When you look good,= you feel good. Which is why, when it comes to buying clothes for the gym, you may be inclined to strictly shop the names you’re familiar with and rely on for quality pieces. Now it’s time to get acquainted with Black-owned activewear brands on the market that are athlete-endorsed and model-approved.

Tennis aficionados will love New York–based label Full Court‘s highly functional pieces, while those who prefer minimal designs that can weave into everyday wardrobes will appreciate cult label Riot Swim‘s new activewear line. One thing all these brands have in common? Quality and craftsmanship are huge parts of their brand DNA, ensuring pieces will last through multiple wears.

Here’s a well-curated list of Black-owned activewear brands for every type of workout—regardless of skill level or performance requirements. Whether you’re shopping for styles that optimize your workouts, give your current collection a facelift, or diversify your sporty lineup, there’s something here for everyone. And if you’re shopping for your “off-duty” wardrobe, there are options for that, too.

1LAPP

Created by model Leomie Anderson, LAPP is the brand to invest in if activewear isn’t your thing. While it’s perfectly suited for high-impact sweat sessions, the streetwear-esque styles are a perfect balance between “athleisure” and practical workout wear. For the new season the label is churning out bold graphics.

2SOLELY FIT

Solely Fit was birthed by Houston-based designer Stefania Uche Okolie, a Haitian-Nigerian American and South Florida native who got her start as a news reporter. Combining her love for fitness and design, she decided to create a brand with pieces meant to make the people who wear them feel like they can achieve anything. Standout pieces from the collection include metallic bodysuits with strategically placed cutouts.

3JOJA

If you’re not yet familiar with Joja, the supermodel-approved brand founded by Jasmine Tookes alongside Josephine Skriver, it’s worth having on your radar. Already beloved by the fashion set for its fashionable silhouettes and trending colorways, the clothing brand was born in 2021 out of the duo’s penchant for health and fitness.

4ARROW + PHOENIX SWEAT

Like many other activewear brands, Arrow + Phoenix got its start by creating small-batch collections of swimwear in stylish silhouettes and standout colors. The brand was founded by Kayla Bell, a self-proclaimed “beach bum” who set out to create a line of comfortable, yet sexy, pieces. Translating this approach to the new offering of workout wear, the brand makes bright “athleisure” styles for many different types of gym attire.

5VERTICAL ACTIVEWEAR

For those looking for something non-conventional, Vertical Activewear is a great place to start. Designed with a sustainable approach, the line offers an inclusive size chart that ranges between XS and 5XL to ensure that their pieces can be worn by a variety of body types.

6RIOT SWIM

Fans of the buzzy swimwear label’s innovative designs will love its new take on activewear just as much. Founded by model-turned-designer Monti Landers, the expansion includes pieces that are well suited for both low- and high-impact workouts. Regardless of your preference at the gym, you’re bound to find something that fits your lifestyle. The range of neutral and candy-colored hues is an added bonus.

7FULL COURT

Founded by Marguerite Wade in 2014, the New York–based indie brand creates fashion-forward tennis attire that’s also athlete-approved. Each piece is produced in Portland, using advanced technology and quality fabrics to ensure it’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional on the players court. The clean silhouettes and solid colorways make each collection a minimalist’s dream.

8RUBY

Working out while on your period can be an uphill battle. Thanks to solution-wear brand Ruby Love, shoppers don’t have to forgo any sweat sessions during that time of the month: Its lightweight leggings give you the freedom to move as much as you want without the fear of spillage. They’re designed to be worn solo and with pads and tampons, respectively, depending on your flow.

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