There’s nothing like the cool arrival of January to make us think of the gym.
Just because the festive break is over, it doesn’t mean we have to abandon our leggings and hoodies. In fact, fitness gear promises to be huge news this year, both in and outside of workout settings. Business of Fashion recently reported that in 2025, sportswear is expected to continue to outpace fashion. Two in three Millennial and Gen-Z customers wear athleisure multiple times per week; 56 per cent of Gen Z customers consider fitness a very high priority; and older generations are becoming more active globally.
On the catwalks, there’s a sporty energy in the air for spring/summer 2025. Windbreakers will pick up where 2024’s rugby shirts left off, now worn with sequins and feminine skirts as demonstrated by The Attico, Miu Miu and Plan C. The tank top is also a key style this year, reclaimed by Loewe and Prada. The message is clear – you don’t have to be en route to a workout to give your look a fitness sheen. But what styles should we invest in that gives us the opportunity to do both?
Louisa Drake photographed by Oly Barnes
In a quest to find styles that deliver in and outside the gym, we spoke to celebrity trainer Louisa Drake, who has worked with Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Felicity Jones. Infusing HIIT, pilates and barre, her programme – the Louisa Drake Method – has won awards and a dedicated following. “As we step into 2025, the line between performancewear and everyday fashion continues to blur,” she tells us. “Technical innovation meets style in exciting new ways, but the key to building an effective activewear wardrobe lies in selecting pieces that enhance performance while maintaining style. It’s crucial to invest in supportive, technical pieces that facilitate movement and boost confidence. This means choosing appropriate sports bras and performance-focused fabrics that help you move efficiently and stay fresh throughout your workout.”
Here, she shares her advice on how to find the perfect leggings, how to style your sportswear beyond the studio and where to source the best pieces in an overwhelmingly large marketplace, from her most trusted established brands to little-known rising names.
1. Sweaty Betty still delivers in terms of style and performance
“For versatile, layering-friendly pieces, Sweaty Betty’s Explorer trousers remain unmatched. They’re perfect for those demanding days when you need adaptability, especially in winter when layering with shorts or thin leggings underneath.”
2. Conscious Citizen and BAHE are rising workout gear stars
“Sustainable British brand Conscious Citizen is revolutionising loungewear. Its matching jogger and sweatshirt sets have become a staple in my wardrobe. I also love BAHE, an Australian label making waves in the Pilates and yoga space. I own the Superflexi short onesie in all-black and it always provokes compliments, the monochrome is gorgeous too. I wear this under my Conscious Citizen joggers or Sweaty Betty Explorer trousers with an oversized tee and a pair of Pointe Studio crew style grip socks when going from the Reformer studio to the gym.”
3. When it comes to leggings, pick from the Holy Trinity
“I always buy my leggings from three places. The first is Lululemon Aligns – the gold standard for comfort and durability. I still have pairs from 2011 that I bought out in LA before you could buy Lululemon in the UK and they still look fantastic. The second is VUORI and its Daily Leggings: the BreatheInterlock fabric offers incredible four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties, and they’re just so comfortable and soft. Finally, you can’t go wrong with Sweaty Betty’s Power Leggings – I have numerous pairs on rotation.”
4. You don’t have to choose between style and performance anymore
Adanola
“I’ve noticed a significant shift towards fashion-forward activewear that seamlessly blends performance with contemporary style. Brands leading this movement include Varley, VUORI, Nagnata, Lululemon and Ernest Leoty. Sporty & Rich continues to deliver fantastic designs that perfectly capture 90s nostalgia, while Adanola offers similar aesthetic appeal at a more accessible price point. The revival of retro sportswear elements is definitely having a moment. Adanola’s growing popularity among clients is notable, and ON Running has become increasingly popular for footwear. For those looking to explore multiple brands in one place, both Selfridges and Harvey Nichols offer excellently curated activewear sections.”
5. Mix vintage and contemporary sports styles to give your look all-day mileage
“As someone who lives in activewear, I hope I’ve mastered the art of transitioning these pieces from workout to everyday-wear. My personal style gravitates towards a mix of vintage and modern pieces, creating looks that feel both nostalgic and fresh. The secret lies in thoughtful layering and strategic accessorising. Mix performance pieces with classic wardrobe staples and experiment with different footwear and outerwear to elevate the look.”
6. Focus on versatile pieces that can be styled multiple ways
“This is a big one for me. Layer an oversized rugby shirt with crew socks for a perfect 90s-inspired aesthetic, and top off athletic wear with a wool coat for an effortlessly chic, laid-back vibe. I prioritise brands committed to sustainability and quality, which allows me to build a more conscious, long-lasting wardrobe. It also means you don’t have the hassle of having to buy more every year: cheaper materials hold their shape for far shorter periods.”
7. Grip socks are an essential
“For specialised activities like Reformer Pilates, grip socks are important and stop you from sliding around – I like the designs from Pointe Studio and Socks & Sass. After class, I simply pop on a pair of ON trainers or slip into my Merry People Boots and dash off to my next appointment.”
Lead image: Sporty & Rich x adidas originals
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