Will Your Workout Gear Have Your Level Of Endurance?

Especially since the pandemic, activewear and athleisure have become the clothes we live in, their function going far beyond the gym. They need to be able to withstand everything from movie marathons to actual marathons. The apparel market is so oversaturated with celebrity-backed, Instagram-famous brands vying for your attention that it's hard to know which ones are just hype and which ones will actually be able to withstand all the rigorous workouts you're about to put them through. To help nudge you in the right direction, here are 10 activewear brands you shouldn't waste your money on and 10 great ones to buy instead.

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1. Fabletics

Fabletics has been criticized for its subscription model which has resulted in customers being unintentionally charged the $50 or $60 monthly amount. While people love the colorful, gender-neutral designs, customers say the clothes don't hold up after a few washes, and the materials used aren't well-suited for serious training. 

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2. Gymshark

Gymshark is one of the many Instagram brands that have blown up in recent years. It's an incredibly popular brand with flattering designs, but people say the sizing is inconsistent, it's overhyped, and not very durable. 

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3. Zella

Nordstrom's in-house activewear brand that offers stylish designs for slightly less than high-end brands. However, this brand isn't the most breathable, sweat-wicking, or durable and is really only suitable for light workouts.

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4. Shein

People love Shein mostly because it's cheap and convenient, but the case of their activewear, you get what you pay for. The fabric is low-quality, very thin, not durable or sweat-wicking, and completely unsuitable for any serious workout.

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5. Bandier

while Bandier is celebrated for its chic and trendy designs and high-quality fabrics, the brand is extremely expensive and exclusive. Many say the clothing isn't worth the $100 to $200 price tag and only fetches that amount because of celebrity endorsements and hype.

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6. Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga is known for its specific blend of fabrics that result in clothing with an irresistibly soft texture. The material may feel nice to the touch but there have been concerns about its durability as it seems to show wear and tear after a few washes. It's also marketed as a premium brand which many call overpriced.

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7. Fashion Nova

Fashion Nova emerged as an affordable alternative to high-end athleisure wear. The brand releases an astounding 1,000 new styles weekly, but as can be predicted with that kind of turn-out, there are ethical concerns about labor practices the company uses and the quality is inconsistent at best.

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8. Aybl

Aybl is a UK-based activewear brand marketed as a more affordable alternative to higher-priced brands like Gymshark. While their designs are flattering, the brand has mixed reviews when it comes to durability, sizing, and quality. 

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9. Nike

Although some Nike lines like Dri-FIT and Pro are well respected in the fitness community, many of their more basic activewear offerings have proved disappointing. Customers complain the products are overpriced, can be low quality, and aren't necessarily designed for real workouts.

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10. Balance Athletica

Balance Athletica is another activewear brand with a strong presence on social media. While the brand has inclusive sizing and flattering styles, it's also been criticized for using cheap-feeling materials, lacking durability, and being overpriced.

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Now that we've discussed the worst activewear brands you shouldn't waste your money on, let's talk about the ones you can count on. 

1. Lululemon

Yes, it's expensive, but at least with Lululemon, you get what you pay for. The materials used are always high quality, durable, and cutting-edge. 

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2. Under Armour

Under Armour has long been the go-to brand for serious athletes. It's touted for its durability, performance-first designs, and innovative materials. 

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3. Athleta

Athleta was founded in 1998 and later bought by Gap. The brand is focused on high-quality fabrics, inclusive sizing and designs, and versatility, with pieces doubling as both comfortable loungewear and high-performance gear.

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4. Adidas

Adidas is one of the most versatile activewear brands on the market, with specializations in everything from basketball and soccer to outdoor activities like trail running and climbing. The brand has a long history of equipping the world's best athletes and has a hefty archive of iconic classics. 

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5. Baleaf

Baleaf has gained a lot of traction since propping up on the activewear market in 2014. With affordability at its center, the company is highly accessible but also boasts great value. 

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6. Allbirds

You've likely heard of Allbirds as a footwear company hugely popular in Silicon Valley, but they make excellent activewear too. It was co-founded by a former professional soccer player and an engineer with the intent of making comfortable, durable activewear from sustainable materials. 

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7. Janji

Janji was founded in 2012 by two runners. The brand stands out for its commitment fo social impact, pledging 2 percent of proceeds to clean water projects worldwide. The brand is also celebrated for its artistic designs and high-quality running-specific apparel made from innovative and eco-friendly materials. 

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8. Ten Thousand

Among the throngs of female-focused activewear brands stands Ten Thousand, a men's training gear brand. Collaborating with professional athletes, the major focus of this brand is less on flattering gym selfies and more on rigorous performance. 

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9. Tracksmith

Tracksmith is a premium activewear brand specializing in high-performance running gear for serious non-professional runners. The brand uses high quality, breathable fabrics that perform exceptionally well and last forever. 

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10. On 

Another premium brand focused primarily on running gear, On, sometimes called On Running, is a Swiss company whose mission is to create a "running on clouds" sensation with their thoughtful apparel and shoes. It has a loyal following from runners who adore the brand's minimalist aesthetic and use of innovative materials.

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