Best Activewear in Australia (2026 Guide)
The best activewear Australia offers in 2026 — squat-proof tights, maximum-support bras and recycled-fabric picks from Lorna Jane, Nimble, Ryderwear and Target, with every claim quoted from the brand’s own pages, with live prices checked on Amazon Australia.
Last updated: 27 October 2026The short answer
For most women training in Australia, Lorna Jane’s Nothing 2 See Here™ tights are the best activewear in Australia in 2026 — the brand states the high-density interlock knit “stops light from passing through even when the fabric is fully stretched”. Recycled fabric? Nimble (CompressLuxe™ Eco, made from recycled plastic bottles). Men? Ryderwear. Full rankings of the best activewear Australia sells below.
Quick picks — the best activewear Australia 2026
| Pick | Best for | Key claim (as listed) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorna Jane Nothing 2 See Here™ Tights | Best tights | Squat-proof interlock knit (brand-stated) | Check Price |
| Lorna Jane Amy Maximum Support Bra | Best sports bra | Maximum Support — minimises bounce | Check Price |
| Lorna Jane Run Around 2-in-1 Shorts | Best shorts | Compressive inner + loose outer | Check Price |
| Nimble In Tempo / In Motion Leggings | Best sustainable | Recycled plastic bottles (brand FAQ) | Check Price |
| Target Australia Active Range | Best budget | Sweat-wicking + squat-proof (retailer) | Check Price |
| Ryderwear Men’s Training Range | Best men’s | Sweat-wicking, mesh ventilation | Check Price |
| lululemon Fast and Free Tight (Nulux™) | Best for running | 84% nylon / 16% Lycra® (EU page) | Check Price |
The best activewear Australia has for training, running and yoga
Seven picks — claims quoted from brand pages, and missing spec sheets flagged instead of filled in.
1. Lorna Jane Nothing 2 See Here™ Tights
Lorna Jane states its gym leggings are squat-proof because Nothing 2 See Here™ “has a compact, high-density interlock knit that stops light from passing through even when the fabric is fully stretched” — with four-way stretch, strong compression, moisture-wicking and quick-dry.
The opacity pick, and the rare one where the claim is a mechanism, not a slogan: a light-blocking interlock knit. Lorna Jane runs three support levels (Active Core Stability™, Booty Support, Ultimate Support) and six lengths from mid-thigh to full-length, with phone pockets, drawstrings and gussets across styles. It’s the best activewear Australia pick for strength training. Honest flag: Lorna Jane doesn’t publish exact fabric percentages on the collection pages we checked — check the individual product page for the % split.
- Squat-proof claim with a stated mechanism
- Support levels matched to activity
- Six lengths, pocket options
- Exact fabric % not on collection pages
- High compression won’t suit soft-yoga feel
2. Lorna Jane Amy Maximum Support Sports Bra
Lorna Jane’s top running pick: “Our most compressive fit Sports Bra, the Amy Maximum Support Sports Bra minimises bounce and offers secure support without restricting movement” — fully adjustable straps, secure clasp back, removable padding, side mesh panels.
Formerly sold as the Compress & Compact, the Amy is built for running, tennis and HIIT: compression plus encapsulation, a thick underband and wide adjustable straps in the brand’s support system. The trade-off is in the name — maximum compression feels restrictive for all-day or low-impact wear, where Lorna Jane itself steers buyers to softer seamless styles.
- Brand’s highest support level
- Adjustable straps + clasp back = real fit control
- Mesh heat-escape panels
- Too compressive for all-day wear
- Composition % and sizes not on pages checked
3. Lorna Jane Run Around 2-in-1 Shorts
LJ Active lightweight polyester-elastane with two-way stretch: a compressive inner lining inside a looser outer short, side splits, reflective logo and a phone pocket hidden in the lining.
The two-problems-one-garment pick: the inner short handles modesty and chafe, the outer keeps it looking like a short. Flags: exact fabric % isn’t stated on the page we opened, and a lined short runs warmer than a single layer in peak summer — Lorna Jane’s range spans cheeky cuts to 3/4 lengths, so inseam choice matters.
- Coverage + anti-chafe in one garment
- Lining pocket for a phone
- Reflective logo for dawn runs
- Warmer than single-layer shorts
- Fabric % not stated on page checked
4. Nimble Activewear — In Motion & In Tempo Leggings
Bondi-born Nimble’s FAQ states its MoveLite™ and CompressLuxe™ Eco fabrics are “created using recycled plastic bottles” — In Motion (MoveLite, “buttery soft”, squat-proof per the brand blog) for everyday, In Tempo (CompressLuxe Eco compression) for running and HIIT.
The recycled pick with the claim stated by the brand itself, in its own FAQ. Nimble’s earlier COMPRESSLITE materials put numbers on it (4 bottles per pair of tights, 1 per bra) — those figures belong to that earlier fabric, so treat them as brand history, not a per-style spec for the current lines. Exact percentages for current styles weren’t confirmed on a Nimble product page in our research — check the style page before buying on composition.
- Recycled-fabric claim in the brand’s own FAQ
- Soft and compression platforms
- Australian-founded brand
- Claims are brand-stated, not third-party certified on pages checked
- Current-style % unverified
5. Target Australia Active Range
Target states its plus-size activewear leggings and bike shorts are “crafted with sweat-wicking and squat-proof fabric”, with “no roll or ride construction”, high-waisted styles and tummy-control designs.
The budget pick — and notably, the claims are in writing at range level, including for plus sizes, which budget ranges often skip. The limits are the usual budget ones: composition isn’t published on the page we opened, and range-level claims aren’t per-garment guarantees, so try the squat test in the change room mirror before a class.
- Squat-proof + wicking claims in writing
- Genuine plus-size range
- High-waist/tummy-control designs
- Range-level claims, not per garment
- Composition not published on page checked
6. Ryderwear Men’s Training Range
Australian gym brand Ryderwear: the SHIELD T-Shirt is polyester-spandex, sweat-wicking with mesh panelling; the range runs to full-mesh-back stringers and T-backs for lifting.
The men’s pick: moisture-wicking, lightweight, breathable fabrics cut for the weights room. Honest flags: percentages aren’t published on the collection page we checked, and the bodybuilding aesthetic (stringers, low-cut armholes) is a specific look — Ryderwear knows its tribe and dresses it.
- AU-designed gym gear
- Ventilation built into key styles
- Sweat management across the range
- Bodybuilding cuts won’t suit everyone
- Composition % not published on page checked
7. lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight (Nulux™)
Nulux™ body 84% nylon / 16% Lycra® elastane (lululemon EU page): weightless coverage that “passes the squat test”, four-way stretch, quick-drying — two side drop-in pockets plus five waistband pockets, 25″ length.
The runner’s pocket situation, solved: phone in a side drop-in, keys/cards/gels in the waistband. Sourcing note: our specs come from lululemon’s EU product page — the AU page wasn’t opened in our research, so verify AU availability and sizing at lululemon.com.au. It closes our best activewear Australia list as the specialist running pick.
- Best pocket system in this guide
- Featherlight, quick-drying Nulux™
- Continuous drawcord
- Specs from the EU page — verify AU listing
- Premium tier
Activewear buying notes: support levels and the squat test
Buy support by activity, not by habit. Lorna Jane’s system is the clearest map: maximum-support bras (wide adjustable straps, thick underband, encapsulated cups) for running and high-impact cardio; softer seamless styles for yoga and all-day wear. The same logic applies to tights — compression platforms (Nimble’s CompressLuxe Eco, Lorna Jane’s Ultimate Support) for running and HIIT, soft platforms (MoveLite™, Bare Minimum) for low-impact days.
The squat test is a fabric test. Opacity fails when knit opens under stretch; Lorna Jane’s answer is a high-density interlock knit, Target states squat-proof fabric at range level, and lululemon’s Nulux™ “passes the squat test” in its own words. Whatever the label, do the test yourself in bright change-room light before the tags come off.
Percentages matter and are often missing. Several major AU brands don’t publish fabric % on collection pages — we flagged every gap rather than guessing. Where composition decides your purchase (allergies, heat, compression feel), the individual product page is the source of truth. For dedicated legging shopping, go deeper in our Leggings guide.
Activewear questions, answered
What is the best activewear in Australia in 2026?
Lorna Jane’s Nothing 2 See Here™ tights lead our list — the brand states the high-density interlock knit stops light passing through even when fully stretched. For recycled fabric, Nimble; for men, Ryderwear. All are ranked in our best activewear Australia guide.
What makes leggings squat-proof?
Fabric construction. Opacity fails when a knit opens under stretch; Lorna Jane’s answer is a compact, high-density interlock knit, and lululemon’s Nulux™ “passes the squat test” in its own words. Whatever the label claims, do the squat test yourself in bright light before removing tags. That is also why our best activewear Australia picks favour brands that explain the knit, not just the claim.
Which sports bra support level do I need?
Match support to impact: maximum-support bras (wide adjustable straps, thick underband, encapsulated cups — like the Lorna Jane Amy Maximum Support) for running and high-impact cardio; softer seamless styles for yoga and all-day wear. Whatever your sport, the best activewear Australia brands size support differently, so check the brand’s own support chart.
Is recycled activewear as good as regular?
Yes, on the claims the brands publish: Nimble’s MoveLite™ and CompressLuxe™ Eco are made using recycled plastic bottles (brand FAQ), with soft and compression platforms for different training. The honest gap: several AU brands don’t publish exact percentages on collection pages — check the product page. For shoppers who want the best activewear Australia has in recycled fabrics, Nimble is the clearest brand-stated example.
What is the best budget activewear in Australia?
Target Australia’s active range states its leggings and bike shorts are sweat-wicking and squat-proof, with a genuine plus-size range. Range-level claims aren’t per-garment guarantees, so test the fit in store where you can. On a budget, the best activewear Australia retailers offer is often a range-level claim, so the in-store squat test matters most.
What activewear is best for men?
Ryderwear’s men’s training range — sweat-wicking, lightweight fabrics with mesh ventilation, cut for the weights room. The bodybuilding-inspired cuts (stringers, T-backs) are a specific aesthetic; the SHIELD Tee is the most conventional entry point. For men starting out, the best activewear Australia gym brands offer ranges from stringers to conventional tees, so pick the cut you will actually wear.
Related guides: Best Leggings in Australia · Best Walking Shoes in Australia · Best Running Shoes in Australia · browse all categories on the homepage.
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