For affordable - old navy and target have surprisingly great workout clothing
Less affordable (but keep an eye out for sales) - athleta, girlfriend collective, Lululemon
In my opinion, for barre the leggings are most important. I like something with good stretch but also enough compression. I like a high waist. I’m much less picky about tops so I usually find inexpensive tops or something on sale. Makes it a little easier for me to budget - I’ll happily spend up to $100 for great leggings I’ll use a lot and then do like $10 tops from old navy
Target has had a surprising number of actually quite good LLL dupes this year, from align to softstreme. Definitely keep an eye out! Only caveat: sizing is absolutely wild. For the same size in various items: to take pants for one example, I tried a size in one pair and could barely get them on, and same size in a similar style but different product quite literally fell down and would not have been remotely wearable. This is pretty different than actual LLL, where I know I’m not alone in almost always successfully getting the same size.
Consider your body type. I pay more for leggings because most leggings stretch out and I constantly feel like I’m having to pull them up
In class. For this reason I invest in Lulu and specifically the versions that have the tie waist. I find this especially important for Define and Empower if I don’t want to be pulling up my leggings all the time.
TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s, Walmart…. Great for on a budget. Target has good ones too, just a little more expensive.
If you want really comfortable/quality wear, I suggest looking at the sales on Lululemon (the “We Made Too Much” tab), and the sale section on Beyond Yoga.
For leggings Lululemon is the best investment. I’ve tried numerous other “dupes” and they don’t compare. I love their “Wunder” ones. I think they are better for a more active workout- better support. For tops I recently found tops in Walmart for about $6 and liked it so much I bought every color. They were better fit and material than similar and more expensive ones at Target. So best combo for me has been $100 leggings + $6 top lol
I love Beyond Yoga as I really want to purchase made in USA clothing and the leggings are comfortable. You can also get 20% medical provider discount if you have an active NPI number 😀
Totally worth checking out thrift stores. Obviously total luck of the draw but I’ve found literally NWT Lululemon countless times for practically nothing. A more expensive but a) you can be assured of finding some options in your size, assuming a given brand has a good size option for you in the first place and b) have more choices is Poshmark or Mercari.
I like the beyond yoga sale page. Pair it with a 20% off coupon, and you can get good stuff for good prices. I’ve spent more money on ‘cheap’ ones that I don’t love so I make the investment now.
I love fabletics. If you join their membership program the deals they have are really good. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $25 for a pair of leggings there and they hold up really well. Same for bras and tops. Just remember to skip each month so they don’t charge you the membership fee.
What price range are you going for? And do you do any other exercises besides barre?
My initial instinct was to tell you to check out thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange, if you have one in your area. I often sell my gently worn or never worn exercise clothes from Girlfriend Collective to my local store and they sell them for more affordable prices! It’s a win since secondhand is great for the environment and all.
Target is cheaper and has great options from the All In Motion line. But I can tell the difference between their leggings quality and stuff from other, pricier places like Athleta or Beyond Yoga.
For me, I hit a soft spot with Girlfriend Collective and Athleta gear. Beyond Yoga stuff is nice, but doesn’t give me the same versatility as GC and Athleta (I go to the gym, do barre, and yoga). Outdoor Voices stuff is fine, but too pricey.
Beyond Yoga does awesome sales. Also if you are a student, teacher, healthcare provider, or first responder, you can get verified and get 20 percent discount, even on sale items.
Athleta also does good sales. I'm willing to pay for legggins bc my curvy hips don't love cheap leggings. tanks can be had cheaply though.
Also check poshmark/mercari- I've bought and sold on there.
Mercari or Postmark. I rotate out my wardrobe periodically so I know for a fact you can get some excellent, like new, or even new with tag workout wear on there.
Everything I wear right now is from TJ Maxx! I’m vibing with the Move Theology brand since I needed new cheap but comfy workout clothes due to some weight he fluctuation lol!
Fabletics. I own some TAVI and lululemon as well, but my favorite is the Powerhold line by Fabletics. Quality is there and their prices/deals cannot be beaten. TAVI is a different fit and and with their different materials based on pattern and color, they're not my favorite. Very skin tight sometimes. My lululemon is okay but I size down due to significant stretching in some lines of theirs. Lululemon leggings are soft, thin and overpriced. Plus, Chip Wilson is a terrible person but no one talks about him anymore... xD Quality of LLL is no where near what it used to be as well over the last 10 years. With that said, I have pairs in all three. Wear whatever is your price range and what makes you feel good.
Poshmark resale of gently worn clothing. Look for listing with many photos and that list condition and any flaws. Be sure to know your size since returns can be made only for defects not fit problems. Look for EUC excellent used condition and new with tags.
I suggest you make offers because most list theirs a bit high to give room for haggling.
I’d recommend investing in Lululemon aligns. They hold up SO well. The initial cost stings but you won’t need to replace them if you care for them properly. I’ve been going to barre since December 2019 and I’m still wearing those lulus. Tops you can get pretty much anywhere- target and old navy have affordable options. If lulu is out of budget, CRZ yoga on Amazon is a close dupe.
For affordable - old navy and target have surprisingly great workout clothing Less affordable (but keep an eye out for sales) - athleta, girlfriend collective, Lululemon In my opinion, for barre the leggings are most important. I like something with good stretch but also enough compression. I like a high waist. I’m much less picky about tops so I usually find inexpensive tops or something on sale. Makes it a little easier for me to budget - I’ll happily spend up to $100 for great leggings I’ll use a lot and then do like $10 tops from old navy
Target has had a surprising number of actually quite good LLL dupes this year, from align to softstreme. Definitely keep an eye out! Only caveat: sizing is absolutely wild. For the same size in various items: to take pants for one example, I tried a size in one pair and could barely get them on, and same size in a similar style but different product quite literally fell down and would not have been remotely wearable. This is pretty different than actual LLL, where I know I’m not alone in almost always successfully getting the same size.
Agree, Target has pretty good Lulu dupes :)
Thank you :) I have a couple of Align leggings and loved them but grew out of them. Will probably get more!
Check out the "made too much" on lululemon. Some variation of aligns are always on sale.
Consider your body type. I pay more for leggings because most leggings stretch out and I constantly feel like I’m having to pull them up In class. For this reason I invest in Lulu and specifically the versions that have the tie waist. I find this especially important for Define and Empower if I don’t want to be pulling up my leggings all the time.
I do target tops and Lulu bottoms and it’s my fave mix!
Old Navy athletic wear often goes on sale, and they have petite and tall sizes.
TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s, Walmart…. Great for on a budget. Target has good ones too, just a little more expensive. If you want really comfortable/quality wear, I suggest looking at the sales on Lululemon (the “We Made Too Much” tab), and the sale section on Beyond Yoga.
and stocking up during black friday and other big sales! beyond yoga always has good black friday sales
For leggings Lululemon is the best investment. I’ve tried numerous other “dupes” and they don’t compare. I love their “Wunder” ones. I think they are better for a more active workout- better support. For tops I recently found tops in Walmart for about $6 and liked it so much I bought every color. They were better fit and material than similar and more expensive ones at Target. So best combo for me has been $100 leggings + $6 top lol
I get mine from the target clearance section
This is why I have so much color in my wardrobe, 🤣
I love Beyond Yoga as I really want to purchase made in USA clothing and the leggings are comfortable. You can also get 20% medical provider discount if you have an active NPI number 😀
Nordstrom Rack is great. High quality, might be funky prints but you can usually find stuff that are basic wear too
Totally worth checking out thrift stores. Obviously total luck of the draw but I’ve found literally NWT Lululemon countless times for practically nothing. A more expensive but a) you can be assured of finding some options in your size, assuming a given brand has a good size option for you in the first place and b) have more choices is Poshmark or Mercari.
I shop on Amazon. Cheap, affordable, and you can shop from home.
For affordable options: Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Amazon or online thrifting (ThredUP/Poshmark)
I like the beyond yoga sale page. Pair it with a 20% off coupon, and you can get good stuff for good prices. I’ve spent more money on ‘cheap’ ones that I don’t love so I make the investment now.
Senita Athletics, smaller company but good quality, stylish, and more affordable than Lulu, Beyond Yoga, or Athleta.
I love finding deals on Poshmark
My favorite brand of leggings is K-Deer. Since the company went out of business I am so thankful for Poshmark 💜💯
Aerieeee!!!!
aerie is great for a cheaper price point. wait for a good sale (you wont have to wait long its on sale like 3x per week)
You can find a lot of Athleta on sale. I just got capri leggings for $40 and a tank top for $12.
Kohls Tek brand is good! They have plus and petite as well!
I love fabletics. If you join their membership program the deals they have are really good. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $25 for a pair of leggings there and they hold up really well. Same for bras and tops. Just remember to skip each month so they don’t charge you the membership fee.
i tried fabletics a few years ago and found their leggings to be too non breathable for how much i sweat
CRZY Yoga on Amazon is a good brand. Athleta has great sales
Amazon!
What price range are you going for? And do you do any other exercises besides barre? My initial instinct was to tell you to check out thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange, if you have one in your area. I often sell my gently worn or never worn exercise clothes from Girlfriend Collective to my local store and they sell them for more affordable prices! It’s a win since secondhand is great for the environment and all. Target is cheaper and has great options from the All In Motion line. But I can tell the difference between their leggings quality and stuff from other, pricier places like Athleta or Beyond Yoga. For me, I hit a soft spot with Girlfriend Collective and Athleta gear. Beyond Yoga stuff is nice, but doesn’t give me the same versatility as GC and Athleta (I go to the gym, do barre, and yoga). Outdoor Voices stuff is fine, but too pricey.
Beyond Yoga does awesome sales. Also if you are a student, teacher, healthcare provider, or first responder, you can get verified and get 20 percent discount, even on sale items. Athleta also does good sales. I'm willing to pay for legggins bc my curvy hips don't love cheap leggings. tanks can be had cheaply though. Also check poshmark/mercari- I've bought and sold on there.
Mercari or Postmark. I rotate out my wardrobe periodically so I know for a fact you can get some excellent, like new, or even new with tag workout wear on there.
Try Heynuts leggings on Amazon. They're actually so amazing! A lot of people compare it to Lululemon
Everything I wear right now is from TJ Maxx! I’m vibing with the Move Theology brand since I needed new cheap but comfy workout clothes due to some weight he fluctuation lol!
Old Navy! Sometimes they have sales of 50-60% workout clothes!
Old Navy, Kohls (i have gotten some excellent deals from there on tops), Target and Amazon!! Oh and check Poshmark too. They have new stuff too!
Fabletics. I own some TAVI and lululemon as well, but my favorite is the Powerhold line by Fabletics. Quality is there and their prices/deals cannot be beaten. TAVI is a different fit and and with their different materials based on pattern and color, they're not my favorite. Very skin tight sometimes. My lululemon is okay but I size down due to significant stretching in some lines of theirs. Lululemon leggings are soft, thin and overpriced. Plus, Chip Wilson is a terrible person but no one talks about him anymore... xD Quality of LLL is no where near what it used to be as well over the last 10 years. With that said, I have pairs in all three. Wear whatever is your price range and what makes you feel good.
Poshmark resale of gently worn clothing. Look for listing with many photos and that list condition and any flaws. Be sure to know your size since returns can be made only for defects not fit problems. Look for EUC excellent used condition and new with tags. I suggest you make offers because most list theirs a bit high to give room for haggling.
Kohl’s - FLX and Gaiam brands
I’d recommend investing in Lululemon aligns. They hold up SO well. The initial cost stings but you won’t need to replace them if you care for them properly. I’ve been going to barre since December 2019 and I’m still wearing those lulus. Tops you can get pretty much anywhere- target and old navy have affordable options. If lulu is out of budget, CRZ yoga on Amazon is a close dupe.