Committing to anything-let alone, a fitness routine can be strenuous. Many people are embarking on their fitness journey for the new year, but studies show that most people start ditching their resolutions by early March. That doesn’t have to be you!
There are many ways to motivate yourself when you’re dreading your workout, but for me, a cute fit will always get me to the gym. So read on to check out some cool black-owned brands in the fitness world to support yourself and our community.
Zoezi Sport
A love letter to Kenya, this fashion fitness brand boasts a large selection of clothes for all ages and gender expressions. Zoezi, meaning exercise in Swahili, is the first of many references to founder Yvonee Bulimo’s Kenyan roots. Most of her collection names reference her heritage, such as Ngozi, MaruMaru, and Mapenzi.
This brand is open to bold prints, but you can find many cultural prints, but if that’s not your style, there are plenty of clothing items in stunning earth tones. Their clothing is also affordable, with most items priced under $100.
Finding sports bras that are cute and functional can be a challenge, but Zoezi offers over twenty different styles, many of which can be worn outside of the gym, like their Mapezi cut out bra.
Zuri MaruMaru Leggings
EleVen by Venus Willians
Everybody knows Venus Williams. And while she’s taken a break from playing for the time being, she continues to dominate. Her brand EleVen features colorful skirts and dresses you can take straight to the tennis court.
The athlete-led brand houses a collection of sets with skirts, leggings, and shorts. No matter what type of workout you’re into, you can find something to fit your needs.
Venus is no stranger to the activewear space and understands the importance of flexibility and style in her clothing brand.
Switch It Dress In White
Solely Fit
If you love athleisure, this is the brand for you. Solely offers many pieces that can fit into your everyday wardrobe.
This brand is slightly more expensive, but you’re paying for quality and design. Their bodysuits are gorgeous, with stylish cutouts and color block designs. They also have an adorable cutout empowered hoodie with front tie details.
There’s nothing worse than being afraid to squat at the gym. They have some of the best squat-proof leggings around. They also have biker shorts that can easily pair with any sweater for a comfy-casual look.
Freedom Legging
JOJA Activewear
Simplicity is Key with JOJA. Minimal designs are elevated with unique details that make this black-owned fitness apparel brand stand out. Supermodel Jasmine Tookes launched this brand alongside fellow model Josehine Skriver to honor the off-duty model aesthetic.
A crop top is elevated with a unique v-cut accentuating a feminine shape. Their current collection, Gymnasium, pays homage to 70’s fashion with white trim on high-waisted leggings and athletic shorts.
They have an app to access home workouts at all fitness levels if you’re looking for a new at-home workout routine.
Pike Sports Bra
Vertical Activewear
We’ve heard a lot about sustainability in the fashion industry, and this company is the best.
Ethical athleisure is the mission of Vertical. Based in Atlanta, founder Tia Robinson creates on-demand pieces for all body shapes. From sports bras to leggings, this brand dedicates its time to sourcing recycled fabrics to produce activewear in the most sustainable way possible.
One of the main concerns with on-demand fashion is production time. Between order and delivery, products make it to doors within two weeks. They even offer the option to produce your custom, sustainable collection within 90 days.
Luka Fit
Community is a massive part of their brand DNA. Owner Mbali Ndlov created this brand out of the need for a sense of sisterhood through fitness. In addition to producing high-quality activewear, Luka celebrates fellow women’s fitness journeys.
You don’t have to fear squatting in Luka’s leggings. This black-owned activewear brand prides itself on producing thick, opaque leggings and bike shorts. They also offer tops and sports bras in bright colors that make you stand out.
Comfort is critical, and Luka offers high-waisted designs to keep you feeling supported through your workout. They also have adorable prints of black women doing yoga poses that you have to see.
Bold Crop Top in White
Farever Art
Scrolling through Farever’s site feels like walking through an art museum. As a watercolorist, owner Faren Collins sells paintings that can be printed onto athletic wear. Who doesn’t want to match their walls?
Designs are printed on leggings, yoga mats, sports bras, fashion-forward workout tops, and more. On the website, each painting is displayed next to its respective activewear pieces to show how her art transfers to clothing.
This allows the viewer to see the design through their eyes, making it a more personal experience.
Unisex Jacket
OYA Femtech Apparel
The origin of this brand pulls at the heartstrings of many women. Founder Mitchella Gilbert spent years in and out of gynecologist offices without knowing how to combat her recurring vaginal health issues.
As an athlete, it was discovered that excess moisture was the main contributing factor for her. This inspired her to create sweat-resistant yoga pants and leggings. In addition, OYA hosts a wide range of performance-driven fabrics like antimicrobial mesh to keep you dry throughout your workout.
They also offer liners that can be inserted into their leggings and shorts to provide advanced moisture protection and have worked with over 20 doctors to ensure their products are ph friendly.
Power Shorts
Yitty Shapewear
Created by musician and pop icon Lizzo, this brand is a breath of fresh air for black women looking for inclusive sizing. However, style is never sacrificed, with sizes up to 6X with fun prints and diverse silhouettes.
Lizzo has been vocal about the importance of body positivity from the start. She’s making her mark in the wellness industry by reminding us that health and wellness take many physical forms.
Yitty has various intimates, shapewear, and activewear, including high-shine bodysuits like the one shown below. So whether you want to make a statement with bold patterns or play it neutral, there are plenty of options. The singer is also conscious of financial accessibility, offering most of her products at affordable prices.
Shaping Mid Thigh Bodysuit
Pru Apparel
Even more than fashion, PRU is a lifestyle brand. PRU stands for power, representation, and unity of African culture. Born out of the frustrations around racial inequality towards the black community, owner Ebonique Hewing wanted to create a safe space for women of color fitness.
Every piece in their knockout line showcases African-inspired leggings as a symbol of pride and heritage. In addition, they offer matching sets, sports bras, and bodysuits.
PRU offers quality clothing without the corporate feel. In addition, Ebonique goes to social media to talk about her mental health journey and offer affirmations to her community.
Ashanti Leggings
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