8 homegrown athleisure brands that will make you shine in your fitness era
Style that survives the sweat puddle
Our smartwatches guilt-trip us into closing our activity rings. Run clubs seem like the new dating apps. Every time we open social media, someone is either running a marathon, training for Hyrox or posting a gym selfie. People who ate vada pav for breakfast are suddenly tracking their macros. One thing is very clear: fitness is having its moment right now, and we all want to serve looks when we sweat. Because let’s be real, what you wear for your workout can completely change how you show up.
Comfortable athleisure can make you feel like a main character crushing squats. Uncomfortable clothes, on the other hand, are a fast track to “I’ll just do some exercises at home” which really means “I’ll just sit at home and watch TV or scroll social media”. If your tights keep slipping down or your sports bra feels like it’s digging into your ribs, motivation disappears faster than mithai on Diwali.
And while some people like sweating it out in old, comfy tees, others need a little style to keep going. For them, a cool matching set can be the difference between skipping a workout and becoming the kind of people who work out at 7 am.
Whether you prioritise comfort, need something worthy of a fitspo post on Instagram, or are looking for budget-friendly options, we have got you covered. Here are eight homegrown athleisure brands that will cater to the diverse needs of a workout girlie.
Indian athleisure brands to own your fitness moments
Mile Collective for effortless comfort
If you are dreaming about activewear that feels like a hug, but also makes you look put together enough for your workout sessions, this may be it. Mile Collective, co-founded by Samantha Ruth Prabhu alongside entrepreneurs Harshita Motaparthi and Pravishta Nadella is a comfort-first activewear brand.
The brand’s website says that their silhouettes seamlessly adapt to different Indian body types, and the soft, breathable fabrics are well-suited for India’s warm and humid climate. Mile Collective’s fits are comfortable for everyday movement, and not just intense gym sessions (which is perfect for people like me, who walk to the grocery store and call that a workout). Their debut On The Go collection, which has tights, sports bras, tank tops, and jackets, embodies this philosophy.
“This journey started a year ago, and since then I’ve worn, tested, and refined every single sample to make sure what reaches you has been moved in, lived through and perfected,” Samanatha said in an Instagram post.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹1,899 to ₹2,499; Tops: ₹1,899 to ₹2,999
Pace Active for the fashion enthusiasts
When you can’t decide whether you are going to the gym or brunch, Pace Active swoops in like a friend who looks effortlessly cool no matter the plan. This homegrown athleisure brand, founded by Aastha Rattha in 2020, blends function and fashion in fits that can seamlessly go from a 6AM Pilates session to a 4PM coffee run.
While most of the collection has a neutral palette, their glossy flared pants, knotted crop top and wrap hoodie can easily become part of your everyday outfits.
On their website, you’ll get the option to choose by fabric blend categories such as Core Compression (recycled polyester and spandex) and cotton fleece, or even by choice of activities such as Pilates or outdoor sports. So now, you don’t have to do the research to figure out what works better for your yoga class and your pickleball session.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹1,519 to ₹5,210; Tops:₹1,372 to ₹5,300
Silvertraq for a size-inclusive aesthetic
Trying to squeeze into leggings or a sports bra requires more skills than a Cirque du Soleil performer. Now imagine how demotivating it can be trying to find athleisure wear that actually fits. When you are focusing on your fitness, you shouldn’t have to worry whether your clothes can keep up.
Founded by Dhriti Badani in 2016, Silvertraq has activewear fits with sizes from XS to 3XL, with some pieces even going to 6XL (check out other size-inclusive activewear brands). The best part? The Mumbai-based brand does not compromise on design and aesthetics. It gives a fun spin to athleisure with vibrant colours like yellow, red and violet, and tie-dye designs. So you don’t have to limit yourself to the greys and blacks.
“As a plus-size person with a heavier bust, it’s extremely difficult to find a truly high-impact sports bra. The one from Silvertraq is hands down my favourite and my go-to. I don’t just wear it for workouts, I wear it while running errands and pretty much everywhere,” a review on their website reads.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹999 to ₹1,999; Tops: ₹799 to ₹1,999; Co-ord Sets:₹1,798 to ₹4,248
Seeq for the versatility
Sanjana Masand, the founder of Seeq (which stands for Seek Equilibrium), is a professional dancer. So naturally, she has been an active consumer of athleisure and built this brand to solve genuine issues.
However, the brand’s true strength lies in its diverse fabric blends, like the CountourWeave fabric, which has quick-drying yarns and provides the right compression and support; TensileWeave fabric that’s stretchable; AirWeave fabric that’s lightweight, airy and absorbs sweat quickly, and the ConsciousWeave fabric, which is made using PET bottles.
So, whether you are lifting weights, doing back flips in a gymnasium or running on a hot day, you will find something here that perfectly suits your needs.
Price range: Bottoms:₹3,650 to ₹4,650; Tops: ₹2,200 to ₹3,850
BirdEye for all-day activewear
Born with the motto that one shouldn’t have to choose between looking good and feeling good, homegrown activewear brand BirdEye houses fits that are comfortable enough to spend the entire day in.
The buttery soft leggings, pants and supportive sports bras and tees are all created for all-day wear, whether you are smashing HIIT sessions, taking a long flight, going grocery shopping or just lounging at home. The brand is particularly famous among the Pilates and pickleball girlies, even Alia Bhatt was spotted wearing their flared pants in this reel posted by the brand.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹ 1,799 to ₹2,399; Tops: ₹999 to ₹2,999
Clovia for stocking up on basics
You may know it as a lingerie and sleepwear brand, but Clovia also has a good collection of simple, no-frills activewear. If you are just starting out on your workout journey and don’t want to make a big investment, this is a reliable option.
Clovia’s collection ranges beyond gym wear, to include activities like yoga, running, Zumba, aerobics and cycling. The fabrics have good elasticity and are soft and durable, so you can wear them on repeat (a Tweak team member, who has been wearing their flared pants for the past three years attested to this). You will also find useful features like side pockets in some pieces and different-than-usual designs featuring floral motifs and tie-dye prints.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹699 to ₹1,399; Tops: ₹499 to ₹1,599; Co-ord Sets: ₹839 to ₹3,033
Baller Athletik for high performance
What if you had sportswear that could magically improve your performance?
Founded by Mumbai-based Tanveer Daswani, Indian activewear brand Baller Athletik uses Far Infrared (FIR) technology to create garments that claim to improve performance and optimise recovery. The fabric is infused with bioceramic minerals that absorb the FIR energy (heat) generated by the body. This heat is then reflected back, providing natural warmth to your body, relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and in turn, efficiency.
It is not just activewear, it is wearable innovation. And if you are in the advanced stages of your fitness journey, or a professional athlete, this might be a smart choice for you. They have options ranging from shorts and sports bras to joggers and jackets.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹1,395 to ₹1,945; Tops: ₹2,495 to ₹2,999
Kshm for those who love to experiment
Most athleisure outfits are made with combinations of nylon, polyester and spandex. But Kshm stands out from the crowd. If you are looking for typical activewear, this is not for you. But if you want to wear something comfortable in a natural fabric, Kshm has several options.
They have created cotton yoga and dance pants that are roomy and super lightweight. They don’t stick to your body and give you a little extra room. And the best part is that they incorporate elements of traditional Indian textile design such as using handloom cotton and Ajrakh prints, among others. You’ll find many unique options: balloon silhouettes, dhoti-inspired fits, chequered-baggy pants, and much more.
Price range: Bottoms: ₹1,929 to ₹2,329
