For those who split their time between morning yoga and afternoon meetings, lakeside hikes and boardroom calls, athleisure isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Blending performance and ease, it’s become the go-to wardrobe for active days and everything that follows. And in a space flooded with fast fashion and lookalike labels, Après Actif stands out.
Rooted in the calm after the sweat—the stretch of stillness and satisfaction that follows a good golf game, a hard-earned summit, or a day on the slopes—Après Actif designs pieces that move with you, not just through workouts, but through life. We love the minimal silhouettes, thoughtful details, and elevated comfort that carries you from trail to town without skipping a beat.
We caught up with Lauren Kurtz, the founder of Après Actif, to learn more about the story behind the brand, what inspires the collections, and why that post-sport glow is worth dressing for.
Wander: First, some background! We’d love to hear what drew you to the world of athleisure and inspired the launch of Après Actif?
Lauren: I’ve always been drawn to elevated, sport-specific fashion that feels effortless but intentional. Ski racing was my first competitive sport, and I fell in love with the après lifestyle.
Before Après was born I was living a very active lifestyle, working out, traveling, and curating content for other wellness brands. I always wanted to look put together before and after the gym, on travel days, even grabbing coffee with friends.
I saw this gap in the market for high-end athleisure that felt luxe but wearable, sporty but tailored. Après Actif was born out of that need for versatility and confidence. I wanted to create pieces that could transition with you throughout your day—and still feel polished.
What was the very first athleisure product you released?
The very first product was a knit beanie—something simple but refined, made with buttery-soft Merino wool. It was designed as a one-size fits all unisex accessory that would build momentum and establish proof of concept for the brand. The beanie is the original Après staple that laid the foundation for the Après lifestyle.
Après Actif is rooted in the “after-sport” lifestyle. How do you define that moment—and how does it shape your design process?
The “after-sport” moment is that sweet spot between exertion and ease—it’s post-ski, post-Pilates, post-run… where your body feels alive but you’re ready to settle into rest, connection, or recovery. It’s that transition from movement to leisure, but still holding onto that empowered energy.
I design with that in mind—how can this piece move with you, but also help you feel chic and at ease once the workout is over? That balance informs everything: fabrics, silhouettes, even the colour stories.
Is there a sustainability aspect to the brand in terms of design, materials, or production?
Yes, it’s something we’re always working on and refining. We produce intentionally, in small batches with family-owned factories, and focus heavily on quality and longevity. I’d rather someone buy one piece they wear for years than a closet full of disposable trend items.
We also collaborate with factories that share those values—using recycled materials when possible and ensuring ethical production methods. For me, sustainability also means thoughtful consumption, and we try to reflect that in our design and production process.
How has the Après Actif community evolved? Are there any standout moments where you saw your brand’s impact in real life?
It’s been wild—in the best way. At first, it was just me and a few loyal customers who believed in the concept. Now, we’ve built this global community of women who really live the lifestyle: they’re ambitious, active, stylish, and they care about quality.
One of the most surreal moments was seeing someone wearing our set on a flight to Park City—I didn’t know her, but she styled it exactly how I envisioned, down to the chic sunglasses and coffee in hand. It’s those little moments where you realize the brand has truly integrated into people’s lives.
What’s one thing you hope everyone feels when wearing Après Actif?
I want her to feel confident, elevated, and like the best version of herself—even when she’s in loungewear. There’s so much power in feeling good in your clothes. My goal is always to help women feel seen and strong, even in the quietest, most personal moments of their day.
How do you see the Après lifestyle evolving in the next few years, especially as athleisure becomes more of a daily uniform?
I think we’re going to see an even deeper blur between activewear and ready-to-wear. Athleisure won’t just be about comfort—it’ll be about expressing your personal style through functional pieces.
For Après Actif, that means pushing the line even further: more technical fabrics, more elevated silhouettes, and expanding our presence in resort and luxury travel markets.
I want the brand to feel like the go-to uniform for women who are on the move, but still want to show up polished—whether they’re at après in Aspen or walking the dog in the city. From chalet to street, we’ve got the uniform covered.