The Athleisure Pieces The SL ME Team Are Loving Right Now
The Athleisure Pieces The SL ME Team Are Loving Right Now
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The Athleisure Pieces The SL ME Team Are Loving Right Now

Whether you’re heading to a HIIT class, running errands or just want to look put-together on your off-duty days, the right athleisure wear can make all the difference. From sculpting leggings and buttery-soft sports bras to polished tops that work well beyond the gym, here are the pieces the SL Middle East team are wearing on repeat – plus, the workouts they’re pairing them with…

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Coral Light Jacket, AED 410 | Amada

TAMARA JABI

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

“I’ve always loved a good group workout – HIIT, cycling, Pilates, conditioning – as long as I’m not doing it alone. I don’t enjoy solo gym sessions or one-on-one PTs; I need the buzz of a class and the energy of people around me to really push myself. If it’s with my friends or my partner, even better. Moving with me is honestly my love language – even if it’s just a walk by the beach. 

“My go-to leggings are the Alo Yoga Airlift leggings – they hug your curves, smooth you out and keep you feeling snatched without being uncomfortable. I love how flattering they are and that they come in great colours. On the days I’m not feeling it, I’ll throw on a colourful set from BeAthletica to trick my brain into getting in the mood. Sometimes it’s not about motivation – it’s about dressing the part. And of course, lululemon Aligns are a forever favourite. I don’t need lots of support in a sports bra, so I love the Aritzia ones – they’re buttery soft and perfect for daily wear.

“If I want to feel put-together but still comfortable, I always reach for Amada tops, which are so flattering – I wore them more than anything else on nights out in Beirut this summer. They’re that good. On the high street, Oysho and H&M both do a great job. Oysho’s cuts are surprisingly flattering and the fabrics feel elevated, while H&M always does good basics. When I want something super soft and cosy for a rest day, LC Official has the best fabrics – I’ve lived in the loungewear lately. I also love  Ikasu – it’s a local brand that does great collabs with regional talent. The latest collection with Sarah Hardan includes graphic tees that are perfect for throwing on over a sports bra post-workout. 

“I’m also really into  Tala right now – especially the tennis skirt and plunge sports bra. I don’t even play tennis but they fit so well, I might start. For accessories, I keep it simple: Slip scrunchies, always. They’re silk, so they don’t pull or tug, and I like how they feel on my wrist. I use my Apple Watch to track my workouts but I’ve been eyeing the Oura Ring – mostly because I want an excuse to get one of those Suzanne Kalan tech jackets. If you know, you know. I’ve been told wrist weights are an easy way to tone your arms, so I’m looking at getting a pair from Bala to wear around the house.”

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HEBAH BAKER

Fashion Editor

“My workout week is usually a mix of yoga, Pilates and running – I love the balance they give me in terms of strength, flexibility and endurance. If I had to pick one, it would be running. There’s something so meditative about it – it clears my head, boosts my energy and always leaves me feeling grounded.

“One of my go-to athleisure sets is the Airlift bra and legging combo from Alo Yoga – they’re incredibly flattering, super comfortable, and perfect for both working out and everyday wear. I love how they sculpt and support, and I’ve collected them in several colours because they’re just that good. I usually layer them with a cosy sweater or a bomber jacket for a more styled, effortless look. On days when I want to feel a bit more feminine, I love a tennis dress – it’s such a cute and practical option thanks to the built-in shorts. My favourite one is from Tala – it strikes the perfect balance between style and function.

“For pieces that work beyond the gym, P.E Nation is my go-to brand. It has such fun, bold styles that are super versatile. I love how easy it is to mix and match the pieces to go from a workout straight to a coffee catch-up. The sets always make me feel confident. I’m also a big fan of WISKII. The designs are feminine and unique – especially the pieces with scallop detailing, which add such a pretty and unexpected touch. It’s that little extra detail that makes the activewear feel more like fashion.

“I recently discovered a brand called Port de Bras, and I’m obsessed. Its pieces strike the perfect balance between fun and classic – they feel elevated yet playful. What really stands out is how versatile the collection is; everything is designed to mix and match effortlessly. It’s one of those brands where I truly want everything.

“Accessory-wise, I’m currently loving my Fitbit Luxe – it’s the perfect blend of function and style. Since I usually wear gold jewellery, I wanted a fitness tracker that wouldn’t clash with my accessories. The Luxe with the gold band looks clean and elegant, so I can wear it all day – whether I’m working out, heading to a meeting or grabbing coffee.”

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High-Waist Flare Leggings, AED 325 | Wiskii
Go To Smooth Straight Leg Pants, AED 360 | Free People

TALAR BILEMJIAN

Features Editor

“My favourite kind of ‘lightweight cardio’ is definitely shopping – ideally at Dubai Mall. But when I’m ready to really get moving, I’m obsessed with CAMP in Dubai, especially Mo’s class. His playlists always hit the mark and instantly put me in a good mood. When I’m travelling, I’ll book a SoulCycle class wherever I can – the energy is unmatched and I love the vibe. I also always end up buying something from the in-studio athleisure line – the sweatpants are unbelievably comfy.

“My wardrobe is a mix of functional and fun. For buttery-soft, everyday leggings, I love the Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings – the fit is so flattering, and they’re available on Ounass, which makes them easy to get hold of here. If I’m feeling a bit more playful, I’ll reach for Carbon38’s leopard print leggings – they’re a great switch-up from plain black. And for sweatier sessions, the lululemon Glow Up High Rise Shorts give me that sculpted, secure feel.

“If I have errands to run post-gym, I’ll throw on a wide-leg gym pant – Free People and lululemon both do great ones – with an oversized button-down from It’s A Shirt, an Athens-based brand that does the chicest collared shirts. I’ll usually add my Birkenstock Boston Suede Clogs, and if it’s a bad hair day, I’ll finish the look with a vintage baseball cap and Chanel sunglasses.

“Lately, I’ve been loving the ballet-core aesthetic and my newest obsession is the Kosmo Cardigan from Live The Process. It’s soft, elegant and perfect for layering over sporty outfits – it makes me feel instantly more put together. Finally, for accessories, I’m rarely without a big tote, and right now I’m carrying the BAO BAO by Issey Miyake in metallic. It’s way more versatile than you’d think – super roomy and it goes with everything.”

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ZAHAR ALSAYED

Contributing Editor

“Lately, my movement has been a mix of calm strength and playful energy. I gravitate towards Pilates – both mat and reformer – for the flow, the precision and the way it leaves me feeling elongated and centred. Walking is also a daily ritual, especially in the morning – it clears my mind and sets the tone for the day. I’ve also been loving padel’s dynamic pace and social feel, and since I work in a beach club, swimming is something I naturally weave in. Mobility work has become a quiet essential – small, intentional stretches that help me stay aligned and open. I’m also looking to reintroduce a weekly bootcamp session to shake things up. I love movement that feels both intentional and invigorating.

“When it comes to athleisure, I reach for pieces that will carry me through the day with ease – ones I can wear under a blazer, to Pilates, or to padel without needing to change. I gravitate towards neutral tones like bone, espresso and charcoal, and I’m especially drawn to pieces that feel luxe but breathable. High-waisted leggings that sculpt without squeezing, like the lululemon High Rise Flared Pant, and longline bras that double as tops are essentials in my wardrobe. On padel days, I rely on oversized graphic tees, long socks and ASICS trainers, or sometimes a pleated skirt layered over leggings – comfortable, functional and still styled. Black will always be my favourite – it’s timeless and polished, especially when layered under a structured blazer.

“For workout-to-coffee days, I love minimal tonal sets from brands like Oysho, Alo, lululemon and Varley. The pieces hold their shape and move beautifully. In Jeddah, I usually layer one of my custom workout abayas from The Abaya Factory over the top – they’re tailored for movement and elevate the look underneath without overcomplicating it. I’ve also been enjoying Bala Bangles lately – they’re so easy to throw on, and add just enough resistance to feel like you’re doing something, even while moving around the house.

“Speaking of accessories, I love the Dyson OnTrac headphones – they’re customisable, the cushion is washable and the battery lasts for 55 hours. I always carry my Back To Life Sport Bottle, because the lid is attached – a small thing that makes a big difference. I also use the Actofit Smart Scale, and I live in my Oysho Pilates socks and Karve grip socks – they’re both incredibly comfortable, and I love the added grip for reformer workouts. For everyday comfort, I slip into my Birkenstocks post-workout – they’re my go-to between classes and errands. I I also love the ON x Loewe Running outfits for their breathability, and Oysho’s travel collection is a favourite even for work – the pieces don’t wrinkle and are so easy to wear. My favourite hat for walking along the corniche or for padel lets me do a bun or ponytail freely, and it’s breathable too. And I can’t not mention Good hYOUman – its cotton is the softest.

“On my wish list? The Virtual Gym – and I’ve got my eye on this pair of Tiem Slipstream cycling shoes. They’re my favourite spinning shoes ever because you can walk in them, the cleat is hidden underneath, and the grip is great. I’m also eyeing the Anya Hindmarch Gym Bag – it’s functional, chic and made from regenerated nylon.”

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Airbrush Streamlined Bra Tank, AED 286 | Alo

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