Who could’ve predicted that sportswear would be the trend that just kept on giving?

When I was a child, sportswear equated to oversized navy pants underneath a netball skirt (even when playing hockey) along with a scruffy white polo shirt.

As I moved stylishly into adulthood, I could be seen working out in the shorts my dad wore to paint the house and a T-shirt from Thailand’s Khao San Road that featured Batman in a wheelchair. I wasn’t alone. For my friend it was the Liverpool football kit. All of it. Oh, and that friend is female.

Needless to say, sportswear has changed a lot. In fact it’s become so cool that it has even earned a new name: activewear (think sleek and body flattering, contouring pants, push-up support and waist cinching tops). It’s no surprise that an army of women (often myself included) are not only hitting the gym in style, but taking activewear straight to luncheon with the gals.

Here are some of our top picks…

Puma

With the likes of Rihanna, and more recently Cara Delevingne, as brand ambassador, Puma’s range is the perfect combo of streetwear-meets-activewear.

cara delevingne puma

For luncheon with the girls:

puma

Monochrome chic that’s also comfy. Perfect for causal Thursdays in the office or luncheon with the girls

Nike

If Nike’s legion of local ambassadors has taught us anything it’s that a) the Nike Training app is definitely something that will whip you into great shape and b) the Nike threads are seriously cool as proven by celeb ambassadors Serena Williams and buff comedian Kevin Hart.

nike

For luncheon with the girls:

nike

Culottes with a tank top and completed with statement sneaks

Reebok

The UK brand has stepped up its game of late, featuring high profile sporting stars as their ambassadors – international yoga star Tara Stiles for one – and creating runway-worthy sportswear in the process.

reebok

For luncheon with the girls:

reebok

Opt for a layered look with a short T-dress over tailored leggings. Complete with the always on-trend Reebok classics

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Adidas

With A-list collaborations including colelctions with Stella McCartney and Kanye West, Adidas know how to get  high-fashion credentials.

adidas

For luncheon with the girls:

adidas

Team this cute white dress with a gingham jacket and the latest Yeezy boosts

Gap Fit

We couldn’t have been more excited when we heard one of our fave go-to high street brands for fashionable yet comfy attire was branching into activewear. The collection is as vibrant and exciting as you would imagine.

gap fit

For luncheon with the girls:

Those leggings with that awesome black jumper and some heels or the leggings and a crisp oversized shirt – you can see it works.

Those leggings with that awesome black jumper and some heels or the leggings and a crisp oversized shirt – you can see it works.

yApparel

What began as a company selling yoga clothing and gym accessories has grown into a an all-compasing acitvewear website, and store, selling on-trend leggings, tees, workout gear, the lot.

yApparrel

For luncheon with the girls:

It's all about the statement leggings and tees

It’s all about the statement leggings and tees

Lululemon

A favourite among Victoria’s Secret models and seemingly every active celebrity. Lululemon is so popular it has a cult following.

Lululemon

For luncheon with the girls:

Swap the trainers for some black heels and we think you've got a urban-meets-office outfit

Swap the trainers for some black heels and we think you’ve got a urban-meets-office outfit

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