How Athleisure is Changing for 2026

Athleisure is evolving from basic leggings and hoodies into sophisticated, tech-enhanced pieces that blur the lines between performance wear and luxury fashion. As we head into 2026, expect to see smarter fabrics, elevated silhouettes, and a focus on pieces that genuinely transition from gym to boardroom without missing a beat.

After years of everyone living in trackies during lockdown, we've collectively raised our athleisure standards. Gone are the days when any old gym legging would do for a coffee run. Today's athleisure devotee demands pieces that perform technically whilst looking polished enough for a lunch meeting or school pickup.

The Rise of Tech-Luxe Fabrics

The biggest shift I'm seeing is in fabric innovation. Brands are investing heavily in materials that offer multiple benefits in one garment. We're talking moisture-wicking properties combined with four-way stretch, antimicrobial treatments, and even temperature regulation technology.

Sweaty Betty has been leading this charge with their Power collection, featuring fabrics that genuinely keep you cool during workouts whilst looking sharp enough for the office. Their pieces transition seamlessly from morning yoga to afternoon meetings.

For high street options, H&M has surprised everyone with their Move collection, offering performance fabrics at accessible price points. Meanwhile, COS continues to excel in minimalist athleisure with clean lines and premium feel fabrics that justify their slightly higher price point.

Elevated Silhouettes Take Centre Stage

The oversized hoodie trend is evolving into more tailored pieces. Think structured sweatshirts with defined waistlines, wide-leg joggers that could pass for trousers, and sports bras designed to be seen rather than hidden.

Mango has nailed this trend with their activewear line featuring pieces that look more like ready-to-wear than gym kit. Their wide-leg yoga trousers are particularly clever – comfortable enough for a workout but chic enough for weekend shopping.

Zara is also stepping up their game with architectural sportswear pieces. Their latest drop includes blazer-style zip-up tops and cropped jackets that work brilliantly over fitted workout sets.

The Matching Set Revolution

Coordinated sets are having a major moment. Rather than mixing and matching gym pieces, we're seeing curated looks that feel intentional and put-together. This trend works because it takes the guesswork out of styling whilst ensuring everything works harmoniously.

Whistles has embraced this with their sport-luxe collections featuring perfectly matched sets in elevated colourways. Their sage green and stone combinations feel particularly fresh for 2026.

For premium options, ME+EM offers beautifully crafted matching sets that genuinely work from pilates class to lunch dates. Their attention to fit and fabric quality justifies the investment.

Sustainable Athleisure Gains Momentum

Sustainability is no longer optional in athleisure. Consumers are demanding transparency about materials and manufacturing processes, pushing brands to innovate with recycled fabrics and ethical production.

Patagonia remains the gold standard for sustainable activewear, using recycled polyester and organic cotton while maintaining high performance standards. Their pieces are built to last, making them excellent value despite the higher initial cost.

Girlfriend Collective is an independent brand making waves with their commitment to sustainability. Every piece is made from recycled materials, and their size-inclusive approach means everyone can find their perfect fit. Their leggings are particularly impressive – supportive without being restrictive.

Brand Recommendations by Price Point

High Street Heroes

ASOS offers the widest selection of brands under one roof, making it easy to compare styles and prices. Their 4505 own-brand line delivers excellent basics at unbeatable prices.

M&S has quietly become a contender with their Goodmove collection. The fit is reliable, the fabrics are quality, and the prices are fair. Perfect for building a capsule athleisure wardrobe.

Next provides great family options with coordinated pieces for all ages. Their activewear consistently delivers on both style and durability.

Premium Picks

Reiss brings their signature tailoring expertise to sportswear, creating pieces that feel more luxury than gym. Their price points reflect the quality, but the versatility makes them worthwhile investments.

Ted Baker adds their distinctive prints and attention to detail to athleisure, creating pieces that feel special rather than generic.

Luxury Investment Pieces

Lululemon remains the benchmark for premium athleisure. Their Align leggings are legendary for good reason – the fabric feels like second skin whilst providing excellent support.

Varley is an independent luxury brand that's gained a cult following for their elevated take on athleisure. Based in London, they create pieces that genuinely work for both intense workouts and sophisticated social occasions. Their Let's Go leggings are particularly coveted.

Key Trends to Watch

Expect to see more crossover between athleisure and workwear. Blazers with stretch panels, tailored joggers, and knit pieces that look like they belong in a boardroom are all gaining traction.

Colour-wise, we're moving beyond black and grey. Sage green, warm camel, and rich burgundy are becoming the new neutrals, whilst jewel tones add sophistication to workout wardrobes.

The rise of "exercise snacking" – short, frequent workouts – is driving demand for pieces that work for quick gym sessions but don't require a full outfit change afterwards.

How Tellar.co.uk Makes Athleisure Shopping Effortless

Finding the right size in athleisure can be particularly tricky since fit requirements vary so much between brands and activities. Tellar.co.uk solves this perfectly as the UK's leading sizing tool.

Here's how it works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or input your existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size across over 1500 brands instantly – including all the athleisure favourites like COS, Reiss, Sweaty Betty, and more
Always free – no downloads needed, works perfectly in your browser

Plus, the Tellar Fashion Hub offers a comprehensive library of free styling posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free. Perfect for discovering your best athleisure styles and brands.

Essential reads for your athleisure journey:

The Bottom Line

Athleisure in 2026 is about smart choices – pieces that work harder across more situations. Whether you're investing in luxury pieces or building a capsule wardrobe from high street finds, focus on versatile pieces in elevated fabrics that genuinely enhance your lifestyle.

The key is finding brands that understand your body and lifestyle needs. With tools like Tellar's sizing system, you can shop confidently across multiple brands, knowing exactly what size to order every time. Because nothing kills the athleisure vibe quite like ill-fitting pieces that don't make you feel your absolute best.