After over a year of at-home workouts, shedding the “Quarantine 15,” and basically living in bras tops and leggings, active wear garments continue to be the most utilized items in the wardrobe. Even with the easing of travel restrictions and the opening of more establishments, home continues to be the center of our universe.
The Delta variant threat has also compelled a new season of lockdowns in various cities. In Manila, for instance, residents are preparing for the nth round of closures, curfews and being cooped up. And as re-emergence wardrobes wait a little longer for their grand debuts, we once again turn to chic and stylish athleisure garments to motivate us—at least until we can step out again.
A complete collection of leggings, bra tops, bike shorts, sweats, joggers and jumpsuits has most likely taken over your wardrobe by now. Basic designs have since been taken over by new of color ways, patterns and cuts, that reflect a sensibility once only expressed through garments for going out. If anything, our workout wardrobe has become our daily expression of style and just like any closet, it too, needs a little updating. Here, the season’s key pieces to refresh your athleisure repertoire—and hopefully, make another round of lockdowns a little more bearable.
ALO YOGA is at the cornerstone of any stylish athleisure wardrobe. It is the go-to brand for those looking to add flavor and flair to daily sweat sessions. Apart from impeccable fit and fabrics that allow ease of movement, distinctive design details set ALO apart. Adorable color ways also inspire good energy throughout the day. On mornings when getting out of bed takes a little extra effort than usual, coffee and a pair of Airlift leggings are usually the cure.
This summer, the brand updated best selling pieces like the Muse jogger and hoodie via the Summer Lounge Set. Comprised of a Muse Short and V-Neck Pullover, the set is one that you can practically live in. Soft ribbed fabrics work fit perfectly into a gentle morning flow and sound bath routine in the morning. Dress up with a few gold chains or a pair of pearl earrings and you’re all set for afternoon cocktails by the balcony.
PORT DE BRAS creates sustainable athleisure wear that never fails to turn heads. Inspired by ballet, its designs are distinctly feminine yet functional. Ruffled or scrunchie sports bras paired with patterned leggings are stand out looks for the gym, happy hour and yes, even the ‘Gram. Responsibly-crafted pieces from the Venezuelan make one feel, look and, move good. They allow wearers to go from sun up to sun down without compromising planet, people and penchant for sartorial style.
The Arrow series from Port de Bras immediately amps style quotient of any wardrobe. Geometric patterns, strategically places along the sides of leggings or bike shorts create the illusion of leaner and longer limbs. Its founder and creative director, Clarissa Egana, has always been brilliant with color play and she carries this genius over to the newest collection. Rich tones like Fig, Granada and Navy lend an air of sophistication and opulence to workout clothes that double as well loved OOTDs.
SET ACTIVE accurately captures the essence of modern lifestyles. This holds especially true especially at the time when morning workouts blur into long work-from-home hours. Founded in Los Angeles by Lindsey Carter, SET was conceived out of a desire for chic and clever essentials that take you “wherever the day takes you.” Although decidedly monochrome in color ways, SET is by no means basic. Lindsay writes, “Our sets are designed to inspire superior confidence through sophisticated style that never sacrifice comfort. From our life-changing active wear to our ever-growing range of SET Sweats, Basics, and more, each piece is cut to perfection.” If anything, they are building blocks for an entire wardrobe the supports life on-the-go.
Following the immediate success of its recent collaboration with beauty brand, OUAI, the SPORTBODY line was introduced. It features a sleek and ultra soft “all-star fabric,” which contours body while allowing it to move and breathe freely. The compression material is also sweat-wicking and super cooling so that regardless of activity, wearers look and feel refreshed. This new line promises “the most flattering fit on any and every body.” These styles for leggings, bra tops and bike shorts come in delicious colors like Palmer (yellow), Polo (blue), and Posh (purple). There is, of course, option to go classic with Onyx or black. Of the new additions from SPORTBODY, it’s the jumpsuit that will excite long time patrons of the brand. Following SET’s hightly technical approaching to creating the perfect fit—not too snug, but hugs in all the right places—the SPORTBODY jumpsuit is a piece that will hold a special place in any wardrobe.
SKIN OF NATURE is an under-the-radar, active lifestyle brand by Italian founder , Elena Beraldo. An extensive background in sourcing for sustainable materials and partners, inspired her to launch her own brand. The idea, she shares, was to create pieces that allow one to wear nature like second skin. Its debut collection, which hit the selling floors in September 2020, featured stunning images by Marine Biologist and Professional Underwater Photographer, Alexander Semenov. Aptly dubbed Aquatilis, pieces showcased stunning imagery of marine life: plankton, jellyfish and coral reefs. Garments, all of which were responsibly made using 100% certified regenerated polyester yarns, hold true to the brand promise of wearing like second skin. My yoga set from SKIN OF NATURE is ultra-lightweight. When worn for intense sweat sessions, it almost feels like flowing and moving on the mat naked.
The eco-conscious brand also ushered in the summer months with a capsule of outerwear pieces called Different Kind. Made using cutting-edge biodegrable polyamide or Amni Soul Eco, garments are weather resistant, durable and versatile. Pieces from the capsule collection will be available in limited batches. Elena adds, “We collaborated with an Italian jacket manufacturer and applied their KI-72 garment engineering system to create a capsule line that combines elegance and technicality with avant-garde material innovation. With this capsule we tackle the problem of textile waste by creating garments that are engineered to be easily recyclable.”
GIGI C was initially founded as a swimwear brand showcasing sophisticated designs for active lifestyles. Signature clean lines, architectural shapes and crisp laser cut details applied onto swim classics, were later reimagined onto workout gear. This saw the birth of GIGI SPORT in 2019, which serves as an extension to the sleek and modern sensibilities of the brand. The range combines high performance material with style, providing a seamless transition from gym to glammed up nights.
Its minimalist unitards, rompers and catsuits feature impeccable cuts that remind one of tailor-made suits. Halter necklines, belts and laser cutouts are details that make workout gear from GIGI SPORT a real dress-up affair. Pieces from the brand lend a kind of polish and refinement that reinforces athleisure’s place in the world of fashion. The Gia romper is a current favorite that works beautifully with a pair of heels for brunch dates with the girls. It looks just as stunning when worn for a quick yoga flow or a midday run.
PAKA is not just an active wear brand. it is a resounding style statement that opens eyes to the boundless possibilities—and ultimately, answers—that nature provides. Where sustainability is concerned, the brand looks to Mother Gaia for the solution. The team begins: “We create products that allow us to live lighter. Our clothing is made from one of the most functions and sustainable materials on earth: alpaca wool.” The PAKA website reveals countless benefits of working with this fabric among them comfort, durability and a virtually zero carbon footprint.
Joggers and hoodies from PAKA are ideal for both snuggling up indoors and stepping out for a power fun. Versatile design and colors done using natural dyes suit dynamic lifestyles eager to leave a positive impact on people, planet and community. It’s the material used and its sourcing that truly leaves a lasting impression. It also helps that the Peruvian alpacas celebrated by the brand are beyond endearing.
Kris Cody, the visionary and founder of the brand explains, “We called this material ‘breathe’, not just for humans (the material weighs in at 180g/m²), but for the planet. As you know, the Earth is suffocating from micro-plastic pollution (i.e. 1 out of every 4 fish in California’s markets has plastic in it). The vast majority of the clothing industry (2/3, in fact) creates apparel out of plastic—it's crazy that the status quo has become to wear oil.” If there was one crucial wardrobe update to make this season, it would certainly be the shift from plastic to PAKA.
POCKET SPORT is an active wear brand that aims to “get more people moving in high-quality, long-lasting active wear that goes with everything—other clothes and life plans.” Pieces from the brand are made for both running marathons and running errands. The team behind POCKET SPORT is uncompromising when it comes to making garments that last. They explain, “We strongly believe that we should all buy less, choose well and make every we have last as long as possible.”
The label’s top-rated leggings have been generating real buzz among real women. Breathable fabric, a trademark waistband grip, mesh ankle details and high rise fit ensure ultimate comfort and impeccable fit. Hidden pockets and the addition of new color ways make them ideal choices even post sweat session. Also known as squat-proof leggings, this workout and work-from-home essential “doesn’t go see through so you don’t need to worry about what you’ve got underneath.”
OWOW SPORTSWEAR is an emerging brand from Ukraine that celebrates the beauty and power of females in motion. The brand proposes a new approach to athleisure wear where high performance and high fashion meet. What’s interesting about that brand is that they draw inspiration from the most unexpected. It’s most current collection, Vitre, is inspired by the shapes and colors of stained glass art.
The brand’s founder, Irina, shares that in the design development phase, she zeroed in on the patterns and shapes of the Palau del Musica Catalina in Barcelona. Special techniques were applied to sew various components of each piece, effecting the artistry and beauty of old world architecture. She adds, “Special attention was given to conscious consumption and sustainability. Our pieces are made so that there is minimal waste in fabrics. They are also produced in limited batches.”
