AS A RESULT OF THE increasingly active lifestyles adopted by Australians, there no longer needs to be a distinction between performance wear and everyday clothes. Those two areas now intersect, and the child they’ve birthed is activewear – which can hold up during an intense workout, but will perform just as admirably in comforting your rump on the couch.
All the major fitness brands have responded to this market shift accordingly. Now, exclusively making high-performance training gear or stylish lifestyle clothes isn’t enough to corner the market or endear a brand to a large demographic. Instead, consumers want sporty attire they can wear just about anywhere and dress up or down, while maintaining effectiveness if used as athletic apparel.
Creating multifaceted activewear is no easy feat, however. Activewear is still a relatively new concept – especially for men. For that reason, stocks are frequently updated with new releases as brands attempt to hone their craft and find precisely what works. We’re here to guide you through this oft-updated space, by sifting through the hot and the not and highlighting the best of the latest activewear drops.
Tops
Echt League Collection MLBRN Singlet
Echt has just unveiled its new ‘League’ collection, which is inspired by the label’s hometown, Melbourne. The men’s range is made up of functional pieces, including high quality singlets and gym shorts, but today we’re focusing on the singlets. The MLBRN singlet is available in three colourways and is made from mesh fabric. It’s designed to suit all situations, cultivating a distinct streetwear aesthetic without sacrificing the ability to perform under athletic pressure.
Bondi Active Kindred Tech Tee
Bondi Active is a Sydney-based athleisure brand specialising in men’s and women’s activewear, taking a fashion forward approach to design, with an emphasis on versatility. The brand recently revealed its new Riptide collection, which utilises a spectrum of earthy tones and neutrals for the Autumn season. The collection includes the Kindred Tech Tee, a breathable, fast-drying active t-shirt that epitomises Bondi Active’s commitment to merging style and functionality. Wear it at the gym, wear it around the house – you won’t feel out of place at either.
Nike Flex Rep Top
The Nike Flex Rep is a dri-fit top designed to perform at its best through an entire workout, or in any other setting. A flexible, slim fit means your range of motion isn’t hampered, while reinforced seams add durability, ensuring the t-shirt will hold up during a high-energy HIIT session, or a brisk walk around your local park – and that’s the essence of activewear, isn’t it?
Bottoms
Adidas Climacool Shorts
These new Adidas shorts are ideal for roaming around town at a fast pace, or simply lounging around your house. The shorts have been crafted with an interlock build and a classic fit, so they’ll move with your body, rather than against it. Meanwhile, 360-degree ventilation optimises air flow, meaning you’ll be both cool and comfortable. And in case you missed them, Adidas’ signature three stripes adorn the side, informing all observers of your initiation into the Adidas Originals family.
Gymshark Slim Fit Sport Joggers
A dependable pair of sport joggers is an essential in any activewear collection, and these joggers are among the best. By now, Gymshark is spoken of in the same breath as heavy hitters like Nike and Adidas, and that ascension didn’t come without reason. That reason is high quality activewear like these sport joggers, which have a breathable design, are made of lightweight materials, and even boast zipped pockets for storage – a testament to their dual-functionality as performance apparel and everyday attire.
Bondi Active Panel Lounge Shorts
Another piece from Bondi Active’s Riptide collection, these Panel Lounge Shorts come in the line’s signature autumnal tones and cater to a variety of settings. As a relaxed fit short with soft, interlocking fabric, the Bondi Active Panel Lounge Shorts look as good as they feel. Whether you’re walking to the nearest café for your morning coffee run, or spontaneously breaking into a quick ab workout, these shorts will provide what you need.
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Lululemon Bowline Short 8″ Stretch Shorts
You can’t go wrong with a classic cut – which these Lululemon shorts have – or extra room in all the right places – which these shorts also have. A four-way stretch ensures spacious breathability, while sweat-wicking and quick-drying qualities complete the shorts’ athletic capabilities.
Lululemon Zeroed In Linerless Shorts
Lululemon’s new Autumn/Winter 2024 collection is full of functional apparel in classic autumnal colours. These versatile ‘Zeroed In’ shorts are one of many new products that were just added to the Lululemon range, and as per usual, they’re top-in-class activewear. Sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric as well as added gussets and side slits provide the necessary qualifications to serve as workout attire, while a sleek design and diverse colourways ensure aesthetic appeal.
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Outerwear
Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie
Champion produces a range of athletic apparel and gym clothes that could easily double as streetwear – but it’s their hoodies that stand above the rest. When Champion invented the hoodie in the 1930s, the garment was designed to be ideal for warming up before taking to the field, court or squat rack. It has since evolved to become a streetwear staple – but it hasn’t lost any of its athletic merits. Champion’s reverse weave hoodies are made of heavyweight fleece to be shrink-resistant and maximise range of motion, flexibility and durability. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better pump cover for those brisk, early-morning workouts.
Under Armour Heavyweight Terry Hoodie
Under Armour recently introduced its ‘Live in UA’ collection, signifying a pivotal shift in the brand’s philosophy. Having previously focused almost entirely on performance sportswear and athletic apparel, Under Armour is switching gears, launching a new range of clothes to support active lifestyles – with none other than Rugby star Mark Nawaqanitawase fronting the campaign. This heavyweight French Terry Hoodie is a standout from the new range, with the soft feel of fleece, without too much extra heat, making it perfect for early morning training, or simply keeping warm while out and about.
LSKD Athlete Forged Fleece Zip Up Hoodie
The utilitarianism of the zip up hoodie is perhaps its most appealing quality. Where a hoodie’s function is set in stone as a warming coverall, a zip up leaves some freedom for a variety of styling adjustments and experimentations. This zip up hoodie from LSKD’s ‘Athlete Forged Fleece’ collection is no different. Tightly woven yarn provides bolstered heat retention, but doesn’t require quite as much fabric as alternative materials. The result is a form-fitting hoodie that will keep you warm during a workout or throughout an active weekend.
Footwear
Asics Gel-Quantum 360 VIII
This might not be something you’ve previously considered, but yes, shoes do factor into activewear. Strolling around in high-performance runners won’t always cut it, so more lifestyle-suitable footwear that can still double as proper training gear is a must. Asics’ Gel-Quantum 360 VIII is equal parts stylish and performance capable. Print details on the upper resemble shapes found in nature, for a visually appealing exterior, while advanced TRUSSTIC technology creates improved stability underfoot. A DIVISION GEL midsole also delivers substantial cushioning, while reducing weight for added comfort.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14
New Balance calls the Fresh Foam X 880 v14 an “evolution in everyday reliability”, and that’s exactly what you want in an activewear-appropriate shoe. Running shoes are great, but they’re typically heavily specialised, meaning you rarely reach for the same pair before a run as you would for a trip around town. That’s where these shoes shine though, with superior underfoot cushioning and a structured upper making them ideal for a variety of environments.
Nike V2K Run
Y2K fashion is the trend of the moment and Nike is capitalising on that momentum. The V2K is a throwback to the brand’s early 2000s catalogue, with a number of key updates. Flashy metallics, plastic detailing and an overall vintage aesthetic are the first things you’ll notice, but the V2K does hold some merit as a running shoe. Plus, a chunky heel means you’ll be comfortable no matter the circumstances.
Compression gear
2XU Core Compression Long Sleeve
While it may not be the flashiest form of activewear, wearing compression gear when not working out can have its benefits – in terms of both style and health. If you’re embarking on an up-tempo activity that falls short of a workout but requires a greater deal of support than a regular t-shirt, a base layer like this long sleeve compression shirt from 2XU is a solid option. You’ll be suitably prepared for any undertaking while boosting muscle recovery and reducing the risk of injury.
Under Armour HeatGear Leggings
If your top half can be compressed, so too can your bottom half. Under Armour are industry leaders in compression clothing, and it’s easy to see why. These leggings come from UA’s HeatGear line, which uses sweat-wicking tech and ultra stretchable materials for a comfortable, breathable a fit, in any setting.
SA1NT Moto Compression Socks
We’re thinking outside of the box with this entry. SA1NT primarily make motorcycle riding gear – think leather jackets, armoured jeans and chunky gloves – but really specialise in clothing designed for tough lifestyles. With that understanding, it’s easy to see why SA1NT makes some of the best compression socks on the market. This pair offers medical-grade compression without sacrificing comfort. Even if your idea of an active lifestyle doesn’t involve motorcycle riding, those qualities are always appealing.
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