My favorite Fitness Brands and Pieces
Let’s face it – athletic / athleisure clothing can be expensive. It truly is one of those things that you wish you could test out before buying. Do the leggings stay up when I run? Will this shirt stay intact after a couple of washes? I ask the same questions, and unfortunately have had to answer “no” to both on numerous occasions.
What exactly is “athleisure”?
Athleisurewear is clothing that can be worn to a workout straight into your next brunch or coffee date. It is sturdy enough for the gym, but chic enough for a girl’s night. If you want to learn a little bit more about the term, here is a great article defining it.
What athletic brands are worth the money?
With the new year comes the common goal / resolution to get in shape or lose weight. I myself have the goal to add some definition and tone to my figure.
Though some brands fit different body shapes differently, I can attest to the ones that I have found to be 1) quality and 2) worth the purchase. Each of the items I am going to list here have gone above and beyond for me and are staples I wear over and over. This is not to say I don’t wear other pieces as well. These are just my tried and true favorites that have saved me time and time again.
Something you should know about me before continuing: I’d rather invest in three good pairs of leggings I can wear for years than lots of pairs that wear out quickly. I talk a little bit about my “quality” scale for all clothing pieces in this article if you are curious what I used to determine worth.
I also don’t believe brand name is everything. Each of the pieces I am going to list are different price points in addition to being various styles and brands.
Proof of the Item's Worth
So why should you trust me, some girl from the internet, to tell you the best bang for your runner’s buck? To prove to you that these items are, indeed, the best in the business, I have gone through my phone and found images of me in some of the items listed to prove they 1) have been user tested and 2) are truly the real deal. Though there are others I love and wear often, these are the items I go back to again and again.
**Those photos are low quality because I never planned on using them online.**
Click the Images to Shop
Favorite Athleisure Tops for the Money
I started to love my cover tanks whenever I first got into spinning. They are tight on the body. I love that they cinch in the perfect spot – nobody can see rolls when you lean over (this is important to the newbie, insecure cyclist)! My favorite part about them was the fact that once you got sweaty, you could just take the tank off and finish the workout in a sports bra.
I have lots of friends who swear by these for yoga and pilates. They stay on your body and don’t “show it all” when doing a down dog.
This tank is only $38, comes in every color, and often goes on sale. I have it in about 4 variations and will probably buy more this year. During the summer, I like to wear one to the gym, shower, and then put a fresh one on. They are so comfy and high quality. I own both my true size and a size under my true size and really can’t tell that much of a difference between the two. That said, if you have a bigger bust, keep to your true size.
Favorite Athleisure Leggings for the Money
I know the Lulu’s Wunder Under leggings are given the most hype. Though I will admit to owning (and loving) a few pairs myself, the leggings that give me alllll the happy vibes are the Align Crop. They are soft, fit perfectly, and stay up no matter the workout. I’m not honestly sure what it is about the cut that makes me love them so much more than my Wunder Unders, but I can say that they are always worth the money to me.
I am 5’6 and think the 21’ crop is the best length. The 18’ hit me at more of a ¾ length, and the 28’ actually cover my feet. 23’ hits right above my ankle.
Before you look at the price tag on these and want to puke, hear me out. These leggings are the extreme of all extreme when it comes to athletic wear. In fact, they give the term athleisure a whole new meaning. These babies are laser cut (no stitching), hold you IN, and have built in underwear for extra support. Invest in them and they will instantly become a weekly wear.
Favorite Athleisure Jackets for the Money
I love the cropped fit of this zip up. It goes perfectly with any high waisted legging without making you look bulky. I was honestly shocked by how warm it kept me and how well the true size fit.
This is the supreme of all jackets out there. I own it in black and camo and wear the two of them constantly. They fit the body without feeling too tight, are sweatproof, and keep you warm while working out without causing you to overheat. I love the fact the pockets zip and the sleeves have thumb holes, so you can keep warm even if working out in gloves isn’t for you. They truly are worth the hype and the cost.
I would recommend sizing up a size above your normal lulu size if you are hoping to layer over anything besides a sports bra.
