Like many women, I have been on the hunt for activewear that works for more than just the gym. According to Data Bridge Market Research, over 60% of women in Singapore say they face the same struggle, finding pieces that feel supportive during workouts but also look polished enough to wear straight to brunch or errands.
With Singapore’s activewear market valued at nearly USD 3 billion and projected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 7.67% through 2032, clearly, I’m not alone. Recently, I came across a new local brand, ALT. ATHLETICA, and I have to say, it feels like the alternative we’ve been waiting for.
A Fabric Choice That Surprised Me
The first thing I noticed when I slipped into ALT. ATHLETICA’s Prelude Collection was the fabric. Unlike the other activewear brands I’ve tried (and there have been many), this material has a ribbed texture that immediately felt different. It’s incredibly stretchy, moving with me whether I was in a downward dog or sprinting to catch the MRT. But what impressed me most was how it held everything in (you know, those jiggly bits we all have), smoothing out the less flattering areas, without feeling restrictive or tight.
It gave me a sleek, flattering silhouette that boosted my confidence, yet I could still breathe and move comfortably. Most activewear I’ve tried is either too compressive, making me feel like I’m wrapped in cling film, or too loose, offering little support. ALT. ATHLETICA’s fabric strikes that perfect balance.
The Story Behind the Brand
ALT. ATHLETICA was founded by Kai Lin Ng, who spent years working as an Emergency Department nurse. Between long shifts in scrubs, squeezing in workouts, and rushing straight to meet friends or family, she struggled to find activewear that fit her lifestyle. Pieces were either stylish but impractical, or practical but unflattering outside the gym.
That personal frustration became the driving force behind ALT. ATHLETICA. After two years of development and countless rounds of testing, Kai Lin launched the brand with a simple philosophy: activewear should transition seamlessly between life’s many roles, just like the women who wear it.
More Than Just Gym Clothes
What I appreciate about ALT. ATHLETICA is its understated aesthetic. Instead of flashy logos and neon colours (don’t get me wrong, I do love bright colours), the brand leans into soft, calming shades that blend effortlessly into everyday outfits. The Prelude Collection, for instance, debuts in two thoughtful hues – Stormcloud and Monsoon.
Stormcloud, with its deep, moody tone, reflects the chaos and energy of life’s unpredictable moments. Monsoon, on the other hand, embodies renewal, the fresh, cleansing feeling after a downpour. Both shades are versatile enough to pair with anything in my wardrobe, yet they carry a meaningful story that makes them feel more personal than the average black leggings.
A Founder Who Really Wears the Clothes
What also sets ALT. ATHLETICA apart is how involved Kai Lin is. She designs every piece with herself in mind, only creating items she’d personally choose over other brands. That hands-on approach extends to customer experience, too. First-order exchanges are free, returns are refunded instead of being turned into store credit, and she obsesses over small details most brands overlook, like how padding holds up after the wash or how seams stretch in real-life movement.
It’s rare to see a founder so invested in both the product and the customer, and it shows. Wearing ALT. ATHLETICA doesn’t feel like slipping into just another pair of leggings; it feels like wearing something made with thought and care.
The Verdict
After trying ALT. ATHLETICA, I can confidently say it stands apart from the activewear brands I’ve previously worn. The ribbed, body-flattering fabric is a game-changer, offering support without sacrificing comfort. The calming colour palette makes it easy to wear beyond the gym, and the brand’s ethos of creating thoughtful, transitional pieces really resonates with how women live today.
In a market flooded with performance-driven labels and influencer-fueled drops, ALT. ATHLETICA feels refreshingly real, an alternative built not on trends, but on lived experience. And for me, that makes all the difference.