I love Lululemon as much as the next gal — I’m actually a huge junkie — but sometimes you have to mix it up. And with an ever-growing athleisure market, it can be hard to keep track of what’s new and what’s worthy of purchase. Lucky for you, I did all the hard work (if you can call it that). Here are the top five athleisure brands I’m gushing over now.
Alo Yoga
This brand is relatively new to the athleisure scene, and I’m so glad it has arrived. Founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, Alo Yoga creates clothing that elevates your practice and can go straight to the street after class. Modern fashion trends inspire the silhouettes. You’ve probably seen the brand’s Goddess Legging and Moto Legging out and about. The brand takes risks and distinguishes itself from more mainstream options with rips, cutouts, lacing and mesh detailing.
Need to buy: Slay Long-Sleeve Top
Carbon38
This brand was founded to meet the needs of the modern American woman, based on the belief that we should live, build careers and raise families on our own terms. Carbon38 began as just e-commerce but now has opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Bridgehampton, New York. It features many luxury athletic apparel designers, including Monrow, Beyond Yoga and Year of Ours, as well as its eponymous flagship label. Inspired by high fashion, the pieces feature intricate detailing and textured fabrics.
Need to buy: Ruffle & Lace-Up Legging
G. Sport
Love her or hate her, Gwyneth Paltrow has done it again. Goop, her lifestyle empire, continues to expand with private label G. Sport. The line uses technical fabrics and is designed with simplicity and elegance in mind. No branding or unnecessary extras are on the clothing itself, because she believes the person wearing the clothes should be the one grabbing the attention. G. Sport is great for high-quality staples. New collections get released sporadically.
Need to buy: Wide-Leg Sweats
Goldsheep
Goldsheep is a gold mine for crazy and unique patterns. I’ll take patterned leggings over plain black any day. From marble to seersucker to the Santorini Coast, if you can think it, this company has put it on leggings. The brand encourages customers to embrace their inner “goldsheep” — a person who embodies individuality and independence. Each item is handmade in Orange County, California.
Need to buy: Hydrangea Hello Leggings
Sweaty Betty
This sassy brand was born in London in 1998 and is now making waves in the United States. Sweaty Betty preaches balance in its messaging, defining its name as “someone who works out but definitely likes cake.” The company’s cheekiness is apparent through quirky graphic tees and fun patterns. Sweaty Betty has 12 shops across the country and is available at select Nordstrom stores nationwide.
Need to buy: Color-Block T-shirt
