Under Armour by Driely S. for Racked
Before you can attack that fitness resolution, you have to attack that fitness wardrobe (right?). The activewear market has positively exploded in the last year, with not only a ton of new brands hitting the market, but just about every retailer adding or expanding an active brand to their lineup. Needless to say, there's a lot to wade through when it comes to sports bras, running tights, and yoga tanks.
Lucky for you, we've done the legwork to proceed your leg work, culling 26 of the absolute best places to shop for workout clothes. We've even broken them down by need, including the major brands on the scene (and what to trust them for), the shops to hit for stocking up (without spending much), the best multi-brand stores, the brands to turn to when your sport takes you outdoors, and the up-and-comers to turn to when you're so done with Lulu.
The Big Dogs
The "no, duh" activewear giants, and what to rely on them for.
Lululemon
Lulu, how do we introduce you? A huge range of pants, shorts, sports bras, and tanks for runners and yogis is the company's bread and butter, so they're a go-to source for nailing down just the right capri-length legging, or the jogging top that's loose there and fitted there. Services like complimentary hemming and free in-store classes on the regular keep the girls (and guys) coming back.
Athleta
This Gap Inc.-owned athletic chain has been expanding at a rapid clip (they even did a performance during the last New York Fashion Week), so you've probably noticed one pop up at your local mall. Clothes on offer range in function from studio classes to winter sports, and are available in an agreeable range of hues like black, navy, and coral, with some seasonally-updated prints thrown in the mix. Check out the "unstinkable" selection, which uses silver salts in the fabric to lend an antimicrobial quality.
GapFit
Something like Athleta's little sister in the Gap Inc. family, GapFit has all the essentials for a stylish—but not too showy—run or yoga wardrobe: leggings in solids and prints, breathable tops, low and medium impact sports bras, and seasonally-available layers for outdoor exercise. We love the Reserve In Store service, where you can select items online to be ready for you to try on in store, without having to put a credit card down.
Nike
On top of being obsessive over constant innovation in performance wear, Nike consistently churns out the most on-point colorways. They really can't be beat for shoes that are both functional and stylish, but you didn't need us to tell you that.
The Inexpensive Stock-Up Shops
When it's time to amass low-impact bralettes and enough black leggings to get you though marathon training season, here's where to take the "more is more" mindset.
Forever21
Of course Forever21 has hopped on the activewear train, ramping up budget offerings to include dozens of variations of leggings hovering around $20 a pop and a ton of workout tops that are a little more interesting than your average (we dig this $8 twist-back muscle tee for dance class and this $17 cross-back performance tank for HIIT sessions).
Impact by Jillian Michaels
"What we're doing is giving people the cool at the price," trainer Jillian Michaels (who you know from seasons of The Biggest Loser) told us at the launch of her under-$40 activewear line with Kmart. Your best buys from the line, which Jillian did play a big part in designing, include $15 low and medium-support sports bras, $17 double-layer performance shorts, and a $37 yoga tote loaded with pockets for hauling it all.
C9 by Champion
Everything from ankle socks to winter-ready run jackets are available in basic colors and, best of all, at Target prices. CosmoBody trainer Adam Rosante agrees:
"It's the best functional training gear around," he told us. "When you work out as much as I do, you understand the importance of being able to have a closet full of it."
Old Navy Active
The first thing to love here are yoga and run leggings in the $20 to $30 range. Scratch that—even better are the special sizes: they've got dedicated active sections for plus, petite, and tall girls, which means those leggings will actually be the right length and ankle-bunch will be one less thing to worry about while breaking a sweat or hitting a pose.
H&M Sport
Workout tanks will run you $10 and quick dry leggings are $25, available in standard solids and seasonal prints. Stock your gym bag even further with colorful accessories like combination locks and water bottles, headbands, and sport socks.
Joe Fresh
Highlights here include $29 slim track pants (so hard to find good ones that aren't an inexplicit zillion dollars) and a hoodies and jackets section that spans from popovers to track jackets, all designed with purposeful minimalism.
Fabletics
Part of the JustFab empire and co-founded by Kate Hudson, you're shipped a "complete fitness outfit" (two or three pieces) for $50 per month, but you can sit out a month at any time. Sign-up bonus: Your first outfit is half off.
The Multi-Brand Stores
Boutiques and department stores with tons of brands to shop and only one shopping cart to check out from.
Without Walls
Urban Outfitters launched this dedicated activewear shop less than a year ago, stocking an on-trend range of styles and price points, including their own in-house line. The expertly merchandised mix includes everything from floral wrap bras to hiking Tevas in cool colorways. The impressive brand roster includes cult faves like Alo, Blue Life Fit, Michi, and Onzie.
Net-a-Sporter
Another major launch last year was luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter's Net-a-Sporter, carrying activewear catered to their upper crust clientele. Here, shop the most stylish picks from big names like Nike, major designer collabs like Mary Katrantzou for Adidas, emerging lines like Live the Process, and gratuitous sport offerings from high fashion labels (Jimmy Choo snowboots, anyone?). Their selection is broken down into eight sports—including golf, sail, and equestrian—plus accessories and Aprés, the French word for "after," which translates to loungewear like cashmere Theory sweats and oversized Fendi turtlenecks.
Six:02
Their Get Fit Guide is like a personal activewear shopper: Start by picking your sport (as open-ended as "Dance," as specific as "Cross-Fit"), then answer a few questions about what you're looking for, how you'd like it to fit, and any technical requirements you require as it whittles down product choices with each question. You're left with a range of exactly what you're shopping for from activewear giants like Asics, Reebok, Nike, and Under Armour.
Revolve Activewear
From graphic VPL leggings to pastel Lorna Jane tanks, Revolve hits a fashion-friendly mix that doesn't skimp on actual performance details (and most of what they stock is still under $100). The selection of way beyond basic sports bras is inspiration enough for body confidence to workout sans-top.
Shopbop Activewear
Shopbop is another good source for a plethora of fashion brands doing active—Norma Kamali, Finders Keepers—as well as smaller lines with growing fanbases, like Prismsport, Michi, and Koral. Expect prints, colors, and mesh panels that are equal parts decorative and ventilating.
Nordstrom
Notorious for selection, the department store doesn't skimp in the activewear department, offering everything from SmartWool leggings to fitness trackers and a well-priced in-house line called Zella. Major props for an extensive special size section that includes yoga gear for expecting moms as well as a selection for plus sizes, including sports bras in E cup and up from Panache, Elomi, and Wacoal.
Zappos
Not only do they have a huge selection of athletic shoes, but Zappos can cover your fitness wardrobe from sport socks to shorts and jackets, too. Brands on offer include Brooks, Nike, Spanx Active, and Under Armour, plus they have super speedy shipping (and returns) so you'll be set to start that workout routine in, like, two days.
The Element-Braving Brands
Seriously stylish picks for looking good while interfacing with Mother Nature.
Duskii
Good looking swimwear designed for being active so you can paddle, surf, dive, and lay out. One pieces run $200 to $300 with a wetsuit aesthetic, while mix-and-match separates offer sporty crop tops and bustier styles up top and everything from cheeky bikinis to surf leggings on bottom.
Aether
Aether takes that "city to sport" aesthetic to the next level, with well-designed pieces that work for blustery morning commutes and hardcore hikes (they have a section simply called "mountain"). The color palette is agreeably neutral, setting the goods apart from a lot of other outdoorsy brands. Invest in base layers, snow pants, or studio pieces, all backed by a lifetime warranty.
Vie Active
New to the US, this Aussie label uses merino wool—yes, wool—for layers ranging from sports bras and shorts to compression leggings and jackets. "[Merino is] soft, breathable, quick-drying and naturally regulates temperature," brand founder Noa Ries explained of the material you're used to seeing in sweaters. The pieces are great for outdoor workouts regardless of climate.
Beyond Lulu
When you're through twinning with the rest of the barre class.
Sweaty Betty
Like Lulu and Athleta, this British brand offers free classes in its US stores. Their vast selection of sports bras, tops, bottoms, and jackets is shoppable by sport, from Pilates to outdoors, and done in punchy colors like royal blue and buttercup yellow (as well as basic black and heathered grey).
FP Movement
From Free People comes a line of pretty active pieces best suited for yoga, barre, Pilates, and the like. Expect strappy-backed sports bras, harem pants, and plenty of rompers.
Alala
Super luxe materials and downtown cool collide in this new brand out of NYC. The product, mostly around the $100 mark, stands out with details that are sexy without being over-the-top, like super-skinny racerback straps and slimming tights with flattering mesh panels.
Lolë
Running, yoga, and ski apparel that leans on the feminine side are on offer here. Their White collection is especially elegant, with drapey tops in neutral hues and berry shades, plus performance outerwear you won't mind wearing in the city, too.
Move by Alternative
Socially responsible brand Alternative Apparel's answer to activewear includes lots of interesting, loose-fit tops, cool prints, and refreshing silhouettes (the Peekaboo Bra and high-waisted Pull Up Leggings are among Racked staff faves). Prices range from $30 to $80 for pieces that are mostly stretch jersey.
Cory Vines
They're passionate about simple design and direct-to-consumer merch (think Warby Parker or Everlane), which keeps prices low compared to other active brands. Sports bras and tanks will run you around $30, while leggings and half-zip hoodies hover around $50.
· What the Fitness Pros at CosmoBody Wear to Work Out [Racked]
· Jillian Michaels Knows You're Paying Too Much for Workout Pants [Racked]