Yahoo Finance This Site Is a Hidden Gem for Quality Activewear on the Cheap
- 1/17
This Site Is a Hidden Gem for Quality Activewear on the Cheap
Curating your workout clothing should not wear out your wallet. These days, cheap workout clothes are just as good as their luxury counterparts, without racking up triple digits. You don't even have to sacrifice durability and performance (aka squat-proof leggings) for a budget-friendly price tag.
While we love a good pair of splurgeworthy leggings and running shoes, many affordable basics on Amazon or matching athleisure sets from Target can work just as well — sometimes, even better. Quality, stylish activewear gives a total confidence boost that's super motivating for a workout. But who wants to spend a stomach-turning amount on clothes they plan to sweat in for an hour?
We've taken the liberty of finding the best cheap workout clothes online from brands you can trust, so you can stock up on all the moisture-wicking, fashion-forward and compression-fit activewear that suits your lifestyle (or that WFH grind). Although we've yet to test all the picks below, we've vetted online reviews and called out the brands we personally love and tried. Keep reading for the 16 cheap workout clothing brands that offer activewear tempting enough to make you ditch your high-end leggings.
courtesy - 2/17
1) Old Navy
Old Navy
oldnavy.gap.com
In case you haven't heard, tie-dye is back, and Old Navy is constantly coming out with new tie-dye activewear since these styles sell out so fast. The crewneck here not only appears stylish but also keeps you warm if you're running around in cold weather. The brand also offers inexpensive sports bras with light, medium and high support — plus, matching leggings that go with them too.
Old Navy - 3/17
2) Aerie
ae.com
A retail destination for intimates and swimwear, Aerie adds to what we already love with its Offline collection, a wide range of trendy biker shorts, matching sports bra sets and affordable leggings you could basically live in. It hits the mark of affordable activewear while delivering quality styles we found durable enough for workouts and comfortable enough to lounge in all day. GH Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour favors their signature crossover waistband for its flattering fit. "While they’re not suited for high impact or super sweaty workouts, I live in this set in the summer for yoga classes and long walks," she says. The options are endless as many styles come in a variety of colors, lengths and fabrics.
Aerie - 4/17
3) Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials
amazon.com
Build your fitness apparel inventory with the plethora of affordable activewear basics Amazon Essentials offers. From sculpting sports bras to cozy joggers, this brand makes it easy to mix-and-match styles, so you can get ready for the gym in a pinch. Expect to shell out an average of $20 per piece. Our Textiles analyst Emma Seymour always stashes one of these brand's tank tops in her gym bag. "They’re lightweight and loose for great coverage without feeling sweaty," she says.
Amazon Essentials - 5/17
4) ASOS
Asos 4505
us.asos.com
Along with selling workout clothes from popular brands like Nike and Adidas, ASOS has its own activewear line, and it's relatively cheaper than its counterparts. This outdoor long sleeve, for instance, is about half the price of competitor brands but is popular for its stylish jersey style and non-restricting, stretchy silhouette.
ASOS - 6/17
5) Baleaf
BALEAF
amazon.com
These popular bike shorts are loved by our GH staffers and tens of thousands of Amazon reviewers. They start at under $20, feature a tummy control top and two large phone pockets. Its polyester-spandex fabric creates a form-fitting yet stretchy fit. Baleaf also makes inexpensive leggings that are just as popular and as smoothing.
baleaf - 7/17
6) IUGA
IUGA
amazon.com
Nearly 43,000 Amazon reviewers gave these leggings a perfect, five-star rating. The brand says they can be used for a variety of low-impact to high-impact workouts. Users say they're soft, comfortable and squat proof (though they expected more tummy control).
IUGA - 8/17
7) Zappos
Champion
zappos.com
Beyond its nice range of activewear for women, men and kids, Zappos carries a slew of name brands from Champion, Nike, Puma and more. Zappos always provides free standard shipping on all orders, no minimum required, which is probably what makes the site so successful. The retailer also offers excellent customer service and a generous, free one-year return policy if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
Champion - 9/17
8) FITTIN
FITTIN
amazon.com
As an Amazon bestseller, many like that this racerback bra is also built for large busts (sizing goes up to DD). The removable padding offers extra support, but note that some reviewers caution it's not great for high-impact workouts. The bras come in a set of three, a terrific value for the amount you're getting!
FITTN - 10/17
9) Opna
Opna
amazon.com
It may look like an ordinary T-shirt, but this athletic Opna shirt has a cult following online. According to the brand, the shirt is lightweight and sweat-wicking. You can buy the popular V-neck in XS-4X, and it comes in 15 different colors, so feel free to grab a bunch.
amazon - 11/17
10) Wanayou
WANAYOU
amazon.com
If the temperature drops and you can't stand the gym, bundle up with the Wanayou compression dry-fit long sleeve shirt. One of the top-rated activewear products on Amazon, this will keep you cool and comfortable while nailing almost any exercise. Plus, check out its slew of quick-drying sports bras and yoga shorts for a breezy workout.
Amazon - 12/17
11) Just My Size
JUST MY SIZE
amazon.com
The sister brand to Hanes, Just My Size is dedicated to providing plus-sized women with the best-fitted clothing. You can easily find their pieces on Amazon, and most of them are under $25 apiece. These capris run up to 5X and come with an adjustable drawcord plus spacious side pockets for storage.
Just My Size - 13/17
12) New Balance
New Balance
amazon.com
Incorporate some freedom into your movements with these super-breathable knit sneakers, a winner in our walking tests. Our testers and podiatrists found it worked well in all types of workouts. New Balance offers even more reliable designs, from smoothing spandex bike shorts and flexible hoodies.
New Balance - 14/17
13) Lemedy
Lemedy
amazon.com
Blown up on TikTok, this Amazon fitness brand has a lot to offer, including flattering cuts that rival those of high-end brands. In fact, Amazon reviewers compared this cropped top to the popular Lululemon Align Tank Top. Peruse Lemedy's selection of padded sports bras and trending tops – perfect to wear off-duty at a yoga class. Our Textiles analyst loves how supportive this top is but also how cute it looks post-workout class! The minimal back coverage is the only caveat as can cause bulging.
Lemedy - 15/17
14) Target
target.com
The urge to splurge at Target just intensified. As part of its All in Motion collection, this mega-retailer continues to roll out fashionable fitness finds, spanning moisture-wicking tops, cute matching sets and breathable running jackets, as seen here. Even better, each piece looks expensive sans the major price tag.
Target - 16/17
15) TIOSEBON
TIOSEBON
amazon.com
If cushion tech and lightweight feel are high on your sneaker checklist, Tiosebon's offerings are your match made in heaven. We tested this exact pair, and our testers loved that you get the memory foam footbed without the clunky look. At just $40, they're one of the most affordable quality footwear you'll find.
Tiosebon - 17/17
16) Under Armour
Under Armour
amazon.com
A classic among household name brands, Under Armour offers quality styles that'll make your fellow gym-goers think you spent top dollar. Sure to impress, its lightweight, sweat-wicking offerings are perfect to put to the test on your next run. One Amazon reviewer raved about its discreet pockets and its stay-put waistband.
Under Armour
