THE UPSIDE: Activewear Brand – Luxury Activewear

Founded by model-turned-entrepreneur Jodhi Meares in 2013, THE UPSIDE has become synonymous with activewear that refuses to choose between performance and style. Born from a simple frustration—Meares couldn’t find yoga wear that looked as good as it performed—the brand has evolved into a global phenomenon that’s equally at home in the studio and on the street.

What sets THE UPSIDE apart in Australia’s crowded activewear market isn’t just bold prints and premium fabrics. It’s the brand’s ability to make you look like you’ve just walked off a yacht in Santorini when you’re actually heading to hot yoga in Bondi. This is activewear with ambition.

The Jodhi Meares Story: From Runways to Downward Dogs

Before THE UPSIDE existed, Jodhi Meares was already a household name in Australian fashion. As a model in the 1990s and early 2000s, she graced magazine covers and walked international runways. But it was her personal quest for stylish activewear that led to her most enduring creation.

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“I loved yoga, but I hated what I had to wear,” Meares recalls in interviews. The market was dominated by either ultra-technical gear that looked clinical, or cheap fast-fashion pieces that fell apart after three washes. She saw a gap for fashion-forward activewear that didn’t compromise on quality.

Launching in 2013 from her Surry Hills studio in Sydney, THE UPSIDE quickly found its audience. Within a year, the brand had gained traction not just in Australia but globally, appearing in premium boutiques from New York to London. The brand’s early aesthetic—bold geometric prints, luxe fabrications, unexpected colour combinations—set it apart immediately.

What’s particularly impressive is how THE UPSIDE has maintained its identity while scaling. Unlike many Australian activewear brands that dilute their edge to appeal to broader markets, THE UPSIDE has doubled down on what makes it distinct: confident design, premium pricing, and an unapologetic attitude.

What THE UPSIDE Actually Stands For

If P.E Nation is streetwear-meets-sport and Lorna Jane is motivational fitness, THE UPSIDE occupies a different lane entirely: luxury leisure. This is activewear for the woman who wants her gym outfit to cost as much as her Saturday night dress—and look just as considered.

The brand’s design philosophy centers on three pillars:

Fashion-First Functionality: Every piece is designed to move beautifully, but aesthetic comes first. THE UPSIDE doesn’t apologise for prioritising how you look alongside how you perform. Prints are bold and often abstract, drawing from art, architecture, and global travel rather than the typical athletic palette.

Premium Materials, Premium Price: THE UPSIDE uses technical fabrics—moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, breathable—but elevates them with details like Italian hardware, contrast stitching, and luxe finishes. You’re paying for construction quality and fabric performance that lasts.

Versatility Beyond The Studio: This is where THE UPSIDE truly shines. Their pieces transition seamlessly from barre class to brunch, from reformer to rosé. A knit jogger pairs as easily with sneakers as it does with slides. A crochet cover-up works over activewear or swimwear.

The brand has also leaned into seasonal collections that expand beyond traditional activewear. Recent ranges include ski-inspired knitwear, resort separates, and even evening-appropriate pieces that blur the line between athleisure and ready-to-wear.

Signature Pieces & Bestsellers: What To Buy First

If you’re new to THE UPSIDE, here’s what actually sells—and why:

Bold Printed Leggings: THE UPSIDE’s calling card. Expect geometric patterns, abstract florals, and colour-blocked designs that make a statement. These aren’t your basic black tights; they’re conversation starters. The fit is high-waisted, compressive without being restrictive, and the fabric is thick enough to be squat-proof.

Logo Sports Bras: Simple but effective. THE UPSIDE’s signature logo tape detailing elevates a basic bra into something you’d wear as a crop top. Medium support, ideal for yoga, pilates, or low-impact workouts.

Knit Joggers & Sweaters: Where THE UPSIDE really differentiates itself. These are elevated loungewear pieces—think cashmere-blend knits, ribbed textures, and relaxed silhouettes. Perfect for pre-and post-workout, or just living your best off-duty life.

Crochet & Linen Pieces: THE UPSIDE’s summer and resort offerings. Crochet shirts, linen shorts, and woven cover-ups that work as well at the beach as they do layered over activewear for a studio-to-street look.

Jumpsuits: A hero category. THE UPSIDE’s activewear jumpsuits combine the ease of a one-piece with the stretch and performance of technical fabrics. Expect cutouts, contrast panels, and statement zips.

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Price Point Reality Check: What You’re Actually Paying For

Let’s be honest: THE UPSIDE is expensive. A pair of leggings will set you back $120-180. Sports bras range from $80-120. Knit pieces can easily exceed $300.

But here’s what you’re getting:

Fabric Quality: THE UPSIDE uses premium technical fabrics—often Italian or Australian-milled—that maintain their shape, colour, and compression after dozens of washes. This isn’t fast fashion that pills after three wears.

Construction: Flatlock seams, reinforced gussets, and quality hardware. These pieces are built to last. The elastic doesn’t roll, the zips don’t snag, and the stitching holds.

Design Longevity: THE UPSIDE’s prints are bold, but they’re not trend-driven. A geometric print from 2018 still looks current in 2026. You’re investing in pieces that won’t look dated next season.

Resale Value: THE UPSIDE holds its value remarkably well on secondhand platforms. A well-maintained piece can resell for 40-60% of its original price, far better than most activewear brands.

Is it worth it? If you wear activewear daily, if you care about how your gym outfit looks, and if you prefer buying fewer pieces of higher quality, then yes. If you’re a casual gym-goer who prioritises function over fashion, there are cheaper options.

THE UPSIDE vs The Competition: How It Stacks Up

Let’s compare THE UPSIDE to Australia’s other major activewear players:

THE UPSIDE vs P.E Nation: P.E Nation is sportier, more streetwear-influenced, and slightly more accessible price-wise. THE UPSIDE is more luxe, more versatile beyond the gym, and leans harder into fashion. P.E Nation for the woman who wants to look cool; THE UPSIDE for the woman who wants to look expensive.

THE UPSIDE vs Lorna Jane: Completely different markets. Lorna Jane is motivational, mass-market, and function-first. THE UPSIDE is aspirational, premium, and fashion-first. Lorna Jane for your 6am boot camp; THE UPSIDE for your 10am private pilates session.

THE UPSIDE vs BASSIKE: BASSIKE is minimalist, pared-back, and understated. THE UPSIDE is bold, maximalist, and statement-making. Both are premium Australian brands, but THE UPSIDE has more personality.

THE UPSIDE vs Outdoor Voices / Alo Yoga (US brands): THE UPSIDE is more directional and less trend-dependent. While Outdoor Voices and Alo lean into Instagrammable pastels and influencer culture, THE UPSIDE maintains a more mature, art-directed aesthetic.

Where THE UPSIDE Sits On Sustainability

Here’s where the brand is less impressive. THE UPSIDE doesn’t lead the pack on sustainability the way brands like Kowtow or BASSIKE do. Their website mentions responsible sourcing and quality-over-quantity philosophy, but there’s no detailed transparency report, no certified organic fabrics, and no comprehensive circularity program.

What THE UPSIDE does offer is longevity. By creating high-quality pieces designed to last years rather than seasons, the brand encourages less consumption. But if ethical production and environmental impact are your top priorities, you’ll want more concrete information than THE UPSIDE currently provides.

Sizing, Fit & Practical Considerations

Sizing: THE UPSIDE runs true to size, occasionally slightly generous. Most reviewers recommend ordering your usual size. The brand offers XS-XL, which is standard but not particularly inclusive.

Fit: High-waisted, compressive, and designed for a streamlined silhouette. If you prefer a looser, more relaxed fit in activewear, size up. The sports bras offer medium support—great for yoga, pilates, and barre, but not ideal for high-impact activities like running.

Care: Machine washable (cold water, delicate cycle). The quality of the fabrics means they hold up well, but avoid fabric softener and tumble drying to maximise longevity.

Where To Buy: THE UPSIDE’s own website, premium department stores (David Jones, THE ICONIC), and boutique activewear retailers globally. Also available via international stockists like FWRD and Net-A-Porter.

The Celebrity & Influencer Effect

THE UPSIDE has been spotted on everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Kendall Jenner to local Australian influencers. But unlike some brands that lean heavily on influencer marketing, THE UPSIDE’s celebrity endorsements feel more organic—these are genuinely stylish women who’d wear the brand regardless of sponsorship.

The brand’s Instagram aesthetic is aspirational but not intimidating. Expect sun-drenched photography, diverse body types, and a mix of studio shots and real-life styling. It’s polished without being overly produced.

The Verdict: Is THE UPSIDE Worth The Hype?

Buy THE UPSIDE if:

• You wear activewear daily and care about how it looks
• You value quality over quantity and prefer investment pieces
• You want activewear that works beyond the gym
• You’re drawn to bold prints and confident design
• You don’t mind paying premium prices for premium product

Skip THE UPSIDE if:

• You’re on a tight budget and need affordable basics
• You prefer minimalist, understated activewear
• You primarily do high-impact workouts requiring maximum support
• Sustainability and ethical production are non-negotiables for you

THE UPSIDE is for the woman who views her activewear wardrobe as an extension of her overall style, not a separate category. It’s for the woman who wants to look as good picking up her morning coffee as she does in downward dog. And it’s for the woman who’s willing to pay for pieces that last, look expensive, and make her feel like the best-dressed person in the room—even if that room is a yoga studio.

Jodhi Meares set out to create activewear she actually wanted to wear. More than a decade later, THE UPSIDE has become the activewear thousands of Australian women actually want to wear. And that’s the ultimate endorsement.