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Lifestyle
Susan Griffin

12 British sportswear brands to have on rotation in 2024

A selection of models from British sportswear brands, including Sweaty Betty, Gymshark, M&S and Contur.

Whether you enjoy sweating it out at the gym, hiking regularly, or playing racquet sports every week, there is nothing like treating yourself to new activewear to give your mind and body a boost when working out. Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far to find a wealth of British sportswear brands, both big and small, that are flying the flag within the health and wellness sector. 

It makes sense, given that sport is entrenched within British culture, from tennis and rugby to rowing and football. From the best workout leggings to running shoes for women, designers have taken inspiration from classic British sportswear brands. 

"The heritage of British sportswear has been impactful with brands like Burberry, Fred Perry, Umbro, Reebok, Barbour, and Hunter all shaping both the fashion landscape and the sporting culture of the UK and beyond," says Lily Rice, sportswear designer and founder of The LRC. "The Americans tend to lead in inclusivity, they have a larger customer base so they can hold more stock and offer more sizes and options. Meanwhile, the likes of Lululemon helped to create a gear change for sportswear and casual fashion, introducing the idea of ‘athleisure'." 

But where British brands always excel is within the areas of craftsmanship, understatement and timeless style. Whether you're looking for sportswear to wear during your workout or casually, take a look at the British sportswear brands doing the most in 2024. 

British sportswear brands as chosen by the w&h health team 

(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)

1. Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty might be a global brand, but the company has distinctly British roots. Founded in London’s Notting Hill in 1998 by Tamara and Simon Hill-Norton, the business was among the first to acknowledge the need for beautiful, practical activewear. Its popularity grew through celebrity endorsement and the growing demand for ‘athleisure’ fashion. Today, there are three key ranges - the Gaia yoga collection, the Power round-up, and the Explorer selection for when you are out and about - but they will always be known for their ‘bum-sculpting’ leggings. 

(Image credit: M&S Goodmove)

2. M&S GoodMove

From the new must-have trench coat alternative to the best gym leggings with pockets, there's not much M&S doesn't offer these days. The brand has been a British high-street staple for over 100 years and continues to evolve as a one-stop shop. One of its most successful sub-brands is the Goodmove collection, launched in 2020. The popularity of the activewear range is down to the brand's quality and simplicity. These are understated, fuss-free pieces for all wellbeing activities, from walking and yoga to strength training and swimming. The items can be mixed and matched without colour clashes and the range feels more accessible in terms of pricing, size, and design than some of the more premium brands. 

(Image credit: Regatta Great Outdoors)

3. Regatta Great Outdoors

Founded over 40 years ago, Regatta Great Outdoors is now one of the UK’s most recognisable outdoor clothing brands. Aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and campers to dog walkers, the range includes everything you might need, from base layers and the best waterproof jackets to the best walking shoes for women and rucksacks. The affordable price point makes feeling cosy and comfortable in all seasons more accessible, a value that underpins the company’s aim to encourage everyone to experience the health benefits of being outdoors, whatever the weather. 

(Image credit: Gymshark)

4. Gymshark

From its humble beginnings in a garage in Birmingham, British sportswear brand Gymshark has evolved into a billion-pound business since it began in 2012. It's a go-to for gym wear but thanks to the accessible, size-inclusive, and high-quality clothing made by a diverse range of designers, it's suitable for a whole range of other activities - from running to rock climbing, weightlifting for beginners to hiking. There is a mind-blowing amount of choice as well with 10 different collections, along with underwear and accessories. While the brand has lent into social media over the last few years, don't let the muscle-heavy image put you off, this brand is for everyone.

(Image credit: Rapha)

5. Rapha

Rapha is a British cycling and lifestyle brand, founded in London in 2004. If you like to do cycling as workout, you're probably familiar with them as their Pro Team collection is worn in the professional peloton. For the everyday rider, Rapha offers high-quality cycling clothing, shoes, and accessories. The brand has an extensive range of women's styles, offering designs to suit every rider - from shorts and bibs with a chamois to off-bike-friendly alternatives, so no matter how you like to ride, there's something for you. 

(Image credit: BAM)

6. Bam

The slogan for sustainable brand BAM is ‘activewear for everywhere,’ and the company lives up to that mantra with a wide range of clothing for yoga, hiking, running and gym sessions. The collections use bamboo and recycled fabrics and feature practical pieces designed with softness and comfort in mind. The brand pays close attention to the details as well, including intricate back features and flattering fronts in the clothing, so you feel at ease from every angle. Colour palettes combine nature-inspired hues, like sunsets and watercolours, with muted earth tones to cater for all outdoor styles. 

(Image credit: Adanola)

7. Adanola

If you enjoy doing yoga as a workout, Pilates, or low-impact cosy cardio at the gym, you've probably seen Adanola clothing walking around.  Established in the northwest of England in 2015, Adanola is known for its cosy co-ords, graphic logo prints, and chic athleisure wear. Designs are muted in neutral palettes, featuring tasteful navy blues, black, cream, grey and green colourways, and sizing is inclusive, ranging from XXS to XXXL.

(Image credit: Le Col)

8. Le Col

Le Col are another British cycling brand, founded in London and dedicated to making kit for casual riders, while also supporting a team in the professional peloton, speaking to the quality and durability of their products. Here, you'll find a good range of women's bib shorts (with and without chamois), jerseys, and accessories, often in familiar styles and neutral colourways - with the odd splash of vibrancy. If you're a fan of indoor riding through one of the best cycling apps like Zwift or Strava, you'll love some of the collaboration pieces in the collection with these platforms. 

(Image credit: Contur)

9. Contur

Contur was founded by Claire Turpin, a fitness instructor who spotted a gap in the sustainable activewear market after becoming a mum and experiencing a drop in body confidence. Focused on celebrating the individuality of people, rather than conforming to a mythical 'ideal', their motto is, 'You’ve got it, we flaunt it.' The pieces, made using regenerated ocean plastic and available in a rainbow of colours, include leggings, crop tops, vests, and shorts. There are two collections: Limitless and Classic, aimed at yoga and high-intensity workouts respectively. There is also a classic black jumpsuit for dancing in the studio – or on a night out if you are feeling especially bold. 

(Image credit: Pruzan)

10. Pruzan

One of the newest British sportswear brands on the block is Pruzan, which was founded in 2022 by two female athletes who wanted to create stylish performance wear to go the distance. Aimed at runners, the limited collection includes mesh singlets, leggings, and some of the best running shorts for women in both marathon and fitted styles, as well as sports bras and T-shirts in black, orange, white, and pale yellow colourways. A selection of trendy graphic tees featuring the brand's emblematic lion logo and accessories offer post-run wear and cover-ups. 

(Image credit: Stay Wild)

11. Stay Wild

Swimmers, surfers, and cold-water dippers will love Stay Wild, a London-based swimwear brand that uses regenerated ocean plastic to create swimsuits and bikini sets. Founded in 2018 by British founders Zanna Van Dijk and Natalie Glaze, their mission is to produce swimwear with purpose with a range made using ECONYL® yarn, a regenerated nylon created from fishing nets and salvaged plastic waste. The collections are designed to be confidence-boosting and inclusive to all with a good range of designs and styles, so whether you want to go full-coverage in a high-neck swimsuit or barely-there in a bikini, there's something for everyone. 

(Image credit: Silou)

12. Silou London

Silou (pronounced 'si-loo', from ‘silhouette’) is the elegant brainchild of mother and former model Tatitana Kovylina and wellness influencer Phoebe Greenacre. Founded in 2016, the focus is sustainably sourced, female-first designs made from materials that are perfect for yoga, barre work and full-body Pilates workouts. The range includes leggings, tops, shorts, sports bras and bodysuits in buttery-soft textures and muted, tonal colours. They have an affordable Archive section to limit waste, and even the yoga mat and skipping rope accessories are beautiful to look at.

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