January has always been synonymous with fresh starts — new routines, renewed motivation, and a collective return to movement. But in 2026, that reset extends beyond the workout itself. Activewear has officially stepped into its most fashion-forward era yet, blurring the lines between studio staples and street-ready style.
With every year that passes, athleisure becomes less and less about throwaway gym basics and more about intentional pieces that move seamlessly through real life — from Pilates class to errands, city walks, travel days, and even your plans with the girls. In 2026, we’re seeing an even greater expansion into silhouettes that truly look like they were made for brunch, but created from the highest quality performance fabrics that can (and will) still last you through an intense gym sesh.
After wear-testing a new wave of performance pieces over the holidays, one thing became clear: today’s best activewear doesn’t ask you to choose between looking polished and feeling supported.
The 2026 Athleisure Shift: Where Performance Meets Style
The biggest takeaway from this season’s activewear trends? Function and fashion are at their peak of speaking the same language. Brands are leaning into elevated silhouettes, directional color palettes, and thoughtful construction — without sacrificing any technical performance.
Key trends defining the year ahead include contrast piping and seam detailing that sculpt and flatter, the return of the tride-and-true yoga pants and flared leggings (perfectly in line with the lore of 2026 being the new 2016) updated with modern fabrics and waistlines, and mocha browns and rich neutrals replacing stark all-black wardrobes. Layered silhouettes like double strap bras, shrugs, zip-ups, and fitted tanks designed to be styled, ’90s-inspired Americana tones from deep navy to classic red and crisp white, and figure-hugging silhouettes with fashion-first details like corset seams and zip fronts are also taking center stage. And we can’t forget the plethora of functional upgrades, including thumb holes, compression support, and breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics.
Together, these elements signal a move toward athleisure that feels even more intentional — pieces you’ll actually want to be seen in long after your workout ends.
The Brands Setting the Pace Right Now
Alo
It’s no shock that Alo continues to set the gold standard for street-to-studio dressing. The brand’s signature Airbrush fabric delivers serious smoothing and lifting, while silhouettes like corset zip-ups, bootcut leggings, and streamlined bra tanks add a distinctly fashion-forward edge to this collection.
What makes Alo stand out in 2026 is its ability to feel luxurious and polished without trying too hard — the kind of activewear you can style with a trench coat, oversized sunglasses, and sneakers, and still feel pulled together.
NikeSKIMS
NikeSKIMS is on the rise, with the iconic collaboration first debuting in September 2025, bringing a sleek, minimalist sensibility to performance dressing. Matte finishes, clean lines, and supportive fits create a refined take on activewear that feels modern and confident, from two absolutely iconic name brands.
These are the pieces you reach for when you want your workout look to feel deliberate — perfect for yoga, pilates, and barre, travel days, or pairing with outerwear for a city-ready uniform.
Splits59
Splits59 is quietly leading the charge on retro-inspired athleisure done right. Think ’90s track energy meets modern fabrication — flared leggings, fitted tanks, ribbed layers, and lightweight shrugs that feel equal parts nostalgic and current.
The brand’s strength lies in layering versatility: pieces designed to be worn together, or mixed with apparel, without losing their shape or purpose.
Why Street-to-Studio Matters More Than Ever
In 2026, our wardrobes need to work harder. We’re commuting, traveling, running errands, and squeezing in workouts — all in one outfit. The rise of elevated athleisure reflects how we actually live now.
The best activewear today:
- Supports movement without restriction
- Holds its shape throughout the day, and most importantly, your workout
- Transitions effortlessly into casual, everyday styling
- Feels current enough to replace traditional loungewear, while being trend forward
It’s no longer about owning more pieces — it’s about owning better ones.
The GRAZIA Edit: Shop the Styles We’re Wearing on Repeat in 2026
From corset-inspired zip-ups to flared leggings and sculpting bra tanks, the pieces featured here represent the sweet spot between trend-driven design and long-lasting wearability. These are styles that motivate you to move — but also make getting dressed easier, cooler, and more intentional.
Because if there’s one thing we’re carrying into the new year, it’s this: feeling good in what you wear is part of staying motivated.
Keep scrolling to shop some of our favorite finds for the season!
Alo
NikeSKIMS
SPLITS59
