A few weeks ago, I shared a blog on what the Pilates girls are wearing right now, and a lot of you asked for more recommendations, especially with different price points in mind. If there's one thing I know, it's activewear. I live in it. And I'm incredibly specific about what makes the cut because activewear needs to do it all: functional, flattering, cute, and actually make you feel and perform better.
I also care about how it's made. And I know it matters to many of you too. While not every piece here is perfect, I'm prioritizing brands using recycled materials, ethical production, and durability (because the longest-lasting piece is the most sustainable one).
With so many options out there… sets, flares, classic black staples, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth buying.
So I narrowed it down. And more importantly, I’m sharing exactly what to look for so you can evaluate quality yourself.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Some brands featured are ones I have current or past partnerships with, though this post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own and I only recommend activewear I genuinely wear and love.
1. The Black Legging Staple
If you're going to invest anywhere, make it black leggings. They're the foundation of almost every workout outfit, and if you’re like me, you'll reach for them multiple times a week. Because they get worn the most, they need to actually last.
What to look for:
- Fabric density: Should feel substantial with good stretch. Hold them up to light, you shouldn't see through them even when stretched.
- Waistband: Should sit flat without rolling or gapping. Do a squat test, it should stay put.
- Opacity: Non-negotiable. Bend over in the fitting room, if you can see skin or underwear, pass.
- Stitching: Flatlock seams (flat, strong) prevent chafing and last longer.
- Gusset construction: Diamond-shaped panel prevents camel toe and adds durability.
I'm incredibly specific here: the fabric needs to feel dense but flexible, hold its shape after countless washes, stay up, and (this is non-negotiable) stay completely opaque when you bend, squat, or move. Nobody wants see-through leggings during squats.
The ultra-cheap options might look good in photos, but thinner fabric and weak stitching show up fast. Within a few wears, you'll notice pilling, sagging, or that dreaded sheerness.
This is the one category I'd prioritize spending more on. A good pair of black leggings will outlast three cheaper pairs and actually make you feel confident moving.
Investment Options:
- Alo Yoga — High-Waist Airlift ($134)
- Beyond Yoga — Spacedye High Waisted ($99) (this brand also uses recycled fibers)
- Spanx — CurveTheory Leggings ($98)
- Athleta — Transcend Leggings ($98) (B Corp, Fair Trade)
- T — F Uniform — Core Leggings ($86)
More Affordable Options:
- CRZ Yoga — Butterluxe Leggings ($32)
- Offline by Aerie — Real Me High Waisted ($35–$45)
- Quince — Ultra Form Legging ($40)
2. The Classic White Cami Tank
A fitted white cami is one of those understated staples that instantly pulls a look together. Paired with black leggings, layered under a zip-up, or with a neutral matching set, it makes an outfit feel intentional.
What to look for:
- Fabric weight: Should be substantial enough that it's not see-through (especially in white).
- Built-in support: Shelf bra or lining makes it wearable solo; without it, you'll need a bra underneath.
- Seams: Minimal, flat seams create a cleaner look and prevent irritation.
- Length: Cropped vs. longline. Choose based on your coverage preference.
In my opinion, this is also a category where you don't necessarily have to overspend. The shape and fit matter more than branding.
Investment Options:
- Vuori — AllTheFeels Cami ($74)
- CSB — Form Leisure Tank ($66)
- SKIMS — Cotton Jersey Scoop Cami ($48)
More Affordable Options:
- Target — Square Neck Cropped Tank ($25)
- Old Navy — Longline Sports Bra ($23.99)
- ODODOS — Seamless Ribbed Crop Tank ($12)
The more affordable options give you the same crisp, clean aesthetic. Where you'll notice the difference: fabric thickness (cheaper ones can be slightly more sheer), how well they hold up after washing, and overall structure. But honestly, for a white cami you're layering under things or rotating with other tops, the budget versions perform well too.
3. The Flared Legging
I love flared leggings because they work way beyond the studio. They feel more styled, more put-together than classic leggings, but they're still comfortable enough to move in during your Pilates practice.
What to look for:
- Flare proportion: Should hit mid-calf to ankle and flare evenly. Proportion varies by height, try them on.
- Waistband style: Foldover can be styled multiple ways but may shift during movement.
- Fabric recovery: Fabric should bounce back at the flared hem, not stay baggy.
- Length: These need to hit the right spot, too short looks awkward, too long drags.
The real win: you can wear them straight after class without changing. Travel days, coffee runs, errands, dinner with friends, they transition seamlessly from workout to life. It's activewear that doesn't look like you just came from a workout.
Investment Options:
- FP Movement — Never Better Foldover Pants ($108)
- Athleta — Elation Ultra High Rise Flared Leggings ($99)
More Affordable Options:
- ODODOS — Cloud Feeling Flared Pant ($24.98)
- Aerie — High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging ($20)
4. The 90s / Color-Block Set
This is where you can have a little more fun with the latest trends featuring more of a vintage-inspired feel. Contrast piping, stripes, color panels, all these pieces feel playful without being over the top.
Investment Options:
- Split59 — Airweight High-Waist 7/8 Legging ($128)
More Affordable Options:
- Gap — Sports Bra & Leggings ($34.99)
- Abercrombie & Fitch — Cami Tank Top ($29.99)
- Old Navy — Striped Leggings ($23)
5. Black Sports Bra
A black sports bra is non-negotiable. It’s the piece you’ll rotate constantly. A clean shape makes even the simplest set look elevated.
What to look for:
- Support level: Light (Pilates, yoga), medium (barre), or high (HIIT). Match to your primary activity.
- Band fit: Should sit flush without riding up. The band does the support work, not the straps.
- Neckline: Scoop, V, or square affects how it layers and looks, personal preference.
- Compression type: Compression style works for smaller busts; encapsulation (individual cups) is better for D+.
Investment Options:
- Beyond Yoga — Spacedye Slim Racerback Bra ($68)
- T — F Studio — Core Bra ($75)
- Adanola — Ultimate Tank Bra ($50)
- Athleta — Scoop Sports Bra ($45)
More Affordable Options:
- The Gym Peoples — Black Sports Bra ($19.99)
- Old Navy — Powersoft Sports Bra ($23.99)
And finally, for those of you who are thinking beyond price and performance, let’s talk sustainability.
6. The Sustainable Factor
If sustainability is high on your list, there are activewear brands doing it well. No brand is perfect, but some are making real efforts in materials, transparency, and production standards.
What to look for:
- Recycled materials (Econyl, recycled polyester, TENCEL™)
- Organic or non-toxic fabrics
- Fair Trade or ethical production certifications
- Transparency about supply chain
- Longevity (because durability is sustainability)
Brands Doing It Well:
- Girlfriend Collective – Probably the most well-known sustainable option. Uses recycled water bottles to create leggings and bras, strong transparency, and inclusive sizing. Their compression fabric is especially good if you prefer a slightly more structured feel.
- MATE the Label – Clean, non-toxic, organic materials. Beautiful minimalist aesthetic that works perfectly for Pilates. More lifestyle-leaning, but ideal if you prioritize safe fabric and simplicity.
- Tentree – Strong environmental credentials with a mission to plant trees for every item purchased. Uses responsibly sourced and eco-friendly materials in both activewear and everyday basics, making it a great option if you want performance plus planet-positive impact.
- Vuori – Climate Neutral certified, partners with Fair Trade suppliers, and uses recycled and lower-impact materials through their Preferred Fibers program. High-performance feel with a sustainability backbone.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, activewear is all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
My Personal Rule of Thumb:
- Invest in: pieces that get worn weekly + need structural integrity (leggings, bras).
- Save on: layering pieces + trend items (cami tanks, color sets).
- Sustainability: choose fewer, better pieces when possible.
The most sustainable choice you can make is to buy less and buy better. One pair of well-made leggings that lasts two years beats five cheap pairs that pill in months. So whether you go for the splurge or the save (or mix both), use the quality checks above to evaluate what's actually worth it. These are the pieces that'll actually get worn.
Also, everyone’s budget is different. Whether you invest in a few elevated staples or mix in more affordable finds, these are the pieces you’ll reach for again and again. Build your wardrobe around what works for your lifestyle, because when your basics feel good, your workout feels more motivating.
And if you’re ever curious about the outfits I wear in a specific workout, you can see them all here.