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Empowering Moves: The Best Black-Owned Activewear Brands

Discover innovative, stylish, and inclusive Black-owned brands that redefine activewear for every body, background, and workout routine.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Discover innovative, stylish, and inclusive Black-owned brands that redefine activewear for every body, background, and workout routine.

In recent years, Black-owned activewear brands have not only elevated the style conversation but also spotlighted inclusivity, representation, and innovation in the fitness and fashion industries. As the line between activewear and everyday attire blurs, these brands have carved out a dynamic, culturally-rich niche that is as empowering as it is stylish. Whether you’re hitting the gym, engaging in yoga, or sporting athleisure on busy days, supporting these activewear leaders is both a fashionable and meaningful choice.

Why Black-Owned Activewear Brands Matter

Representation: Celebrating Black bodies, cultures, and unique identities ensures the activewear space is truly inclusive and empowering for all.
Innovation & Design: Fresh, culturally inspired styles and functional fits often cater to diverse sizes, shapes, and hair textures, filling gaps in mainstream offerings.
Community Empowerment: These brands often invest back into their communities and drive conversations beyond fashion, including activism and entrepreneurship.

Top Black-Owned Activewear Brands Transforming the Industry

Let’s explore leading Black-owned activewear brands, each bringing their distinctive style, mission, and story to the world of fitness and athleisure.

Actively Black

Founder: Lanny Smith, a former pro basketball player.

Highlights: Actively Black blends performance-focused sportswear with culture-rich streetwear. With a mission to uplift the Black community, their collections range from luxury sweats to athletic gear and exclusive collaborations, such as outfitting the Nigerian Olympic team. Their dedication extends beyond clothing, with initiatives promoting health, wellness, and social justice.

Extensive size range supports inclusivity.
Premium materials optimized for workouts and everyday wear.
Direct investments in community and wellness initiatives.

Roam Loud

Founder: Toyin Omisore, Liberian-Nigerian American social worker.

Highlights: Focused exclusively on women’s activewear, Roam Loud is renowned for Africa-inspired designs, bold colors, and fabrics that complement darker skin tones. Retail partners include REI, CorePower Yoga, and Kohl’s, expanding visibility for Black-designed fitness fashion.

Culturally-rooted naming and design details.
High performance, flattering fits for all body types.
Makes empowerment and representation central to the brand.

Solely Fit

Founder: Stefania Okolie, Haitian-Nigerian-American journalist.

Highlights: Solely Fit specializes in body-sculpting silhouettes that empower and celebrate every curve. Their line combines high-quality fabrics with dramatic, statement-making cuts—including jumpsuits and wrap tops—catering especially to dynamic, movement-loving women.

Stylish shapes also serve function and support.
Design collaborations with artists and wellness figures.
Focuses on celebrating movement and body positivity.

LAPP The Brand

Founder: Leomie Anderson, model and activist.

Highlights: LAPP The Brand stands out for bold styles that combine streetwear and activewear influences. The Body Contour Jumpsuit is a bestseller with supportive, body-enhancing features such as adjustable straps, reflective details, and removable padding.

Wide range of sizes (XS–XXL) for every body.
Multifunctional pieces: performance for the gym, style for the street.
Empowering messaging in product and branding.

Vertical Activewear

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Highlights: With a conscious approach to wellness, Vertical Activewear uses plant-based and recycled textiles to promote sustainability. Their classic silhouettes are designed for comfort during yoga, dance, and everyday errands.

Eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Neutral and vibrant colorways for versatile style.
Advocates personal wellness and environmental responsibility.

OTG Athleisure

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Highlights: Proudly Black and veteran-owned, OTG Athleisure provides luxury fitness apparel catering to active women with an on-the-go lifestyle. Their offering bridges comfort, durability, and modern style, encouraging wearers to feel strong and confident during workouts and beyond.

Fashion-forward and functional pieces for all types of movement.
Luxury performance fabrics ensure longevity and style.

STRIPT

Founder: Ari Davis, fashion designer.

Highlights: STRIPT is synonymous with daring, bold activewear fit for both performance and nightlife. The brand’s inclusive size range and eye-catching designs make it a favorite for women looking to express their unique style while staying comfortable.

Statement prints and versatile silhouettes for gym-to-street wear.
Commitment to universal sizing and body inclusivity.

JoJa

Founders: Jasmine Tookes and Josephine Skriver, supermodels.

Highlights: JoJa merges celebrity style with technical athletic performance. Their collections feature sleek, color-blocked sets designed for yoga, high-intensity training, and everything in between.

Celebrity-endorsed range boosts visibility.
High-quality, fashion-driven pieces for performance and leisure.

Zoezi

Founder: Yvonne Bulimo

Highlights: Drawing inspiration from Kenyan and American heritage, Zoezi crafts premium, Afrocentric activewear designed for comfort and motivation. Their designs combine high-tech fabrication with vibrant, creative aesthetics, motivating fitness enthusiasts of every background.

Global inspirations in design and fabric technology.
Focus on fun, joy, and motivation in movement.

EleVen by Venus Williams

Founder: Venus Williams, tennis champion.

Highlights: EleVen by Venus Williams blends performance sportswear with lifestyle fashion. Known for their tennis-inspired collections and diverse sizing, EleVen champions stylish, quality activewear on and off the court.

Transition pieces: ideal from tennis court to yoga studio.
Strong commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Glamourina

Founders: Nekol and Kia

Highlights: This DC-based brand creates sculpting, inclusive athleisure inspired by womanhood and Black wellness. Only launched in 2015, Glamourina quickly became a favorite for women of color seeking style and comfort while breaking a sweat.

Cultural emphasis in design, body-sculpting fits.
Celebrates Black wellness and identity in movement.

Gymwrap

Founder: Nicole Ari Parker, actress and fitness enthusiast.

Highlights: Gymwrap solved a unique problem: hair protection during exercise. The patented head wraps wick away moisture, stay secure through workouts, and suit various hair types and textures.

Practical, stylish solution for active lifestyles.
Pioneering intersection of performance accessories and beauty needs.

What Sets These Brands Apart?

Aside from style and fit, each brand above infuses its activewear with a strong sense of purpose and cultural awareness.

Size inclusivity: Many offer extended size ranges to ensure every body type feels seen and supported.
Sustainability: A growing movement toward eco-friendly textiles and manufacturing processes.
Community advocacy: Initiatives supporting wellness, youth, and social justice are common brand pillars.

Sample Comparison Table: Brand Features Overview

Brand	Best For	Unique Features
Actively Black	Performance + Cultural Impact	Exclusive collaborations, community initiatives
Roam Loud	Women, Cultural Designs	African-inspired, retail partnerships
Solely Fit	Body-Sculpting	High-quality fabrics, statement silhouettes
LAPP The Brand	Street Style	Reflective details, adjustable fits
Vertical Activewear	Sustainable Style	Recycled fabrics, eco mission
STRIPT	Bold Fashion	Standout prints, universal sizing
JoJa	Celebrity Chic	Fashion-forward, athlete-endorsed
Zoezi	Afrocentric Motifs	Modern design, premium feel
EleVen by Venus Williams	Tennis/Performance	Sport-inspired, inclusive size range
Glamourina	Body Sculpting Athleisure	Wellness focus, inclusive fits
Gymwrap	Accessories	Hair protection, moisture wicking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is supporting Black-owned activewear brands important?

Supporting Black-owned brands drives representation, economic empowerment, and the celebration of diverse narratives in fashion and fitness spaces.

Are these brands size-inclusive?

Yes, most featured brands offer extended size ranges, with many explicitly founded to create good fits for every body type.

Do Black-owned activewear brands focus on sustainability?

Many are embracing sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing—Vertical Activewear and JoJa are notable for their environmental commitments.

Where can I buy Black-owned activewear?

Most brands sell directly through their online stores. Additionally, select lines are available via major retailers like REI, Kohl’s, and CorePower Yoga.

What sets Black-owned activewear apart from mainstream brands?

Distinctive design rooted in culture, deeper investment in community causes, size inclusivity, and a purposeful approach to wellness and representation.

How to Choose the Right Brand for You

Assess your workout style: look for brands specializing in yoga, HIIT, tennis, or everyday athleisure.
Consider your values: eco-friendly practices, community engagement, and sizing inclusivity may guide your choice.
Explore color and print options: Bold, neutral, or Afrocentric—there’s a perfect fit for every wardrobe.

Join the Movement: Final Thoughts

Black-owned activewear brands are far more than trendsetters—they are champions of authenticity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Whether you’re seeking technical performance, stylish silhouettes, or meaningful connections to community, these brands offer inspiring options designed for every move, every mood, and every mission.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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