What Workout Clothes Do You Actually Need? A Guide to Essence and Elevate™

Your leggings might work perfectly for lifting but feel like too much for Pilates. Your favorite studio set might be comfortable all day but not give you the structured feel you want at the gym.

That’s because workout clothes aren’t one-size-fits-all.

The right pair of leggings, sports bra or workout top depends on how you train, how much compression you like and how you want your clothes to feel while you move.

At Thrivin, that’s where Essence and Elevate™ come in.

They’re two different approaches to women’s activewear: one softer and lower compression, the other more structured and high compression.

Here’s how to decide which fits your workout and your day.

Start With Your Workout

Before choosing a new pair of women’s workout clothes, think about what you’ll actually be doing in them.

Pilates, studio workouts and slower movement

For Pilates, stretching, walking and other lower-intensity movement, you may prefer activewear that feels light and flexible rather than firmly compressive.

Essence is designed around that feeling.

Its low-compression construction gives you a soft, breathable, second-skin feel with subtle shaping. It moves easily with your body without the stronger hold of high-compression gymwear.

It’s also a natural choice when your workout is only one part of your day.

Wear your Essence set to Pilates, head out for coffee, run errands and keep it on for the rest of the afternoon.

Best for: Pilates, studio sessions, walking, travel, rest days and everyday wear.

Strength Training, HIIT and Gym Workouts

For lifting and higher-intensity workouts, you may want your activewear to feel more secure.

That’s where Elevate™ comes in.

Elevate™ is designed with high compression for a smoother, more structured and sculpting feel. The close fit creates a stronger sense of hold while you move through your workout.

It’s made for the days when you want your gym clothes to feel like they’re ready for the session ahead.

Best for: Strength training, weight lifting, HIIT and higher-intensity gym workouts.

So, What Does Compression Actually Change?

Compression isn't just a technical detail on a product page. It changes how your activewear feels on your body.

Low compression

Low-compression activewear feels lighter and less restrictive.

It can be a good choice if you want:

•  A soft, flexible feel
• Subtle shaping
• More freedom of movement
• A second-skin fit
• Activewear you can comfortably wear beyond your workout

Essence sits in this category.

High compression

High-compression activewear has a firmer, more structured feel.

It can be a good choice if you want:

•  More hold
• A secure fit
• Stronger compression 
• A sculpting feel
• Performance-focused gymwear

Elevate™ is designed around this experience.

How Should Workout Leggings Feel?

There’s no single answer.

Some people want their workout leggings to feel barely there. Others prefer a firm, held-in sensation.

If you want leggings that feel soft and flexible against your skin, Essence offers a lower-compression option.

If you prefer a more structured and sculpting fit, Elevate™ brings a higher level of compression.

Your ideal fit really comes down to personal preference and what you're doing that day.

Your Workout Wardrobe Doesn't Have to Have One Formula

You don't have to pick one type of activewear and wear it for everything.

A Pilates morning might call for Essence.

A heavy lifting session might call for Elevate™.

A travel day might call for the softer feel of Essence.

A day when you simply prefer more compression might call for Elevate™.

The best women’s activewear is the activewear that works for how you actually move.

Essence or Elevate™? Use This Simple Guide

Find Your Fit

There’s no perfect level of compression for everyone.

Some workouts call for softness and flexibility. Others call for more structure. And sometimes the deciding factor is simply what feels best when you put it on.

Essence gives you a softer, low-compression approach to activewear.

Elevate™ gives you a higher-compression, sculpting approach.

Different workouts. Different preferences. Different days.

Find the Thrivin fit that moves with yours.