The best activewear and sportswear shops in London

What on earth did fashion-loving fitness fans do before Selfridges’ Body Studio came along? Not only is the department store’s 3rd-floor activewear temple a one-stop shop for some of the most cutting edge international brands out there – including Ultracor, Lucas Hugh and P.E Nation, plus French Connection's FIT – it also has an admirable focus on kitting out women of all shapes and sizes. Bravo!

High-street hero H&M can always be counted on for its small but perfectly formed collection of style-led fitness clobber for men and women. While there’s the odd gimmick, the majority of the range is clean-lined, understated and functional – and, importantly, made in a range of neutral colours that’ll look good together, both in and out of the gym.

Guys and gals who like their gymwear to make a statement will find lots to love in River Island’s street-style-inspired RI Active range. From astro prints to cheeky neon accents, pieces here could easily take you from a workout to a night out on the town. It’s not all style over substance, mind – much of the range has nifty technical features, too.

Not only do they run a range of much-hyped fitness classes, Frame studios – founded by a dynamic female duo – stock a great selection of gym gear too. This includes their hip in-house label, Move Your Frame, that often hooks up with other brands for exclusive collabs. Its collection with Whistles was a huge hit, and its recent maternity wear range with Mamas & Papas guarantees pregnant women the best-dressed bumps around.

Unsurprisingly, given its obscene size, Toppers’ Oxford Street behemoth sells a considerable selection of clothing that can be worn at the gym. Their standout activewear range is Ivy Park, the one it co-launched with Beyoncé – head here for Queen Bey’s sassy selection of workout staples designed to support and flatter the female bod.

Catering for a whopping variety of activities, this sports superstore is an endlessly affordable place to head for women’s and men’s activewear and accessories. It sells well-known brands, often at a discount, as well as its own exclusive lines (we love the Kalenji running range, that looks far more expensive than it is) – so whether it’s workout leggings, yoga gear or a ski jacket you’re after, you’ll find it under this vast roof.

As with much of Gap’s product, its GapFit sports and activewear line is classic, comfy and great-fitting. It caters for activities like running, yoga, dance and more. We’re particular fans of the sturdy sports bras, and the men’s range features a smart selection of technical jersey pieces.

Stocking an impressive range of some 40+ sports and activewear brands – covering training, running, pilates, yoga and more – this Chelsea spot is a go-to for those who want to sweat in style. The Sports Edit has a carefully curated mix both of established and emerging labels for men and women, ranging from Stella McCartney to Under Armour and LNDR. Gym selfies are almost OK if you’re this well dressed.

London-born Zakti is a relative newcomer to the fitness wear scene, but a welcome one, thanks to its reasonably priced range of technically-sophisticated clobber and accessories. The men’s offering is particularly slick-looking, with smart features like sweat-wicking and water resistance.

What started online as a popular women’s athleisure retailer became a permanent King’s Road shop in 2016. This spot houses more than 30 cherry-picked (and oh-so-stylish) international brands, including the Hadid sisters’ fave Alo Yoga, plus Lorna Jane, Varley and more. It also hosts a range of in-store events and classes, ranging from HIIT to Hip Hop Yoga.