Movement has always been about more than fitness — it’s about how it makes you feel. Strong, capable, grounded, unstoppable. And that’s exactly what Sweaty Betty, the cult British activewear brand, has been championing since day one: empowering women through fitness and beyond.
The brand opened its first New Zealand store on Christchurch’s Cashel St, which is the largest in the world. It’s now been followed by Ponsonby in late 2025 — a welcome addition to Auckland’s style-savvy neighbourhood.
At the heart of Sweaty Betty’s global success are its Power Leggings — a piece so beloved that one pair sells every 60 seconds worldwide. Universally flattering, ultra-supportive, and endlessly versatile, they’re the kind of wardrobe essential that keeps up with you — from reformer Pilates to your morning run, to that holy grail coffee catch-up with friends afterwards.
Crafted from a sculpting, four-way stretch fabric, the Power Leggings offer the perfect balance of performance and comfort. They’re sweat-wicking and quick-drying, designed to handle every workout without losing their shape. A wide, supportive waistband smooths and flatters, while the internal adjustable drawcord ensures a custom fit. Functional touches — including a side slip pocket for your phone and a back zip pocket for keys — make them as practical as they are polished.
And because motivation often starts with what you wear, we’re loving the latest Power Legging arrivals: the Black Star Reflective Print that catches the light with every stride, the bold Purple Leopard Splash, and the striking Blue Halftone Leopard Print. For minimalists, the classic black remains the ultimate all-rounder — timeless, sleek, and always ready for action.
To complete the look, Sweaty Betty offers a curated range of tops to match your movement style — from breathable, supportive crops for high-intensity sessions to easy tanks and long-sleeve layers for slower days. Whether you’re deep into training goals or simply showing up, Sweaty Betty proves that performance and empowerment go hand in hand.
That’s the real power of the Power Leggings — not just built for performance but for confidence that lasts well beyond the workout.
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This article originally appeared in Fashion Quarterly‘s Summer 2026 issue.
Photography: Hope Patterson.
Words: Sarah Murray
