Crush your weight-loss goals in style with the latest gear from these top activewear brands, offering funky and fun or sleek and modern options.
- Old Navy:
We believe in style and service for all.
Imagine a world where fashion is accessible to everyone, offering great style and quality at an unbelievable price. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Old Navy.
History: Old Navy has been a game-changer since day one. We introduced fabulous and affordable fashion for everyone, unlike anything the world had seen before. In 1994, we opened our first store and became the fastest retailer to reach $1 billion in sales within four years. Today, we’re one of the world’s largest apparel brands.
Values: At Old Navy, we’re committed to creating a better future for generations to come. Through our Imagine Mission’s three pillars of inclusivity, opportunity, and sustainability, we envision a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and our clothes are made with love for the planet and future generations. We believe in turning dreams into reality, where learners become leaders and those leaders change the world.
Careers: Old Navy challenges traditional industry norms. When you join our team, you’re choosing a different path. We’ve been on a mission from the start to democratize fashion, making shopping fun and bringing incredible style and quality to everyone. It’s a bold idea, and if you’re passionate about it, we want to learn more about you.”
2. Target/C9 Champion:
Champion, also known as Champion U.S.A., is a sportswear brand owned by Hanesbrands, an American apparel company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Originally established in 1919 as the “Knickerbocker Knitting Company” in Rochester, New York, it became known as Champion Knitting Mills Inc. in the 1930s, specializing in sweatshirts and hoodies.
Champion gained recognition by producing uniforms for the Michigan Wolverines and later for the US Military Academy. In 1989, the brand was acquired by Sara Lee Corporation. Champion has supplied uniforms for NBA and NFL teams, as well as major college sports teams. It was also the kit manufacturer for the Olympic basketball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Champion expanded its reach by producing kits for various teams, including Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, the Wales national football team, and the Greek basketball team. Additionally, Champion provided football uniforms for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish until their partnership ended in 2001 when Notre Dame signed an exclusive agreement with Adidas after a 50-year association with Champion.
3. Forever-21:
Forever 21 is a multinational fast fashion retailer headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Originally established as Fashion 21 in 1984 in Highland Park, Los Angeles, it is currently operated by Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group, with approximately 540 outlets.
The company offers clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home goods for women, men, and children. It is renowned for its trendy and fashionable offerings at low prices, making it a prominent player in the fast fashion industry. However, Forever 21 has faced controversies related to labor practices and copyright infringement accusations.
History: Forever 21, initially known as Fashion 21, was founded in Los Angeles in 1984 by Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang, South Korean immigrants. Starting with a small store catering to the Korean American community, they focused on selling designs inspired by South Korea. The business later adopted the name Forever 21 and transitioned to fast fashion, keeping up with current trends and offering affordable clothing. The company rapidly expanded its store count, doubling in size within a few years and catering to a wide range of customers, not just teenagers.
In 2005, Forever 21 acquired the chain Gadzooks, leading to a significant increase in the number of stores. The company’s expansion continued, and it became known for its larger stores, offering clothing for the whole family. However, controversies emerged, such as the use of toxic materials in jewelry and criticism of certain shirt designs. In 2019, Forever 21 faced financial challenges due to competition, changing retail dynamics, and reputational issues, ultimately filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The company underwent restructuring, closing stores in various countries and focusing on its core operations in the United States and Latin America. It also emphasized e-commerce and licensing agreements. While Forever 21 experienced a decline in global sales, it continued to operate in its profitable markets.
Note: This response provides a condensed summary of the original text.
4. KHOL’S:
Kohl’s is an American department store chain operated by Kohl’s Corporation. It is the largest department store chain in the United States, with 1,165 locations in every U.S. state except Hawaii. The company was founded by Maxwell Kohl in 1962 and is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Kohl’s offers a wide range of products including clothing, footwear, jewelry, beauty products, furniture, decor, bedding, bath, toys, books, appliances, electronics, and housewares. In 2021, the company reported revenue of $19.43 billion, operating income of $1.68 billion, and a net income of $938 million.
Kohl’s has a rich history. Maxwell Kohl initially operated grocery stores and later opened his first department store in 1962. The company expanded and went public in 1992. Over the years, Kohl’s expanded nationwide and became the largest department store chain in the United States in 2012. The company has been listed on the S&P 400 and the Fortune 500. Tom Kingsbury is the current CEO as of February 2023.
Kohl’s is known for its store brands, including diffusion lines from high-end designers and collaborations with celebrities. The company also entered into partnerships with Amazon and Sephora to enhance its offerings. The store layout follows a “racetrack” design with a single aisle encircling the entire store.
5. Nordstrom Rack/Zella:
Nordstrom Rack is an American off-price department store chain that was founded in 1973 as a sister brand to the luxury department store Nordstrom. Currently, Nordstrom Rack operates 348 stores across 41 U.S. states.
The first Nordstrom Rack store opened in Seattle in 1973 as a clearance outlet for full-line Nordstrom stores. In 2011, Nordstrom acquired HauteLook, which launched the Nordstrom Rack website in February 2014. The website shares a platform with HauteLook, offering brand name options at discounted prices. Customers can easily navigate between Hautelook and Nordstrom Rack on the website.
Nordstrom Rack has been a significant contributor to Nordstrom’s overall sales, accounting for about a fifth of the company’s total sales. Since 2013, Nordstrom Rack has generated over $2.5 billion in sales.
In 2018, Nordstrom Rack expanded globally by opening its first store in Canada. However, all seven Nordstrom Rack stores in Canada closed on May 14, 2023, following Nordstrom’s exit from the country.
In December 2021, there were reports that Nordstrom was considering spinning off Nordstrom Rack into a separate company.
6. Lululemon:
Lululemon athletica inc. is a multinational athletic apparel retailer headquartered in British Columbia and incorporated in Delaware, United States. Founded in 1998, it initially focused on selling yoga pants and other yoga wear but has since expanded to offer athletic wear, lifestyle apparel, accessories, and personal care products. With 574 stores globally and an online presence, Lululemon has gained popularity.
Chip Wilson founded Lululemon in 1998 in Vancouver, with the first standalone store opening in November 2000. Wilson purposely chose a name with multiple L’s to appeal to Japanese buyers. The company went public in 2007, raising $327.6 million, and saw rapid growth, making multiple appearances on Fortune’s Fastest-Growing Companies list. In 2013, founder Chip Wilson stepped down as chairman, and Laurent Potdevin, former president of TOMS Shoes, became the CEO. Lululemon expanded internationally, opening its first store in Europe in 2014.
Lululemon is known for its athletic wear, including its signature yoga pants. The company trademarked its original fabric called Luon and has since developed various fabrics, focusing on features like compression and moisture-wicking. Lululemon also offers accessories, bags, yoga mats, water bottles, and personal care products. The company maintains a research and development lab called “Whitespace” at its headquarters.
In terms of marketing, Lululemon has broadened its customer base beyond women’s yoga apparel, actively targeting male customers and utilizing social media platforms for promotion. The company aims to create a sense of community among its customers and offers discounts to fitness instructors.
Lululemon has faced controversies over the years. It made false claims about the benefits of its seaweed-based clothing product, leading to the removal of health claims and a recall of some products. There were also complaints about the quality of their clothing, including sheerness and durability issues. Founder Chip Wilson has made controversial statements, and his remarks about body shapes and sizes led to his resignation as chairman. The company has been involved in lawsuits, including a patent infringement case against Calvin Klein. In recent years, Lululemon faced criticism for an internal dispute related to the All Lives Matter campaign and demands for renewable energy transition from advocacy groups.
Despite these challenges, Lululemon continues to be a prominent player in the athletic apparel industry, focusing on innovation, expanding its product offerings, and targeting diverse customer segments.
7. Nike:
Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation involved in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. It is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, and is the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, with revenue exceeding $46 billion in 2022.
The company was founded on January 25, 1964, as “Blue Ribbon Sports” by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, and later became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971. Nike sells its products under various brand names, including Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, Nike Blazers, Air Force 1, Nike Dunk, Air Max, Foamposite, Nike Skateboarding, Nike CR7, as well as subsidiaries like Air Jordan and Converse. Nike sponsors renowned athletes and sports teams worldwide, and its trademarks “Just Do It” and the Swoosh logo are widely recognized.
Nike employs around 76,700 people globally as of 2020 and is valued at over $32 billion, making it the most valuable brand in the sports industry. It ranked 89th on the 2018 Fortune 500 list of the largest US corporations by revenue.
Nike’s origins trace back to Blue Ribbon Sports, founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in 1964. Initially, the company served as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese shoe maker. Over the years, Nike expanded its product line and geographical presence. In 1971, it severed ties with Onitsuka Tiger and introduced its own line of footwear, featuring the iconic Swoosh logo.
Nike has made several acquisitions throughout its history, including companies like Cole Haan, Bauer Hockey, Hurley International, Converse, Starter, Umbro, and others. It has also engaged in share buybacks and stock splits to enhance shareholder value.
Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Nike continues to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions, striving to maintain its position as a leader in the global sports industry.
8. Athleta:
Athleta is a Japanese sports equipment brand with its origins in Brazil, primarily focused on producing association football products. The company manufactures and supplies kit uniforms, balls, and boots.
One of Athleta’s notable achievements was supplying the Brazil national football team with their first yellow and green shirts, which have since become a traditional part of the team’s attire. This change came after the team abandoned their previous white and blue shirts following the Maracanazo in 1950.
The brand was established in Belém, São Paulo, Brazil, in 1935 by the Santa Isabel Textile Manufacturing company, founded by Antônio de Oliveira. They chose the name “Athleta” to represent their line of sporting goods. Initially, the company focused on producing socks and shirts for amateur sports.
Athleta’s shirts were made of cotton and could become quite heavy, weighing around 10 kilograms when wet. Removing them required kneeling, raising the arms, and seeking assistance from someone else. This unique aspect is remembered fondly by former Brazilian football player Edu, who was a World Champion with Brazil in 1970.
In 1954, Athleta became the shirt supplier for the Brazil national team, sharing the responsibility with British company Umbro from 1958 onwards. Athleta, along with Umbro, manufactured jerseys for Brazil’s participation in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 FIFA World Cups. The production process was largely artisanal, with hand-drawn sketches and embroidered numbers made of dots. Athleta also provided kits for various Brazilian clubs, including Santos, during the 1950s to the 1980s.
In September 2009, the Athleta brand reemerged in the market under the ownership of the Japanese group “The Brand’s Company” (TBC). TBC specializes in managing, introducing, and developing brands. The brand’s revival began with the “The Champions’ Shirt” project, a limited edition of 1,000 replicas of the jerseys worn by players in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cups. TBC announced that all proceeds from this project would be donated to the Association of World Champions of Brazil, aiming to provide a dignified future for former national team players.
9. Gap:
Gap Inc., also known as Gap, is an American retail company that specializes in clothing and accessories. Founded in 1969 by Donald Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, Gap is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company operates four main divisions: Gap (the flagship brand), Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Gap Inc. is the largest specialty retailer in the United States and the third-largest in terms of international locations, trailing behind Inditex Group and H&M. As of early 2023, Gap employs approximately 95,000 people.
The Fisher family continues to have a significant involvement in the company, with a collective ownership of a significant portion of its stock. Donald Fisher served as the chairman of the board until 2004 and played a role in the removal of then-CEO Millard Drexler in 2002. Fisher remained on the board until his death in 2009. His wife and their son, Robert J. Fisher, also serve on Gap’s board of directors. Robert succeeded his father as chairman in 2004 and briefly served as CEO on an interim basis in 2007. Subsequently, Glenn K. Murphy served as CEO until 2014. Art Peck assumed the role of CEO from February 2015 until November 2019 when Sonia Syngal took over. Syngal stepped down in July 2022, with Bob Martin serving as interim CEO.
The company’s history dates back to 1969 when Don Fisher, a commercial real estate broker, partnered with Walter Haas Jr., President of Levi Strauss & Co., to replicate the successful business model of a shoe store called “The Tower of Shoes.” The first Gap store opened in San Francisco, focusing on selling Levi’s apparel and LP records. Over the years, Gap expanded its operations and product offerings, including the introduction of private-label merchandise in 1974.
In the 1990s, Gap underwent a transformation under the leadership of Mickey Drexler, adopting an upscale image and revamping its inventory. However, Drexler’s tenure ended in 2002 due to over-expansion and a sales slump. Paul Pressler became the new CEO but struggled to revive the company’s performance. The company went through subsequent leadership changes until Sonia Syngal took over in March 2020. The company has faced challenges, including store closures and shifts in consumer preferences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gap Inc. has made strategic moves such as partnering with Kanye West’s Yeezy brand and launching Hill City, a men’s athletic apparel brand. The company has also focused on expanding its online presence and optimizing its distribution centers.
In recent years, Gap Inc. experienced difficulties in the Russian market and decided to exit completely, closing all its stores due to the brand’s unpopularity in Russia. The company also made adjustments to its logo design, facing public criticism and eventually reverting to its previous logo after a brief change in 2010.
Gap Inc. continues to be a prominent player in the retail industry, aiming to adapt to evolving market trends and consumer preferences while maintaining its position as a leading clothing and accessories retailer.
10. Outdoor voices:
Outdoor Voices, also known as O.V., is an American athletic apparel company founded by Tyler Haney in 2013 in New York City. It is now headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company offers its products both online and in its stores. In February 2020, Haney resigned, and Cliff Moskowitz, the president of a fashion-oriented private equity firm, assumed the role of interim CEO.
Tyler Haney, driven by her passion for sports and athletics, established Outdoor Voices after studying business at Parsons School of Design. The brand gained recognition when J. Crew selected its line for its “Brands We Love” sections in early 2014. The company opened its first store in Austin in 2014 and its first pop-up shop in Manhattan in 2015. Outdoor Voices initially gained popularity for its bundled price “kits” that included mix-and-match tops and bottoms.
Outdoor Voices secured over $9.5 million in funding from investors like General Catalyst Partners, with $7.5 million invested in 2015 to launch their active apparel line. In 2016, the company relocated to Austin, Texas, to focus on expanding its headquarters and team. Mickey Drexler, the former CEO of Gap Inc. and J. Crew Group, Inc., became the company’s chairman of the board in 2017. By March 2018, Outdoor Voices had raised approximately $57 million in funding from lead investors such as GV, General Catalyst Partners, and Forerunner Ventures.
The company has collaborated with various clothing and exercise-related brands to release limited-run products, including partnerships with Man Repeller, ClassPass, and A.P.C. Outdoor Voices operates 15 stores across the United States, with locations in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.
In February 2020, Haney resigned as CEO, triggering a restructuring effort. The company faced controversy as several executives left abruptly, and Haney’s leadership was criticized in an anonymous letter. The New York Times described the situation as an implosion, and the company’s valuation decreased from $110 million in 2018 to $40 million in January 2020. Outdoor Voices also announced additional layoffs across the company in March 2020.
Elevate your gym style with the best activewear brands that offer both affordability and style. Feeling good in your workout clothes can boost motivation and help you achieve your fitness goals faster. Here are some recommended brands:
- Old Navy Active: Old Navy has a dedicated line of workout clothes called Old Navy Active. Their collection includes activewear tops, bottoms, jackets, hoodies, and sports bras. They offer both high-performance workout gear made from compression fabric and sweat-wicking technology, as well as comfortable “chill-out” clothes. Prices for their workout leggings range from $15 to $30, and they frequently offer promotions and discounts.
- Target/C9 Champion: Target offers comparable quality and price to Old Navy with their activewear brands C9 Champion and Joy Lab. C9 Champion provides quality running gear made from reflective and breathable fabrics, while Joy Lab offers a mix of workout clothes and comfortable loungewear. Target has competitive pricing, a generous return policy, and offers free 2-day shipping on eligible orders over $35.
- Forever 21: Known for its trendy clothes, Forever 21 offers stylish workout attire. They have leggings with mesh, netting, and cutaways for women, as well as funky tank tops and track pants for men.
- Kohl’s: Kohl’s also offers similar styles, targeting a younger crowd. Both Forever 21 and Kohl’s provide affordable options, with women’s shirts starting at $15 and men’s track pants at $20.
For high-end activewear brands that combine style and durability, consider:
- Nordstrom Rack: Nordstrom Rack offers top brands at discounted prices. Zella, one of their popular lines, focuses on high-quality activewear for men, women, and children. Their clothes are designed for comfort, innovation, and peak performance. Prices average around $50 for women’s leggings and $80 for men’s pants.
- Lululemon: Lululemon is a renowned high-end athletic clothing brand favored by celebrities and fitness professionals. They offer a wide range of stylish and functional pieces for both men and women, including yoga mats, water bottles, windbreakers, and sports bras. Lululemon embodies a chic and modern aesthetic, with men’s windbreakers priced around $118 and women’s full-length leggings around $98.
For quality and practical activewear options:
- Nike and Athleta: These brands, originally rooted in sports, focus on providing the best workout clothes for their customers. Nike and Athleta prioritize research and innovation to create fabrics that wick away sweat, shoes with optimal support for running, and blister-free socks.
- Outdoor Voices: Outdoor Voices offers technical apparel for various recreational activities such as walking, running, and yoga. Their activewear is known for its quality and practicality. They have been featured in publications like Bazaar, Refinery29, and The New York Times. The brand offers free shipping and returns within the US.
No matter your preference for funky, high-end, or practical activewear, you can find the hottest workout clothes to help you crush your fitness goals in style.
