From year to year, we are introduced to new trends, but despite how the fashion landscape’s looking, keeping fit and staying in shape never goes out of style.
And, while Team SPICE is thinking about ‘Movement’ this month, we’re noting that sports and activewear has become a bit of a wardrobe staple for Spring/Summer’16, and some of our indigenous labels are joining the race with these 5 African brands looking to win your attention…
1. TigerLily Gym Gear
TigerLily Gym Gear was launched by Nigerian celeb stylist Lilian Unachukwu, as an extension of her gym brand.
Endorsed by Christina Millian and launched in LA, the brand is the first and only athletic wear company owned and operated by a Nigerian, with Ms Unanchukwu explaining;
“I wanted to start a company that would appeal not just to Nigerians, but to all Africans. Being a proud Nigerian woman, I am very happy to announce that our fitness line is now available here in our beautiful country.”
Designed for “the average woman who takes her health and fitness seriously” the brand’s vibrant designs include leggings, tops, crops and hoodies, which all feature a very cute paw emblem – all available to browse here.
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2. OTG
South African sportswear brand, OTG focuses on beautiful design to create fantastic yet functional workout apparel, mostly for women.
Boasting styles that are incredibly chic and ready to sweat in, OTG’s sportswear are great for the gym, dancing it out in the studio, or out on the run – so whether you’re a yoga head, dancer or surfer, this is a brand to know.
There are also accessories like sporty, soft headbands (for nailing these gym ‘dos with) and free weights for toning.
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3. Lornah
Lornah is a Kenyan sportswear brand that was first unveiled last year at Nairobi’s Galleria Mall in front of chief guest, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Founded by long-distance runner Lornah Kiplagat and catering for African women, the brand’s collections offer a great mix of basic activewear and more fashionable, standout pieces that not only look great, but boast high-performance too, available in two main categories: the “Elite” line for high performance athletes (selling for between Sh4,900 and Sh9,000) and the prices for the “performance” line for general fitness training and leisure (ranging between Sh4,500 and Sh10,900).
The brand’s goal is to give women the pieces to transition easily from a workout into a busy day, and with your look built from Lornah’s range, you’ll do so stylishly too.
READ MORE: 5 QUICK & EASY HAIRSTYLES TO WORK AT THE GYM!–
4. Vivoliscious
Vivoliscious is a South African brand baring the hashtag #DareToBe, and catering for athletes “who don’t want to conform by wearing the usual boring apparel.”
With that sentiment as the inspiration, the brand designs colourful items for men and women, which;
“morphs original art, inspired by nature and human emotions, into quality fitness apparel to create unique vibrant and super-stylish active wear.”
The brand also make a difference by donating a percentage of their sales to the Flower Valley Trust Fund for fynbos conservation and the social-economic benefit of communities living in the Cape Floristic Region. But for us, we love the bold cycling shorts and leggings that will give you a leg up in terms of standing out while working out at the gym.
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5. Capestorm
Another South African label to lean to if you’re serious about getting outdoors, is Capestorm, who since launching have developed a cult-like following amongst serious runners, surfers and hikers, and for obvious reasons.
The label’s designs boast the type of performance-ready stylishness that can compare with sports giants Nike, with Capestorm known for its minimal and subtle design quirks.
The label is about embracing every day, every moment, and every adventure (that’s via lightweight tops and bottoms, waterproof jackets and sports accessories) – so head there if you want to get to work on your fitness or record timings without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
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But which are your go-to labels? Tell us about the African sportswear brands you’re into, by tagging us in your thoughts online @SPICETVAFRICA.
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