Fitness is no longer about ‘fitting’ into a societal-set size norm. It’s about self-love and learning to respect your body enough to take care of it. It doesn’t matter where or when you start from, as long as you’re moving in the right direction. Find an activity you love, build your athleisure closet and be your own cheerleader.
Thanks to the recently grown number of homegrown fitness wear labels, you no longer have to burn a hole in your pocket for that perfect sports bra or the stretchiest yoga pants. These indigenous brands are not only providing functionality, they are building a community of fitness lovers who are also mindful of the environment.
Saving you the time, we’ve curated a list of six indie athleisure brands that will check all the boxes
Conceptualised in Bangalore, Proyog was started with the idea to eradicate plastic from the practice of yoga. Their fabric is sustainable and breathable, inspired by nature. Keeping functionality as their focal point, the label makes sure you can stretch comfortably while practising different asanas.
What We Love:Â The key styles of this activewear brand is influenced by the traditional yoga attire, and each piece is named after ancient transcripts of yoga. Apart from clothing, the label offers yoga mats made out of jute, natural rubber and neem woodblock, alongside other yoga accessories.
Stretchery was launched nine years ago when there was a dearth in India's homegrown activewear scene, becoming the first ethical athleisure brand. Built on the sustainable module, all the fitness gears are created without chemicals and non-toxic dyes. Solid coloured tank tops, joggers, t-shirts and bralettes are their best sellers.Â
What We Love: The garments are made using friendly materials like organic cotton and bamboo. The cotton is sourced largely from a farmer’s cooperative following organic farming practices. Thereby contributing towards soil conservation, cleaner water, maintenance of rich biodiversity and reduced use of pesticides and Gmo seeds. From production to packaging, the label is 100% plastic-free.
Made out of organic cotton, Satva is the ideal label for environment-conscious women. With trendy designs and prints, the fitness-wear brand balances it's an ecological principle without compromising on style. Flexible leggings, muscle t-shirts, racer-back sports bras are some of their best sellers.Â
What We Love: Satva’s parent company Suminter India Organics (SIO) along with the label are on a mission to create a symbiotic balance between people, planet, production, profits and social stewardship. The plan is to support the economic development of impoverished farming communities and improve the global environment.
Aarti and Ajit Virwani started Tuna Active in the year 2014, keeping wellness and inclusivity as the building blocks of the brand. It is a size-inclusive brand, starting from XS and going up to 3XL with customisations as required by the customers. It's about celebrating bodies as they are not as they should be. The designs are fresh and eclectic with pops of neons and cut-out details.Â
What We Love: Besides being size-inclusive, the label is mindful of India’s unique climatic conditions and demographic needs. The range of clothing is endurance tested and humidity resistant.
The brainchild of Sunishka Goenka, Myriad Activewear was launched in 2017. It is a womenswear brand launched with a versatile design philosophy. The outfits can easily transform from office to CrossFit, spin to sushi, and barre to bar. Their collections comprise a mix of transparent jackets, racer crop tops, tanks, tees, joggers, and more.Â
What We Love:Â Inspired by the street-style in London, the brand wants to juxtapose fitness-wear with high-street, serving multi-functional aesthetic. Contrasting the regular solid coloured athleisure module, Myriad experiments with colour-blocked designs, cool prints and geometric lines.
Kica Active was launched by Aneesha Labroo, who wanted to amp up the fitness wear quotient in India by making it trendy and stylish. Cropped t-shirts, funky sports bras and mismatched separates add an extra element of spunk to this contemporary label.Â
What We Love:Â Despite the creative cuts and distinct colour palette, the brand lays emphasis on high-quality fabrics, seamless construction and affordable pricing, making fitness fun for everyone.