Activewear Brands -- Who Makes the Performance Kit
Fabric and fit tell you most of what a performance garment can do, but the maker matters too -- each activewear brand has spent years perfecting one corner of the field. This hub introduces the brands we stock, from running and trail specialists to outdoor and studio names, explaining what each is known for and where it sits. It links to the individual brand guides and the flagship activewear types guide.
Running & Trail
On Running
Swiss running specialist known for cushioned, modern design.
The brand
On is a Swiss brand famous for its CloudTec cushioning in footwear, with a clean, modern apparel range of lightweight running tops, shorts, tights and jackets designed to match its shoes. The apparel shares the brand's minimal, performance-led aesthetic. See the On Running brand guide and technology guide.
Why it matters
On suits runners who want coordinated, design-led kit with genuine performance. Browse the On Running collection and jackets, and read the beginners guide.
Salomon
French mountain-sport brand built for the trail.
The brand
Salomon is a French brand rooted in mountain and trail sport, making technical trail-running, hiking and outdoor apparel engineered for rough terrain and changeable weather. Its kit is durable, weather-ready and built around real mountain use. See the Salomon brand guide and technology guide.
Why it matters
Salomon is the choice for trail runners and hikers who need rugged, capable kit. Explore the Salomon clothing and read the trail running beginners guide.
Outdoor Performance
The North Face
The benchmark outdoor brand for waterproof performance.
The brand
The North Face is a leading outdoor brand known for technical waterproof and insulated jackets using membranes such as Futurelight and DryVent, plus WindWall windproofs and FlashDry moisture management. Its range spans serious mountain kit to everyday outdoor wear. See the North Face brand guide and sizing guide.
Why it matters
The North Face is a dependable pick for waterproof, all-weather performance. Browse The North Face collection and jackets, and see the best jackets guide.
Berghaus
British outdoor heritage with serious waterproofing.
The brand
Berghaus is a British outdoor brand with decades of mountain heritage, known for reliable waterproof jackets, insulation and hillwalking kit at strong value. It is a trusted name for UK hill and trail conditions. See the Berghaus brand guide and quality guide.
Why it matters
Berghaus offers dependable British outdoor performance without the top-tier price. Browse the Berghaus collection and compare in the Berghaus vs North Face vs Barbour guide.
Peak Performance
Swedish technical brand for ski and mountain.
The brand
Peak Performance is a Swedish brand specialising in technical ski and mountain wear, known for high-quality insulated jackets, shell layers and refined outdoor styling that works on the slopes and in town. It blends Scandinavian design with serious performance. See the Peak Performance brand guide and skiing guide.
Why it matters
Peak Performance suits skiers and outdoor wearers who want technical kit with clean style. Browse the Peak Performance collection and read the ski review guide.
Studio, Gym & Everyday
PE Nation
Australian premium activewear with bold design.
The brand
PE Nation is an Australian premium activewear label known for bold, fashion-led design across leggings, jackets, hoodies and tops, combining technical performance with a distinctive sporty-luxe look. It bridges the gym and the street. See the PE Nation leggings guide.
Why it matters
PE Nation is for those who want statement activewear that performs. Browse PE Nation leggings and jackets, and compare in the PE Nation vs Sweaty Betty vs Red Run guide.
Sweaty Betty
British women's activewear built around fit.
The brand
Sweaty Betty is a British women's activewear brand celebrated for its leggings and studio-to-street range, with a strong focus on flattering fit, supportive technical fabrics and versatile design for yoga, gym and everyday wear. See the Sweaty Betty brand guide and sizing guide.
Why it matters
Sweaty Betty is a leading choice for women's leggings and studio wear. Browse Sweaty Betty and leggings, and read the is it worth it guide.
Red Run
Accessible everyday activewear and athleisure.
The brand
Red Run offers accessible, contemporary activewear and athleisure -- leggings, tops and casual sportswear that bring a sporty look and comfortable performance at an approachable price. It is an easy entry point into the category.
Why it matters
Red Run is a strong choice for good-value everyday activewear. Browse the Red Run activewear collection and the mens range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best activewear brand?
There is no single best brand -- it depends on the activity. For road running, On Running offers cushioned, design-led kit; for trail and mountain, Salomon is built for rough terrain. For waterproof outdoor performance, The North Face and Berghaus lead, while Peak Performance excels at ski and technical mountain wear. For women's studio, gym and leggings, Sweaty Betty and PE Nation are standouts, and Red Run covers good-value everyday activewear. The best brand is the one whose specialism matches what you actually do.
Which brand is best for trail running?
Salomon is the standout trail specialist among the brands we stock, with apparel and footwear engineered specifically for off-road terrain, weather protection and mountain use. Its trail kit is durable, grippy and built to cope with mud, rock and changeable conditions. On Running also makes capable trail kit with a more design-led feel. For a full comparison, see the Salomon vs On Running trail guide, and for getting started, the Salomon trail running beginners guide covers kit, technique and route choice.
What is the best brand for waterproof jackets?
For genuinely waterproof performance, The North Face and Berghaus are the strongest picks. The North Face uses advanced membranes such as Futurelight and DryVent for breathable waterproofing across a wide range, from everyday to serious mountain shells. Berghaus brings British outdoor heritage and reliable waterproofing at strong value, well suited to UK hill and trail conditions. Peak Performance is excellent for ski-focused shells. The best choice depends on your budget and how demanding your conditions are -- the best waterproof jackets guide compares them.
Is PE Nation or Sweaty Betty better?
Both are premium women's activewear, but they suit different tastes. PE Nation is Australian, bold and fashion-led, with statement design that stands out in and out of the gym. Sweaty Betty is British and fit-focused, prized for flattering, supportive leggings and versatile studio-to-street pieces. If you want eye-catching, design-driven kit, PE Nation leads; if you prioritise fit, support and everyday versatility, Sweaty Betty is hard to beat. The PE Nation vs Sweaty Betty guide compares them directly.
Which activewear brand is best value?
Among the brands we stock, Red Run offers the most accessible price for everyday activewear and athleisure, making it a strong entry point. Berghaus delivers excellent value in outdoor performance, offering reliable waterproofing for far less than top-tier mountain brands. For premium kit, On Running, Salomon, The North Face, Peak Performance, PE Nation and Sweaty Betty cost more but deliver specialist performance and durability. Best value depends on how hard and how often you will use the kit -- match the spend to the use.