8 Sportswear Brands to Know

By redefining running and capitalizing on a resurgence in popularity of the sport as a leisure activity, Paris-based Satisfy Running has become known for a combination of grunge design ethos and high-performance materials with unique approaches to solving the problems of ventilation.

Satisfy sets itself apart from more traditional running brands by keeping the technology it uses aesthetically in line with its brand. Their trademark ‘MothTech’ ventilation looks more akin to a thrashed vintage tee than something truly technical, despite being incredibly specific and painstakingly developed for breathability. ‘MothTech,' along with the micro-perforated, moisture-wicking ‘CloudMerino’ cold weather garments, takes the form of playful graphic-print t-shirts (most famously emblazoned with ‘Running Cult Member’) and tie-dyed hoodies. Running in Satisfy is sure to be an effortlessly cool yet comfortable experience.

Definitely not one of those under the radar options, Nike is a globally recognised sportswear brand that isn’t going to surprise anyone with its inclusion on this list. From revolutionary running shoes that give such high-performance improvements that they have been banned from competitive events, to quality training gear that bears the swoosh seal of dedication to design that has made Nike the goliath that it is today, there's a reason the brand is a significant player in almost every sportswear sub-category.

Classic French style blended with deeply functional sportswear has made Lacoste a staple presence on tennis courts globally. Relying on timeless aesthetics and fabrics like piqué cotton, but also embracing modernity and technical, moisture-wicking material, Lacoste represents the flexibility of sportswear. As a brand that works on and off the court, Lacoste’s designer collections (notably under Louise Trotter, now heading to Bottega Veneta) carry its heritage confidently into 2025, while preserving the core functionality that built its legacy.

Blazing a trail in the yoga and athleisure space, Alo has blended high-performance with a minimal, streetwear-leaning aesthetic. The function-meets-form and worldbuilding Alo have achieved has earned them celebrity co-signs and a dedicated base of fitness enthusiasts, while also giving the Alo hoodie a spot in The Lyst Index's hottest products for Q1. The brand offers a modern approach to yoga gear, from subdued colors to ultra-minimal branding that feels distinct from other yoga-focused brands in the space.

Another sportswear brand that features in The Lyst Index for Q1 — this time as a new entry into the hottest brands — ON made a significant name for themselves by producing running trainers that feature their innovative CloudTec cushioning, which is highly responsive and adapts to runners' individual movements. Sleek silhouettes and impressive brand campaigns have made the relatively new brand a real player in the sportswear industry.

A mindful approach to physical well-being defines LA-based running brand District Vision, which sits in the sweet spot between sporty and stylish and has been attracting collaborators like Story MFG and Post Archive Faction, along with more established sportswear giants like New Balance. The brand’s Keiichi sunglasses are a cult favorite, engineered to reduce glare and increase clarity in the bright Californian sun.

Another running favorite, Hoka made a name for itself with ultra-cushioned sneakers that have a lightweight construction and soles that aid in forward-pushing momentum. The brand has become a favorite for collaborators, both luxury and otherwise, from Marni to Satisfy. Hoka’s range of footwear extends beyond running, with styles like the Kaha 3 demonstrating the brand’s ability to apply their technical-focused performance to hiking-ready options, too.

Starting as a skiwear brand, Salomon has experienced an explosion in recent years thanks to the XT-6 becoming a poster-shoe for the ‘gorpcore’ aesthetic. The trend highlighted hiking gear, outdoor-ready fabrics, and brands that prioritized technical performance and rugged style. Salomon successfully capitalized on the movement with its practical design ethos, offering footwear and jackets built with GORE-Tex and other weather-resistant materials.