Lorna Jane Clarkson reveals bestsellers, why she started activewear label
It was 1989 and Lorna Jane Clarkson was working as a fitness instructor when she encountered a frustrating issue that prompted her to take action.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Before Lorna Jane Clarkson started her eponymous activewear label in 1989 options for women’s activewear were near impossible to find.
“For women, it was pretty much non-existent. It was more about men’s workout pieces in female colours,” she told news.com.au.
Ms Clarkson considers herself an “accidental entrepreneur” as she never set out to own an activewear brand.
“I was a fitness instructor that just wanted to design something better to wear to my classes. I worked in the city at the time and always had to change into more ‘everyday’ clothes on my breaks, and before and after classes- annoying!” she said.
“I needed something that I could wear to class but also worked in my everyday life – so I started designing it myself.
“I called it activewear because I just wanted to put it on and be active.”
While Ms Clarkson can’t remember what her first design was — except that it was “probably something neon, shiny and G-string” — demand soon grew for her pieces.
It was that demand that proved to be a defining moment in Ms Clarkson deciding to pursue making activewear full time three months into creating her designs.
“I was standing in front of one of my fitness classes and realised that everyone was wearing Lorna Jane,” she said.
“That moment gave me the courage to quit my day job and start designing activewear full-time.
“It was only about three years later that a woman came into my first Lorna Jane store in Brisbane and bought every single piece.
“That defining moment made me realise that I was onto something big and that encouraged us to start opening stores across the country.”
Ms Clarkson credits Lorna Jane’s continued success in a market that now has thousands of activewear brands for continuing to be “authentic in our thinking and our approach to the activewear category”.
“We’re the real deal, and our customers know that and are loyal to our brand because of it,” she said.
In 2020 the company was estimated to be worth a whopping $70 million, with Ms Clarkson buying back a 40 per cent share in the company for $28 million that same year, the Australian Financial Review reported at the time.
BEST-SELLING LORNA JANE BRAS
“Our sports bras are bestsellers all over the world,” Ms Clarkson said.
“Think Compress and Compact Sports Bra for ultimate compress and support, Sammy Sports Bra for everyday support and our Hold and Mould Sports Bra for maximum support.”
Lorna Jane Compress and Compact Sports Bra, Lorna Jane, $80
BEST-SELLING LORNA JANE LEGGINGS
“Of course, our leggings are everywhere! There’s the Lotus Legging for every day, the Amy Phone Pocket for functionality and Amy Winter Thermal Leggings, for those winter workouts,” Ms Clarkson also said.
Lorna Jane Lotus Ankle Biter Leggings, Lorna Jane, $99.99
BEST-SELLING LORNA JANE PANTS
“I also can’t not mention our famous Flashdance Pants. They’re one of our most iconic styles, which we originally designed 18 years ago,” she said.
“The Y2K fashion resurgence on TikTok has put them back on everyone’s wish list which is amazing to see.”
Lorna Jane Flashdance Pant, Lorna Jane, $79.99
WHAT LORNA JANE CLARKSON IS LOVING RIGHT NOW
Lorna Jane Athleisure Anorak in Luxury Green, Lorna Jane, $250
“A hero layering piece that is water resistant, has multiple toggles to cinch and tighten when and where you want, and is oh so cool,” Ms Clarkson said.
“Wear over your fave pair of jeans or leggings and you’re ready to brave the weather in style. I’m also wearing it on its own as a dress on warmer days.”
Lorna Jane Weightless Puffer Vest in Porcelain, Lorna Jane, $220
“Our Weightless Puffer Vest has been designed with thermal grade warmth and an aspen luxe appeal plus it’s filled with Sorona, an animal friendly alternative to duck down,” Ms Clarkson said.
Lorna Jane Charity Love Tote Bag, Lorna Jane, $5
“The perfect ‘wear everywhere’ bag. I use it as a work bag to carry my laptop and notebooks but can be used as an everyday tote or perfect for the gym, markets- literally everything,” Ms Clarkson said.
“Plus, all profits from its sale go to helping women rebuild their lives with Women’s Community Shelters.
More Coverage
Read why shoppers are obsessed with Lorna Jane’s Flashdance Pants, plus the hidden detail in these Lorna Jane leggings that shoppers love.
Don’t forget to check out the news.com.au Coupons page where you’ll find a host of discounts on fashion and more.
Finally, sign up to our free Best Of newsletter to stay up to date on all the latest shopping news and sales.
‘Embarrassing’ issue leads to $2m idea
Two Australian mums created this activewear brand that’s attracted celeb fans like Jules Robinson, Zoe Foster Blake and Anna Heinrich for one reason.
‘Convert’: New Lorna Jane tights wow
Shoppers are flocking to Lorna Jane to nab the new leggings which are “super breathable and great for a summer workout”.
Aussies froth over Bec Judd leggings
Aussies are loving the best-selling leggings from Bec Judd’s Melbourne activewear label Jaggad. So how good are they?
‘Comfy’ leggings dupe ‘better than Lululemon’
Costing a fraction of the price, these leggings have thousands of five star reviews, “fit like a glove” and more than stack up to other expensive brands.