With 2024 quickly coming to an end, the gift-giving season is officially upon us. This time of the year invites insightful introspection ahead of January’s new beginnings and to no one’s surprise, health-related resolutions are abundant. In fact, at the end of 2023, 48% of people stated that improving fitness for the new year was a top priority.
For more than a decade, research has supported the idea that the right outfit can boost your athletic performance. Anticipating the next wave of wellness motivation, EnVi selected stylish and functional activewear to treat yourself and surprise your loved ones during the holidays. From hyperfeminine sportswear to accessories that facilitate your workout routine, here are six brands to keep on your radar this festive season.
FUN+CUTE
Since the 2023 Barbie movie validated the widespread reclamation of girlhood, hyperfeminine style has been completely reinvented. Along with pink color and other feminine design elements, coquette aesthetics have stood out among the trends taking over social media.
Championing femininity in the gym, activewear brand FUN+CUTE reimagines workout sets with a coquette flair. Founder Jasmine Campise launched FUN+CUTE after noticing a gap in gym clothes that made her feel cute, confident and comfortable during her workouts.
The overwhelmingly male presence in weightlifting spaces also inspired her to design her own pieces. “Making girly and cute activewear is almost a way of bringing femininity [into predominantly masculine fitness spaces],” Jasmine has previously told EnVi. “You can look cute and be feminine and also be the only girl in the weight room.”
This year, FUN+CUTE expanded its existing collection to include the Snowdrop Active Minidress, a nod to the rise of tennis-infused clothing, and the Fawn corset and skort set. Different from the brand’s first drops, these new pieces take inspiration from niche, but growing, aesthetic trends. Interest in animal print has grown considerably since the beginning of the year, inspiring FUN+CUTE’s custom deer print. Similarly, Tenniscore has found a cult following after the explosive release of Challengers.
VEYND
After a successful run in the fashion industry, the Elicha brothers — founders of The Kooples — pivoted to launch their very own activewear label. Founded in late 2023, Veynd captures brothers Alexandre, Laurent and Raphael’s interest in alternative and rock culture. The brand’s designs are almost gloomy, offering a brooding take on exercise clothes and athleisure.
Veynd delivers a combination of form-fitting, sweat-wicking pieces for high-intensity workouts and loose-fitting pieces for casual wear. “We are always looking for a way to highlight the contrasts in our range, balancing tight constructions with oversized silhouettes and using vintage and faded fabrics on modern and futuristic constructions,” the Elicha brothers tell EnVi. “Instead of sacrificing quality or a strong aesthetic, Veynd combines the two to create the perfect balance of high fashion and high performance.”
If Veynd’s co-founders had to recommend some items to epitomize the Veynd identity, they would begin with the V_SCULPT Graphic Leggings. “I love these leggings because they demonstrate our obsession with high-quality materials. They’re buttery soft, sweat-wicking, and supportive, but the VEYND graphic down the legs makes them stand out,” they explained. The other pieces are the V_DRY Tank and the V_GAN Bomber, which both boast high-quality fabrics with contemporary silhouettes.
EnVi tip: When shopping, keep in mind that most pieces fit true to size, though some may run small. Additionally, bottoms may run long for people of average height — be prepared to shorten the hems or wear with platform shoes.
Waterlust
Combatting the dominance of fast fashion is difficult when overconsumption is rampant. A great first step is being mindful and intentional with our spending and opting for environmentally-conscious small businesses when possible.
Waterlust is a family-run activewear brand with the mission to reduce negative environmental impact while educating consumers. The Miami-based label carries a range of men’s and women’s swimwear, activewear and accessories that support biological research.
Waterlust also champions transparency in all areas. The brand details its origin story, financial (earnings and spending) details and information on its material technology on its website. Additionally, the brand curated a Resources page to educate consumers on climate-relevant topics.
Bandolier
Bandolier offers a different take on activewear: rather than selling clothing, the brand carries workout-friendly bags and pouches of various sizes. In particular, the brand has built a reputation for its wearable phone cases. A practical accessory, these fashionable cases simplify physical activity by removing the need to carry your phone in hand.
Alternatively, reach for a slightly bigger pouch or roomy tote bag for workouts that require more space. Think beyond traditional sessions at the gym, these grab-and-go pieces are suitable for hikes or day trips.
Carbon38
Retailer Carbon38 is an amalgamation of co-founder Katie Warner’s interest in fashion, fitness and empowering women. Founded over a decade ago, Carbon38 carries activewear from dozens of brands —- including its own line.
Warner champions female empowerment, a value that manifests in Carbon38’s impressive collection of female-owned brands. The Carbon38 eponymous collection also takes sustainability into account, employing fabric crafted from recycled water bottles for its two core fabrics. Each piece blends high-fashion style with practical craftsmanship, making Carbon38 an easy choice for workouts or leisurely activities.
Vuori Clothing
Coastal lifestyle inspires Vuori Clothing. With workout, athleisure and outdoor attire in its catalog, Vuori has something for every occasion. Collections span seasons and sports — from water sports and hikes to runs and yoga — reflecting the all-encompassing Californian wellness culture.
Transparency drives Vuori Clothing’s approach to sustainability. The brand is honest about the struggles of navigating climate consciousness as a clothing label. Instead of overtly greenwashing, Vuori shares its steps towards eco-friendly practices with its community.
*All products featured on EnVi are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases
Looking for more inspiration this holiday season? Learn all you need to know about the iconic Puma Speedcat here!
