Choosing activewear is rarely just about colour or size. For many New Zealand women, the real question is how a piece feels after an hour of Pilates, during a walk after work, on a cool morning commute, or while layering for a full day outside the studio. That is where fabric direction matters. At Lepeins, NULS fabric is our way of describing a softer, more wearable approach to yoga wear and activewear: pieces that feel smooth on the body, move comfortably, and look polished enough to keep wearing after class.
What does NULS fabric mean?
NULS is a fabric direction focused on softness, stretch, coverage and day-to-day comfort. Rather than treating activewear as something you only wear for a workout, NULS pieces are designed around the way many women actually dress now: studio first, errands next, and sometimes straight into coffee, travel or a relaxed work-from-home day.
The feel is the starting point. A good activewear fabric should sit smoothly against the skin without feeling stiff, scratchy or overly compressive. It should have enough stretch to support movement, but it should not make you feel restricted when you bend, stretch, sit or walk. That balance is especially important for Pilates and yoga, where your clothing needs to move quietly with your body instead of demanding attention.
Why fabric matters for yoga, Pilates and everyday movement
In a yoga or Pilates class, the wrong fabric becomes noticeable quickly. Waistbands can roll, tops can shift, sports bras can feel too firm, and leggings can feel either too thin or too heavy. For low-impact movement, you usually do not need the most intense compression. You need a smooth, secure fit that lets you focus on alignment, breath and control.
Soft activewear also matters outside the studio. New Zealand weather can change quickly, and many outfits need to work across multiple parts of the day. A pair of yoga pants, a light yoga top and a clean layering piece from jackets and coats can carry you from a morning class to a walk, a grocery stop or a casual lunch without feeling too sporty or underdressed.
Fabric choice affects how confident you feel in those transitions. Smooth coverage helps pieces feel more wearable in daylight. A soft finish makes layering more comfortable. A flexible structure helps the outfit hold its shape without looking rigid.
How to choose NULS-inspired activewear by category
Sports bras: soft support for low-impact movement
For Pilates, yoga, barre and walking, a sports bra should feel supportive without feeling harsh. Look for a neckline that feels secure when you bend forward, straps that stay in place, and a band that sits flat without digging. If you prefer softer support for low-impact routines, browse our sports bras collection and choose based on neckline, strap shape and coverage rather than colour alone.
A good low-impact sports bra should also layer well. Under a tank, tee or light jacket, it should feel smooth rather than bulky. This is where soft fabric and clean construction make a visible difference.
Yoga pants and leggings: coverage, stretch and silhouette
Yoga pants and leggings are often used for similar routines, but the fit can feel very different. Leggings usually sit closer to the body and work well when you want a streamlined base layer. Yoga pants and bottoms can offer more variety, including flare shapes, straight legs and softer drape. If you move between Pilates, walking and everyday wear, the best choice is often the silhouette you feel most comfortable styling outside the studio.
For fabric, focus on opacity, waistband comfort and recovery. The waistband should feel stable without pinching. The fabric should move with squats, stretches and seated poses while returning to shape. If you are between sizes, check the size guide before choosing, because a softer fabric still needs the right fit to perform well.
Skorts: easy coverage for studio-to-street days
Skorts are useful when you want the ease of shorts with a more styled look. They work especially well for walking, tennis-inspired outfits, light training and casual warm-weather plans. Our skorts and skirts collection is designed for customers who want coverage and movement without the outfit feeling too gym-focused.
When choosing a skort, look for built-in coverage, a waistband that stays comfortable, and a length that works for how you plan to wear it. A soft fabric helps the piece feel less stiff and more natural for everyday styling.
How to build a soft activewear outfit around NULS fabric
A simple outfit formula is often the most useful: one supportive base, one comfortable bottom, and one light layer. For example, pair a soft sports bra with high-waist yoga pants and a long-sleeve top for Pilates. For errands after class, add a jacket and simple sneakers. For warmer days, swap the pants for a skort or a lighter bottom.
If you are building from scratch, start with neutral colours that are easy to repeat: black, soft grey, cream, coffee, brown or muted pink. Then add one seasonal colour once you know the shapes you reach for most. The goal is not to own more activewear than you need. It is to make every piece easier to wear in more than one setting.
You can browse fresh pieces in new arrivals, or shop by category if you already know what is missing from your wardrobe.
Fit tips for a better fabric experience
Even the softest fabric will not feel right if the size is wrong. If a piece is too small, stretch fabric may feel overly tight, seams may pull, and lighter colours may appear less smooth. If it is too large, waistbands can shift and tops may not stay secure through movement. Before buying, compare your usual size with the product size options and check our size guide.
For sports bras, pay attention to band comfort and front coverage. For leggings and pants, focus on waistband stability and whether you prefer a close or relaxed silhouette. For tops, consider how you will layer them. A slightly softer fit may be more wearable for everyday plans, while a closer fit can feel cleaner for practice.
How to care for soft activewear fabrics
Fabric care helps your activewear keep its feel for longer. Wash similar colours together, use a gentle cycle where possible, and avoid harsh detergents or fabric softeners that can leave residue on stretch fabrics. Air drying is usually kinder than high heat, especially for pieces with elastane or shaped support.
After a sweaty class or walk, let pieces dry before placing them in a laundry basket. This small habit helps keep fabric fresher between washes. For pieces you wear often, rotating between two or three favourites can also reduce wear on any single item.
FAQ: NULS fabric and soft activewear
Is NULS fabric only for yoga?
No. NULS fabric direction is designed around yoga, Pilates and everyday movement, but the pieces can also work for walking, travel, lounging and casual studio-to-street outfits.
Is soft activewear supportive enough?
Support depends on the product type and fit. For low-impact workouts, many customers prefer softer support because it feels easier to wear for longer periods. For higher-impact activities, choose pieces specifically designed for stronger support.
Should I size up in NULS pieces?
Not always. Start with your usual size and check the product fit notes and size guide. If you are between sizes or prefer a less compressive feel, sizing up may be more comfortable in some styles.
What pieces should I start with?
A practical starting point is one sports bra, one pair of yoga pants or leggings, one soft top and one light layer. This gives you enough flexibility for Pilates, walking and everyday outfits.
How do I keep soft activewear looking smooth?
Wash gently, avoid high heat, air dry when possible, and store pieces flat or folded rather than stretched on hangers for long periods.
A softer way to dress for movement
The best activewear is not the piece that makes the biggest promise. It is the piece you keep choosing because it feels right when you move, fits into your day, and makes getting dressed feel simpler. NULS fabric is Lepeins’ direction for that kind of wardrobe: soft, flexible, polished and easy to repeat.
If you are refining your studio wardrobe, start with the category you wear most: sports bras, yoga pants and bottoms, tops, skorts or light layers. Choose the piece that supports your real routine, then build slowly from there.