13 Emerging Fitness Apparel Brands Changing the Game

The number of fashion-forward fitness apparel brands keeps growing and growing. We’re already seeing athletic clothing brands like Sweaty Betty go from niche to giving the likes of Lululemon a run for its money. (Has anyone who follows fitness accounts not seen an influencer in these leggings?) And now traditional retailers like SIX:02, which is owned by Foot Locker, are stocking emerging fitness apparel brands (including many of the ones featured in this roundup) alongside major players like Nike, Puma and Reebok. Fittingly, the number of brands looking to cash in on the athleisure trend is ever expanding. Lucky for us, with increased competition, the design options keep getting better. If you’re still struggling with the notion that it has become seemingly commonplace to spend $115 on a sports bra or $170 on leggings, you can take some solace in the fact that there’s now a blurred line between gym wear and office wear. What sets this new crop of fitness apparel brands apart is that they put as much importance on design as they do function, all while keeping up with trends. Gone are the days when fitness style stayed stagnant, now trends change from season to season. Case in point: mesh panels and multistrap bras were all the rage last season, now it’s high-shine fabrics and colorblocking. One thing is for sure, after checking out the top emerging fitness apparel brands above you’ll be a lot more likely to stick to your inevitable New Year’s resolution to hit the gym.

[ Next: 10 Up-and-Coming Fitness Brands You Need to Know for 2015 ]

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Brazil Wear

Known for vibrant prints and patterns, Brazil Wear is introducing lace and leather-like high-shine fabrics for the holidays, which feel as great as they look (and they wash well!).
VIMMIA

If you're looking for seasonless activewear that will stand out at the gym, check out VIMMIA. For winter, VIMMIA has partnered with Swarovski for two exclusive styles from which 20 percent of wholesale proceeds will be donated to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (And yes, Swarovski-studded leggings are still machine washable and perfectly safe to sweat in!) Aside from this special collaboration, the brand donates $1 from the sale of each pair of leggings to a nonprofit charity.
Cotton On Body

With most items priced between $14.95 and $34.95, Cotton On Body proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to take your fitness fashion game to the next level. The brand also makes maternity pieces and some styles are available up to 3XL.
WITH/Wear It To Heart

If you're looking to get bang for your buck, WITH/Wear It To Heart makes reversible bottoms so you can get two looks for the price of one. All of the designs are made using Salutex, a four-way power stretch performance fabric that feels like a second skin.
Koral

If any fitness apparel brand is poised to go big, it's Koral. Not only is it a fashion editor favorite, the brand is already expanding into athleisure separates, one-piece looks, swimwear and outerwear. The in-demand designs are high on style, including arguably the best lustrous leggings around.
Alala

Like Koral, Alala is poised to be a major player in the fitness apparel game. Quickly expanding, Alala comes out with new designs often, has fantastic customer service, introduced a customize option and has teamed up with influencers like Pure Barre for limited-edition collections.
Manduka

Manduka makes what are often considered to be the world's best yoga mats, so it was natural for the brand to expand into yoga wear. Everything in the recently launched line is designed with nonrestrictive movement in mind.
Bandier Collaborations

Bandier is not only one of the best retailers for niche fitness apparel, but it's got a growing list of exclusives and collaborations with designers like Cushnie et Ochs, Prabal Gurung and HATCH.
SukiShufu

SukiShufu is best known for its ultra-shiny leatherback leggings (pictured here in yellow) made of Italian Lycra with 50+ UPF. Velvet yoga pants and bold patterned separates are also in the mix.
Varley

If you're looking to show some skin, look no further than Varley, known for its panel bottoms and deep V sheer-paneled sports bras. They come in classic monochrome shades as well as patterned iterations.
NUX

Designed using blends that include proprietary natural fibers, NUX's pieces are meant to cross over from yoga to more cardio-intensive sports. Though most of the pieces are classic, details like hand-dyeing make them stand out.
P.E Nation

This definitely isn't anything like your high school PE uniform. Fun and vibrant, P.E Nation is best known for bright colorblocking.
Terez

If you have a sense of humor and you want to show it, this is the brand for you. Just check out these, these and these.