Sweaty Betty, the cult UK activewear brand, launched in Australia recently with a Pilate’s class held by Sydney Harbour. Marie-Antoinette Issa took the range for a road test while
I lean a little more into the leisure side of athleisure wear. Which is to say, that while I love a legging that survives a deep lunge, I also really want it to look just as good while tucking into my avocado toast on a Saturday morning.
Perhaps that’s exactly why, when I heard that cult-UK activewear brand Sweaty Betty was launching in Australia with a rooftop Pilates class at the Museum of Contemporary Art, I signed up quicker than you can say “Can I please get green juice with that …”
Sure, the workout led by impossibly stunning Charlotte Barge, lead trainer at BodyByBerner, was fun. And yes, the Sydney skyline with the Opera House sails sparkling in the background was just as spectacular… but I was really there for the clothes. And, I was not disappointed, with the racks of Sweaty Betty pieces on display delivering looks that were perfect for both planking and the platters of Champagne that were being set up as a post-workout spread.
Sweaty Betty Leggings For Squats, Stretches and Saturday Brunch
Leading the poses was the Power Legging, Sweaty Betty’s flagship piece, famous for its technical fit and no-slip waistband. It’s made to perform under pressure – from downward dogs to deadlifts. But, also look effortlessly chic while you sip your decaf oat milk latte.
I’ve worn countless pairs of leggings over the years. Some sagged before I’d even broken into a sweat. Others clung too tightly in the wrong places. And, while almost all promised to suck me in, few truly delivered. Did I also mention that most of my past experiences with activewear were only aesthetically pleasing when paired with reformer machines?
So, when I slipped into my Sweaty Betty Power Leggings I instantly understood why they’ve earned cult status.
That super high-rise bonded waistband genuinely held everything in. No rolling, no mid-workout adjustments, and definitely no awkward tummy-pulling moments. I felt supported from core to ankle. (Hack: If you’re a shortie, the ⅞ pair should just about hit your sneakers). Yet, somehow still able to move freely.
The ultra-compressive fabric and bum sculpting seamlines also contoured in all the right places to streamline my curves and ensure they survived a power session of squats and leg swings without spilling out.
Another pleasant surprise was the pockets. Sleek and stylish, they were deep enough to hold my phone during a plank, yet incredibly discreet. If I hadn’t walked around parroting “these have pockets!”, no one would have been any the wiser.
Finally, unlike the huffing puffing mess wearing them (ie me) the Sweaty Betty leggings performed after my workout too. The compression genuinely helped with recovery. And, unlike said wearer, they didn’t show a trace of perspiration. Even after a high-intensity session.
The Sweaty Betty Superstars
As an athleisure brand that understands the comfort-and-confidence assignment, the Sweaty Betty collection goes beyond leggings.
Other gorgeous picks from the current range include the mesh T-shirts, a lurex sports bra (a subtle shimmer moment for anyone who likes their chest press with a side of sparkle) and buttery soft yoga pants.
Highlights from the SS26 Carry-Over Collection include the Racket Power Skort (it’s giving primary school Goal Attack vibes – with a glow up), the Explorer Ribbed Racer Dress in Willow Green and slick accessories like the slouchy Strive Tote.
Basically, if it’s considered, colourful and cute enough to take you from bench press to breakfast bagel, Sweaty Betty got the brief.
My personal pick is the After-class Longline Sweatshirt in a punchy purple hue that features throughout the range.
Global Activewear. Local Attitude
Founded in London’s Notting Hill in 1998 by Tamara Hill-Norton, Sweaty Betty has built a global reputation for celebrating diversity and a “mission to empower all women through fitness and beyond.”
“Back in 1998 it was a very bleak landscape for women’s activewear. It was all dark and boring and the sports industry just didn’t talk to women. Activewear was masculine and shapeless, and I thought it was time to create clothes that made active women feel beautiful and powerful,” says Tamara.
“So I teamed up with my husband Simon and took the plunge.”
And, over 25 years later, with Elle and David Steans bringing the brand Down Under, Aussies now have access to an edit that feels just as much about ease as it is endurance. The vibe is clear: high-performance pieces. But, with no compromise that effortless weekend-cool aesthetic.
If you’ve ever wanted activewear that can do it all – cardio, core, croissants – Sweaty Betty has it. And, with plans to roll out stores nationwide from 2026, we’ll soon be able to shop the collection IRL rather than refreshing our delivery tracking screens.
So yes, I left my rooftop Pilates class a little bit smug at my ability to execute a sit-up with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in my direct line of sight.
But, just as importantly, I loved that my outfit was stylish enough to give me the confidence to settle in for a sunset Spritz without looking like I’d just spent 60 minutes struggling to balance between single leg stretches and side kicks.
