well as the core collection of neutral colourways like black, navy and brown, there are seasonal drops of new shades. I’ll soon be adding the Wrap Over style to basket to tap into the balletcore trend.' - Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Luxury
'My workouts would be nothing without my Panache sports bra. The underwired style sees me through all sorts of gym activities from rebounding to weights, Pilates to Barre. I appreciate the way it has total coverage to ensure that I am held in place throughout. I was advised during its initial fitting to size up in the band and down in the cup and would recommend you do the same.' - Naomi Pike, Commissioning Editor
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'As a city dweller who travels mostly on foot, I’m keen to track my step count and sleep cycles, so the new Watch Fit 4 Pro from Huawei is high on my wish list. Akin to having a personal wellness coach on your wrist, this stylish new wearable tech tracks your sleep duration and stage chart, and offers real-time monitoring of your ECG, heart rate and oxygen levels. Ranking as one of the lightest smart watch models on the market and with up to 10 days battery time after a full charge, you can choose from three sleek colour ways (I’d opt for Titanium Blue). The Trail Running Mode, with offline contour maps, GPS guidance and terrain-specific stats may influence me to be a little more daring on a weekend run, too.' - Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Luxury
'My performances in Reformer classes would be nothing without the support of my Lululemon Align tank top; it unwaveringly hoists and hugs in all of the right places so that no matter the contortion of my body, I'm supported. I couldn't be without it (and the Align leggings are fantastic too).' - Naomi May, Deputy Site Editor
'Peloton leggings are a hidden gem. The plain black pair I have are my favourites by far – no underwear visible, they never fall down, hug you the perfect amount and don't fade or bobble (and I've worn them a lot). Their sizing is inclusive (it runs from XS to 3X) and they have an amazing range of patterns and colours. They also now collab with Lululemon. I've loved lots of the sportswear I've tried from the brand, but their leggings need to be tried to be believed. You'll be converted.' - Rhiannon Evans, Site Director
'As someone who sticks mainly to heeled boots or ballet flats, I loathe to wear trainers. But when Lululemon debuted the surprisingly stylish Chargefeel 3 – with their breathable mesh upper, silhouette-smoothing sock upper and featherweight sole – I found myself wanting to wear them outside of the gym, too.' - Abigail Southan, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Fashion and Beauty
'As a Wimbledon native, I like to nod to my heritage and Ralph Lauren’s collaboration with the Championships is just the ticket. As Official Outfitter of Wimbledon, Ralph Lauren launches new merch ahead of each year's tennis competition, and this preppy-inspired crew neck jumper will be perfect pre and post workout.' - Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Luxury
'I never normally read too much into the name of a trainer but the On Cloudmonster 2s really do live up to theirs. Bouncy and beautifully cushioned, I can spring around the park in these and then also wear them to the office.' - Hannah Nathanson, Features Director
'You might know Spanx for its shapewear, but the legendary lingerie brand also does the most amazing activewear, too. As well as the collection's control leggings, I like to slip into this half-zip top which is ludicrously comfy. It's sweat-wicking, so you can workout in it, but I might have been known to wear it with the matching trackies to the pub too...' - Abigail Southan, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Fashion and Beauty
Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women’s Health.
She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features.
With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto.
In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama. You can follow Esther on Instagram at @esthercoombes.
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