Andy Hall Champions Queer Visibility in Fitness with Bold Activewear Line

Andy Hall, a Philadelphia-based designer and former college athlete, is on a mission to transform the fitness landscape for LGBTQ+ people. His activewear brand, &ndy, is more than just a clothing line—it’s a statement of pride and a call for visibility in spaces where queer representation has often been lacking. Hall’s motivation is deeply personal, rooted in his own journey as a gay athlete navigating gym environments where authenticity often came with risks. “The gym can be an intimidating place. I used to hide who I was,” Hall shared, reflecting on how those formative experiences inspired his vision for &ndy .

&ndy stands out for its minimalist yet intentional design. The brand uses symbolic elements—such as a bold “A” ambigram and subtle rainbow gradients—to incorporate queer visibility without overwhelming those who may not feel fully comfortable being out in all settings. “I try to incorporate a splash of color. It’s important to represent and be proud, but I also know not everyone has the luxury of feeling comfortable in active spaces,” Hall explained. Each piece is crafted with the aim of signaling pride, whether to the wearer or to fellow gym-goers .

Hall operates the brand from a small, glass-walled studio in Philadelphia, managing everything from packing orders to marketing. His husband, who also models for the brand, has been instrumental in supporting Hall’s leap from a traditional job to entrepreneurship. “I honestly don’t think I’d have had the courage to quit my job without him,” Hall said, underscoring the importance of having a supportive partner and community .

The gym is more than a place to work out for many LGBTQ+ people—it’s also a social arena, sometimes charged with flirtation and coded interactions. Hall acknowledges this playfulness, admitting that activewear can serve as both armor and invitation. “A younger version of myself would've felt empowered and more comfortable knowing that the people working out alongside me were gay,” Hall noted on social media, highlighting the subtle ways clothing signals belonging and attraction .

Hall’s approach is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a brand that acts as a beacon for those seeking community in fitness environments. “I think people are resonating with queer representation in active spaces, it’s still underrepresented,” he told reporters, emphasizing the broader mission that guides &ndy .

Amid the evolving landscape of gym fashion, Hall remains steadfast in his preference for briefs. “Wealth isn’t about buying cool things, it’s about feeling free enough to wear what makes you happy,” Hall remarked in a recent interview, embracing the unapologetic comfort and confidence that briefs provide . As &ndy prepares to launch its own line of underwear, Hall’s commitment to authenticity continues to shape the brand’s ethos and offerings.

Every &ndy order is sealed with a handwritten note—a personal touch that reinforces Hall’s mission to bring pride and queer visibility into activewear. The brand’s rapid growth has been fueled by social media, where Hall connects with a community eager for representation and inclusion. Many of &ndy’s pieces sell out quickly, reflecting pent-up demand for fitness fashion that reflects and affirms LGBTQ+ identities .

Hall’s vision reaches beyond commerce. “I wanted to create an activewear brand the younger version of myself would've loved to see,” he said, a sentiment echoed by many customers who see &ndy as more than just apparel but as a symbol of progress and pride .

As &ndy prepares for new product launches, Hall remains focused on his core mission: ensuring that LGBTQ+ people feel seen, safe, and celebrated in every gym and fitness space. With each collection, Hall champions the idea that pride is not seasonal or situational but a daily act—woven into the very fabric of what we wear and how we show up in the world .