P.E Nation: Your Complete Guide to Australia’s Athleisure Powerhouse

When Pip Edwards and Claire Greaves launched P.E Nation in 2016, they weren’t just creating another activewear brand. They were pioneering a distinctly Australian take on athleisure that would go on to define an entire category. Today, P.E Nation stands as one of Australia’s most successful fashion exports, stocked in over 450 stores across 40 countries and worn by everyone from Hailey Bieber to your local Bondi pilates instructor.

What makes P.E Nation different? It’s activewear designed by fashion insiders who understand that Australian women want pieces that transition seamlessly from reformer class to coffee catch-ups. It’s bold graphics meeting technical fabrication. It’s athleisure that actually looks like fashion — because it is.

This is your complete guide to P.E Nation: the brand’s DNA, signature pieces worth investing in, how to style their statement designs, and why this Australian label has become a global athleisure phenomenon.

Brand History & Philosophy

The Founders

P.E Nation emerged from a genuine friendship and shared industry frustration. Pip Edwards, a fashion industry veteran with stints at Ksubi, sass & bide, and General Pants, teamed up with Claire Greaves, who brought design credentials from brands like Jets and Seafolly. Both women had spent years navigating Australia’s fashion landscape and identified a glaring gap: activewear that looked good enough to wear all day.

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The name “P.E Nation” is a playful nod to physical education classes — that nostalgic reference to school sports uniforms, but reimagined through a high-fashion lens. It’s cheeky, memorable, and perfectly captures the brand’s irreverent Australian spirit.

Design Philosophy

P.E Nation’s design philosophy centers on what they call “active streetwear” — pieces engineered for performance but designed for style. This means:

Bold Graphics: Unlike minimalist activewear brands that play it safe with solid colours, P.E Nation embraces retro-inspired logo placements, contrast piping, and sports-luxe details. Think ’70s gym class meets contemporary streetwear.

Technical Fabrication: Every piece uses performance fabrics — moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, compression technology — but the aesthetic is decidedly fashion-forward rather than purely functional.

Transitional Design: The hallmark of P.E Nation is versatility. A zip-up jacket works for HIIT class, weekend errands, or styled with denim for lunch. This isn’t workout gear you change out of immediately.

Australian Aesthetic: There’s an unmistakable laid-back confidence to P.E Nation pieces. They capture that effortless Sydney cool — active, outdoorsy, fashion-conscious but never trying too hard.

Signature Pieces & Collections

The Power Play Jacket

If P.E Nation has a hero piece, it’s their zip-up jackets. The Power Play style features contrast panelling, retro stripes, and that perfect slouchy-but-structured fit that works over everything from sports bras to button-downs. It’s been photographed on everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Miranda Kerr.

Why it works: The cut is slightly oversized without being baggy, the design details (usually contrast piping or logo placement) make it instantly recognizable, and the technical fabric means it performs when you need it to but looks elevated when you’re just wearing it as outerwear.

The Game Changer Leggings

P.E Nation leggings have earned cult status for good reason. The compression is firm but comfortable, the waistband stays put during burpees, and the mesh panelling or contrast piping details mean you’re not wearing plain black tights.

The fit runs true to size with a high waist that doesn’t dig in. Fabric is thick enough to be squat-proof but not so heavy you overheat. Expect to pay around $150-$180 AUD.

Sports Bras

P.E Nation sports bras come in three support levels: light (yoga, pilates), medium (cycling, boxing), and high (running, HIIT). The brand excels at making high-support bras that don’t flatten or feel restrictive.

Standout features include wide underband for stability, adjustable straps on many styles, and mesh detailing that’s functional (breathability) and aesthetic. The Baseline Bra is a perennial bestseller.

The Court Track Pants

For the off-duty athleisure look, P.E Nation’s track pants deliver. These typically feature elastic cuffs, a relaxed fit through the leg, and subtle logo details. Pair them with the matching zip-up for a full tracksuit moment or style with a cropped tee and chunky sneakers.

Swim & Resort

Less known but equally strong: P.E Nation’s swim and resort line. Think sports-luxe bikinis with racer-back tops, one-pieces with graphic panelling, and terry cloth cover-ups. It’s activewear design codes applied to beachwear — quintessentially Australian.

The P.E Nation Aesthetic: How to Style It

The Athleisure Formula

P.E Nation pieces are designed to mix into your everyday wardrobe, not live in a separate “gym clothes” category. Here’s how to style them beyond the studio:

High-Low Mix: Pair P.E Nation leggings with an oversized blazer and slides for weekend brunch. The contrast between technical sportswear and tailored pieces creates visual interest.

Tonal Dressing: Match your P.E Nation set (leggings + sports bra or shorts + tee) and throw on an oversized denim jacket or trench. The monochrome base makes outerwear pop.

Sneaker Culture: P.E Nation’s retro-inspired aesthetic pairs naturally with chunky sneakers — Nike Air Max, New Balance 550s, Asics Gel-Kayano. Lean into the ’90s-meets-now vibe.

Accessorize: Because the pieces are statement-making on their own, keep accessories minimal. A sleek crossbody bag, gold hoops, and a baseball cap work better than anything too precious.

Occasions

• Actual Workouts: Obviously. These pieces perform.
• School Run: The unofficial uniform of style-conscious Australian mums.
• Weekend Errands: Coffee runs, grocery shopping, dog walks — looking put-together without trying.
• Travel: Comfortable, packable, and presentable. P.E Nation is airport outfit gold.
• Casual Lunch: Especially in beachy Australian locales where activewear-as-daywear is normalized.

Price Point & Value

P.E Nation sits in the premium activewear category. Here’s typical pricing:

• Leggings: $150-$180 AUD
• Sports Bras: $100-$130 AUD
• Zip-Up Jackets: $180-$250 AUD
• Track Pants: $150-$200 AUD
• Shorts: $120-$150 AUD

Is it worth it? If you’re comparing to Lululemon or Alo Yoga, the pricing is competitive. You’re paying for:

1. Design: These aren’t basic black leggings. The graphic details and colorways are distinct.
2. Quality: Fabric holds up well through repeated washes and high-intensity workouts.
3. Versatility: Pieces that work for multiple occasions justify a higher price per wear.
4. Brand Cachet: There’s undeniable status in wearing a recognizable Australian label.

That said, if you primarily want performance gear and don’t care about fashion details, you can find similar quality for less. P.E Nation’s premium is in the design and lifestyle positioning.

Sustainability Commitment

P.E Nation has made tangible progress on sustainability:

• Responsible Fabrics: Increasing use of recycled polyester, organic cotton, and lower-impact materials.
• Packaging: Shifted to recycled and biodegradable packaging materials.
• Production: Working with ethical factories and improving supply chain transparency.
• Longevity: Pieces are designed to last seasons, not trends — buy less, wear longer.

The brand is transparent that they’re on a journey rather than claiming perfection. Their sustainability page outlines specific targets and progress updates, which is more honest than greenwashing marketing speak.

For Australian shoppers prioritizing sustainable activewear, P.E Nation represents a middle ground — not as eco-focused as brands like Afends or Rowie, but significantly ahead of fast-fashion activewear players.

Where to Buy P.E Nation in Australia

Official Channels

P.E Nation Website: Full range, regular sales (usually 30-40% off end-of-season), size availability, free shipping over $100 AUD.

P.E Nation Sydney Flagship: 500 George Street, CBD. The full experience with all collections.

Stockists

• The Iconic: Wide selection, excellent for filtering by size/color, frequent promotional codes.
• ASOS: International shipping, good for finding past-season styles on sale.
• David Jones: Select styles in-store and online, premium positioning.
• Stylerunner: Activewear specialist, curated P.E Nation selection.

Outlet & Sale Shopping

• P.E Nation Sample Sales: Follow the brand on Instagram for Sydney/Melbourne sample sale announcements (typically 2-3x per year with 50-70% discounts).
• The Iconic Sale Section: Filter for P.E Nation during end-of-season sales.
• Depop/Poshmark: Pre-loved pieces in excellent condition, usually 40-60% off retail.

Celebrity Fans & Cultural Cachet

P.E Nation has achieved that sweet spot of celebrity endorsement without feeling overly commercialized:

International: Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kendall Jenner have all been photographed in P.E Nation pieces, usually styled as streetwear rather than activewear.

Australian: Miranda Kerr, Laura Henshaw, Steph Claire Smith — the who’s who of Australian fitness and fashion influencers are frequently seen in the brand.

What makes this cultural currency work is authenticity. These aren’t paid partnerships (mostly). The brand’s aesthetic genuinely resonates with style-conscious women who live active lifestyles.

Sizing & Fit Guide

P.E Nation runs true to size with some important nuances:

Leggings: High-waisted, compressive fit. If between sizes, size up for comfort or down for maximum compression. Expect some initial tightness that eases slightly after first wear.

Tops/Sports Bras: True to size. The brand provides detailed measurements on product pages. Band sizes are consistent with standard bra sizing.

Outerwear: Slightly relaxed, intended to layer over sports bras or tees. The fit is structured but not tight — this is deliberate for the athleisure aesthetic.

Length: Designed for average Australian height (162-170cm). If you’re particularly tall, check inseam measurements on leggings.

Most pieces are designed for women, though the unisex aesthetic means many customers size up for an oversized boyfriend fit.

Comparing P.E Nation to Other Athleisure Brands

vs. Lululemon: P.E Nation is bolder aesthetically (graphics, colorways) while Lululemon skews minimalist. Quality is comparable, pricing similar. Choose P.E Nation if you want statement pieces; Lululemon for understated basics.

vs. Alo Yoga: Alo is more yoga-focused with softer fabrics and earth tones. P.E Nation is higher energy — better for HIIT, cycling, or streetwear styling.

vs. Running Bare: The Australian comparison. Running Bare is more performance-focused and affordable. P.E Nation adds fashion credibility and lifestyle positioning.

vs. The Upside: Both Australian athleisure brands with fashion backgrounds. The Upside trends more feminine and bohemian; P.E Nation is sportier and bolder.

First-Time Buyer Recommendations

If you’re new to P.E Nation, start with these investment pieces:

1. A Signature Jacket: The Power Play or similar zip-up style in a neutral colorway (black, navy, grey). Most versatile and instantly recognizable.
2. Black Leggings with Subtle Details: Foundation piece that works for everything. Look for mesh panels or contrast piping — just enough interest without being loud.
3. Medium-Support Sports Bra: In a color you love. This gives you a taste of the fit and quality without committing to a full outfit.

Then expand based on what you reach for most. If you’re living in the jacket, add the matching track pants for a full set. If the leggings become your uniform, explore different colorways or printed styles.

The Bottom Line

P.E Nation represents the maturation of Australian athleisure. This isn’t activewear trying to be fashion or fashion trying to be activewear — it’s a genuine hybrid created by designers who understand both worlds.

The brand succeeds because it knows its customer: active Australian women who prioritize style without sacrificing function, who want pieces that work hard across multiple contexts, and who appreciate bold design that still feels wearable.

Is every piece perfect? No. Some seasonal prints miss the mark, and the price point puts it out of reach for many shoppers. But the core collection — those zip-up jackets, compression leggings, and sports bras — delivers on quality, design, and versatility.

For Australian women building an athleisure wardrobe that genuinely transitions from workout to everyday life, P.E Nation earns its premium positioning. It’s confident, energetic, unapologetically bold — very Australian, very now.

Start with one signature piece. You’ll understand the appeal immediately.