There is one non-negotiable when it comes to the best activewear: No matter what you are doing (and that includes a quiet day of absolutely nothing) - it has to be comfortable.
The best activewear should hold you and provide support without being too tight, you want seams that don’t dig in or rub, and it needs to stay in place whether you are doing a run or wrangling a toddler.
Black Friday is the best time to buy activewear because top brands offer rare, deep discounts on high-quality gear. With the money you save, you could put it toward a gym membership, a fitness class, or new workout accessories. Here are the best deals we’ve spotted:
- The Iconic: Up to 40% off sneakers, sport. 30-50% off New Balance and 25% off Asica
- Adidas: 40% off sitewide on a huge range of shoes, clothing, and accessories for men, women, and kids
- Lorna Jane: Up to 40% off selected activewear styles
- New Balance: Up to 50% off selected styles
- JD Sports: Up to 30% off Adidas and Nike Jordans footwear
- Stylerunner: Up to 40% off selected styles
- LSKD: Up to 70% off sitewide
- Lululemon: Black Friday treat yourself sales event
- Puma: Save up to 50% off
- Stax: 40-60% off
Unsure what to buy? Here are our picks.
Best leggings for women
Let’s start with the essentials - a great pair of leggings.
Price: Originally $80 at Adidas now 40% off reduced to $48
Adidas has leggings to suit almost any activity. These women’s leggings are great for training with minimal seams to reduce any chance of uncomfortable rubbing and moisture-wicking fabric to help keep you dry during a workout. The high waistband is designed to stay put during a workout and the stretchy fabric makes them a versatile addition to your workout wardrobe. And there is a pocket. They come in four colours and sizes from XS to XL. If you are looking for the best leggings for running, check out the Adidas Own The Run Colorblock Full-Length Leggings now 40% off, reduced to $48. These leggings are designed to stay in place with a high waistband and a drawstring to adjust the fit. There is also a pocket and reflective detail.
Price: $93 at Stax
Stax leggings are famous for a reason. The company, started by Aussies Don Robertson and Matilda Murray Robertson, spent years perfecting its own fabrics so their leggings not only look great, but they feel great to wear. The high-waist style and thick waistband are super flattering and the nylon spandex blend fabric gives plenty of stretch. Stax prides itself on its sizing and its women’s leggings come in sizes from XS to 2XL (size 24) and in so money colours it is hard to pick a favourite. (If pushed we would say these blue leggings). There is a full-length option, a cropped version or if pockets are a deal breaker, there are the Stax Phone Pocket Tights Nandex.
Price: On sale $48 (down from $61.99)
If you’ve never heard of Amazon’s famous CRZ Yoga leggings then let’s get you up to speed. These women’s leggings from Amazon went viral a few years back with customers raving they were as good as big-name brands costing three times the price. The leggings currently have more than 9000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with lots of positive comments about the comfort and fit, although some customers raised issues about the durability of the fabric. The stretchy fabric is designed to keep you cool during exercise, and promises not to go see-through during squats and the high waist has an internal drawstring for extra control.
The CRZ Yoga leggings come in 15 colours and in sizes from XX small to XX large.
Price: Now $99 reduced from $145
Lululemon is one of the most famous activewear brands on the planet with plenty of devoted fans who will tell you the brand makes some of the best women’s leggings out there. And the ones that come up again and again are the Lululemon Align leggings. They are designed for yoga but reviews say they are so comfortable you will want to wear them all day. They have four-way stretch, are sweat-wicking to keep you cool and dry and come in four lengths - 28 inch, 25 inch, 23 inch and 21 inch. There are also leggings with pockets (of course) and you can choose between high-rise and super high rise. They aren’t cheap with prices from $104 to $149 depending on the size and colour. But in answer to the question, are Lululemon Align leggings worth it? There are many reviews saying you bet your downward dog they are. “These are the softest most comfortable leggings if ever worn and they feel so well made. This is all I will buy from now on. Well worth the price tag,” wrote one reviewer.
Price: Now $77 reduced from $110
What did we all wear before Lorna Jane Clarkson took sad-looking gym clothes and made them a wardrobe essential? Chances are you have at least one piece of Lorna Jane activewear in your cupboard. One of the brand’s bestsellers are Lotus No Chafe Ankle Biter Leggings. These high-waisted leggings are super flattering and versatile enough to wear all day and for exercise. They come in multiple colours and in sizes from XXS to XXL. The “no-chafe” design removes the inside leg seam to ensure comfort when you are working out or walking around. If you are looking for women’s leggings with a bit more support for high-intensity workouts the Amy Phone Pocket Tech Leggings, with extra core support may be the best leggings for you.
Price: $129 at nimble.com
Nimble Activewear is probably best known for its yoga and pilates activewear but it also has plenty of options for running and high-intensity workouts. These leggings are great for low-intensity workouts and everyday running around with a super matte soft fabric and a back waistband pocket that can hold your phone.
Still looking for your best leggings?
Here are some more of the best activewear brands to shop.
*This story contains carefully curated selections from The Selection team and affiliate links which may earn NZ Herald a commission.
*Prices are as stated at the time of publication, these prices may vary at the discretion of the listed brands.