7 Best Athleisure finds in SA

Athleisure (noun): casual clothing — like yoga pants, sweatpants, and hoodies — that are designed to be worn both for exercising and for doing (almost) everything else.

 

The word that dates back to 1979 has made its way into mainstream living with the Merriam-Webster dictionary putting it under “words we’re watching”. Expect to see “athleisure” in their next edition.

 

If you don’t know the term “athleisure”, you’re probably familiar with the look. Athletic wear inspired by the latest fashion trends has become the new casual wear. No intention to engage in exercise is necessary.

 

When athletic wear was purely the domain of major sports-wear brands, it followed function, not fashion. As more people want functional fashion that blurs the lines between gym classes and everyday wardrobe, athleisure has become a big business.

 

Not only are the big brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Puma stepping up their game and bringing out more versatile and trendy pieces, but new brands are popping up with athleisure wear as their main business.

 

To help you achieve your athleisure A-game we’ve rounded up the 7 best athleisure finds in South Africa at every price range.

 

1. Move Pretty

Made locally in Stellenbosch, this South African brand of athleisure is a mesh between the practical and pretty. Created by a triathlete and a fashion designer, they know how to make things that look good without sacrificing the function.

[pictured: Move Pretty Ms Bossy Bomber Jacket – R550]

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2. Lorna Jane

 

The Australian brand has long been inspiring women to be more active by designing activewear that looks as good as it is functional.

[pictured: Lorna Jane Whitney Excel Tank –R999.00]

 

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3. Periquita

 

Based in Cape Town, Periquita sources their bikinis and gym wear from Brazil. Bringing the Brazillian effortless beachy look to South African shores.

[pictured: Periquita Aquia Crop – R699]

 

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4. Boost Gym wear

 

This South African brand has one aim. To Produce and supply highly fashionable and functional gym wear for South Africans. They also have a menswear range for the guys.

[pictured: Boost Gym Wear Printed Leg Inset Capris -R600]

 

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5. Supple Sports

 

This South African brand of athletic wear was created by a stay at home mom. Made from a fabric called Supplex®, their range of active and athletic wear is designed to make women feel good and look good.

 

[pictured: Supple Sports Crop Top Grey Melange – R350]

 

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6. Country Road

 

The Australian brand recently launched a new athletic range. Their athletic pieces have the minimalistic and effortlessly chic feel you associate with their everyday pieces

[pictured: Country Road Exhale Progress Sweat Pants – R699]

 

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7.  Tonic

 

Made in Vancouver, Canada, Tonic focuses on innovative fabrics and thoughtful designs to give you good looking performance clothing that moves when you do.

[pictured: Tonic Nikita Long Sleeve Sweater – R850]

 

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