Activewear and sportswear—yeah, they might sound the same, but they’re not. Knowing the difference will ensure that you don’t roll up somewhere nice looking like you just came from the gym.
Activewear can work for your everyday look, taking you from work to a workout without having to go through a full wardrobe change. That will depend on your dress code, but you get the idea. Sportswear, though, is all about performance. It’s built for athletes who are serious about their workouts.
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Let’s break down what each is about and check out some of the top brands doing it right.
What is Activewear?
Activewear is made to keep up with a variety of activities. It’s the kind of attire that fits right in when you’re on the go—heading to a yoga class, catching up with friends, or heading to a work meeting. The focus here is on comfort but with a touch of style.
Think of activewear as your go-to for long days. You know, those days when you go to the gym in the morning, have back-to-back meetings all day and then go back home to make dinner. You want a multipurpose fit to keep your sanity and look good at the same time.
Brands like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and Vuori offer activewear that balances performance and a laid-back vibe. Activewear leans more into a mix of flexible fabrics and trendy details. These pieces aren’t just for workouts.
They’re stylish enough to wear out and about and maybe to work but often feature moisture-wicking or quick-dry technology. But don’t expect activewear to handle high-intensity training. It’s great for light movement and wearing for everyday activities but lacks the durability needed for tougher sessions.
The Top Activewear Brands
Lululemon is a leader in the activewear category, but that’s changing. The brand has always been known for yoga-inspired clothing, but they combine that performance with a style that can be worn for other things. The fabrics are comfortable, and the designs are simple yet effective. Their hoodies, q-zips, and sneakers are comfortable and low-key enough to wear beyond the gym.
Our Top Picks: Lululemon for Men
Alo Yoga takes a similar approach, but with a fashion-forward approach that resonates especially well with Gen Z. The brand has been steadily capturing market share from Lululemon, thanks to their innovative style collections and on-trend design. Their pants and joggers are known for their fit and soft, stretchable fabrics, and the sweatshirts bring the same fashion-focused look.
Our Top Picks: Alo Yoga
Vuori brings a West Coast vibe to activewear. Their pieces have soft fabrics that feel broken in from day one. You can move from a morning workout to a coffee shop to the office without feeling out of place. Their pants and joggers come in laid-back styles that prioritize comfort, while their hoodies are cozy and lightweight, perfect for layering or wearing solo.
Our Top Picks: Vuori
What is Sportswear?
Sportswear is built for performance. It’s what you reach for when you need gear that can handle sweat, movement, and high impact. Unlike activewear, sportswear is designed with a specific purpose in mind. It’s not about being casual or comfortable at all.
Most sportswear apparel come with technical features—like compression, extra support, and breathable fabrics. ASRV, Reigning Champ, and Born Primitive are renowned for their high-quality gear designed for intense workouts despite not being as widely recognized as some other activewear brands.
Where activewear can integrate into your daily wardrobe, sportswear won’t cut it. The fit is often tighter, more functional, and tailored to specific movements.
But let me reiterate: sportswear doesn’t work outside the gym. No matter how hard you try, it’s not designed to be worn at the office or family gatherings. Instead, it’s meant to increase your performance when you’re all in at Crossfit, Orange Theory, or whatever else you have going on.
The Top Sportswear Brands
ASRV goes all in with technical performance. They are known for having durable, high-quality clothing that can handle intensity. They use innovative fabrics with moisture-wicking technology, and their fans appreciate the aesthetic.
They also have a paramilitary aesthetic. It’s almost like you’re wearing a SWAT uniform while you train, and people notice too. Trust me. Their pants and shorts have reinforced stitching and plenty of pockets. The hoodies and quarter-zips hit the mark too—fitted or loose, they bring the warmth and freedom to move exactly how you need to when you’re putting in the work.
Our Top Picks: ASRV
Reigning Champ offers a more minimalist approach to sportswear. While their clothing is more than durable enough for the gym, they also have some pieces you can wear outside the gym. Their joggers and pants feature a clean, tailored fit with comfortable, mid-weight fabric, and their tees are crafted from soft, breathable cotton, which is all you need when sweating and breathing hard.
Our Top Picks: Reigning Champ
Born Primitive is built for those who just train hard. Their pieces include compression and reinforced stitching, so high-impact exercises or long runs are easy. Their joggers and pants are durable and flexible, too. And their tees? Well, they are made with quick-dry fabric that will keep you nice and dry.
Our Top Picks: Born Primitive
Highlighting the Differences in Fabric
The difference is clear. Activewear is made with completely different fabrics. Brands like Lululemon and Vuori use soft, stretchable materials like cotton blends, spandex, and other breathable fabrics that enable performance and are always comfortable.
The focus is on a comfortable fit that adapts to various movements. Activewear is versatile, but it doesn’t have the durability needed for heavy training. It’s built for lighter activity.
Sportswear uses more technical materials and is manufactured with lightweight, quick-drying performance fabric. Brands like ASRV and Born Primitive have double downed on creating appareal that is durable and breathable. If you’re a customer, you know what I’m talking about. They use fabrics like nylon, polyester, and compression blends, which are designed to hold up during high-intensity activity as you move through your workouts.
But here’s the deal: these pieces aren’t meant for all-day wear. Yes, the fabric is functional, but it doesn’t exactly work in casual settings. It’s made for the gym, not lounging around.
When to Wear Activewear vs. Sportswear
Activewear is your move when doing more than just hitting the gym. Brands like Vuori and Lululemon give you pieces that go all day. Whether you’re hitting a low-key workout or running around town, their joggers, tees, and hoodies keep it clean and comfortable. They’re built to transition from the gym to wherever else you end up without missing a beat.
Now, sportswear? Well, that’s for the ballers so ASRV and Born Primitive should be your “go to.” Their compression shorts, performance tees, and sweat-wicking hoodies can handle intense movement, jumping, squats, or long-distance running. Sportswear is all about getting down to business. You need gear that’ll hold up through the hardest sessions—this is it.
Final Thoughts
Activewear and sportswear? They’re both important and should have a natural spot in your lineup—trust that.
Table: Difference Between Activewear and Sportswear
| Category | Purpose | Materials | Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activewear | Blends athletic functionality with casual, everyday wear | Flexible, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon-spandex blends | Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Vuori |
| Sportswear | Built for optimizing athletic performance and intense sports training | Technical, high-performance fabrics designed for breathability and mobility | ASRV, Reigning Champ, Born Primitive |
Activewear brands like Lululemon and Vuori bring comfort and flexibility to your everyday routine. This gear is perfect for light workouts and chill days when you want a mix of function and style. But when you’re ready to get down to business, sportswear has your back. ASRV and Reigning Champ are all about performance and are designed to keep you focused on what’s important–to crush those intense sessions.
Choosing between the two? That’s on you. Think about how you move, your preferred fit, and what you’re into. Only you know what works for you.
Until then, find the balance and get the best of both worlds.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Brito
Michael Brito is the editor-in-chief for Athleisure Wear for Men (AW). He launched this site in 2024 as a hobby. He’s a TEDx speaker and leads global analytics for Zeno Group, an integrated communication agency. Connect with him on social media.
