As someone who spent most of her life not having a regular workout routine, I never thought I’d say this but, “cute activewear” is an entirely valid consideration. Since I started figuring out an exercise routine after I stopped dancing, it has also opened my eyes (and wardrobe) to a whole new world of snazzy activewear! If you haven’t kept up with what’s new in the local activewear market… It is absolutely burgeoning. So many local activewear brands have mushroomed — with designs as stylish as they are functional — that it’s really time to discover more good stuff beyond the classic go-tos (you know which brands I’m talking about)! Ready to rumble? Here are 5 under-the-radar activewear brands to shop in Singapore for every budget, that’ll rival your favourite COs and lulus. *wink*
1. Wear Peachi
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Price range: $$
Wear Peachi is one of my personal favourite local activewear brands. Accessible price point aside, the brand has an exceptionally comprehensive catalogue of different fits for every workout. From shorties to seamless, super buttery tights, pocketed leggings and even an ultra chic toga crop. They also have some of the prettiest soft pastel colour ways. While the range is made for every kind of active lifestyle, Wear Peachi will be especially great for barre-goers, yogis and fans of workouts like Ballet Body. Extra brownie points: Wear Peachi also offers ‘Try Before You Buy’. This novel service allows you to try on your purchases when they’re delivered and only pay for what you keep (with on-the-spot returns)!
Our pick: Glide High Neck Longline Bra in Smoky Lilac, S$39.90
2. Sommer Athleisure
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Price range: $$
This is a great place to start discovering more local activewear brands. Sommer Athleisure takes away the tediousness of unearthing local brands and saves you a lot of shipping fees, by bringing together a growing curation of local activewear brands (more than 10 at present) in a single marketplace. It doesn’t stop there: Sommer Athleisure also has a physical store, which is what really sets it apart. The physical space takes away the gamble of shopping online and is probably one of the only spaces around dedicated — fully — to local activewear brands. The concept is brilliant!
Our pick: WYND Motivate Biker Shorts, S$48
Visit Sommer Athleisure’s physical space at Stars of Kovan, #01-26.
3. butter.
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Price range: $$$
Butter’s aesthetics are impeccable. Everything is custom-designed and oh so neat — think clean, intuitive fits. Their pieces also feature that gratifying buttery smooth (of course), seamless finish, which will be right on your street if you love your activewear velvety and unwrinkled. Butter also drops limited edition colour ways with every new collection and all their tops / bottoms can be bought in matching sets, which has been *the* big activewear trend lately! All things aside, it’s also the small thoughts that count. Butter’s Instructor Benefits offers fitness instructors a personal discount code on all their Butter purchases — we got to love a local brand giving back to the local scene!
Our pick: Duo Bra in Swirl, S$58
4. Aphy Active
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Price range: $$$
The youngest brand in this list! Aphy Active just launched at the start of August and prides itself on ethical, sustainable and “cute af” activewear. Their pieces are made to perform as wonderfully as they look, while staying as conscious as possible; all the way from materials, to manufacturing and final product packaging. Aphy Active’s sports bras / leggings are made 77% from Recycled REPREVE® Nylon, which is recycled fiber made from post-consumer and post-industrial waste (including bottles, fishing nets, yarn etc.). The people behind their activewear matter too, and the brand is equally committed to ensuring safe, ethical working environments for the makers behind your purchases. While the prices may be comparatively steep, Aphy Active takes the hard way out to check off a lot of important boxes. Everything comes back full circle here. Definitely one of the local activewear brands you should check out!
Our pick: The Pyper High-Rise Pocket Legging in Cloud, S$95
5. Sweaty Betty
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Price range: $$$$
Sweaty Betty may not be homegrown, but it deserves an honourable mention because… One of the best body sculpting activewear brands is finally here in Singapore! The iconic British label found its fame through unmatched bum-sculpting technology and if I dare say, is a promising contender for all lulu-fans out there. Sweaty Betty stands out with its range of activewear designed for higher-intensity workouts. Their extended lineup of leggings is phenomenal — think ultra lightweight, high compression, 99% squat-proof, 4-way stretch and dry-wick technology. You won’t find specs like these among local activewear brands just yet. So if you’re looking for seriously high-performing activewear, Sweaty Betty is worth the investment!
Our pick: Power High-Waisted Gym Leggings, S$135
Shop in-stores at Sweaty Betty, now open at ION Orchard, #03-01.
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As it turns out, ‘dressing for success’ is as applicable to the gym as it is everywhere else. The look-good-feel-good factor of cute activewear always feels like a great start to any workout! Next time you shop for gym clothes, consider hitting up these (still) under-the-radar activewear brands in Singapore to add variation and oomph to your getup!
Take care,
Melisa
