Britain's post-pandemic fashion landscape has wholeheartedly embraced activewear as the new everyday uniform. No longer confined to the gym, these comfortable garments have become the preferred choice for coffee dates, running errands, dog walks, and even first dates. Leggings, once a purely functional item, now form the cornerstone of daily dressing.
The Rise of Everyday Activewear
New research commissioned by Primark underscores this cultural shift, revealing that nearly half of Britons feel more confident wearing activewear compared to other clothing types. Furthermore, almost two-thirds of the population regularly wear their gym attire beyond workout sessions. Despite this soaring demand for versatile activewear, a significant barrier remains: 78 percent of shoppers cite high prices as a deterrent, with the market often dominated by luxury brands.
This gap in the market is precisely why global pop star Rita Ora chose to collaborate with the high-street favourite, Primark, on its new Performance collection. The mission was clear: to create affordable, trend-aware activewear designed to seamlessly transition from the studio to the street.
Designed for Movement and Heat
For Ora, a key priority was breathability. "I love hot mat Pilates, it's basically all I do now. I just love the sweat," the singer explained. This personal passion directly influenced the collection's design, with fabrics selected for their lightweight and ventilated properties, built to withstand heat and dynamic movement rather than static posing.
Regarding the core pieces like leggings and sports bras, Ora emphasised a design philosophy focused on comfort and shape. She ensured the construction was "seamless and sculpting, so it is like butter on the skin." Crucially, the entire range is conceived to mix and match with existing wardrobe staples. "I always wear my gym stuff under clothes," Ora noted, "so it was really important to me that everything worked as layering pieces."
Five Standout Pieces from the Collection
With numerous items available, which are the essential picks? Here are the five best pieces from Rita Ora's Primark Pilates collection to add to your wardrobe.
Active Flare Leggings in Chocolate, £13
The hero of the collection and a current best-seller, these flared leggings signal the fashion-first direction modern activewear is taking. A vital note for shoppers: all pieces in this collection are true to size. For instance, an XS equates to a UK 6-8, a Small to a UK 10-12. If you find yourself between sizes, such as a UK 12 and 14, opting for a Medium offers more comfort, while a Small provides greater support.
The rich chocolate shade offers a sophisticated, grown-up alternative to basic black, moving away from the heather greys and neon brights that once ruled gym floors. The flared leg design elongates the silhouette and elevates the look into "proper outfit" territory. Paired with a trench coat and trainers, they could easily be mistaken for pieces from premium brands like Tala or Gymshark.
Mid Rise Performance Leggings in Black, £12
You can never go wrong with a classic pair of black leggings, and this style is arguably the collection's most versatile offering. The supportive mid-rise waistband cinches the waist comfortably without restriction, creating a flattering silhouette that finishes just above the bellybutton.
Adding to their practicality, similar to certain Lululemon styles, these leggings feature pockets—ideal for stashing a phone, hairbands, or bobby pins during a workout. The fabric provides excellent stretch and comfort, making them perfect for Pilates, yoga, and walking. While they may not rival premium technical leggings for compression during high-intensity cardio, that isn't their purpose. Their strength lies in unparalleled ease of wear and all-day comfort, especially on days when a hardcore workout isn't on the agenda.
Active Cropped Vest in Red, £9
This active cropped vest ranks among the most wearable items in the drop. Lightly supportive and softly structured, it is cut more like a fashionable cropped top than a traditional, restrictive sports bra. This design makes it perfect for both gym sessions and casual coffee runs.
The vibrant red colour is a standout in the range, cleverly leaning into 2026's trending palette. This bold hue was prominently featured on the runways of Chanel, Valentino, and Gucci during the recent September Fashion Weeks, connecting high-street style with high-fashion trends.
Cropped Exposed Seam Jumper in Cream, £16
The hoodies and jackets in the collection perhaps best express its core intent: comfort, wearability, and being on-trend. The standout layer is this cropped exposed seam jumper, which subtly taps into the ongoing Eighties shoulder pad revival with its subtly exaggerated shoulders.
The raised seam detail creates a lifted line that recalls the classic power dressing of that decade without appearing overtly retro. It functions perfectly as a layering piece to throw on after a gym class, but works equally well paired with high-waisted trousers and loafers for a smart-casual office look.
Cropped Lightweight Jacket in Red, £22
The most expensive item among our top picks—yet still coming in under the £25 mark—is this cropped lightweight jacket. Available in both red and cream, this piece feels like a timely nod to the current appetite for bold, statement outer layers.
The vivid red colour gives the jacket immediate presence, while its clean, minimalist lines make it an easy piece to layer over almost any outfit. Due to its cropped cut, it works best with higher-waisted bottoms to balance the proportions. Worn over a simple white tee and high-waisted jeans, it creates a cool, off-duty silhouette. Alternatively, paired with biker shorts and trainers, it maintains an effortlessly cool vibe suitable for the gym or street.
