I Live in Leggings, This Fashion Insider-Approved Brand Is My New Athleisure MVP

It seems obvious to talk about activewear in January, but you know us, we like to give the people what they want. Fitness and January go together like peanut butter and jelly (or jam, if you’re as British as me). Whilst we’re certainly not saying that you need to exercise at the beginning of a new year, there’s no doubt that it’s a time that people feel inspired to make new habits.

As such, we’re reissuing our much-loved Great Try On franchise, but with a fitness spin. Trialling and testing the activewear collections and sportswear brands you’re most interested in, and giving you our honest thoughts, we’re doing the hard work so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a runner or a hiker, are taking up pilates or just need some athleisure for walking your dog, we’re here to guide you through the best pieces in the latest edits. This year I’ve tested Tala, an eco-conscious affordable activewear brand that uses recycled materials to create stylish, high performance essentials for different types of exercise. It’s also the It brand I see on stylish London girls in every spin class I go to.

For reference, I’m 5ft 4, I’m a size 10-12, with a bigger bust. Usually, I’d wear a size M in tops and a S-M in bottoms, depending on the piece. I’m someone who exercises fairly regularly, loving HIIT classes that you find at F45, 1Rebel and Barry’s Bootcamp and the like. But as well as being someone who enjoys keeping fit, I’m a fashion girl at my core. By this I mean I still like serve even when sweating, squatting or even doing a burpee, so refuse to accept that sportswear has to be the least chic thing in your rotation. Actually, as someone who has been known to wear a flared legging to the office, and is partial to a quarter zip pullover, I’d consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to activewear pieces fit for wearing on and off the treadmill.

And with that, I tried on much of Tala’s collection for 2026, and these four looks were the ones I loved most. These were my honest thoughts.

My review: If you were to see me at the gym, there’s a 99% chance I’ll be wearing black. Classic and forever-cool, I feel my most comfortable in an all-black ensemble. Despite usually being an avid slim legging person, lately I’ve really enjoyed flared leggings, just as its a style I’m happy wearing out the office. These I’ve tried on are part of the new Dayflex range, in a 30’’ leg and size S, the length is absolutely perfect. As the name suggets, these have been designed for yoga, which I think they’d be great for. If you’re more of a runner or enjoy spin class, I would recommend a slimmer silhouette, as, by definition and design, they’re less streamlined and either flap in the breeze as you run, or can get caught in your bike pedals. In terms of fit, they’re a little tight around my waist, but I love how they look when I have top layered over the waistband. The overlapping ‘V’ shape waistband sculpts my stomach slightly, which I love, and the high zip jacket in a M feels snug in the way that it’s supposed to. I could have gone up a size in both, but there’s nothing worse than baggy activewear, so I’m happy with how these feel. Special shout out to the square neck sports bra and tank top, which snatches and lifts my upper body. I’m a 34E, and am wearing a size M bra and top, so if you have a bigger bust like me, and don’t want a huge cleavage, I’d recommend sizing up.