The Ultimate Guide to Gym Workout Outfits – UK & USA | High Street & Designer Options, Styling Tips & Best Brands

Whether you're hitting a UK spin studio, attending a hot yoga session in LA, or just want high-performing gear for daily movement, the right workout outfit isn't just about aesthetics. Fit, fabric, mobility and durability all matter—alongside personal style. This guide walks you through the technical side of gymwear, the best high street and designer brands across the UK and USA, and the science behind choosing a great gym outfit. Plus, learn how to get the right fit first time, every time—using Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool.

🔍 Why Gymwear Fit Matters

Well-fitting gymwear enhances:

Performance: Compression increases blood flow, reducing fatigue. Loose clothes can snag on equipment or affect alignment in yoga or Pilates.
Confidence: Streamlined silhouettes boost motivation.
Safety: Fabric that doesn’t ride up or sag helps prevent tripping or distraction.

For both men and women, choosing the right gym outfit means selecting garments that stretch, breathe, and support.

👕 Components of a Great Gym Outfit

1. Sports Bras (Women)

Support is key. High-impact activities like HIIT or running require compression or encapsulated designs.

Best technical features: Adjustable straps, moisture-wicking lining, band stability.
Look for brands with real bra sizing, not just S/M/L.

2. Tops (Men & Women)

Options include:

Sleeveless tanks for hot sessions.
Longline bras for support and coverage.
Long-sleeve performance layers in colder climates.

Fabric tip: Choose sweat-wicking synthetics like elastane-poly blends, or bamboo-cotton if you prefer breathable naturals.

3. Leggings / Shorts

Compression leggings aid recovery and reduce lactic acid build-up.
High-rise leggings offer core support and stay in place.
Men’s shorts should include a liner for running or HIIT training.

Seamless construction reduces chafing, and 4-way stretch ensures mobility.

4. Jackets & Layers

Lightweight windbreakers and sweatshirts are perfect for gym-to-street style.
Zips, thumbholes, and concealed pockets are worth paying for.

🇬🇧 Best UK High Street Gymwear Brands

These brands combine performance fabric tech with style-led design:

🔹 Sweaty Betty

Excellent for sculpting leggings, longline tops, and medium-support bras.
Known for power mesh and bum-sculpting seams.

🔹 M&S Goodmove

Affordable and size-inclusive.
Built-in antibacterial technology in workout tees and leggings.

🔹 H&M Move

Sweat-wicking leggings under £30.
Frequent new colour drops, stylish silhouettes.

🔹 ASOS 4505

Wide range of styles for different workouts and body types.
Great for experimenting with trend-led colours.

🇺🇸 Best USA Gymwear Brands

These brands dominate both for fabric science and street-style appeal:

🔹 Lululemon

Legendary for their Align leggings and structured bras.
Designed to feel weightless but sculpting.

🔹 Athleta

Part of the Gap Inc. family, and sustainability-focused.
Inclusive sizing with a focus on yoga and hybrid wear.

🔹 Outdoor Voices

Great for layering and everyday movement, not just high-intensity sessions.
Soft tech fabrics and colour blocking designs.

🧵 Designer & Premium Gymwear Picks (UK + USA)

When gymwear meets luxury tailoring:

🔸 PE Nation (Australia)

Retro-sport style and luxe fabrics.
Designed for studio-to-street dressing.

🔸 Ernest Leoty (France/UK)

Corsetry-inspired support tops and minimalist chic.

🔸 Alo Yoga (USA)

Polished activewear, perfect for reformer Pilates and yoga influencers.

🔸 Adanola (UK)

Instagram cult favourite for sculpt sets and neutral tones.

🔸 Varley (UK/USA)

Smart outerwear and buttery leggings with functional style.

👠 Styling Tips: Gym Looks Beyond the Treadmill

Pair gym leggings with oversized knits or structured blazers for athleisure-ready errands.
Layer a ribbed crop over a sports bra to take you from class to brunch.
Swap trainers for sliders or loafers post-workout.

📌 Style tip: Opt for muted tones and monochrome looks if you’re wearing gymwear out and about—it elevates the silhouette.

🧬 Fabric Science for Workout Clothing

Fabric	Best For	Avoid If
Nylon/elastane blend	High-impact workouts, compression	You prefer natural fibres
Bamboo viscose	Gentle movement, yoga, breathability	High-sweat cardio
Polyester mesh	Sweat-wicking runs & gym classes	Sensitive skin
Cotton blends	Pilates, low-sweat studio sessions	Heavy sweating – holds moisture

GSM (grams per square metre) is important: the higher the GSM, the thicker and more supportive the legging or top.

🧩 Fit Consistency: Why Sizes Vary So Much

The same person might be:

A size M in H&M Move,
A size 10 in Sweaty Betty,
A size 8 in Lululemon.

This inconsistency wastes time, causes returns, and deters brand loyalty. That’s where Tellar.co.uk steps in.

🔍 Introducing Tellar.co.uk – UK’s Leading Sizing Tool

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s free fashion sizing tool that matches your exact body measurements to real-time size charts from over 1,500 fashion brands, including gymwear.

Here’s how it works:

🔎 Input your bust, waist and hips.
🛍️ Select the store or brand you're shopping from.
🧩 Tellar instantly shows your perfect fit—no more guesswork.

It works in-browser, no download needed, and helps reduce returns and boost fit confidence whether you're shopping Lululemon, Arket, Reiss, or AdanolaInstruction on Posts

💡 Get Started With Tellar Today

🎯 Create your free profile
🛒 Use the Store Size Lookup
📏 Download a free printable measuring tape

🔗 Related Posts in the Tellar Fashion Hub

Explore Tellar’s free library of expert guides on sizing, styling, and brand fit:

These are all free, unbiased, independent, and designed to make fashion clearer.

📲 Follow Tellar for More Fit & Styling Insights

Stay up to date on fit science, styling breakdowns and brand-specific guides:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

🏁 Final Word

Choosing the right gymwear is a mix of fabric knowledge, technical functionality, and knowing how each brand fits you. Whether you're shopping Sweaty Betty, Adanola, Uniqlo, or Alo Yoga, Tellar.co.uk gives you the edge—delivering the right size the first time.

No downloads. No bias. Just accurate fit advice.

Tellar.co.uk – Fit that works as hard as you do.