Activewear vs Sportswear vs Athleisure: What’s the Difference?

Activewear, sportswear, gymwear, workout clothes, athleisure - what do these terms actually mean?

If you’ve been shopping for women’s gym clothes or activewear in the UK, you’ve probably come across all of them. They’re often used interchangeably, but there are some useful differences between the terms.

The simplest way to think about them is:

Activewear is designed for movement and exercise. Gymwear is focused on training and gym activities. Sportswear is a broader term associated with sport and athletic clothing. Athleisure brings that sporty aesthetic into everyday wear.

There’s plenty of overlap, though. A piece can easily fit into more than one category depending on its design and how you wear it.

What is activewear?

Activewear is clothing designed for physical activity, movement and exercise.

It includes everything from women's gym leggings and sports bras to workout tops, shorts, jackets and layers.

Activewear can be worn for many types of movement, including:

• Gym workouts
• Strength training
• HIIT
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Studio workouts
• Walking
• General fitness

The important thing is that the clothing is designed with movement in mind.

Depending on the piece, that might mean stretch, support, compression, a close fit or other design details that make it suitable for an active lifestyle.

Is activewear the same as gymwear?

They overlap, but gymwear is generally more specifically associated with training and gym workouts.

Gymwear can include leggings, sports bras, shorts, tops, jackets and other pieces designed to be worn while exercising.

Activewear is the broader term, covering clothing designed for a range of physical activities and active lifestyles.

For shoppers, however, the distinction isn't always important. When someone searches for women's activewear, gymwear or workout clothes, they are often looking for many of the same products.

That's why brands - including Ours - may naturally sit across all three terms.

What is sportswear?

Sportswear is a broad term for clothing associated with sport, exercise and athletic style.

It can refer to clothing designed specifically for a sport, as well as more general sports-inspired clothing.

Today, sportswear can cover everything from performance-focused pieces to casual clothing influenced by athletic style.

This is one reason the term can sometimes overlap with both activewear and gymwear.

What is athleisure?

Athleisure combines the look and feel of active or sportswear with everyday dressing.

The idea is that pieces don't have to stop being useful once your workout is finished.

Leggings, sports bras, sweatshirts, jackets and other active-inspired pieces can all become part of an everyday wardrobe when styled outside the gym.

For many people, athleisure is about having clothing that feels comfortable enough for everyday life while still carrying a sporty, polished aesthetic.

Activewear vs sportswear vs athleisure: the quick answer

These categories aren't strict. The same pair of leggings, for example, could be described as activewear, gymwear and athleisure depending on its design, context and how it's styled.

What should you look for when buying women's activewear?

Instead of focusing too much on the label, think about what you want your activewear to do.

For training and gym workouts

Look for pieces that give you the fit, support and level of compression you prefer.

For example, high-waisted gym leggings can provide a secure, comfortable fit during different types of training, while a supportive sports bra can help you feel confident and comfortable throughout your workout.

For studio workouts and lower-intensity movement

You may prefer activewear with a softer, more flexible feel that allows you to move comfortably.

The right choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, the activity you're doing and how you like your activewear to feel.

For everyday wear

If you want activewear that works beyond your workout, look for versatile pieces that can be styled easily with your existing wardrobe.

This is where activewear naturally overlaps with athleisure.

Can gymwear be athleisure?

Absolutely.

One of the reasons the lines between these categories have become less defined is that modern activewear is no longer limited to workouts.

A pair of gym leggings can be worn for training and then styled with a sweatshirt, jacket or knit for the rest of the day.

The same applies to sports bras, tops, sweatshirts and jackets.

The difference is often less about the garment itself and more about how it is designed and how you choose to wear it.

Is activewear only for exercise?

Not necessarily.

While activewear is designed around movement and physical activity, many modern activewear pieces are also designed with versatility in mind.

That makes them useful for everything from workouts and training to travelling, running errands or simply putting together a comfortable everyday outfit.

This overlap is exactly where activewear and athleisure meet.

Where does Thrivin fit?

At Thrivin, you'll find pieces made for different sides of an active lifestyle - from high-compression leggings and supportive sports bras for training to softer styles for Pilates, studio sessions, walking and days when comfort matters just as much.

Elevate is our high-compression, sculpting collection, with a supportive second-skin feel designed for training and movement. It's made for those who like a more sculpted, secure feel from their activewear.

Essence offers a softer, low-compression feel, designed for Pilates, studio sessions, walking, travel and lower-intensity movement.

And neither has to stay in one setting. A pair of leggings can work just as well with your training kit as they can with an everyday layer, which is where activewear naturally crosses into athleisure.

Because the best pieces aren't necessarily the ones that fit neatly into one category. They're the ones you reach for again and again - whether you're heading to the gym, taking a studio class or getting on with the rest of your day.

So, which one should you choose?

There isn't one category you need to choose over another.

If you're searching for gymwear, you're likely looking for clothing suited to training and workouts.

If you're searching for activewear, you're looking for clothing designed around movement and an active lifestyle.

If you're searching for athleisure, you're probably looking for active or sports-inspired pieces that work just as well outside your workout.

And if you're searching for women's workout clothes, you'll probably find yourself browsing all three.

The terminology can be confusing, but the shopping decision doesn't have to be.

Find the fit you love. Choose the feel that works for you. Then wear it wherever your day takes you.

Train in it. Live in it. Thrive in it.