You probably know Free People as the floaty, slightly-boho brand that dresses 'understated-cool' girls in breezy silhouettes and surf-inspired swimwear. But you may not know that the high street favourite also boasts an activewear line, known as FP Movement.
Offering performance pieces that serve up both fashion and function since 2012, FP Movement doesn't cater solely for the woo-woo wellness crowd that their brand vision might otherwise suggest. From collabs with running shoe giants HOKA to high-impact gear, (and of course a healthy dose of athleisure), FP Movement offers an impressive range, with most pieces offered in a wide array of beautiful tones to complement any fitness wardrobe.
However, it may not have slipped your notice that FP Movement's pieces are not exactly on the cheaper side. While not outlandish in terms of cost (they sit in the same bracket as most 'premium' fitness brands), many items are still an investment, and when they look as good as they do, it can be hard to know whether you're paying for style over substance.
So what else was there for team WH to do but test some of Free People's best-selling activewear to suss out whether it's worth the price tag? Read on for two fitness editors' takes on the Righteous Runsie, the Never Better Leggings and the Never Better Square Neck Bra.
FP Movement Righteous Runsie
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Strappy back and split shorts for range of motion
- Onesie style makes dressing simple
- Flattering and supportive waistband
- Brief liner is comfortable and doesn't budge
Cons
- Low bust support
- The pocket doesn't fit a phone
| Material | Nylon, elastane and polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Back zipper pocket |
| Liner | Brief liner |
| Sizes | XS - XL |
| Colours | Available in 18 colours |
Perfectly encapsulating the easy, breezy Free People style, the Righteous Runsie is an all-in-one (racerback tank fused with split shorts) described as 'the perfect one-and-done running outfit.' Here's what our two editors made of it.
Jessica O'Donnell, WH Ecommerce Editor
Similar to every single person you follow on Instagram, I've also caught the running bug over the past year. If you'd told me a year and a half ago that future me would consider running a regular hobby I probably would have laughed. If you'd told me I would go on to run a marathon, I would have likely fainted.
All that to say, with my newfound running obsession and my job testing fitness products for Women's Health, I've tried my fair share of activewear brands. Free People is a brand I'd seen popping up online but was yet to try, and the product I was most excited to try was the FP Movement Righteous Runsie.
I love a onesie; I think they're often flattering and anything that cuts down my analysis paralysis when picking outfits is a winner in my book. My first impression of this piece was that it's clearly been made with a lot of TLC, with soft, breathable fabric I had a strong feeling would feel great to exercise in. I also had a feeling that the bust support would be lacking for my larger chest, and I was correct on both fronts.
I have a lot of sports bras in my rotation, and none of them looked quite right under the Runsie. The cut out at the front and the strappy back mean that finding a bra that fits well under it is quite a challenge, and not something I succeeded in doing. I did go for a run in it once with a sports bra underneath, and it did feel great to run in, but the mismatched sports bra underneath kind of ruined the aesthetic for me.
I also wore it during a strength session, and would recommend wearing it more for upper body workouts than leg day. Because the brief liner is white, when I was doing squats or hip thrusts and the shorts flipped up it looked like you could see my underwear.
Pros:
- Minimal riding up of the shorts
- Great colour range
- Super flattering
- No boob sweat lines on hot days
- Comfortable and lightweight on hot days
Cons:
- Pockets too small for phone
- Little to no bust support
- Brief liner isn't the same colour as the rest of the Runsie
- It's quite short on me and I'm 5'3, so it will be very short on anyone taller than that
The verdict:
Despite the name of this onesie, I wouldn't recommend it for running or really any high-impact workouts — especially if you have a large chest. However, this is a super flattering, high-quality piece of activewear that is great for certain strength workouts, long walks on hot days and yoga flows.
As someone who loves a long walk when the weather is warm, I can already tell I'm going to live in this piece all summer so I may need to invest in a couple of more colours to mix things up.
Rating:
I really did love this Runsie, and if it had a different name (walksie?) it would have been an easy five stars from me. However, as someone with E-cups I wouldn't dream of running in this without a sports bra, and as I mentioned it just doesn't look nearly as cute with one underneath.
Hattie Parish, Health & Fitness Ecommerce Editor
I can't be the only person who struggles to coordinate summer gym wear. Most of my fitness wardrobe is black which just feels off come the warmer months, so I'm left trying to piece a few rogue neons together and reader, it is not pretty.
Thankfully, this all-in-one not only solves my pairing problem but also comes in a bunch of on-trend hues — including black, if you're so inclined.
I was sceptical of this — having a short torso means onesies often look frankly bizarre on me, but I was pleasantly surprised by how flattering the Runsie is. The flirty, flippy shorts give you plenty of space to move freely and have a smooth, comfortable brief liner so you don’t need to worry about flashing. (This also makes it great for cycling.)
Of course a huge plus is that you never have to pull your waistband up or re-tuck your top in — everything stays put and the shorts didn't ride up while running. BUT — speaking of running — despite the name, I would not recommend you run in this, unless you wear a sports bra underneath, which seems to defeat the purpose. I'm small-busted (to put it kindly) and didn't feel supported, so I can't imagine how those with larger busts would cope with anything remotely high-impact.
The Righeous Runsie is little light on the features front — which I think fits the breezy, lightweight nature of the piece — but it does have that all-important liner and a zipped pocket on the back which you could store a key or some cards in, but certainly not your phone.
The peekaboo section — aside from looking adorable — lets some air circulate and I never felt particularly sweaty in this, despite testing it during the recent heatwave. It did gape a little, but I’m between sizes and went up, which was perhaps my mistake, and worth bearing in mind if you prefer a closer fit.
Pros:
- Flattering and versatile
- An easy, all-in-one option when you're struggling to put an outfit together
- Very comfortable
- Brief liner stays put
- Lightweight and ideal for warmer weather
- The split shorts provide great range of motion
- Zipped pocket for the essentials
Cons:
- Not supportive in the bust
- Not suitable for high-impact sports (on its own)
- You can't fit a phone in the pocket
The verdict:
I'm torn between predilection and practicality here. The Righteous Runsie is a really gorgeous piece and so comfortable to wear, but from a sportswear perspective it does fall short in one key area — bust support.
The high waistband, structured bodice and seam placement are all very flattering and the range of motion is truly excellent — I've worn this for running, strength training, tennis and yoga and my movement has never been impeded — I just think the name really needs changing to do away with the false impression that it's suitable for running.
Rating:
The Runsie gets bonus points from me because it's cute, easy to chuck on and I have found myself reaching for it for outdoor strength sessions and the odd yoga flow (no loose fabric during downward dog is game-changing). So if you're a low-impact gal looking for a casual gym 'fit with carefree vibes, go for it.
FP Movement Never Better Leggings
Pros
- Sculpted high waist
- Flexible and comfortable
- Squat-proof
- Super soft, second skin feel
- Essentials pocket in the waistband
Cons
- No phone storage
- Better suited to studio workouts than high-impact
- 7/8 length may not suit taller women
| Material | Polyamide and elastane |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Small, hidden pocket in the front of the waistband |
| Sizes | XS - XL |
| Colours | Available in 20 colours |
These are FP Movement's best-selling leggings and considered an 'essential' by the brand. With medium compression they're positioned as an easy companion for any and all workouts while offering flattering support.
Jessica O'Donnell, WH Ecommerce Editor
Seeing as these are the brand's bestsellers I had high expectations for the Never Better Leggings, and I'm pleased to report they lived up to the hype.
With an £88 price tag they're at the more expensive end of the activewear spectrum, and therefore I held them to a high standard when I was testing them out. The medium-compression allowed them to be slightly body shaping, and the four-way stretch moves with your body so you never feel restricted.
I have big hips so often leggings that fit well on the hips and bum area gape a bit at the waist, but I found these fit my shape like a dream and I never had to hike up the waistband while I was running.
They are technically slightly cropped, but if you're a fellow short person they are still a touch too long and I did need to fold up the very bottom, so keep that in mind if you're extra petite.
Pros:
- Flattering without being too tight
- Breathable fabric means you won't get too hot running in warm weather
- Fully squat-proof
- Great for a variety of workouts
Cons:
- Slightly too long on me at 5'3
- Not a lot of pocket space
The verdict:
If you're in the market to invest in a new pair of leggings that are versatile enough to suit a hybrid training routine, look no further than the Never Better Leggings. I like to switch up my workouts and need something that can be worn for yoga, Pilates, running and strength workouts, and the Never Better Leggings are up for the challenge.
Rating:
I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to leggings and have tried dozens of pairs, so the fact I'm so emphatically singing the praises of these ones is really saying something. I find myself reaching for them time and time again, and are going to be a staple in my rotation going forward.
Hattie Parish, Health & Fitness Ecommerce Editor
OK, I can see why people are obsessed with these. They're super soft, gorgeously stretchy, with a thin construction that still manages to feel supportive and stay opaque during squats — dreamy.
The Never Better Leggings do away with two common issues you find in leggings like these — that downy softness often comes with bulk, and a structured waistband, while flattering, can be restrictive. I'm so happy that neither are true in this case and the leggings honestly fit like a second skin. It's the kind of fabric you can pull out to adjust and it snaps back against your body like a light, but reassuring, hug. In. Love.
I'm 5'4 and think the length is perfect, hitting just above the ankle — but I do have long legs for my height (short torso problems, am I right?). I'm also a big high-waisted fan (I refuse to accept that low-rise is 'back') and these do not disappoint. The waistband is super sculpting thanks to its three panels (most only have two) and the seam placement means that the side sections snap around your hips for excellent support, independent of the section that crosses the front of your waist.
The hidden pocket on the inside front of the waistband is big enough for a card or two (you wouldn't really want much more or your movement would be impeded) and there aren't any drop-in pockets on the sides, which furthers my belief that these are more a studio legging than gym or hiking piece, where you might want more storage.
The pocket does create a slight outline on the front which isn’t really noticeable, but worth knowing if you’re after a super smooth silhouette.
Pros:
- Very comfortable and breathable
- Four way stretch for brilliant range of motion
- Second-skin fit
- Supportive high waist
- Ideal for studio workouts
- 7/8 length should suit most heights
- Squat-proof (trust me, I checked — a lot)
Cons:
- Limited storage
- May need occasional adjusting
- The pocket leaves a faint outline on the waistband
The verdict:
Soft, stretchy and supremely comfortable, I would say these are more a low impact/yoga pant than running or high impact legging, but they’d be great for strength training too, so long as you’re not repeatedly scraping them with a barbell or similar — you want to keep that material soft!
I did have to pull these up a couple of times during higher impact work, and after tree pose in yoga — my foot on my thigh did pull them down a touch. But overall a brilliant pair of yoga/Pilates/barre/lounging leggings.
Rating:
I really rate these. My movement was not impeded at all, the huge range of colours is a big plus and I would happily wear them all day. A new key player in my leggings rotation.
FP Movement Never Better Square Neck Bra
Pros
- Supportive hidden underband
- Medium-impact support
- Soft yet structured construction
- V-shaped back for range of motion
- Double-lined
Cons
- Not the most supportive for bigger busts
- Light compression may not suit low-impact fans
| Material | Polyamide and elastane |
|---|---|
| Support | Double lined plus hidden underband |
| Sizes | XS - XL |
| Colours | Available in 19 colours |
The go-to co-ord for the leggings above (mix or match, there are plenty of colours), it made sense to test the Never Better Square Neck Bra alongside the leggings. Designed for light-to-medium intensity workouts it's a simple, pull-on style pitched as a staple for the gym and beyond.
Jessica O'Donnell, WH Ecommerce Editor
The Never Better Square Neck Bra is from the same range as the leggings I'd loved so much, so the bar had been set quite high.
First, let's start with the positives. The bra is, as were all the Free People items I tried for this review, very high-quality and made with a thick yet breathable fabric that offers just the right amount of compression and freedom of movement.
The square neck and racerback design is flattering, and it does look great with the matching Never Better Leggings.
Now, for the drawbacks. While the bra is designed for light-to-medium workouts, for me that wasn't the case. Due to the fact the straps aren't adjustable and are a little long for me, I just didn't feel secure enough to do many movements in this bra. Even a Downward-Facing Dog felt a little risky.
This is a shame because as I mentioned, I'm a big fan of the breathable fabric and flattering design, but for me to feel safe to work out in this I'd need to wear another sports bra underneath.
Pros:
- Buttery soft fabric
- Flattering
- Doesn't restrict movement
Cons:
- Not suitable for most forms of exercise with a large bust
- Non-adjustable straps
- Gapes a bit beneath the bust
The verdict:
I don't think I have the right body type for this sports bra. Although I do love the way it looks and think the fabric is soft and comfortable, I wouldn't really be able to work out in it. If you have a smaller chest and only need a low level of support, this could be a winner but for myself I don't think this bra would be suitable for much more than walking.
Rating:
Although not suitable for me, the Never Better Square Neck Bra got bonus points for being extremely well made and comfortable to wear, and although I won't be wearing it for exercise, I could see myself putting it on with the matching leggings to run errands or go on a walk in the sunshine.
Hattie Parish, Health & Fitness Ecommerce Editor
The Never Better Square Neck Bra is as dreamily soft as the leggings but uses a thicker, lined material for extra support. As a result, the bra is lightly compressive and thus far more supportive than the Runsie above — big tick.
Being small-busted I love a square neck, and while I tend to opt for more detailed, criss-cross backs, this style is still cute and makes for a sturdier bra — plus it means it's easy to put on, so is ideal if you're in a rush in the changing rooms.
I wore this bra running, for strength training and low-impact work (yoga and Reformer) and it performed well for all. It's stretchy, easy to move in, doesn't impede your movement and thanks to the structured design was supportive enough for high-impact — but I have a feeling this may not be the case for those with larger busts.
The bra features a thick underband that’s invisible on the outside and offers support while also doing a decent job of holding the bra in place — in all my testing I barely had adjust it. The back straps are positioned to nestle between the shoulder blades so you're free to move your arms to their full extent — ideal for yoga and stretching.
I personally prefer a smaller torso gap between my co-ords, so pairing the leggings with the matching crop top may have been a better choice for me. That said, I'll certainly continue to use it under a gym vest or yoga tank.
Pros:
- Medium-impact support
- V-shaped back straps for range of motion
- Underband offers support and stops the bra from riding up too much
- Double-lined
- Super soft and comfortable
- Wear on its own or under a tank
Cons:
- Slight compression may not suit everybody
- Not one for long-line fans
The verdict:
This is a winner for me. It fills a soft-but-supportive hole in my sports bra collection — most of my medium- to high-impact options err on the utilitarian side, but this one comes with a healthy dose of aesthetics on the side too.
While a little more compressive than the bras I’d normally opt for for lower impact — yoga, Pilates — the Never Better Square Neck Bra still does the job well. I can move freely while wearing it, even during intense flows, and it only needs a slight adjustment after poses with my arms stretched above my head.
Rating:
There are more comfortable low-impact bras out there, but for the medium support this offers it's an impressive contender while managing to be flattering to boot. It's great for strength training and hiking, and if you're into your co-ords then this is a no-brainer.
Other FP Movement pieces we love
HOKA X FP Movement Clifton 9 Trainers
FP Movement Quilted Carryall
FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts
FP Movement Never Better Volley Skort
FP Movement Never Better Crop
FP Movement My Time Tee
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Hattie Parish is the Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
Jessica O’Donnell is Women’s Health UK’s Ecommerce Editor, specialising in testing the latest and greatest launches in beauty, gym wear, fitness, health and nutrition, as well as finding the best deals during sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Jessica is passionate about helping women choose products that will help them look and feel their best and looks after some of Women’s Health’s most important guides, including the best mattresses for back pain, the best fitness trackers, and the best bikinis for big busts (she’s got range!). Jessica has been a journalist since 2018, and her work can be found in publications such as ELLE Australia, Harper’s Bazaar Australia and Cosmopolitan UK. When she’s off the clock, Jessica can usually be found either nagging her friends to join her for a long run, bragging about her Oura Ring sleep stats, trying out a new Pilates studio or adding to the ever-growing stack of books on her bedside table. You can keep up with Jessica on Instagram @jessicajeanodonnell
