Splits59

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 4 October 2026

The top boutique and independent activewear brands in the USA blend high fashion, technical performance, and limited-edition drops for studio-to-street versatility.

### Top US Boutique & Independent Activewear Brands

- Set Active - Style & Use: Monochromatic statement sets, ribbed fabrics, and lifestyle wear ideal for low-impact workouts like Pilates and daily errands. - Details: Known for signature matching collections like the Sportbody line, with prices generally ranging from $60 to $110 per piece. - Splits59 - Style & Use: Retro-inspired, high-performance yoga and running wear with a chic, vintage aesthetic rooted in Los Angeles. - Details: Famous for ultra-soft airweight bras (~$64) and flare yoga pants, with overall pricing averaging $60 to $130. - 437 - Style & Use: Butter-soft, ultra-flattering fabrics designed to transition effortlessly from travel and lounging to light workouts. - Details: Popular items include The Scoop Neck Bra (~$75) and V Legging (~$75), with most items priced between $70 and $120. - Bandit Running - Style & Use: Premium, community-driven boutique running gear engineered for serious endurance athletes. - Details: Based in New York City, their technical pieces-such as the Stamina High-Waisted Leggings (~$118)-feature specialized sweatproof pockets and reflective branding. - P'tula - Style & Use: Fit-focused, premium activewear designed by fitness trainer Sarah Bowmar, emphasizing seamless comfort and high-compression support. - Details: Highly rated by community reviewers for squat-proof, second-skin leggings, with pricing typically falling between $55 and $95.

If you want to narrow down the right boutique brand, tell me:

- What type of workout or activity you plan to do (running, yoga, weightlifting, or daily athleisure) - Your preferred fit and feel (high compression vs. buttery soft/seamless)

I can recommend the exact brand and signature piece for your needs.

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 4 October 2026

If by “new American activewear brands” you mean newer/smaller U.S. labels that feel more interesting than Nike/Lululemon, there's a strong crop emerging in 2026. Vogue and Business of Fashion are both pointing to a shift toward smaller, community-led, fashion-forward brands. www.vogue.combusinessoffashion-businessoffashion-prod.web.arc-cdn.net

### My shortlist

| Brand | Best for | Why it's interesting | |---|---|---| | Bandit Running | Running | Brooklyn-based, technical running gear with a strong run-club/community culture. | | Literary Sport | Elevated/luxury activewear | One of the freshest names: launched in 2024, with minimalist silhouettes, premium fabrics and a very fashion-editorial feel. www.vogue.com | | SET ACTIVE | Pilates / studio | Coordinated sets, distinctive fabric systems and a very polished LA aesthetic. | | 437 | Fashion-forward studio wear | One of the Gen-Z brands gaining traction through social media; particularly good for sculpted sets and statement colors. www.vogue.combusinessoffashion-businessoffashion-prod.web.arc-cdn.net | | Splits59 | Pilates + serious training | Sleeker and more performance-oriented than the typical “Pilates girl” brand. | | Year of Ours | Fashion/athleisure | LA cool-girl aesthetic with pieces that work outside the gym. | | Wolaco | Men's performance | NYC-born technical men's activewear, especially strong for running and training. | | Janji | Running/outdoor | Boston-based and genuinely performance-focused; particularly good if you actually run rather than just want the look. | | Ciele Athletics | Running | Technical running gear with a more independent, design-conscious identity. | | H-O-R-S-E | Fashion/experimental | A much more unusual take on activewear, deliberately pushing back against the standard synthetic-athleticwear look. |

A particularly interesting distinction: Bandit, Janji and Ciele are the ones I'd investigate if performance matters most; Literary Sport, 437, SET ACTIVE and Year of Ours if fashion is the priority. Emerging brands are increasingly winning by focusing on specific fitness communities rather than trying to be everything to everyone. linkedsourcing.com

### If I were shopping today

Most exciting overall: Literary Sport Best new-school running brand: Bandit Running Best Pilates/studio: SET ACTIVE Best fashion-forward: 437 Best serious running: Janji Best men's option: Wolaco

And there's a broader trend worth watching: activewear is increasingly moving toward “performance + everyday wardrobe”, rather than traditional gym-only clothing. Vogue specifically calls out newer labels like Literary Sport for this overlap. www.vogue.com

If you want, I can also find 10 genuinely under-the-radar U.S. activewear brands (not the usual Alo/Vuori/Set Active list) and rank them by design, quality, price, and hype.

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 4 October 2026

For activewear in Chicago, these are strong picks depending on your needs:

- Vuori - Soft, versatile pieces for training, travel, and everyday wear. - Lululemon - Reliable leggings, yoga gear, running apparel, and technical layers. - Athleta - Women's activewear with inclusive sizing and versatile studio-to-street styles; its Chicago store is on North Southport Avenue. - Nike - Broad selection for running, gym training, basketball, and lifestyle wear. - Alo Yoga - Fashion-forward yoga and athleisure pieces; Chicago yoga retailers have carried Alo alongside brands such as Soybu and Splits59. - Patagonia - Best for hiking, outdoor training, layering, and sustainable technical apparel. - Fleet Feet - Particularly good for running shoes, sports bras, socks, and apparel, with Chicago locations and fitting expertise. - Hoka, Altra, and Merrell - Worth considering for running and outdoor footwear; Chicago running shops commonly stock these brands.

Best overall: Lululemon or Vuori Best for running: Fleet Feet, Nike, Hoka, or Altra Best for yoga: Alo Yoga or Lululemon Best for outdoor activities: Patagonia Best for inclusive women's activewear: Athleta