16 Brands Like Outlier for Innovative Performance Wear

Discover brands like Outlier that offer innovative performance wear with minimalist design - perfect for seamless transitions from commute to office.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're a fan of clothing that perfectly balances technical innovation with a cool, minimalist design, you probably have a few pieces from Outlier in your closet. They have mastered the art of creating high-performance wear that transitions seamlessly from a bike commute to the office without skipping a beat.

For those who love Outlier's commitment to cutting-edge fabrics, durability, and understated style, there are other amazing brands pushing the boundaries of performance apparel. Here are 16 similar brands worth knowing.

1. Rhone

Rhone creates premium activewear for men and women with a strong focus on high-performance technology. Think moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, and anti-odor fabrics that are ideal for both tough workouts and running errands. In terms of quality and a tech-forward approach, it's very similar to Outlier but comes in at a slightly more accessible price point, with most items falling between $50 and $150.

While Outlier sticks to a strict minimalist look, Rhone injects a bit more of a sporty aesthetic with bolder colors and subtle branding. If you want Outlier's performance but with a touch more visual flair for your active lifestyle, Rhone is a perfect fit.

Shop now at rhone.com

2. Aether

Aether is where technical outerwear gets a sleek, urban makeover. The brand excels at crafting weather-resistant jackets and smart lifestyle pieces built with innovative insulation and clean lines. With prices generally ranging from $150 to $500, Aether sits in the luxury performance category, offering a similar dedication to quality as Outlier but with a more fashionable, city-ready sensibility.

Their specialty is durable outerwear that doesn't scream "I'm going hiking." While Outlier is purely minimalist, Aether leans into premium materials for a more luxe feel, making it the perfect choice for navigating the city in style, no matter the weather.

Shop now at aetherapparel.com

3. Norrøna

Hailing from Norway, Norrøna builds high-performance outdoor gear designed to withstand the most extreme weather conditions. The brand is known for its technical jackets, pants, and base layers, often incorporating eco-conscious materials without sacrificing an ounce of durability. Prices tend to fall between $200 and $600.

Norrøna's aesthetic is purpose-built for outdoor adventure, prioritizing rugged function over Outlier's urban minimalism. However, both brands are obsessed with technical excellence and innovation, making Norrøna an incredible choice if you need gear for serious adventuring.

Shop now at norrona.com

4. Arc'teryx Veilance

Veilance is the high-fashion, minimalist offshoot of respected outdoors brand Arc'teryx. It creates sleek, technical performance wear designed specifically for urban life, often presented in stark, monochrome palettes. With prices starting around $300 and going well over $1,000, Veilance is true luxury techwear.

Think of it as Outlier's avant-garde older cousin. While both brands champion a clean aesthetic and advanced fabrics, Veilance pushes design to a more architectural and sartorial place, creating sophisticated outerwear that's as much a style piece as it is performance gear.

Shop now at veilance.com

5. Ten Thousand

Ten Thousand doesn't mess around - it's pure performance apparel built for serious athletes who prioritize durability and function. Their lineup of training shorts, tops, and leggings features no-nonsense technical details like anti-chafe construction and moisture-wicking fabrics. Priced between $50 and $110, it's a stellar value for high-quality gear.

Like Outlier, Ten Thousand is driven by tech, but its aesthetic is much more straightforwardly athletic. It's less about blending into an urban environment and more about helping you perform at your peak during an intense workout.

Shop now at tenthousand.cc

6. KÜHL

KÜHL designs comfortable, durable outdoor clothing with a focus on technical fabrics that move with you. Popular for versatile pants, shirts, and layers, their gear is great for everything from hiking to travel. Most pieces land in the accessible $50 to $150 range.

While Outlier’s vibe is sleek and urban, KÜHL has a more rugged, outdoorsy feel that's laid-back and practical. Both share a love for hardworking fabrics, but KÜHL is the brand you pick for comfort on the trail and a casual, adventure-ready look.

Shop now at kuhl.com

7. Tumi

While Tumi is known for luggage and travel goods, not apparel, its modern technical accessories are the perfect companions to an Outlier wardrobe. Specializing in high-tech, durable bags and backpacks designed for life on the move, Tumi shares the same philosophy of innovative function and sleek design. Their products range from around $150 to $500.

Their water-resistant materials and ergonomic designs cater to the same urban commuter and savvy traveler that loves Outlier. If you want a backpack that matches the performance and aesthetic of your clothing, Tumi is the go-to.

Shop now at tumi.com

8. Vuori

Vuori captures the relaxed, coastal vibe of its California roots, blending insanely comfortable performance fabrics with laid-back style. Famous for their buttery-soft joggers, leggings, and versatile tops, they craft aspirational activewear perfect for the gym flowing into everyday life. Prices usually sit between $50 and $120.

Compared to Outlier's technical minimalism, Vuori is all about premium comfort and a more casual, lifestyle aesthetic. The focus on high-performance fabric is still there, but Vuori makes it feel effortless and exceptionally soft to the touch.

Shop now at vuoriclothing.com

9. Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear)

Nike's ACG line is all about rugged, high-performance outdoor gear that can handle whatever nature throws at it. Its collections include technical jackets, cargo pants, and footwear designed with innovative, weatherproof fabrics. The aesthetic is a mix of streetwear cool and utilitarian function, with prices ranging from $80 to $300.

Where Outlier is understated and sleek, ACG is playful, bold, and unapologetically sporty. Both brands prioritize functional, technical design, but ACG brings a distinctively outdoor, graphic-heavy style favored by urban explorers and hypebeasts alike.

Shop now at nike.com

10. Lululemon ABC

Lululemon practically invented the idea of stylish performance wear, and their ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) line for men is a shining example. These technical pants, shorts, and tops are engineered for maximum comfort and freedom of movement, leveraging moisture-wicking fabrics and ergonomic fits. Expect to pay between $80 and $150.

Similar to Outlier, Lululemon's gear is versatile enough to be worn all day. The key difference is the aesthetic: Lulu leans more mainstream athletic and form-fitting, while Outlier maintains a more structured, minimalist silhouette.

Shop now at lululemon.com

11. Stio

Inspired by life in the mountains, Stio creates technical and versatile outdoor apparel that bridges the gap between peak performance and everyday style. Their jackets, pants, and layers are durable, comfortable, and always ready for an adventure. Most pieces are priced between $80 and $250.

Stio’s commitment to high-performance, long-lasting gear is right in line with Outlier's ethos. The main difference lies in the aesthetic - Stio has a modern but distinctively outdoor-inspired style compared to Outlier's urban-focused Gorpcore vibe.

Shop now at stio.com

12. Peloton Apparel

More than just bikes, Peloton offers a full line of activewear that combines performance fabrics with comfortable, stylish designs. Their collection of leggings, bras, and tops is designed for workouts but is often trendy enough for casual wear. With price points from $30 to $100, it's an accessible option for quality activewear.

While Outlier focuses on premium, highly technical textiles, Peloton provides more approachable, everyday performance pieces. Both prioritize function and comfort, but Peloton appeals to those looking for trendy styles without the high-end price tag.

Shop now at onepeloton.com

13. Cryo

Cryo takes a specialized approach to technical apparel, focusing on innovative compression and recovery wear. Their products, which include leggings and tops priced from $80 to $200, are designed to enhance athletic performance and speed up muscle recovery through advanced fabric technology.

If you're drawn to Outlier for its use of innovative materials, you'll appreciate Cryo's scientific approach. While Outlier's gear is for active living, Cryo provides an excellent, tech-forward option specifically for the performance and recovery side of your fitness routine.

Shop now at cryowear.com

14. Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga is a master of creating sleek, high-performance activewear that looks just as good at a brunch spot as it does in a yoga studio. The brand uses sustainable, technical fabrics to craft fashion-forward leggings, sports bras, and tops that often feature minimalist and modern cuts. Items typically cost between $50 and $150.

Similar to Outlier, Alo prioritizes the intersection of technology and style. However, Alo’s aesthetic is much more trend-driven and centered on the wellness and yoga community, while Outlier maintains a more utilitarian, gender-neutral vibe.

Shop now at aloyoga.com

15. Prana

Prana is a go-to for eco-friendly and versatile clothing built for adventure. With a deep focus on sustainability and comfort, they offer everything from leggings and joggers to durable outerwear priced between $50 and $130. Their styles are made for travel, climbing, yoga, and everyday wear.

If you appreciate Outlier's functional design but want something with a stronger commitment to sustainability and a less urban feel, Prana is an ideal choice. Their aesthetic is a bit more earthy and relaxed, but the performance is still there.

Shop now at prana.com

16. Unbound Merino

Unbound Merino built its entire brand around the incredible natural performance properties of merino wool. They specialize in simple, high-performing staples like t-shirts, base layers, and socks that are odor-resistant, breathable, and temperature-regulating. Prices range from $50 to $150.

This brand shares Outlier’s passion for advanced fabrics perfect for travel and daily wear, but does it through a natural lens. If you love innovative textiles but prefer natural fibers over synthetics, Unbound Merino offers a fantastic, low-maintenance alternative.

Shop now at unboundmerino.com

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