Probable one of my favorite things about going to the gym is strutting down the hall in a cute workout outfit like I’m on a season of America’s Next Top Model (someone call Tyra, I’m ready for the catwalk). Of course I love the endorphins I get from lifting some heavy iron, but that doesn’t mean I don’t also enjoy sporting a well put together gym outfit. And seeing as how I pretty much live in fitness attire, both in the gym and everywhere else that is acceptable to do so, I could easily break the bank trying to calm my workout clothing addiction.
So if you’re ballin on a budget like me, but still want to look cute at the gym then check out these great places to find stylish and affordable active wear. Now you can look cute AND still have money to buy the latte after the gym (because let’s be honest, coffee is where the rest of my money goes).
1. Forever 21
I remember when Forever 21 first ventured into the active wear segment. Their clothing was limited and pretty much gleamed the very basics of active necessities. Now, they’ve fully blossomed into providing a handful of cute, stylish and most importantly, functional gym clothes. With prices around the $15-$30 range per item, they definitely have a lot of affordable pieces. My only caution is on their leggings because a lot of them are NOT squat proof. So girl, get low in the dressing room and make sure it’s safe to drop it like it’s hot at the gym without a panty parade.
2. Fabletics
Okay, I have a confession. I’ve never actually tried Fabletics, so I cannot attest to the quality of the clothing. HOWEVER, hear me out please. I’ve watched so many YouTube videos praising Kate Hudson’s line of activewear especially considering the price. I will warn that this is a subscription service which requires you to opt in or out of your active outfit each month by a certain date otherwise you’ll get charged regardless. However, I think it’s nice that you have the option to skip a month and save some money. For more info on how the subscription works you can click here.
3. H&M
I think H&M are still finding their way in the fashion of fitness but they definitely have affordable pieces of clothing. I several of their pieces and they are definitely cute, comfortable and gym approved. The leggings I purchased were fine for squatting, but I would still recommend trying their pants on ahead of time just in case. But honestly, I’d recommend that for any pair of leggings even the likes of Lululemon because price does not guarantee squat proof safety. One of the things I like about H&M activewear is that they create some pretty adorable matching sets which, if you’re into completely matching at the gym, is pretty awesome.
4. Victoria Secret
Victoria Secret has really invested in their activewear line and come out with a lot of fashionable pieces. Of course, they have some great sports bras (as they should) but I’ve heard a lot of praise for their leggings as well. I’ve only tried one pair of their leggings and the fabric was pretty thick, which means no panty show yay! While they are a bit more pricey than your Forever 21 options, they do usually have sales or deals like buy one, get one 50% so you can certainly save some coin.
5. Target
Confession – I actually did a show for Target’s C9 activewear line once in San Francisco and we go to model their latest pieces. At the time, I didn’t really love the outfit I had to model and opted to give the clothes away to friends. BUT, recently I was in Target and I couldn’t help but notice the huge overhaul they’ve done to their workout line. A lot of the sports bras looked to be of better quality and had really cute designs. I have some friends who swear by Target’s active line, saying that it’s not only affordable but comfortable and long lasting.
Moral of the Story
Although my closet is filled with the likes of Lululemon, Nike, and Lorna Jane, I am a girl who loves a good deal and I have certainly purchased more affordable fitness clothes that would do just as well in the gym as my expensive pieces. Remember, price doesn’t always equal quality, so get out there, save some coin and look cute doing it!
If you know of other stores that sell affordable activewear, leave it in the comments below! Help a girl out, save some lives by sharing this article with your friends!
BRITTANYNOELW 