We've talked time and again about the importance of good, fun workout clothing and the impact it can have on our motivation to get moving. But as Black women, what about the apparel that empowers us? What about tights covered in Kente cloth? What about pieces that actually have people of color on them? How about apparel that doesn't just make you look great while exercising, but helps people in developing African countries? More importantly, where are the pieces made by people of color?
You often can't find them at the store, but there are talented Black-owned fitness brands popping up that empower us and our culture, while also selling really dope stuff.
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Yema
Created by Kenyan-born Yema Kahlif and with help from business partner Georges Monatin, YEMA is produced Stateside and was created with the intention of bringing African style to the fitness apparel world. In an interview with The Oak Leaf, it was revealed that Kahlif's love for exercise and fashion helped to fuel his desire to help empower people looking to work out to be their best selves. The pieces are simple in structure but bright in color and details. Also, $5 of every purchase goes to help Kenyan girls obtain their education in Nairobi. https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ3jUfkl_wJ/?taken-by=yemacalif https://www.instagram.com/p/BRKVAA0lj7y/?taken-by=shopglamourinaGlamourina
DC-based designers and working mothers Kia Renee and Nekol Choo are the forces behind the Glamourina athleisure brand, which recently announced a Kente athleisure line. Their pieces are not only colorful and cute, but they come in a wide range of sizes for the diverse bodies of active women. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRylBHEFJt9/?taken-by=shopglamourina https://www.instagram.com/p/BRvmdX1FwnK/?taken-by=philaprintPhiladelphia Printworks' "Embodied" Collection
For Black yogi enthusiasts who carve out time and money to center themselves and push their bodies in hot yoga, Bikram, Ashtanga and more, how can you not love the idea of a line with Black people doing yoga on it? The "Embodied" collection from Philadelphia Printworks and designer Jean-Jacques Gabriel not only feature people of color in all sorts of poses, but some of the pieces also include the words of writer and feminist Audre Lorde. That includes one racerback tank that reads, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival." https://www.instagram.com/p/BRcRla7lA1D/?taken-by=philaprint https://www.instagram.com/p/BFv-FSHQ7Xa/?tagged=lornahsportsLornah
Created by Kenyan-born long-distance running legend Lornah Kiplaga, this fitness collection is all about providing comfort, color, and coverage for runners. As the site describes the line of clothing, "Wearing Lornah is feeling the spirit of Africa. On your skin, in your soul, in your life. Lornah offers unique feminine African designs, fine fabrics and an exceptionally elegant fit." https://www.instagram.com/p/BHCqKQ2j1By/?tagged=lornahsports https://www.instagram.com/p/BJy05sEAtwN/?taken-by=pru_apparelPRU Apparel
PRU Apparel's name stands for Power, Representation and Unity. The creator of it, Ebonique, was inspired to start the line as a woman who is active and always needs new athletic wear, but wanted some from a Black-owned business. Seeking more power, representation and unity in exercise wear, she launched her own line that showcases Ankara prints and represents for African/African-American culture. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRGSySoF-JG/?taken-by=pru_apparelThe post For Us, By Us Fitness Finds: Black-Owned Workout Apparel Brands appeared first on MadameNoire.