Summer is officially in full swing. Although it might make you think of indulging in strawberries and cream while watching Wimbledon or inviting your friends over for a BBQ on a Friday evening, it’s also the perfect opportunity to try a new sport. Staying active in summer is a great way to improve your fitness levels, reduce stress, enhance your sleep quality and even boost your mood.
The warmer weather in summer makes it easier to motivate yourself to work out. After all, a workout is a little easier when you’re getting some vitamin D. In this post, we’re exploring 7 of the best summer sports gaining popularity in 2025 with our top recommendations for activewear to help you get the most out of every workout session.
What is the Most Popular Sport in the UK?
The UK is a country obsessed with sports. While football continues to rank in the highest viewership numbers and sports like cycling and athletics have seen a boost since the 2012 Olympics, we’re seeing the emergence of new sports. With more people working from home, it’s no surprise that more accessible sports have become popular in the UK.
Padel, CrossFit and pickleball are becoming just as popular as traditional sports, such as football, tennis, cycling and running. Summer sports, even those you do solo, can make you feel part of a community. The UK’s sports culture is only growing, from the increasing popularity of women’s football to the rise of fitness competitions like HYROX.
If you’re looking to get active this summer or want to start a fitness journey that doesn’t involve the gym, consider taking up a new sport. It’s a great way to turn working out from being a chore to an enjoyable hobby.
What are the Best Summer Sports?
Summer sports are all about getting outdoors. While most can be played indoors during colder weather, they’re more enjoyable when played outside. Finding a sport that interests you can make your fitness journey easier to navigate. We’re sharing 7 of the best summer sports with our recommendations of what activewear to choose.
Padel
Padel is a hybrid between tennis and squash, played within a smaller court with a perforated rubber ball and paddle. Considered easier to play than tennis, padel is beginner-friendly with plenty of transferable skills you can apply to other summer sports.
The smaller court makes it ideal for players of all fitness levels, especially if you find tennis a little intimidating. Although padel has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, it became an international sport in 1975.
Padel Activewear
So, what should you wear for a game of padel? Flexibility and comfort are key as you’ll be jumping back and forth around the court. Our squat-proof Neon Swirl Activewear + Pockets leggings will help you stay cool with two deep side pockets to hold your essentials.
Pickleball
Looking for an alternative to padel? Try pickleball! It’s a great option if you’re searching for summer sports that offer socializing opportunities and a chance to boost your overall fitness. Pickleball combines ping-pong, tennis and badminton for a low-impact sport that can be played in singles or doubles. Invented in 1965, pickleball became a professional sport in 2019.
Pickleball Activewear
Just like for padel, you need activewear for pickleball that offers comfort and durability. Beat the summer heat with our Sunflower Sunshine Activewear Shorts + Pockets with its sweat-wicking fabric to keep you cool while playing pickleball.
Football
No summer sport is as popular in the UK as football. Whatever football team you’re cheering for, this sport is a great way to socialize and improve your fitness. Sign up to join your local club or consider starting an informal team with your friends. Most leisure complexes and sporting facilities have football pitches you can hire and it’s easy to practice your skills solo.
Football Activewear
Football is all about performance and you need activewear that will keep you moving. Make our Black Magic Activewear + Pockets your go-to for football practice.
Tennis
Tennis remains one of the most popular summer sports as it’s accessible and easy to play. Bring along a friend for a game of singles or make it a social activity by switching to a doubles game. Tennis is a win-win, making working out a social event.
Tennis Activewear
Shorts, like our Flower Fiesta Activewear Shorts + Pockets, are the best option for tennis with moisture-wicking properties and a smooth fabric that adds extra comfort.
Running
If you want a summer sport you can do almost anywhere, start running. Summer is the perfect time to start a ‘couch to 10k’ challenge. Find a track, road or trail route that suits your fitness level and change your route often to keep your runs interesting.
Running Activewear
You need high-performance running gear, especially during summer, when you’re more likely to break a sweat. Start with comfortable, supporting shoes and style them with breathable shorts, like our Tropical Flamingo Activewear Shorts + Pockets and a moisture-wicking t-shirt.
Cycling
If you want a sport that doesn’t feel like exercise, start cycling. It’s one of the most versatile summer sports, whether you want to do it recreationally, as a form of fitness or as a way of exploring new places. Cycling groups and the rise of e-bikes have made the sport more popular than ever. Road cycling, mountain biking and casual bike rides give an option for every fitness level.
Cycling Activewear
Lightweight activewear is a must-have for cycling. Focus on clothes with moisture-wicking properties, like our Pink Galaxy Activewear Shorts + Pockets, to keep you feeling cool while cycling.
CrossFit
If you’re already on your fitness journey and want a new challenge, try CrossFit. This high-intensity summer sport combines skill-based movements with strength and endurance training. It’s another community-focused sport and is unique as it can be done indoors or in a gym, meaning you can keep working out whatever the British weather throws at you.
CrossFit Activewear
You can expect to do high-intensity workouts with CrossFit, so you’ll need activewear that won’t let you down. Our Graceful Leopard Activewear + Pockets leggings are made with sweat-wicking fabric for extra flexibility.
Try The Best Summer Sports with Llama Leisure’s Size-Inclusive Activewear
There’s a summer sport for everyone, whatever your fitness level and goals are. Our list of the 7 best summer sports shows how accessible they are. Choose one or two sports and invest in your capsule activewear wardrobe to make this summer the start of your next fitness chapter. Shop the latest Llama Leisure activewear collection and get ready for a summer of sports!
