The 8 Best Athleisure Brands of 2026

From workout sets to recovery wear, these are the best athleisure brands for frequent fliers, tried and tested by our travel editors.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Every frequent flier knows that athleisure is a key part of any versatile travel wardrobe. Straddling the line of athletic apparel and loungewear, athleisure is what we reach for when we're heading to the airport or hotel gym, exploring a new city on foot, or working from home. Travel + Leisure editors personally own several of the items included here, and highly recommend them after rigorously testing them for comfort, durability, performance, and overall value, both in our lab and during our real-life travels.

Why it matters

As longtime athleisure aficionados, we've pulled together our top recommendations for brands that carry our favorite pieces. These athleisure brands offer fashionable, functional pieces that are perfect for travel days, workouts, and lounging around, thanks to their soft and often sweat-wicking fabrics.

The details

From workout sets to recovery wear, the best athleisure brands for frequent fliers include Alo, Spanx, Athleta, Beyond Yoga, Vuori, Lululemon, Aviator Nation, and Old Navy. These brands are known for their comfortable, versatile, and high-quality athleisure pieces that can be worn for a variety of activities, from the gym to the office to a night out.

  • The article was published on February 20, 2026.

The players

Alo

An athleisure brand that offers fashionable, functional pieces perfect for travel days, workouts, and lounging around, with soft and often sweat-wicking fabrics.

Spanx

An athleisure brand that designs travel-ready pieces with performance fabrics, including breathable material, four-way stretch, and built-in compression.

Athleta

An athleisure brand that focuses on performance fabrics with sweat-wicking, odor-repelling, and quick-drying properties, making their pieces ideal for sweaty workouts and busy travel days.

Beyond Yoga

An athleisure brand that prioritizes comfort and movement, with a focus on their ultra-soft Spacedye line of fabrics.

Vuori

An athleisure brand that offers versatile, travel-friendly pieces that can be worn to the office, the airport, or date night.

Lululemon

A leading athleisure brand that offers a wide range of apparel for both men and women, including shirts, sports bras, jackets, leggings, and sweats.

Aviator Nation

An athleisure brand that channels 1970's California surf culture, with vintage-inspired sweatpants and hoodies that have a lived-in feel.

Old Navy

An athleisure brand known for its affordable and durable wardrobe staples, including leggings, dresses, and tanks, available in a range of sizes and lengths.

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What they’re saying

“Everything I've worn from Spanx—including leggings, bike shorts, sports bras, and jeggings—has been so high quality and comfortable.”

— Hillary Maglin, updates editor (Travel + Leisure)

“I love how the pieces feel like cozy loungewear, but they look luxe enough to wear out and about without anyone knowing how comfortable I actually am.”

— Anna Popp, associate editor (Travel + Leisure)

“These pants are so comfortable but look very put together. They're easy to throw on for work, events, or just running errands. They stay looking polished no matter how rough the wears get and how many times they're washed.”

— Lydia Price, senior engagement editor (Travel + Leisure)

“I think Beyond Yoga's Spacedye fabric is the most comfortable fabric for situations that could go from ath- to leisure and back again. It's incredibly soft but still breathable so you can wear it walking around town but could also stay cozy on a flight.”

— Morgan Ashley Parker, associate editorial director (Travel + Leisure)

“From leggings for working out to cozy loungewear, everything I own from Vuori is made with super high-quality and long-lasting materials.”

— Anna Popp, associate editor (Travel + Leisure)

The takeaway

The best athleisure brands offer versatile, high-quality pieces that can seamlessly transition from the gym to everyday wear, making them ideal for frequent travelers who want to pack light and stay comfortable. These brands prioritize performance fabrics, thoughtful design, and inclusive sizing to cater to a wide range of lifestyles and body types.