What's Next in Activewear? We Asked the Co-Founder of Fabletics
Our take
The activewear landscape continues its fascinating evolution, moving beyond purely functional garments to become a significant player in broader fashion trends. Ginger Ressler’s prediction of elevated activewear and the integration of denim feels remarkably aligned with the current cultural shift toward blurring the lines between workout wear and everyday style. We’ve seen this trend emerge in other areas of beauty and fashion, with creators like Painted by Esther forging new paths in the world of glam and beauty trends Meet Painted by Esther, the Genius Behind Olandria's Signature Glam & TikTok's Viral Blush Trend. Ressler's perspective, coming from a leader at Fabletics, suggests this isn't just a fleeting moment but a more enduring realignment of priorities within the industry. The focus is shifting towards pieces that seamlessly transition from the gym to brunch, from a yoga class to running errands, reflecting a desire for versatility and a rejection of rigid categories. It's about looking put-together and feeling confident, regardless of the activity.
This movement underscores a broader societal change – a greater emphasis on holistic wellness and self-expression. Activewear is no longer solely about performance; it’s about reflecting a lifestyle, a mindset. Ressler's mention of denim is particularly astute. Denim’s inherent versatility and timeless appeal make it a natural fit for this hybrid activewear aesthetic. Imagine a perfectly tailored pair of denim leggings, or a sleek jacket layered over a performance top – the possibilities are endless. This echoes the broader confluence of fashion and athletic wear we’ve observed, exemplified by the anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Cup collections which span everything from skincare to streetwear The Top 2026 World Cup Collections, From Skin Care to Streetwear. The integration of these elements speaks to a consumer who demands both functionality and style, a demand that brands are increasingly responding to. Furthermore, recent conversations around personal health journeys, such as those surrounding PCOS, highlight the importance of understanding and addressing individual needs – a principle that can and should extend to the clothing we choose I Have PCOS, and Here's How I Feel About Its New Name.
The quiet luxury aesthetic, which has been steadily gaining traction, also plays a significant role in this evolution. Consumers are moving away from overtly branded sportswear and seeking pieces with understated elegance and superior quality. The focus is on fabrics, fit, and construction, not flashy logos. Elevated activewear, with its emphasis on premium materials and sophisticated design, perfectly embodies this trend. Ressler’s vision aligns with a desire for investment pieces that can be worn across multiple settings and seasons. This isn’t about disposable fast fashion; it’s about building a curated wardrobe of versatile, high-quality items. It speaks to a level of intentionality that resonates with a consumer base increasingly conscious of sustainability and mindful consumption. The success of brands prioritizing quality over quantity—those that understand the value of a well-made garment—will be the ones that thrive in this evolving market.
Ultimately, Ressler’s outlook suggests a future where activewear is less a distinct category and more a fundamental component of a modern, multifaceted wardrobe. The lines between performance, style, and everyday life will continue to blur, leading to a greater demand for versatile, elevated pieces that seamlessly integrate into any setting. The question becomes: how will brands continue to innovate in fabric technology and design to meet this evolving need for both performance and aesthetic appeal, while simultaneously maintaining a commitment to sustainability and ethical production? It's a challenge, but one that promises to reshape the future of fashion.
Ginger Ressler's fitness forecast? Elevated activewear with a chance of denim. As the co-founder of Fabletics, she's seen plenty of trends come and go: scrunch leggings, tenniscore, and corset seams, just to name a few.
To figure out what's coming next, just look to the people around you. The modern-day consumer is on the go, looking for clothes that can serve them well throughout the day, and willing to invest in high-quality pieces if it means they won't fall apart in the dryer. Can your leggings take you through a workout class, then post-Pilates brunch? Are they functional enough for the gym, but cute enough for an impromptu grocery run? If the answer is no, maybe there's a way to fill in that gap — to create new designs, new styles that can carry you wherever life takes you. Think: longline sports bras that work well with jeans and leggings alike, workout dresses for playing on the court or grabbing a quick coffee, and more elevated basics that can easily transition from yoga to happy hour. For Ressler, this is where the real future of activewear lies.
Ahead, we asked Ressler to "check the forecast" and give us the rest of her 2026 trend predictions (plus what she thinks we should leave behind). From fitness regimens with an emphasis on recovery, to more polished activewear, here's what she anticipates coming down the fitness pipeline.
Popsugar: What are some newer trends you're seeing in activewear?
Ginger Ressler: What's exciting right now is how blurred the lines have become between fitness and lifestyle. Our customers aren't buying separate wardrobes anymore — they want pieces that truly move with them throughout the day. We're also seeing a growing demand for quality over quantity. People are investing in fewer, better pieces that combine performance, comfort, and style.
PS: Are there any returning trends you're excited about?
GR: Everything feels more fluid now . . . styles are constantly resurfacing and being reinterpreted in new ways. It's less about what's "in" or "out," and more about how you make it your own. That's why strong, well-designed classics are so important — they never truly go out of style, they just evolve with you. Personally, I love seeing brands re-envision a denim-on-denim moment. It's such a fun look that you can really dress up or down.
What major trends are you anticipating in the fitness space?
GR: What I'm seeing right now is a much more personalized and sustainable approach to fitness. Instead of one-size-fits-all programs, everything is becoming more tailored — whether that's through wearable tech like HRV devices, community-led workouts like run clubs, or more intuitive training methods. I also really support the shift towards prioritizing recovery, longevity, and mental wellness just as much as the workout itself. It's becoming less about intensity and more about consistency and long-term results.
Do you have any hot takes on 2026 fitness trends?
GR: I'm really here for this healthier, more balanced relationship with fitness. We're finally moving away from intensity just for the sake of being intense — that old mindset pushed a lot of people away from fitness altogether. The shift now is toward training smarter, not just harder. Focusing on recovery, mobility, and really tuning into your body is becoming just as important as the workout itself. That's a big departure from the "no days off" mentality, and honestly, it's a much more sustainable way to approach fitness.
When it comes to fitness trends, is there anything you think we need to leave behind?
GR: One thing we need to leave behind is the comparison mindset in fitness. I've had people look at my workouts and say, "I could never do that," or that what I'm doing feels unattainable . . . but it was never meant to be a benchmark for anyone else.
It's not about how much I can do, it's about how much you can do. Fitness should be personal, scalable, and empowering. The industry is at its best when it meets people where they are, not when it makes them feel like they're falling short.
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Chandler Plante (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the Health & Fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.Read on the original site
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