The Ultimate PE Nation Review: Is This Luxe Activewear Brand Worth the Hype?
About PE Nation
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, PE Nation has quickly become one of the most sought-after brands in the world of activewear and athleisure. Founded in 2016 by fashion industry veterans Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning, PE Nation‘s mission is simple yet ambitious: to make luxury activewear a true wardrobe staple for the modern woman.
With a focus on creating clothing that seamlessly blends high performance with cutting-edge style, it‘s no wonder PE Nation has amassed a cult following, including nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram. The brand has also been spotlighted in major fashion publications like Vogue, Harper‘s Bazaar, Elle, and more.
Whether you‘re a fitness fanatic looking for gear that can keep up with your toughest workouts or a fashion lover wanting to inject some sporty-chic vibes into your everyday looks, PE Nation aims to have you covered. But with premium prices to match their upscale designs, you may be wondering: is PE Nation truly worth the hype and cost?
In this comprehensive PE Nation review, we‘ll take a detailed look at the brand and its products to help you decide if their activewear deserves a spot in your closet. We‘ll dive into everything from the quality and performance of their leggings, sports bras, and more, to customer reviews, sustainability initiatives, and how they compare to other popular activewear brands.
So whether you‘re a PE Nation obsessive or a first-time shopper, get ready to learn everything you need to know about this buzzy Aussie brand before you add to cart.
Meet the Founders
To really understand the PE Nation brand, it helps to get to know the dynamic duo behind it all: Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning. With backgrounds working for major global fashion brands like sass & bide, Ksubi, and Topshop, Edwards and Tregoning bring a wealth of industry experience to PE Nation.
But beyond just their impressive resumes, the co-founders share a genuine passion for living an active yet stylish lifestyle. As busy working mothers and fitness enthusiasts themselves, they saw a gap in the market for activewear that didn‘t sacrifice fashion for function (or vice versa).
Edwards and Tregoning poured this vision into PE Nation, which combines Pip‘s creative direction and Claire‘s technical expertise. The result is a brand with a distinct retro-meets-modern aesthetic, bold colors and prints, and innovative designs you won‘t find anywhere else.
By focusing on the three key pillars of shape, fabrication, and trends, the founders have grown PE Nation into a global brand loved by celebrities and everyday shoppers alike. With Edwards and Tregoning still at the helm today, PE Nation continues to drop new collections and push the boundaries of what activewear can be.
PE Nation Activewear Review
Now that you know more about the brand behind the clothes, let‘s get into the good stuff: the activewear itself. From figure-flattering leggings to statement-making sports bras and beyond, we‘re breaking down some of PE Nation‘s best-selling pieces.
PE Nation Leggings Review
A great pair of leggings is the foundation of any activewear wardrobe, and PE Nation has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you‘re into basic black or bold prints, full-length or 7/8, there‘s a PE Nation legging to suit your style and workout needs.
One of their most popular designs is the Pace Legging, which features PE Nation‘s signature color-blocked paneling and logo. Made from a sweat-wicking, quick-dry fabric, these leggings are designed to keep you cool and comfortable through any activity. Customers rave about the flattering high-waisted fit and the fact that they don‘t slip down during workouts.
For a legging with even more wow factor, check out the Wavelength Legging from the brand‘s latest collection. With an eye-catching blue and white wave print and unique lace-up detail on the sides, these leggings are sure to turn heads at the gym or on the street. And like all PE Nation leggings, they‘re crafted with performance in mind, offering a compressive fit and breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
PE Nation Sports Bras Review
To pair with your PE Nation leggings (or any bottoms in your activewear rotation), the brand offers a range of stylish, supportive sports bras. From low-impact designs perfect for yoga or Pilates to high-impact styles ready to take on your most intense training sessions, there‘s a PE Nation sports bra for every activity and body type.
One standout is the Endurance Sports Bra, which combines a trendy long-line silhouette with functional details like a built-in shelf bra, adjustable straps, and sweat-wicking fabric. Customers love the sexy yet sporty look of this bra, as well as the comfortable fit and medium-impact support it provides.
Another popular pick is the Lineup Sports Bra, which puts a new twist on a classic racerback style with PE Nation‘s signature striped elastic band. With removable pads and a compression fit, this bra offers customizable coverage and high-impact support great for running, HIIT, or any intense workout.
PE Nation Shorts Review
For hot yoga sessions, outdoor runs, or just ultra-comfortable lounging, a pair of PE Nation shorts is a must-have in any activewear collection. From retro-inspired dolphin hem designs to sleek, sweat-wicking bike shorts, the brand has a style to match any mood or activity.
The best-selling Play Up Short is a versatile pick that‘s earned hundreds of glowing reviews from customers. Featuring PE Nation‘s signature colorblock panels and an elastic drawstring waist, these loose-fit shorts are equal parts comfortable and cute. Plus, they have pockets! Throw them on over your favorite PE Nation leggings or wear them on their own—either way, you can‘t go wrong.
If you‘re looking for a shorter short with a tighter fit, try the Endurance Bike Short. Made from a stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric with just the right amount of compression, these shorts were designed with performance in mind. But with unique seam detailing and a universally-flattering mid-rise waist, they‘re stylish enough to wear beyond your workouts, too.
The Verdict on PE Nation Activewear
After testing out some of PE Nation‘s most popular pieces, we have to admit: this brand lives up to the hype. From the flattering fits to the high-performance fabrics and eye-catching designs, PE Nation activewear truly does it all.
Of course, that level of quality and style doesn‘t come cheap. PE Nation‘s prices definitely veer toward the luxury end of the activewear market, with leggings ringing in around $100-$150 and sports bras in the $80-$100 range. However, the brand does offer occasional sales, and you can sometimes find PE Nation pieces at a discount on third-party retailer sites.
Ultimately, if you‘re someone who loves activewear that makes a statement and don‘t mind a splurge, we think PE Nation is absolutely worth checking out. The pieces are durable, sweat-wicking, and comfortable enough for tough workouts, but stylish enough to wear on the street—meaning you really do get more bang for your buck. Plus, with the brand‘s focus on sustainability (more on that below), you can feel good about supporting a company that cares about its impact.
PE Nation‘s Sustainability Initiatives
In today‘s world, consumers are increasingly conscious of how their activewear is made and the impact their purchases have on the planet. PE Nation recognizes this and has made some major strides in recent years when it comes to sustainability.
Many of the brand‘s pieces are now crafted with recycled materials, like post-consumer plastic bottles and recycled nylon. PE Nation has a goal of making 80% of its products with sustainable materials by 2022.
The brand has also taken steps to reduce waste in packaging, opting for biodegradable bags and recyclable cardboard over plastic. When you order from PE Nation online, you can expect your gear to arrive in minimal, eco-friendly packaging.
While there‘s still more that can be done across the industry, we applaud PE Nation for taking action and continuously expanding its sustainability efforts. It‘s refreshing to see a brand that cares about its environmental impact and gives customers the opportunity to shop a little smarter.
How PE Nation Compares to Other Activewear Brands
These days, the activewear market is more crowded than ever. So how does PE Nation stack up against the other big names in the game, like Lululemon, Nike, or Adidas?
When it comes to quality, we‘d put PE Nation on par with those heavy-hitters. The brand‘s leggings and sports bras feel well-made and durable, with high-tech performance fabrics that wick away sweat and keep you comfy through any activity. Some might even prefer PE Nation‘s thicker, more compressive fabrics over thinner designs from other brands.
Style-wise, PE Nation definitely sets itself apart with its signature aesthetic that blends retro silhouettes and modern details, bold logomania and graphic prints. While brands like Lululemon or Nike tend to be more understated, PE Nation is all about standing out and making a statement with your activewear. So if you‘re into a trendier, more fashion-forward look, PE Nation will likely be your speed.
That said, a distinctive look does come at a cost. On average, PE Nation‘s prices are a bit higher than comparable pieces from Lululemon, Nike, or Adidas. However, you do have to consider the sustainability factor, as PE Nation uses more eco-friendly and recycled materials than many of its competitors.
At the end of the day, which activewear brand you choose comes down to your personal taste and budget. But if you want to treat yourself to some luxe, high-performance activewear that doesn‘t look like everyone else‘s at the gym, we highly recommend giving PE Nation a try.
Where to Buy PE Nation
Ready to get your hands on some PE Nation gear? The brand‘s website is the best bet, as you‘ll be able to shop the full range of their collections and get access to any sitewide promotions or sales.
However, PE Nation is also stocked at a number of other online and in-store retailers across the globe. Check out high-end department stores like Bloomingdale‘s, Nordstrom, and Saks, or activewear-focused shops like Bandier, Carbon38, and Revolve. The brand even has its own Amazon storefront for fans who prefer to shop there.
One thing to note is that sizing and stock can vary between retailers, so if you have your heart set on a specific piece, you may want to check a few different sites. Additionally, some retailers may not carry the full size range (PE Nation offers sizes XS-XL), so be sure to read the product description and size chart before ordering.
PE Nation Promotions & Discounts
While PE Nation‘s prices are undoubtedly an investment, the brand does offer a few ways to save on your purchase. Throughout the year, they‘ll run sitewide sales for major shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day, with discounts usually ranging from 20-40% off.
If you want to stay in the loop on future promotions, we recommend signing up for PE Nation‘s email newsletter. You‘ll get notified about any upcoming sales, as well as receive a one-time discount code for 10% off your first order.
PE Nation also has a rewards program where you can earn points on every purchase that can later be redeemed for cash discounts. It‘s free to join and a great way to earn a little something back if you plan on shopping with the brand regularly.
And of course, don‘t forget to check the "Sale" section on PE Nation‘s website, where you can sometimes find past-season pieces or final sale items at a more affordable price point.
Final Thoughts: Is PE Nation Worth It?
After diving deep into all things PE Nation, our verdict is in: for the activewear obsessive who demands high quality, high performance, and high style, this Aussie brand is absolutely worth the investment.
With their unique designs, luxury fabrics, and smart technical details, PE Nation pieces truly stand out from your average activewear. And while the prices are certainly steeper than some other brands, the fact that you can wear PE Nation both in and out of the gym means you‘re really getting more value and cost per wear.
Of course, PE Nation likely isn‘t the most budget-friendly choice for the occasional gym-goer who just needs a few basic pieces. And some may prefer to spend their money on a larger quantity of more affordable activewear over just a couple of pairs of PE Nation leggings.
But if turning heads while you turn up your workouts is a priority, we can‘t recommend this brand enough. PE Nation has managed to capture that tricky balance of performance and style, creating pieces that make you both look and feel amazing whether you‘re on the treadmill, in the studio, or on the street.
So go ahead and treat yourself to that new pair of PE Nation leggings or finally click "add to cart" on the sports bra you‘ve been eyeing. With activewear this good, we guarantee it won‘t be your last PE Nation purchase.
