Top 5 Black-Owned Athleisure Brands You Should Know

I might be a bit biased when it comes to brands, but I’m definitely selective about where I shop. Naturally, Veii tops my list—I create every item, so I know exactly what I’m getting. But there are also a few other Black-owned activewear and athleisure brands that I think are dope, with founders that I really admire.

Veii Apparel
Veii is a brand based out of Prince George’s County, Maryland, founded in 2019 by Nigerian-American Ikechukwu Ogwuegbu. I started the brand while playing college football at the University of Maryland with the goal of creating a culture-driven label that focuses on self-improvement and making an impact in the world. Veii produces versatile pieces that work both in the gym and for everyday activities. While we primarily focus on men’s apparel, we’re expanding our women’s offerings. Our designs are iconic and eye-catching, and we’ve had the opportunity to work with several NFL athletes. Veii also stays active in the community by sponsoring youth sports teams and hosting events.

Actively Black
Based in Houston, Texas, Actively Black was founded in 2020 by Lanny Smith, a former college basketball player for the University of Houston who was drafted by the Sacramento Kings. The brand emphasizes empowering the Black community through both its clothing and marketing. They’ve done collaborations with the Muhammad Ali estate and Marvel’s Black Panther, and they aim to become the future Black Nike. Actively Black blends fashion with activewear, leaning more into stylish elements than strict functionality. Recently, they partnered with the Nigerian Olympic Team and worked with the Lekki Garment Factory in Lagos, Nigeria, to produce the opening ceremony outfits.

Roam Loud
Roam Loud, based out of Providence, Rhode Island, was founded in 2020 by Toyin Omisore, a Liberian-Nigerian American social worker. Roam Loud focuses exclusively on women’s activewear, and what stands out to me are the details. Many of their designs have African-derived names, and they use fabrics that complement darker skin tones. Toyin is killing it in retail too—they’re stocked in REI, CorePower Yoga, and Kohl’s locations across the country.

Solely Fit
Solely Fit, founded in 2018 by Haitian-Nigerian American Stefanie Okolie, is based in Houston, Texas. Stefanie, a journalist, started the brand during a career transition from Arizona to Houston. Solely Fit is all about celebrating the beauty and strength of women. Their collections include colorful sets, bodysuits, skirts, and leggings that capture the essence of a woman’s body while empowering her to reach her full potential.

STRIPT
STRIPT, based in Bowie, Maryland, was founded in 2020 by Arianna Davis, who left her law aspirations to pursue the brand full-time. STRIPT focuses on women’s activewear, offering inclusive sizing and form-fitting core pieces that resonate with Gen Z and Millennials. They lean into a “tennis girl” aesthetic in their marketing, and Ari does a great job using her personal following to grow the brand. I’m especially proud to see another DMV-based brand thriving.

These are my top picks if you want to support Black-owned businesses and help circulate the Black dollar. Since starting Veii, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of why buying Black matters—these founders pour resources back into the communities they come from, creating a powerful cycle of support. The Black dollar holds more influence than people realize, and it's not just a trend or a concept for older generations—it's a force for lasting impact.