Britain’s Post-Pandemic Wardrobe
Britain’s post-pandemic wardrobe has made activewear its uniform. These comfortable pieces are no longer just the go-to for workouts, but also for coffee dates, errands, dog walks, and even first dates. Leggings, once a functional afterthought, now form the basis of everyday clothing. New research from Primark highlights this, showing that almost half of Brits feel safer in gym clothes than other clothing, and almost two thirds also wear them outside of training.
The Rise of Activewear
While there is strong demand for activewear outside of the studio, 78 percent of shoppers say high prices are preventing them from buying the pieces they really want as the market is dominated by luxury brands. That’s one of the reasons why singer Rita Ora chose to collaborate with Primark on the new performance collection, creating affordable, trend-conscious activewear that can move between the studio and the street.
Key Features of the Collection
For Ora, it is important that all items are breathable. The fabrics are light and ventilated, for warmth and movement rather than static posturing. For the leggings and sports bras, Ora ensured that the design is “seamless and form-fitting, so it feels like butter against the skin.” Crucially, they are designed to work with the equipment you already own. “I always wear my gym clothes under my clothes, so it was very important to me that everything worked as a layering piece,” she says.
Top Picks from the Collection
Here are the five best pieces from the collection that you can get your hands on.
Active Flare Leggings in Chocolate, £13
The hero of the collection and current bestseller, the flared leggings are a clear nod to the fashion-first direction that activewear is taking. The chocolate hue appears rich and grown-up, the perfect replacement for black and a far cry from the heather grays and neon tones that once dominated gym floors. The flare lengthens the leg and gives it the energy of a “real outfit.” Paired with a trench coat and sneakers, they look like you could wear Tala or Gymshark.
Performance Mid-Rise Leggings in Black, £12
You can’t go wrong with black leggings, and these are certainly the most versatile pieces in the collection. The supportive mid-rise waistband flatters without being restrictive, creating a flattering silhouette that hits just above your belly button. Additionally, similar to some Lululemon leggings, these feature pockets – perfect for stashing your phone, hair ties, or bobby pins while you work out.
Active Cropped Vest in Red, £9
The Active Crop Vest is one of the most wearable pieces in the collection – lightly supportive, softly structured and cut more like a crop top than a traditional sports bra – this piece feels perfect for both the gym and coffee outings. The color is also the highlight of the range, with a bright red nod to the 2026 trend palette that was seen on the runways of Chanel, Valentino and Gucci during Fashion Weeks in September.
Cropped Sweater with Exposed Seams in Cream, £16
The hoodies and jackets are perhaps the clearest expression of the collection’s intent: comfortable, wearable and on-trend. The standout layer is the cropped sweater with visible seams, which subtly nods to the 1980s shoulder pad revival with its exaggerated shoulders. The raised hem gives the top a lifted line that’s reminiscent of the decade’s classic power dressing without being too retro.
Short Lightweight Jacket in Red, £22
The most expensive of our top picks – and still under the £25 mark – is the cropped, lightweight jacket. Available in both red and cream, this piece appears to be a contemporary nod to the current appetite for statement outer layers. The bright red gives the piece presence, while the clean lines mean it’s easy to wear over almost any outfit. Due to the cropped cut, it goes best with higher-waisted pants that balance the proportions.
