Ladies, I swear the older I get the more my closet is transitioning from the club to the gym…and by gym I mean athletic apparel that I use to lounge around the house or buy groceries with.
Don’t get me wrong, I work out sometimes, but those times are just not often. The random monthly morning trips I take to Planet Fitness include a reused Poland Springs water bottle, my apple headphones and most importantly my favorite leggings.
When picking out a good pair of leggings or dry fit, aside from price, the most important is quality and fit. Have you ever tried to run in bagging leggings?
One word, MISERABLE.
Have you ever tried to take a hot yoga class with a non-absorbent bra? Two words (literally and figuratively)- HOT.MESS.
To avoid the awkward pit stains or the unintended chub-rub from that extra 30 minutes of Zumba, NYgal presents to you the top 5 best athletic apparel.
1. Lululemon Athletica
Price Range $$$
One of the more expensive athletic brands on our list, Lululemon has a cult following. Women and men are flocking to this brand to spend up to $118 on two-toned leggings and $95 sports bras (largest cup size is a 40 DD) for good reason.
Some reviewers comment on the fit, textures and the “no rolling” quality. Each item you purchase on the site offers free shipping and returns.
Lululemon makes activewear look cool!
2. Athleta
Price Range $$
Sister company to Old Navy and Banana Republic, Athleta is a hybrid of both creating classy AF active wear.
Offering scalloped pale pink cross bras and marble leggings, Athleta is one of the prettiest collections on our list. This company seems to mainly cater to women with the UPF 50+ Sun Protection and Powervita: Ultimate Yoga Fabric line.
They also offer Sculptex Stretch Technology to make sure you are most comfortable when sitting on the couch or climbing a rock; ALSO IN DENIM!
The website offers special sizes for plus, tall and petite. Shirt and pant sizes range from XXS to 2X.
3. Old Navy
Price Range $
Ladies, please do not ‘sleep on’ Old Navy’s athletic apparel, it’s cheap and gets the job done when you don’t want to break the bank. Old Navy is great with basics and its cost point is hard to resist.
With cute tropical compression leggings for $30 and open back tops for $8, Old Navy is the hidden gem on our list.
Now be mindful, with the price point the sizes can be a little bit off and the bra’s offer less support than others. This collection is not ideal when doing a triathlon, but is for a Netflix marathon on a Saturday afternoon.
This line is definitely for the more moderate gym goers. Sizes range from XS to XXL and they offer special sizes for plus, petite and maternity.
4. Fabletics
Price Range $
The introductory price of 2 leggings for $24 makes it hard to not get on the Fabeletics train. Reviewers on the site mention the comfort fit for even the thunderest of thighs (preaching to the choir) and control top waistband. Fabeletics have a plus size section and shirts and pants range from XXS to 2X.
5. FitLegend Apparel
Price Range $$
One of the newer athletic companies on our list is FitLegend Apparel. It’s Aero Tummy Control and moist-wicking material says to provide runners and yogi’s a more comfortable fit and ventilation for all their workout needs.
The website offers a more limited collection catering to only sizes XS to XL, but it is reasonably priced and good quality.
Now that I have given you the nuggets to go the gym and look hella cute- get up, buy some stuff and just know if you decide to splurge next week’s paycheck on a Lululemon yoga bag, it doubles as a great grocery bag for your Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi and organic zucchini spirals.
Happy Shopping!
Image credit: [lululemon]
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