It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a longtime Lululemon fan or are still pining for the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants, two things are for sure: the luxe athleisure brand’s pieces aren’t exactly cost-friendly, and with the brand’s founder, Chip Wilson’s latest remarks regarding ‘certain customers coming in,’ more and more people will be boycotting the athleisure brand in the next foreseeable future.
Fortunately for us, and with Black History Month in full swing, there are some cool, hip, trendy, and very cost-efficient Black woman-owned fitness brands that can give Lululemon-level quality, fit, and feel but without the discriminatory remarks and bank-breaking price tags.
So below, find a well-curated list of Black woman-owned athleisure brands for every type of workout, personal style preferences, and needs.
Melt Fit – Ashley Garner
For athleisure sets that feel as buttery as Lululemon’s, turn to Melt Fit. All the brand’s fits are top-of-the-line when it comes to comfort, performance, and style. We here can’t stop raving about their Monogram Set $85 ($40), and we know we’re not alone. The thousands of positive reviews on their page say it all.
The Black woman-owned fashion brand is also size-inclusive and helps you save money (the same high-quality fabrics as Lululemon’s but for a more pocket-friendly price).
Lapp The Brand – Leomie Anderson
If there’s one thing LAPP, an athleisure brand founded by model Leomie Anderson, is good at, it’s making fitness babes feel cozy and jaw-droppingly gorgeous in head-turning workout sets. Imagine how good you’d feel on your way to a high-impact sweat session or stopping at your fave café in their trendy pieces.
Our Favorite Piece So Far? The Body Contour Jumpsuit ($149). You’ve definitely seen this celeb-approved athleisure piece on your Instagram feed. It features removable push-up padding, body-enhancing reflective details, and adjustable back straps that hold you down while doing your HIITS and make you feel absolutely snatched whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.
Joja Goalfriend Activewear – Jasmine Tookes & Josephine Skriver
If you haven’t stumbled on their page yet, Joja is a supermodel-approved athleisure brand founded by Jasmine Tookes and her bestie, Josephine Skriver.
Already beloved by Gen Z and millennial fashion buffs alike, the brand offers fashion-forward workout tops, leggings, and bras that are buttery-soft, fashionable, and moisture-wicking.
Pieces like Level Up Inhale T-Shirt – Slate ($54) are so chic that you’ll be tempted to rock it at the gym for a chill night out with your family or whenever you want to feel cute.
Glamourina – Kia Phillips & Nekol Gaskins
Brand founders Kia and Nekol launched Glamourina Athleisure due to the lack of fitness designs that correctly represented Black culture and heritage. Just a quick scroll through their page, and you’ll find size-inclusive fits that go up to 5XL and hundreds of fun, edgy colors and eye-catching cultural prints.
Our Favorite Athleisure Selection? The Honey Dip Low Impact Sports Bra ($35). If you’ve been looking for a sports bra that does it all, this sweat-wicking cross-strap bra has been touted to offer fitness babes the coverage and support they need for jogging, Pilates, and yoga – without restricting movement or breath.
J. Dow Fitness – Dr. Jacqueline Dow
Breathability and comfort are critical when you’re sweating up a storm with a little nugget in your womb, and J. Dow Fitness’, a Black-woman-owned athleisure brand, designs meet that criteria thanks to their size-inclusive and ultra-flattering fits.
Shop their best-selling collection, ‘Black Beyond Measure,’ this month (Black History Month) and enjoy the fun and energetic prints bound to inspire you to get off the couch and move your body.
Our Favorite Athleisure Piece? The Khloe Set ($70). It features a square-neck sports bra constructed from silky nylon fabric and butt-flattering jogger pants with an adjustable drawstring waistband, inseam pockets, and cuffed hems, making it the perfect athleisure fit for your yoga classes, WFH activities, and running errands.
Roam Loud – Toyin Omisore
Take your fitness routine to the next level with this eye-catching athleisure brand founded by the phenomenal Toyin Omisore. Whether you’re hitting the gym, preparing for a marathon, or running errands, Roam Loud offers you fun and functional options, making it your ultimate fitness companion.
Our Favorite Fitness Fit? The Roam Loud Kando Jacket ($62). It’s a featherweight black, quarter-zip pullover with a waistband drawstring. It’s the perfect blend of fit, style, and performance designed for your everyday adventures.
Vertical Activewear – Tia Robinson
If you’re on the hunt for something unconventional, Vertical Activewear is your best bet. Best recognized for its conscious manufacturing process and inclusive brand ethos, the line prides itself on being a slow fashion brand and designing edgy, cutout styles perfect for low-impact workouts (yes, yoga!) and fit for all body types.
Our Favorite Athleisure Fit? The On The Move Compression Biker Shorts ($108). The cute biker shorts feature compression fabric that’s both soft and stretchy, a V-shaped waistband for a flattering fit, and hidden back pockets, making it the perfect on-the-go style.
Solely Fit – Stephanie Okolie
Bet you’ll never give Lululemon the time of day when you get yourself one or two athleisure pieces from Solely Fit.
We haven’t! And whatever it is, a sexy spandex bodysuit with a head-turning cutout, nude-toned butt-shaping leggings, or a high-shine boob-loving sports bra, Solely Fit has everything you’ve ever dreamt of in a fitness fit and more. Queen of fashion, Zendaya, is also a fan, so you know it is the brand it says it is!
Our Favorite Athleisure Piece? The Solely Fit SZN4 Nandi $118 ($68). It features a defining deep v-back and side mesh panels that offer comfortable compression and is just the bit of sexy you’ll ever need!
EleVen Athleisure – Venus Williams
Yes, the same Venus Williams. Her knockout athleisure line isn’t just designed for playing tennis – you can rock her pieces on and off the court.
Between the cool and trendy colorways and functional features like hidden pockets and mesh inserts, EleVen also comes with four-way stretch, quick-dry performance, and UV sun protection, so you can spend all day trying to beat Venus and Serena records.
PSA: EleVen is taking a break to refine its strategies and enhance its brand experience. But they’ll come back soon and better!
