Activewear brands in Malaysia
Remember when gym fits used to be the least flattering pieces we have in our wardrobes? That was a lifetime ago. Now, athletic wear lives beyond the gym – donning your pickleball gear straight to brunch at a cute cafe channels the same energy as Hailey Bieber on a coffee run in her running jacket and leggings after barre class – it’s the new chic.
Now that the lines between fitness wear, casual loungewear, and outfits for fun days out are pretty much blurred, investing in a good fitness wear is twofold.
While the trusty Lululemon and Adidas are no-brainer picks, Malaysia has its own range of activewear brands that offer sports wear at half the price with quality that’s as great. Read on to discover these 9 homegrown brands that’ll solve your gym-kit woes – you’ll look great and feel great too.
Table of Contents
1. Hwoofit
Sports bras in flattering earthy tones
Image credit: @hwoofit via Instagram
Hwoofit has definitely figured out the sweet spot for high-performance fitness pieces that masquerade as real clothes.
Style and functionality are at the core of this collective. Their collection of low and high-impact sports bras come in flattering earthy tones and calm hues, with endless features to choose from.
Image adapted from: @hwoofit via Instagram
The women-in-mind features include removable or non-removable padding, ones with clasp for better support such as the Breeze Back Bra with Clasp (RM99), zip-up bras for ease of removal such as the AeroFlow Zip Racer Bra (RM109), or the Energy Boost Bra (RM95) with criss-crossed straps for a little somethin’ somethin’.
Image adapted from: @hwoofit via Instagram
Hwoofit’s range of buttery soft leggings embody as much of that intentional practically as the sports bras. The Surge High Rise Leggings (RM129) boast thick waistbands that are saviours for bloated days, and the Feel It Pocket Leggings (RM129) have almost-hidden pockets for your keys or phone. The fabric isn’t thin either, so you know you’re safe on squat days.
Contact: Hwoofit website | Instagram
2. Aina Collective
Ethically and sustainably manufactured activewear
Image credit: @a_collectiveclub via Instagram
When Nadira Hamdan and Hui Yi co-founded Āina Collective in 2019, they created an eco-conscious brand that produces ethically and sustainably manufactured activewear, that’s also thoughtfully designed for movement.
On a mission to make sportswear more sustainable, the local brand features collections of lightweight sports bras, seamless tops, and fitted yet stretchable leggings, all crafted from fabric made of 77% recycled nylon and 23% post-consumer waste.
Image credit: Āina Collective via website
There’s as much thought put into the packaging as well. The tags attached to each piece of item are actual seed tags – flower seeds are embedded in each biodegradable paper, and can be planted into a bed of soil to be grown into plants, as the paper composts away.
Image credit: @a_collectiveclub via Instagram
Apart from their green practices, the brand offers products that are all incredibly comfortable, durable, and most importantly, inclusive. Their size range stretches from XS to XXL, through tons of different styles, fostering a truly healthy body image.
The Signature Leggings (RM259) will wick moisture through a sweaty round of burpees or a hot yoga class, while the Cut-out Bra (RM189) are so snug, you’ll want to wear it all day long.
Contact: Aina Collective website | Instagram
3. Camellia Activewear
Dreamy and whimsical activewear pieces
Image credit: @shopcamelliawear via Instagram
Camellia Activewear is for the girly girlies who want to be strong, but still look super demure and super cutesy while they’re at it.
From ruffled skirts and flared leggings to ruched crop tops and halter sports bras, the brand’s collections are made up of activewear pieces that are all things dreamy and whimsical – think soft pastel fits that’ll get you hyped up to hit the yoga mat.
Image adapted from: @shopcamelliawear via Instagram
The pieces aren’t merely pretty to slip into – they’re ethereal in the way they hug your body, they’re a dream to work out in, and also make for lovely additions to your off-duty wardrobes.
The Denise Bra (RM119) are flattering pilates pieces that also great great for hiding those underarm sweat patches, while the Elea Bra (RM109) will make you look effortlessly chic, even as you’re huffin’ and puffin’ it out on the reformer.
Image credit: @shopcamelliawear via Instagram
If you’re looking to master the trendy, preppy tennis-skirt look, there are plenty of pleated skirts splashed in pastel colours to choose from, such as the Shannel Tennis Skirt (RM99).
Besides wearable sportswear, Camellia also offers chic and quality Yoga Mats (RM249.90), with a non-slip rubber cushion base and a premium matte PU top-coat, which makes it resistant to scratches.
Contact: Camellia Activewear website | Instagram
4. OWN
Athleisure in bold colours and designs
Image credit: @own.active via Instagram
Johor-based brand Own has activewear designs that are well worth investing in if you want to give your gym wardrobe an incredibly stylish update. The founders have made it a mission to fill in the gap of the lack of high-quality fitness pieces in the local scene, without skimping on style.
Their vast array of active gear stands out with bold vibrant colours, as well as the countless choices they offer, with designs that never fail to align with the most in-demand looks. Mesh tops, wrap tops, figure-hugging leggings, old-school capri leggings, and midriff-baring tanks, you name it – and Own will have everything you need for your athleisure collection.
Image adapted from: @own.active via Instagram
Coming in the form of straightforward silhouettes and elevated basics are the Ribbed Bra Tank (RM79) that’s a versatile sports bra to pair with anything. To jazz up your stretchy legging game, there’s the Diamond Dye Tights (RM89) that’ll give your gym fit a stylish spin.
Contact: OWN website | Instagram
5. Liberty Active
Sculpted leggings and sports bras
Image credit: @libertyactive via Instagram
A staple that’s proved indispensable is a durable workout set, and that’s what Liberty Active does best. Since its inception in 2017, the female-led brand has mastered the art of making activewear that are fashion-forward, functional, affordable, and made to last even throughout umpteen deadlifts or spin classes.
Image credit: @libertyactive via Instagram
Every garment undergoes meticulous testing at Headquarters before making its way to the customer, so you’ll get leggings that mould to the body without digging into the hips such as the Evolve High Waist Legging (RM105) or sculpted sports bras delivers both style and performance such as the unique Ace Bra (RM84).
There are also endless selections of seamless tops, bike shorts and even yoga mats to choose from for your next warm-up or cool-down. If all of these still have not got you convinced, the impressive inclusive sizing just might – its workout gear ranges from XS to 3XLs.
Contact: Liberty Active website | Instagram
6. Banana Fighter
Activewear with a focus on performance and functionality
When the founder of an athleisure brand is fitness junkie who also has a background in fashion design, you best believe you’ll be getting the best of both worlds – meaning gorgeous pieces that’ll turn heads, and also hold up throughout your longest distance and your widest splits.
Image credit: @bananafighter.activewear via Instagram
Banana Fighter, a local women’s sportswear brand that’s founded by Mandy Yap in 2014, is an all-encompassing option that’ll bestow all your fitness-centred needs.
Image credit: @bananafighter.activewear via Instagram
Its collection offers stylish garments that are also at the fore of performance and functionality, including the floral-printed Nara Workout Set (RM238), the vivid Ember Leggings (RM129) to make a bold statement at the gym, and the super chic Isla Ruched Baby Tee (RM99).
Image credit: @bananafighter.activewear via Instagram
Aside from gymwear staples, the brand also has a line of cute accessories, such as banana-printed socks and quirky upcycled outdoor bags. Males will also find a selection of multifunctional Dynamic Tees (RM59) in various colours that are must-haves for your athleisure collection.
Contact: Banana Fighter website | Instagram
7. MKLZ Collection
No-frills collection of staple activewear
Image credit: @mklzcollection via Instagram
If you’re on a prowl for some cute pickleball fits, MKLZ Collection is your holy grail. While they do have the usual activewear staples such as yoga-friendly bottoms and high-impact sports tops, their new FUSE collection will have you ogling in delight.
Image credit: @mklzcollection via Instagram
Pair the FUSE Polo (RM159) with the FUSE Skirt (RM149) to elevate both your look and your performance at the tennis or pickleball court. Or opt for the FUSE Tank Top (RM89) that has a cheeky open back for some breeze.
Image credit: @mklzcollection via Instagram
The brand’s essential pieces are no-frills ones that can be donned whether you’re hitting the dance floor, or heading for an intense hike. The MOVE Sports Bra (RM129) comes in either a gorgeous camouflage green or dawn pink that gives of that cool-girl edge, while the COMPACT Leggings (RM179) will remain sturdy during a high-intensity workout, yet still breathable and flexible, like a second skin.
Contact: MKLZ Collection website | Instagram
8. Livlola
Chafe-free and moisture-wicking fabrics
Image credit: @livlolamy via Instagram
Livlola hardly needs an introduction – the sportswear brand started as a passion project by a pair of sisters, and have since become one of the most popular local fitness wear brands in the market, and many gym nut’s go-to.
Combining sleek, minimal design with highly technical fabrics, the self-titled studio-to-street label features versatile athleisure wear including tank tops, leggings, sports bras, and running jackets.
Image adapted from: @livlolamy via Instagram
The Hot Shot Cap Sleeve Shorts Set (RM189) is made with die-hard yogis in mind and creates a versatile athleisure wear, while the Win Win Set (RM189) has a silky lightweight airlift from the chafe-free and moisture-wicking fabrics used that makes it perfect for intense HIIT sessions.
Image credit: @livlolamy via Instagram
For all the fit career women out there, the Hot Shot Set (RM219) is everything you’ll need to feel like a hot shot in both the gym and in the office, with its mesh long sleeved top and pocket leggings.
The wider collection also includes workout accessories including yoga mats, resistance bands, jump ropes, and duffel bags.
Contact: Livlola website | Instagram
9. Reactive
Fabrics made of fibre derived from recycled materials
Image credit: @reactivethelabel via Instagram
If you consider yourself a gym girlie who is also a champion of sustainability, then look straight to Reactive, a local activewear brand that delivers stylish, luxury sportswear, and is dedicated to creating inclusive collections within the fitness sphere using eco-friendly fabric.
The brand’s fabrics are made of a fibre derived from recycled materials by Repreve, a brand that makes garments from recycled plastic bottles.
Image credit: @reactivethelabel via Instagram
Besides going green, feeling and looking good is what the brand strives for, with sportswear sets that reflect such. The Shiny line, which features the one-shoulder strap Shiny Bra (RM120), the Shiny Leggings (RM250), and the Shiny Biker (RM200), is so dazzlingly fabulous that it shouldn’t be confined to the gym.
Image credit: @reactivethelabel via Instagram
For something a little less in-your-face but just as high-quality, the Signature collection is great for practically any sweat-inducing activities, which includes the Signature Sports Bra (RM100) and the Signature Leggings (RM209).
Contact: Reactive website | Instagram
Malaysian activewear brands for style and function
Whether you’re an avid runner or a crossfit junkie or into something a little more low and slow like pilates or yoga, you can rely on this list of Malaysian activewear brands to get through your next sweat sesh.
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Cover image adapted from: @livlolamy via Instagram, @a_collectiveclub via Instagram, @libertyactive via Instagram & @mklzcollection via Instagram