Here’s Where to Shop for Stylish Activewear in Hong Kong
Whether you’re working out with others in a gym, or doing a solo run along the harbour, sometimes a pair of plain jogging bottoms just won’t do. No, this is Hong Kong, and we like to look and feel our best, even when breaking out a sweat. Where does one go for the best in activewear in the city? We’re here to help.
Rising Lotus
Founder Vivien So merges her love of fashion design and fitness to create her comfortable yet stylish collections for women. Those who like to stand out when doing sun salutations will adore So’s Bohemian Collection, a bold mix of activewear in psychedelic prints. We’re particularly grateful for the foldable waistband shorts in a vibrant watercolour design, which look great worn high-waisted on those not-so-body-confident days, or folded down to show off the results of all those crunches.
Online
Pure Apparel
Founded and headquartered in Hong Kong, Pure Apparel’s popularity has massively grown since its inception in 2002, with 15 stores in HK. The sustainable retailer also outfits active folk in Shanghai, Taipei, Singapore and New York in eco-friendly fabrics incorporating moisture management and odour control, like the Lava Relaxed SS Top with loose bat sleeves. It’s great for stretching out in a Pilates class, and looks good enough to wear out for a post-session coffee date.
Various locations
Caelum Greene
Caelum Greene sells activewear for women from top brands and designers, from Lanston Sport to Body Language Sportswear, both favored by Hollywood celebs who like to SoulCycle in style. Also keeping sustainability in mind, their stores showcase sustainable retail design, and partial proceeds from every purchase, be it a pair of leggings with a cool zig-zag mesh design, or sports bras and crops that are both functional with a touch of sexy, will be donated to Redress.
Pacific Place, Shop 200F, Level L2, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; One Island South, Shops 308-310, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang; 3/F & 4/F Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham Street, Central; 2/F New World Tower 2, 18 Queen’s Road Central, Central
lululemon
Born in Vancouver, Canada with homes across the globe, lululemon’s notable logo is found on a range of women’s and men’s activewear apparel, not just yoga pants, which is what they’re best known for. They’re also a good bet for dancing, running and outdoor gear, particularly the highly coveted Define Jacket Brushed. Fans swear by the versatile number, with sweat-wicking, four-way stretch fabric that’s perfect for Hong Kong rainy runs or humid hikes.
New Town Plaza Phase 1, L4 – Shop 469, 18 Sha Tin Centre Street, Sha Tin; IFC, Shop 1098B, 8 Finance Street, Central; Hysan Place, Shop 104-105, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
RUMI X
Eco-conscious fitness fiends will be drawn to RUMI X, as their manufacturing methods include using recycled plastic bottles, water-based ink dyes and upcycled coffee grounds to make awesome activewear, both in feel and looks. Who knew upcycled coffee grounds combined with yarn materials offer excellent odour control, UV protection and fast drying benefits? Test it for yourself in a colourful Raglan Gym Top or Wings Support Top, the latter with clever deep side pockets so you can easily store your valuables.
Room 1801, 18/F, Waga Commercial Center, 99 Wellington Street, Central and online
Miss Runner
Wearable art meets functional sportswear is this HK-based female activewear label’s maxim. Unique prints coupled with fashionable designs mean you’ll stand out at the gym, so if that’s what you’re after, slip into a pair of Bloom Madness Lace-Up Leggings, with a pretty floral print and lace-up detail on the lower leg to add some flair. Alternatively, light up the streets on your nightly jog with My Shoelace Training Shorts – the digital fluorescent neon print technique glows in the dark, and the built-in briefs are a comfy bonus.
Shop 4-7, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun and online
Lilly Ro
Lilly Ro caters to female “sport fashionistas”, with elegant designs that feel as good as they look. The collection of crops are very becoming but also comfortable, like the All That crop in midnight. The stretch fabric and attractive mesh detailing provide breathability with a hint of flirtation, because you never know who may end up beside you in spin class. Pair it with the matching 7/8 length legging featuring an equally appealing lace-up front.
Online
Titika Active Couture
Another activewear brand that keeps fashion in mind, Titika goes the couture route, combining high-fashion with high-function. They also rely on eco-friendly fabrics to make their sleek athletic apparel, all under ethical working conditions. The two-piece activewear sets are perfect for women for like to work out in comfort and style, including cut-out tops and flattering leggings with eye-catching side detailing.
Online
Popsy Activewear
Conceived by two fitness and fashion fanatics from Hong Kong, Popsy outfits women in carefully curated activewear – they should know, as they try on every item themselves. We really like the Bikram Shorts with adjustable side-string that work well in yoga class, or on the beach. They’re also a breeze to wash and dry, and even easier to get, either picked up for free at MTR stations or delivered straight to your door for a $10 flat fee.
Online
hoya kerry
New to the Hong Kong activewear market, hoya kerry produces eco-friendly performance wear that helps women move in comfort, particularly for the yoga and Pilates lovers out there. They specialise in sports bras that fit and flatter, unlike the bulky, crushing numbers some brands make. Made with recycled fabrics, like a lot of their tops and bottoms, the bras have a signature lining that holds the padding in place, allowing you to work out with ease.
Online or at WELLNESS 360 Gallery 1/F, 1-3 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan
Cotton On
Cotton On does activewear for men and women who aren’t looking for anything too snazzy when they’re breaking a sweat. Stock your gym locker with tops and bottoms in simple prints and soft, drapey fabrics that won’t bust your bank account, many available at 2 for $180. Some items come in extended sizes, like the incredibly comfy Studio Pant for her or the Coar Tech Track Pant for him.
Various locations
Gap
Keep the Gap in mind when looking for women’s and men’s activewear, as they’re more than just jeans and tees. Check out the GapFit range: you may find yourself wearing the GapFit Breathe Crop Pullover Hoodie all the time, as it’s so snuggly and practical, with side seam pockets for your phone, keys and whatnot, and long raglan sleeves with thumb openings. The GapFit running and hiking shorts are also popular, available in different lengths to show off those legs (3 inch shorts)…or not (9 inch shorts).
Various locations
Check out our roundup of the best places to get stylish swimwear in Hong Kong here.
Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London. Her favourite activewear is a pair of lululemon leggings and an old t-shirt.
