I Tried the “It Girl” Activewear So You Don’t Have to (But Probably Will Anyway)

They say money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you a cute matching active set that makes you feel like you can take on the world, one dumbbell at a time. So is this fitness fashion worth the heftier price tag? I think so. Especially when I am putting these clothes on at 6 am when I wake up and not taking them off until after 6 pm when I can finally get in a shower. Because we don’t sweat, we shimmer.

This fall, I tested the new “it girl” activewear brands everyone is talking about so you can figure out what’s worth the splurge and what will actually go the distance with you.

Let’s review, shall we?

SET ACTIVE: 4.5 stars

This brand isn’t new to me. In fact, a few of their pieces are always on the top of my activewear drawer because I wear them as soon as they’re clean. The styles stand the test of time. And I can tell you firsthand that the quality holds up way better than some of the more popular brands I own like Alo.

Because I have been so pleased with my past Set Active purchases, I wanted to get some newer styles. Two-toned trims and double layered bras are having a big moment and Set Active does this trend in abundance.

With this style, you can keep it neutral or add a pop of color. This bra comes in beautiful contrasting neutrals colors like the one I am wearing, as well as in black and white. But if you want more color, this set also comes in a beautiful rusty, two-toned red that they’re calling Snapper. (You can see that shade in another style below).

The shape of this bra is flattering and super comfortable to wear while you exercise. You know I tested it out. It does not come with cups (I throw them away anyway) and gave me enough support without ever feeling tight. This top might just be my favorite this fall.

Set Active offers a variety of fabrics. AIRLUXE is light and great for all day wear while offering mid range compression that’s enough to sculpt and lift you in the right places.

It’s antimicrobial and has UPF50+ protection. I find it to be one of the most movable and flattering active fabrics out there. For a little more compression, with a little more weight, go with the LUXFORM or SPORTBODY fabrics from Set.

Since you’ll want to wear these “it girl” looks all day long, I am giving you some great layering pieces to take you beyond the studio. In the AIRLUXE fabric, this long sleeve is like a comforting hug after a tough class. And because the fabric is antimicrobial, it will turn your sweat from something yucky into something pretty.

Oversized windbreakers are making a comeback this season. (A friend recently suggested we bring back team Starter jackets for our boys and I am all for it).

But the windbreakers of 2025 have been upgraded. This one isn’t noisy, and I assure you it’s soft and cozy to wear.

Add socks at the new it-girl 3/4 length (I mean, who can keep up) and you’re set… literally.

Price point: Dangerously easy to justify. The leggings I am wearing are $74 and the sports bra is $56.

Sizing: TTS. I am wearing a size small legging and size medium bra, my true to size. With the jacket, I did size up to a large because I wanted it to be big and I am tall.

Onto the next brand…

FORM: 4 stars

I love this brand because they also deliver on trend styles, elevating your active look. Think lots of contrasting trims and the layer look (again).

Form is more than just an activewear brand. It actually started as an online fitness platform, which makes it even more “it-girl” worthy, IMO. But obviously that girl, aka the instructor, is wearing her Form activewear when she teaches online. The founders and team of instructors are definitely it-girls and double as great models for the activewear.

I have to say I was unsure about the fabric at first— it’s soft but it’s thicker than what I am used to (especially after the weightless Airluxe fabric from Set Active). But when I move in it, I really like it. It’s supportive while being comfortable. The leggings sculpt without feeling tight. They are easy to pull on and stay put.

The bra is very supportive— it could be the double layer. A huge plus is the no front rise seam on the leggings. I know the it-girls feel strongly about this one. There is not a huge variety of fabrics and styles with Form and popular pieces do sell out. But more new styles and colors are always on the way…

But can we pleeeeeease talk about this sweater!

I love the laid back, cool girl style of this top. And it shows that adorable activewear you have on under there.

This is sure to be a keeper in my closet, especially because it’s on sale right now. It comes in both black and off-white — this is one of those pieces worth buying in both colors.

The Twist Sweater, Cardigan Sweater and Pullover Sweater are other layering styles from Form that I am loving.

Price Point: Slightly higher than Set Active but still less than Alo and Lulu. The Core Leggings are $88 and the Layered Bra is $68. But you get a free trial to the Form app which gives you workouts, nutrition plans and meditations. Sounds like a steal to me!

Sizing: True to size. I am wearing a size small legging and a size medium bra and love the fit.

And lastly, I give you…

FOUR THREE SEVEN: 2.5 stars

Soft, minimalist aesthetics sound great to me and I had high hopes for this one. But when it comes to actually being activewear, Four Three Seven totally falls short.

As cute as the set looks (because it does look cute, right), that’s really all these clothes do. Four Three Seven is more of a lifestyle brand than an actual active brand. You can look like you just came from the studio in these clothes without actually going to the studio. And that’s not gonna work for me.

We expect our activewear to work as hard as we do. I want top points in both fashion and function, especially when paying for high end activewear. And these leggings just did not move with me. The booty might look good now but the second I tried to do some exercises on the Pilates Chair or Reformer, I was left fidgeting with the leggings.

All of that being said, I didn’t mind the tank top nearly as much. But this wrap top is the winner from Four Three Seven. It’s very pretty and very much on trend.

I totally feel like a modern ballerina, aka Pilates princess, in this. And it accomplishes the task of making me polished enough to wear my activewear beyond the studio.

Price Point: Since I have to be sitting around and not actually sweating in these pieces, I do not think they are worth the price. The leggings I am wearing sell for $95 and the tank top is $90. That’s a lot for a lounging around look.

Fit: This brand isn’t exactly known for being forgiving. It feels like you have to be a size zero—or a supermodel—to pull off Four Three Seven. On the brand’s homepage, the “As Seen On” section features the likes of Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid and Alix Earle. While these women are undeniably “it girls,” this lineup doesn’t exactly project an inclusive image. When it comes to diverse sizing and styles, Four Three Seven still has a long way to go.

All of the images in this post were shot at the stunning Leveaux Pilates studio in Ardmore. If there’s a Reformer class full of it girls, it’s probably here.

*All photos in this post are clickable. This post contains links that are commissionable for me, at no additional cost to you. Rest assure, I only write about products that I genuinely use and love, and that will never change!