JC London ·Nov 24, 2025

Activewear Brands Designed in London You Should Know

5 Activewear Brands Designed in London You Should Know

London has long been a global capital of fashion, setting trends that ripple across the world. In recent years, that creative energy has powerfully intersected with the wellness boom, giving rise to a new wave of innovative activewear brands. These are not just companies that happen to be based in the city; they are brands that embody London's unique spirit—a blend of high-performance grit, cutting-edge style, and understated cool. They understand that modern activewear needs to work for a fast-paced, multifaceted lifestyle.

This new guard of designers is moving beyond generic gym wear, creating pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful, and as comfortable in a Pilates studio as they are at a weekend brunch. They focus on quality fabrics, impeccable fit, and a sophisticated aesthetic that feels distinctly urban. Exploring the landscape of activewear London brands offer is to discover a world of thoughtful design and superior quality. This guide will introduce you to five standout brands, designed in the capital, that are changing the game and deserve a place in your wardrobe.

What Makes London Activewear Brands Stand Out?

Before we dive into our top five, it’s worth asking what makes these brands different. London-based designers bring a unique perspective shaped by the city itself.

Versatility is Key: Londoners lead busy lives. Brands from this city understand that activewear needs to be transitional, capable of moving from a workout to the street with just a few styling tweaks. This "gym-to-street" ethos is at the core of their design philosophy.
A "Quiet Luxury" Aesthetic: While trends come and go, London style has an enduring appreciation for quality and understatement. Many of these brands reject loud logos and flashy patterns in favor of minimalist designs, sophisticated color palettes, and a focus on luxurious-feeling fabrics.
Performance-Driven Design: London is home to a diverse and demanding fitness scene. These brands create apparel that is genuinely built to perform, whether for high-intensity training, yoga, or running, using advanced technical materials and thoughtful construction.
A Sustainable Mindset: Many emerging London brands are placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, using recycled materials and ethical manufacturing processes to create activewear that you can feel good about wearing.

The Top 5 Activewear Brands Designed in London

Here are five brands that perfectly capture the spirit of London's activewear scene, each offering something unique for the discerning fitness enthusiast.

1. JC London

Best for: Unparalleled comfort and a flawless, no-roll fit.

JC London has rapidly earned a cult following by perfecting the "second-skin" legging. The brand’s philosophy is built on the belief that activewear should feel so comfortable you forget you’re even wearing it, freeing you to focus completely on your movement. This dedication to a superior tactile experience and impeccable fit makes them a standout among activewear London brands.

Brand Ethos: JC London is all about affordable luxury and versatile, minimalist design. They focus on creating timeless, high-quality pieces that serve as the foundation of a modern activewear wardrobe. Their "quiet luxury" approach prioritizes fit and fabric over fleeting trends.
Standout Product: The Second Skin Leggings: These leggings are the hero product for a reason. The signature fabric is incredibly buttery-soft, offering a gentle, supportive hug without ever feeling restrictive. What truly sets them apart is the masterfully engineered high waistband. It is wide, seamless, and famous for not rolling down, slipping, or digging in, making it the perfect choice for everything from yoga to high-intensity training. The matte finish and subtle branding make them incredibly versatile for styling outside the gym.
Why You Should Know Them: They have solved one of the most common and frustrating problems with activewear—the slipping waistband. For anyone who values all-day comfort and a secure, confidence-boosting fit, JC London is a must-try.

2. Sweaty Betty

Best for: High-performance gear with a fashion-forward, feminine edge.

A true pioneer of the London activewear scene, Sweaty Betty was founded in Notting Hill in 1998 with a mission to empower women through fitness. For over two decades, they have been creating technical apparel that combines performance with a distinctly British sense of style.

Brand Ethos: Sweaty Betty is all about making fitness fun and fashionable. Their designs are bold and feminine, often featuring unique prints and "bum-sculpting" technology. They are deeply committed to quality and performance, creating pieces that can withstand the toughest workouts.
Standout Product: The Power Leggings: These are a global bestseller for a reason. Made from a durable, compressive fabric, they are designed to sculpt and support your muscles during high-impact activities. They are fully squat-proof, feature a convenient side pocket, and come in a vast array of prints and colors.
Why You Should Know Them: They are an iconic London brand that has successfully blended style and substance for years. They prove that you don't have to sacrifice performance for a fun, expressive design.

3. Adanola

Best for: Minimalist, on-trend pieces that blur the line between activewear and streetwear.

Adanola has become a social media sensation, beloved by influencers and fashion editors for its cool, understated aesthetic. Designed in London, the brand excels at creating versatile pieces that are perfect for the modern "it girl" on the go.

Brand Ethos: Adanola’s tagline, "everybody's everyday uniform," perfectly captures their mission. They create activewear that is designed to be worn all day, every day. Their aesthetic is minimalist and chic, with a focus on muted, on-trend color palettes that are easy to mix and match.
Standout Product: The Ultimate Leggings: These leggings offer a fantastic blend of style and function. They are made from a compressive, four-way stretch material that is sweat-wicking and squat-proof. The high, supportive waistband and clean, minimal branding make them incredibly easy to style for a post-workout coffee run or a casual day out.
Why You Should Know Them: They have perfected the art of creating activewear that looks just as good on the street as it does in the studio. If your style is minimalist and effortlessly cool, Adanola is for you.

4. P.E Nation

Best for: Bold, retro-inspired designs for a high-fashion statement.

While technically founded in Sydney, P.E Nation's co-founder and creative director, Pip Edwards, has strong ties to London, and the brand's aesthetic feels right at home in the city's edgy, fashion-forward scene. Their designs are a nostalgic nod to 90s streetwear, blended with modern performance technology.

Brand Ethos: P.E Nation is all about confidence and attitude. Their designs are unapologetically bold, featuring strong color-blocking, graphic logos, and retro silhouettes. They create multi-functional activewear that is designed to take you from the studio to the street with an urban, tomboyish flair.
Standout Product: The Grand Stand Legging: This is one of their signature styles, often updated each season with new color combinations. It features a high-rise, compressive fit with built-in waistband support. The bold stripes and color-blocked panels make a statement, while the technical, recycled fabric ensures it performs during workouts.
Why You Should Know Them: They offer a unique, high-fashion alternative to minimalist activewear. For those who want their gym clothes to be as bold as their personality, P.E Nation delivers.

5. Silou

Best for: Luxurious, eco-conscious pieces with a focus on elegant design.

Founded by a former model and a yoga enthusiast, Silou is a London-based brand that creates activewear with the elegance and quality of luxury fashion. Their focus is on creating timeless, beautifully crafted pieces from non-toxic, sustainable materials.

Brand Ethos: Silou is committed to conscious creation. They use high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing processes. Their aesthetic is refined and graceful, with designs that are meant to flatter the female form through elegant lines and supportive construction.
Standout Product: The Giselle Legging: This legging exemplifies the brand's ethos. It's made from a unique, high-performance fabric that is non-toxic and OEKO-TEX® certified. The design features a super high-waisted, bonded waistband that provides incredible core support and a beautifully streamlined silhouette.
Why You Should Know Them: They are leading the charge in luxurious, sustainable activewear. For those who want to invest in beautifully made, eco-conscious pieces that feel as good as they look, Silou is a brand to watch.

6. JC London

JC London women's activewear is incredibly fresh to the active market, establishing itself as a leading brand that seeks to stand out from the rest, catering to yoga, running, gym, and lifestyle enthusiasts.

Q&A: Your London Activewear Questions Answered

Q: What really makes London activewear brands unique compared to major global brands?

A: While global brands often focus on mass-market appeal, activewear London brands tend to have a more distinct point of view. They are often closer to their community, allowing them to respond to the specific needs and style preferences of a discerning urban audience. This often results in a greater emphasis on versatility, a more understated aesthetic, and a focus on solving common frustrations, like the rolling waistband issue that JC London has tackled so effectively.

Q: How do I choose the right activewear for my needs from these brands?

A: Consider your primary activity and priorities:

For Yoga & Pilates: Prioritize comfort and flexibility. A brand like JC London with its second-skin feel or Silou with its elegant lines would be an excellent choice.
For HIIT & Lifting: Look for durability and support. The compressive fit of Sweaty Betty's Power Leggings or Adanola's Ultimate Leggings would be ideal.
For All-Day Wear: Versatility and comfort are key. JC London and Adanola are both fantastic options for leggings that can transition seamlessly from a workout to the rest of your day.
For a Fashion Statement: If you want to stand out, P.E Nation's bold designs are the way to go.

Q: Is it worth investing more in a London-based brand versus a cheaper alternative?

A: In most cases, yes. While the initial cost may be higher, you are investing in superior fabric quality, thoughtful design, and better construction. This means the garments will not only feel better to wear but will also last significantly longer, holding their shape, color, and performance capabilities through countless washes and workouts. This makes them a more sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.

Q: Are these brands suitable for beginners?

A: Absolutely. In fact, starting with high-quality gear can make a huge difference in your motivation and comfort. A pair of leggings that fits well and stays in place will allow a beginner to focus on learning proper form without being distracted by their clothing. All the brands listed offer pieces that are perfect for someone just starting their fitness journey.

Conclusion: Invest in Style and Substance

The activewear scene in London is thriving, offering a refreshing alternative to the one-size-fits-all approach of many global giants. These five brands—JC London, Sweaty Betty, Adanola, P.E Nation, and Silou—each bring a unique vision to the table, but they share a common commitment to quality, performance, and style.

By choosing to support these designers, you are not just buying a piece of clothing; you are investing in thoughtful design, superior materials, and a product that is built to keep up with your life. So next time you’re looking to update your workout wardrobe, look no further than the creative hub of London. You’re sure to find a new favorite that will make you feel powerful, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.