As a college student, having comfortable, good-quality athletic clothing is important. Whether it’s for working out, going to class, or casual wear, you’ll want some athletic wear in college.
Right now, athletic brands are very popular among college students. Trends show that college students prefer comfortable and practical clothing over traditional styles.
With that being said, here are the 12 best athletic brands for college guys and girls.
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12 Best Athletic Brands For College Students
1. Nike
When it comes to athletic brands for college students, there’s no brand more popular than Nike. When you step foot on a college campus, you’ll notice students wearing Nike shoes, sweaters, shirts, shorts, and pants.
Over the years, Nike has built a reputation for making comfortable, good quality, and stylish athletic wear for college students. The brand offers various products and colors, making them a great choice for everyday wear.
Nike shoes are extremely popular among college students. The Nike Air Force 1, Nike Dunks, and Nike Blazers are great sneakers for wearing around campus and to lectures.
Furthermore, Nike offers a wide range of running shoes and athletic apparel. Overall, Nike is a great brand for college students who want to purchase athletic wear essentials.
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2. Adidas
Adidas is one of the most popular sportswear brands in the fashion industry. Many college students love the Adidas brand because they offer cool styles, and a variety of clothing options.
Whether you’re looking for running shoes, shorts, workout shirts, sweatpants, or sweaters, Adidas has got you covered. Throughout my time in college, Adidas was my favorite brand for everyday sneakers and running shoes.
The Adidas Stan Smith and Adidas Superstars are two shoes that are versatile, stylish, and suitable for casual wear around campus. If you’re looking for a running shoe, check out the Adidas Ultraboost.
So, if you’re a college student looking to keep up with the latest fashion trends, check out what Adidas offers.
Related: Best Shoes College Guys Should Wear(by a College Student)
3. New Balance
New Balance is another athletic brand that college students love. They offer a wide selection of running shoes and comfortable clothing, which is perfect for exercising.
Right now, the New Balance 550 is a popular sneaker on college campuses. Furthermore, wearing clothing with the New Balance logo is considered trendy and cool among the college demographic.
If you’re looking for New Balance clothing, check out Amazon or the New Balance outlet, as you will find plenty of great deals. I got a pair of New Balance workout shorts and a workout shirt for $30.
4. Lululemon
Although Lululemon is pricey, they really do make some of the best workout clothes. As someone who has been shopping at Lululemon for years, I can truly say that they are one of the best brands for high-quality workout gear.
Furthermore, Lululemon offers a wide range of athleisure wear for both men and women. So, whether you’re a college girl looking for yoga pants or sports bras or a college guy looking for workout shorts and shirts, Lululemon has got you covered.
As a college student on a budget, it may be hard to justify spending so much on workout clothing. However, Lululemon has a great quality promise policy, which can make your investment worthwhile.
For example, after wearing a pair of Lululemon ABC joggers for around a year, they got a small rip on the seam. I brought them back to Lululemon, and they gave me a brand-new pair of the same pants for free.
Overall, Lululemon is a really good athletic brand for college students. Their clothing is stylish, high quality, and very comfortable.
Related: Is Lululemon Worth It? Everything You Need to Know
5. Under Armour
Under Armour is one of the most popular sports brands in the world. This brand is worn by baseball, football, and basketball players.
One of the reasons why Under Armour is such a great brand for college students is because of its outlet stores. Here, you will find plenty of great sales on workout clothing and sneakers at affordable prices.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of sweatpants, sweaters, shorts, or shirts, Under Armour has something for everyone.
6. Puma
Puma is a really well-known brand in the activewear space. This brand has been around since 1948 and has been a top sportswear brand for years.
Although Puma is not as popular as brands like Nike and Adidas, they still make great workout clothing. As a college student, I find Puma a great workout gear brand as it can be found at affordable prices at stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx.
Many young adults like Puma because of its very recognizable logo. So, if you’re looking for an athletic brand that is recognizable, comfortable, and stylish, then check out Puma.
7. Reebok
Reebok is one of the most beloved brands among college students. As a brand, Reebok has a special place in the hearts of college students who belong to Gen Z.
As a Gen Zer, I found Reebok to be one of the hottest brands growing up. However, in recent times, it hasn’t generated the same buzz it once did.
Nevertheless, Reebok still makes great workout gear. If you’re looking for workout clothing that is comfortable, stylish, and well-made, then you’ll love Reebok.
8. Gymshark
If you step into a gym on a college campus, you’ll quickly notice several students wearing Gymshark attire. Gymshark offers stylish workout clothing at reasonable prices.
Since 2012, Gymshark has become increasingly popular as they combine functionality and unique styles into their workout clothing. College students love this brand as it offers many styles in different colors than traditional workout brands.
If you’re a college student looking for stylish workout gear, check out the Gymshark website.
Related: 10 Quick, Easy & Free Home-Workouts For College Students
9. Champion
Champion is one of the most recognizable sportswear brands of all time. In recent years, Champion has made a major comeback, and many college students wear it.
Known for its comfortable clothing and retro styles, Champion is one of the best clothing brands for college students. Furthermore, Champion clothing is listed for reasonable prices, making it the ideal choice for students.
It can be hard for college students to afford expensive workout clothing. However, Champion sells cheap workout clothes, and the quality is good for the price.
If you’re looking to enhance your personal style, check out what Champion has to offer.
10. Alo Yoga
Since its founding in 2007, Alo Yoga has built a reputation for making high-quality and long-lasting workout clothing. If you step into a yoga class, you’ll definitely see a few ladies wearing pair of leggings from Alo.
Right now, Alo is a top pick among college girls on campus. Their yoga clothing styles are amazing, as they come in various colors and have the perfect fit. Although clothing from Alo is expensive, it is a solid investment, as it will last you for a long time.
With the rise of the current athleisure trend among college students, Alo Yoga will be in style for a long time.
Related: Best Yoga Clothes and Brands For Men – Comfortable & Stylish
11. On
When it comes to running and workout shoes, On is one of the top-rising brands. Among college athletes, On is extremely popular as they make high-quality, comfortable shoes built for exercising.
Although On is a newer brand, there’s no denying how popular it is becoming. Many college students have begun wearing On shoes around campus, as they are super comfortable and lightweight.
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of gym shoes or everyday sneakers, On is a great athletic brand for college students.
Related: The Most Popular Shoes For College Girls
12. Fabletics
Fabletics is a great athletic brand for college students on a budget. They offer plenty of great athletic apparel styles for a fraction of the cost of stores like Lululemon and Alo Yoga.
Throughout college, I bought my everyday sportswear at Fabletics because it was affordable and the styles were great. Whether you’re looking for shorts, leggings, shirts, or sweaters, Fabletics has you covered.
With over 70 stores across North America, Fabletics is a very accessible brand. Furthermore, their online store often features great sales on workout clothing.
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Final Thoughts on Best Athletic Brands For College Students
Finding athletic clothing that fits your needs and budget is essential for a college student. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to invest in workout clothing that will last you for years, this list has something for everyone.
In this post, I shared the best athletic brands for college students. Please let me know your own favorite brands in the comments below.