The best workout clothes for 2017

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Spring is just around the corner, so what better time to get fit? Sharpen up your workout, or your post-gym cool-off in the club bar, with some of the best labels around. Click on the gallery above for our favourites.

Sweaty Betty

One of The Week Portfolio's favourites, Sweaty Betty started off in upmarket Notting Hill in the late 1990s before spreading across the UK and into the US.

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Worn by the likes of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and actresses Hillary Duff, Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba, the brand prides itself on mixing style with performance, and femininity with sport.

Sweaty Betty offers new, innovative styles that make you want to go out and exercise – or be seen in the latest gear.

The spring-summer collection mixes the street style of London with the romance and exoticism of Morocco. Bright, stylish separates and optical prints feature in the brand's statement leggings, cropped tops and loose, oversized sweatshirts.

We particularly like the classic Zero Gravity Run leggings, which come in an abundance of prints that you can mix and match to your heart's delight.

Breathable mesh panels and ultra lightweight materials feel like a second skin, lifting and flattering you just where you need it. The leggings look equally good with a loose vest when working out or under a long dress on a night out.

Monreal London

Fashion designer and keen tennis player Stefani Grosse created Monreal London after a fruitless search for high-quality workout gear stylish enough to wear off court.

The brand was a success from the off, with the 2013 debut collection selling out at Harrods. Portfolio isn't surprised: Monreal's luxury sportswear is a treat for the eyes.

Don't be fooled by the effortlessly chic designs – this is top-drawer sportswear. Whether you're throwing yoga shapes or spinning for your life, the tough, breathable fabrics stand up to a heavy workout and feel great on the skin.

Portfolio particularly likes the Waterfall leggings, which feature alternating bands of firming lycra and sports mesh to create a sleek pattern that won't look out of place in an upscale brunch spot or juice bar.

Pair the leggings with Monreal's Featherweight jacket – a slim-fitting perforated jersey with an eye-catching orange trim – and you'll finally understand why they say exercise makes you feel good.

Sundried

Ethical label Sundried knows the importance of creating comfortable, breathable workout clothes for men and women.

The brand was born out of a love of triathlons and is tested by some of the sport's leading athletes, who know that activewear needs to perform as highly as the person wearing it.

The label is also eco-friendly. Materials are responsibly sourced with respect for the environment and the people in the supply chain. Each purchase leads to a donation to the charity Water for Kids.

These are premium fabrics, designed to be as ergonomically efficient as possible in order to help you perform at your peak. Four-way stretch means the garment moves with you. The materials also lift moisture from the skin so it can evaporate more easily in the midst of a tough workout.

Portfolio especially loves the Ruinette tights, which are perfect both in the gym and out. The bright strip lining on the thighs will make sure you're visible when running at night.

They tights are also streamlined to give a smooth silhouette, so you'll look even better in those all-important "at the gym" selfies.

Lululemon

There's a good reason Lululemon is one of the UK's go-to workout clothing brands – it offers high quality, stylish clothing that works well both indoors and out.

The label was founded in Vancouver in 1998, with the idea of creating stylish, workable yoga pieces. The results are so stylish that women feel equally happy wearing them for a down dog flow as they do sipping a green tea after class.

Lululemon's pieces never forget that their basic function is to work with you in the gym. But there's no reason why they can't look fashionable and sexy at the same time – both on men and on women.

Cuts are flattering and fit well, while the quality is self-evident, with lightweight materials in a range of colours and fabrics that feel as good to touch as they are to look at. Don a pair of Lululemon leggings and you'll glow, without any need to hit the gym.

Lacoste

Tennis is the "sport of kings" and no other label embodies the elegance and style of the game as Lacoste. Timeless designs and modern technology combine to give some of the most beautiful pieces of workout clothes around.

The Lacoste polo shirt dates back to 1926 and is timeless. The shirt's simple design belies the casually effortless style it adds to any outfit, whether you're on court or enjoying strawberries and cream and a glass of bubbly.

This spring sees the Lacoste woman embracing a more edgy look. An urban cool has been added to preppy tennis dresses and chic hoodies in a mix of classy hues combined with vibrant oranges, pinks and reds.

Lacoste LT Spirit Elite footwear

Lacoste's new line of footwear, the LT Spirit Elite series, has the iconic brand's ethos at its core – life is a beautiful sport.

Designed specifically for all-day comfort, this timeless line has been devised to stand up to a hectic day-to-day schedule.

In addition to its mesh technical panels, soft pique fabric and premium leather, the shoe has a firm dual density outsole that offers extra arch support, while the bendable outer section is designed to enhance flexibility.

Inspired by classic tennis court style, LT Spirit Elite focuses on providing the ultimate comfort. With colours ranging from black and white to the boldest of pinks, these practical pieces are a sure staple for every wardrobe.

Skins

Skins was born on the ski slopes, when Aussie Brad Duffy wanted to feel ten years younger so he could ski, party and then hit the slopes again the next day. Who can blame him?

After consulting with Naas and other experts, he came up with Skins compression tights.

Here comes the science: Skins are constructed to improve your blood flow, helping get more oxygen to your muscles so you can train longer and better.

Several high-profile athletes, including cyclists, runners, skiers, rugby and football players, wear the tights and it's easy to see why. Skins move comfortably with just the right amount of give and take, while helping the body reach its optimum temperature.

Now for the fashion – the tights look and feel incredible, and already have a following with celebrities. Mel B is a fan. The former Spice Girl donned a hot pink sports bra and running tights for her Sydney workouts last year.

The Skins spring-summer collection embraces this season's love of bright colours and striking prints, all in breathable, lightweight materials that suck and hold you in all the right places. Finish off your look with a couple of pieces of Skins' super chic activewear range to create the ultimate workout wardrobe.

Xavier Athletica

New kid on the block Xavier Athletica is rising quickly in the sportswear world. It may be a young brand – it launched early last year – but it's offering a real challenge to the big boys in the menswear market, with its cool down hoodie winning rave reviews.

At the label's heart is a carefully curated collection of timeless 'athleisure' wear suitable for the gym, a trip to the shops, a yoga class or even a drink in the bar afterwards.

The focus is on style and fit, with flattering, classic styling in natural fabrics that look and feel good.

Portfolio is particularly impressed with the short-sleeve T-shirts, made in a soft, luxury cotton that gently skims the body. Pair the T-shirt with matching sweatpants, made in a high-quality loop back grey marl cotton for a slim, relaxed style.

Throw away your jeans – these sweatpants are the ultimate casual wear.

Huez*

Travelling to work on your bike is the perfect way to get fit and avoid the misery of the commute, but it's hard to look stylish while doing so. This is where Huez* comes in.

The UK company was created by two cycling enthusiasts with one aim: to create beautiful cycling clothing that blends fashion with function. This is sportswear that looks as much at home in the street as on the saddle.

Inspiration comes from all over the world and the team mixes sportswear with modern technology to deliver quality cycling apparel. High-end fabric choices from Europe, the US and Japan deliver great fit and performance, enduring the worst and best of the British weather.

Function does not come at the expense of design, however.

There are no bright, lurid colours. Instead styling is low-key but effective, keeping you safe on the road without being garish when you're not on your bike. It's as smart a piece of kit as your bike – or you.

Every Second Counts

Seventeen years in the fashion industry and two decades as a fitness enthusiast inspired ex-magazine director, Sally Dixon, to create one of the most prominent sportswear labels today.

With British designs and quality performance-enduring fabrics at its basis, Every Second Counts is a brand that fuses fashionable trends with fit kit basics. These are timeless pieces that will never go out of fashion.

The new SS17 collection incorporates bold colour-block detailing and statement panel designs with dark fabrics. The seamless performance fabrics have been created to keep you comfortable and sweat-free.

The brand's new range of sports bras has been devised for women seeking dependable support as well as modern design. Royal blues, neon reds and understated greys come together to transform any gym session into a catwalk.

There's no need to worry about gym motivation – the collection's stunning cut-outs and asymmetric designs are all the inspiration you need.

Accessories

Of course, no outfit is complete without a few accessories to add those stylish finishing touches.

Movado smartwatches prove that smart technology doesn't have to look like it's come straight from Star Trek with plastic moulding and lurid colours. These are stylish, chic modern watches which will look as good in a business meeting as they do when you're lifting weights in the gym.

If you're the competitive type, Myzone is for you. This simple device, which fits on to a belt around your chest (or on to a stylish sports bra), takes measuring your heart rate to the next stage, handicapping your level in order to give you a target to aim for. Join the online community and you can compete with wearers around the world. Portfolio never knew it was so competitive…

Having the right soundtrack to your workout is essential. Just as important is having the right headphones to play music through. B&O PLAY Earset 3i is lightweight and adjustable, meaning you'll never have to stop your workout to readjust your headphones. Perfect for people on the move.

Sporty Henri

What you carry your sportswear in is just as vital as the sportswear itself, which is why these luxury bags from Sporty Henri may be the perfect finishing touch to your gym outfit.

Former French professional handball player, Henri Tai, formed this unique e-concept store using the knowledge and expertise of his fellow champion peers, as well as his own experiences.

Embracing the aesthetics of the modern sportsman, Sporty Henri is an essential source for athletes across all disciplines. It provides a curated collection of lifestyle clothing with a touch of elegance.

From Sporty Henri come these two luxurious sports bags. The Black Mission Travel Bag from Mismo (£760), a vegetable-tanned leather carry-on with buckle details over classic black; and the Black Pierre sports bag from Cerdan (£549), a lightweight alternative for your daily life.

Whether you're flying to a conference in New York or just heading to the gym, these bags are ideal for any trip, with or without your sports equipment.