5 Brands That Blur The Lines Between Activewear And Streetwear - Meggen Harris for Forbes

Over the last decade, the world of athletic apparel has undergone a dramatic transformation with numerous brands now seamlessly blending high-performance functionality with stylish, versatile designs. As someone who lives in it, I can attest to the fact that this wasn’t always the case.

The latest iterations of "athleisure" wear allows fitness enthusiasts and the like to transition effortlessly from their workout to the rest of their busy lives. Technical performance fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and thoughtful details have elevated athletic apparel to the point where it's become a staple, not just for the gym, but for the office, running errands, grabbing coffee with friends, and beyond.

Athleisure is also a booming industry. In 2023 the global athleisure market was valued at $358.07 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030. The growing trend of health, wellness, and longevity further fuel the need for comfortable, yet stylish apparel has further catapulted this category onto the main stage—and there aren’t signs of slowing. In 2023 the global athleisure market was valued at $358.07 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030.

With so many options, I rounded up five athleisure brands that blur the lines between activewear and streetwear beautifully that will allow you to perform under the heat of activity and leave you looking cool the rest of your day—no matter what you have in store. 

Miami-based Erika Boom has been in the fitness industry for over two decades in various capacities ranging from owning the first pre- and post-natal fitness studio in Miami, starting an all-women’s cycling club, and creating her own line of bicycles.

Colombian-born Boom entered the fitness fashion world in 2014 when she launched FITMAMA, an apparel brand inspired by her own need to find workout clothing that made her look and feel good. “I would describe FITMAMA's design aesthetic to be modern, experimental, unexpected, versatile, fun and each powerful piece makes a woman feel confident and ready to work out and also transition seamlessly to do anything before or after in it,” Boom tells me over email about her brand.

I recently met Boom at an event where she happened to be launching her latest collection in collaboration with another brand from Colombia that I love, Especia. I was immediately drawn to the colorways, the textiles used, and cuts that I hadn’t seen before (particularly Boom’s unitards) and quickly wondered to myself how I never knew about this brand before? “I think my designs and fabric are very distinctive. Plus, they are handmade by women in Colombia for women all over the world,” shares Boom about what makes her brand stand out.

I only have one matching outfit at the moment. But my next workout purchase from this brand will definitely be one of the unitards, which I have seen on petite frames like mine, and they hug in all of the right places—not any easy feat. My current set washes incredibly well, the fabric is sturdy and fits snugly without making me feel like I am in a sausage casing. When it comes to the cut of her designs, Boom knows what she is doing—something her years in fitness undoubtedly shaped. “It's always a direct reflection of where my personal relationship is with both fitness and fashion. I know what feels good and looks good when you move.”