Working-out has never looked (and felt) so good. These New York-based fitness experts are sharing their top brand picks on what you should wear to get your sweat on in style.

Splits59

Beth Nicely, Founder of The Limit recommends Splits59. “I began my career as a professional dancer 20 years ago, which includes 6 Broadway shows, dancing with the Radio City Rockettes, and choreographing for feature films. In addition, I have worked professionally in the fitness industry for 15 years,” she says.

Her fitness and wellness philosophy is based on her education in functional training and internal health. “My NASM certifications include Pre/Postnatal Fitness, Women’s Fitness, Corrective Exercise, and Youth Fitness,” she explains. Since The Limit incorporates Strength training, HIIT, and circuit training with dance cardio (used as our source of sustained cardio), she cites that Splits59 is ideal for all these activities: “Splits59 has the best fabric that is light and sweat-wicking. Anything can handle a light workout but it’s a really good brand if it can hold up tto the hard workouts that I do all day long on a daily basis and Splits59 is it.”

Nicely’s top picks:

“The Ella Airweight bra and leggings are a personal favorite (my daughter’s name is Ella so I might be biased on the name). It’s made of their Airweight fabric which has a ‘barely there’ feel while being supportive and supremely comfortable. Also, their signature stripes make it uniquely Splits59.”

“This Rigor bra and leggings is amazing and feels great when doing a hard workout (it is sweat-wicking and light). It provides a mid-level compression while having a super luxe hand feel and fit. Their signature color blocked stripes add a chic touch. Lastly, you can wear this in cold or hot weather.”

Garage Clothing

Emma Rumberg, a Certified Pilates Instructor is former professional contemporary dancer and has been teaching Pilates for about 8 years in NYC. “Movement has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I strongly believe in its ability to heal, empower, and invigorate the body and mind! I value a functional movement approach to fitness focused on building strength and knowledge within an inclusive environment.”

For these reasons, she recommends Garage Clothing for her workout-related needs: “I appreciate the affordable price point as I believe effective activewear should be more accessible overall. I love the flattering and unique cuts and the ability to easily mix and match items. I’m always looking for activewear that is not only comfortable to move in, but makes me feel excited to wear—it motivates me!”

Rumberg’s top picks:

Look one — SoftActive Flare Leggings with Piping with Sleek Longline Tube Top in bright white, and black Crewneck Snap Cardigan.

Look two — SoftTerry High Rise 80’s Short in cloudberry purple with SoftActive Plunge Bodysuit in armadillo brown.

Look three — SoftActive Cassie Romper in armadillo brown with UltraFleece Boxy Full Zip Hoodie in english mano blue.

“The lightweight compression and non-slippery materials are perfect for Pilates since it involves exercises in a variety of positions and use of the equipment. Their activewear uses stretchy material that allows for ease in range of motion, but the compression keeps the garment in place,” she explains. She says that she also value clothing brands that make an effort to be more inclusive (with sizing) all-around, “everyone deserves to feel good and comfortable while working out,” Rumberg adds.

Monday Body

Jacqui Kingswell, a celebrity pilates trainer and co-founder of The Pilates Class (TPC) recommends Monday Body, whom she collaborated with on a limited edition drop: “ This was such a natural fit because we both believe in creating pieces that support women in their strength and confidence without compromising on beauty or performance. These pieces celebrates the female form with designs that highlight curves and lines, paired with technical construction to ensure maximum support and comfort,” she says.

Additionally, she explains that this collection is designed with movement in mind. “The stretch fabric allows full range of motion, whether you’re flowing through a workout or holding a deep stretch. The compression is supportive but never restrictive, giving you that ‘held-in’ feeling without limiting mobility. Plus, the sweat-wicking material keeps you comfortable no matter how intense the session gets. It’s the perfect blend of style and performance, so you can focus on your workout without adjusting your outfit,” she explains.

Lastly, she says that Monday Body’s focus on fit, function, and timeless style perfectly align with TPC’s philosophy of movement that makes you feel good inside and out.

Kingswell’s top picks:

‘The Hudson Bra paired with the Acadia Legging. The design team are incredible and work really hard to ensure the fit is perfect – it sculpts, supports, and moves with you effortlessly.”

“I also love the Yosemite Top for layering before and after class with the Outpost Bra.’’

Bombshell Sportswear

Jessy Fofana, Founder and CEO of LaRue (and self-proclaimed die-hard gym fanatic who trains 5-6 days a week with calisthenics training) says that Bombshell Sportswear is her go-to for chic athletic attire. “Quite simply, the female-found brand makes apparel that just makes you look amazing while being durable, squat proof and long lasting. Whenever I wear anything from the collection, especially the shorts, I get stopped and asked what brand I have on. I honestly think the bottoms are magic and have butt enhancing superpowers,” she offers.

Fofana’s top picks:

Look one — Tiny Waist shorts in sage + Fit Fam Active tee in sage.

Look two — Fit Fam Active tee in cherry bomb + Smooth Leggings in cherry bomb.

“These eco-friendly designs mold to your figure, while being made for your most intense workouts. In fact, I would argue that Bombshell gear is indestructible. I strength train and put my clothing to the test. It wears well, washes well and the colors and fabric stay bright and never lose elasticity,” she explains. Fofana says that Bombshell is also fashion-forward, “the brand is always coming out with fun, new silhouettes and styles. With color palettes I don’t see anywhere else. I exercise a lot and buy from a few brands but always find my favorites are from Bombshell. I love the sage green set I shared above and was DM’d so many times from women asking about it when I had posted in it on IG.”

Lululemon

Nofar Hagag, Founder of Nofar Method — is a Pilates studio dedicated to promoting wellness through an upscale and creative approach to fitness. “In being driven by a passion for body awareness, strength, and overall well-being, I created a unique Pilates methodology that seamlessly integrates full-body strength, flexibility, and movement to empower both body and mind,” she explains.

Hagag says that because her wellness philosophy is about pilates being more than just physical strength to create harmony between mind and body, that wearing Lululemon makes sense because the core values between both enterprises are aligned. “Lululemon has a brand philosophy rooted in mindfulness, self-care, and wellness—all principles that mirror with Nofar Method. Their commitment to promoting physical and mental well-being, along with their focus on elevating the practice of yoga, Pilates, and other mindful movements, is something I value,’’ says Hagag.

Hagag’s top picks:

Look one — Lululemon Define Jacket Nulu + Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 28 + Hold Tight Long-Sleeve Shirt

Look two — Wunder Train Strappy Racer Bra Light Support+Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 28″

Look three — Lululemon Align™ Strappy Ribbed Bodysuit 25″

“Lululemon is known for its high-quality, functional activewear that is specifically designed for performance. As someone who works in the fitness and movement world, I appreciate the durability, comfort, and flexibility that Lululemon products offer. Pilates, as a practice that emphasizes controlled movement, requires clothing that supports the body while allowing for freedom of movement,” she explains.

She adds that their fabrics are designed with excellent stretch and recovery, ensuring the clothing moves with you and allows full range of motion during exercises like forward bends and twists. “This stretchiness helps prevent restriction while also supporting your muscles during challenging poses,” Hagag says. Additionally, she says that Lululemon fabrics are equipped with moisture-wicking properties that help keep you dry by pulling sweat away from the skin, “this helps maintain comfort and prevents chafing, which is crucial when you’re moving through long sequences or holding positions for extended periods.”