Looking good while getting fit doesn't have to break the bank!
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The athleisure trend is here to stay, and we're thrilled about it! We see no reason to go back to constrictive pants for a day of running errands around town, and certainly, no need to change back into street clothes after going for a run or hitting the gym. But when did this category of clothing become so outrageously expensive?
Fortunately, there are still plenty of cheap workout clothes available that are high-quality — if you know where to look.
We asked women to share their favorite budget-friendly workout wear brands, and combined their real-life tested recommendations with our personal favorites as well as popular, top-rated online brands to compile this comprehensive list of where to shop for cheap workout clothes.
With prices all below $50, you can grab items as much-appreciated gifts for her, or load up your cart with affordable buys for yourself. (You deserve it — especially ahead of your workout journey!) Our list includes well-known retailers such as ASOS and Under Armour, as well as under-the-radar Amazon workout clothing finds. Keep reading to shop your new favorite sources for sports bras, leggings, workout shorts, joggers, and more.
For more workout necessities, check out our articles on the best walking shoes for women, the best workout tops for women, and the best fitness gifts.
With a wide array of supportive shapes and fun colors, Girlfriend Collective is the perfect brand to make you look and feel good while working out. Best of all, the brand asserts itself as eco-conscious. Their clothing is made up of over 70% recycled plastic bottles, and each item can be recycled through their ReGirlfriend initiative — which credits $15 back to you for a future purchase. This well-reviewed tank bra comes in an inclusive range of sizes: XXS-6XL.
"[It's] great for getting a sweat on! The Girlfriend compressive fabric is a favorite of mine; it never fails." — Girlfriend Collective reviewer
You may recognize Fabletics as the brand headed by actress Kate Hudson, but it's much more than that. Fabletics changed the activewear space with their VIP membership approach. Members pay a monthly fee to receive two items of their choosing every month (up to $100). If nothing piques their interest, they can skip the month, and check back in a few weeks. While the brand is built on a membership model, non-members can still purchase items at a standard price.
"I love this top! It's perfect for the gym, but also for everyday. I work from home, and I find that its appropriate for my "work" outfits without looking too casual." — Fabletics reviewer
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Champion is a brand so synonymous with activewear you probably own at least one of their clothing items without even realizing it. From collegiate sweatshirts to everyday joggers, Champion has anything and everything you could need for a workout. Better yet, their items are available at most clothing retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Kohls, Dick's Sporting Goods, and more.
"True to size but with a little wiggle room! Color is vibrant and quality is great!" — Amazon reviewer
With more than 46,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it's clear The Gym People's high-waisted pocketed yoga pants are worth an enthusiastic add to cart. In addition to this number one best seller, workout tank tops, high-waisted yoga shorts, long sleeve workout shirts, and fleece sweatshirts are also available from the brand (and highly rated).
"I love The Gym People. I’ve bought two pairs of joggers, and this is [my] first [pair of] leggings. I love the material and comfortability." — Amazon reviewer
One of the lesser known brands on this list for some shoppers, Baleaf earns a spot in our top picks for its inventive silhouettes and wallet-friendly prices. With over 30,000 reviews on the brand's fleece lined, high-waisted winter leggings alone, you'll wonder how you ever endured cold, winter workouts without them.
"I love everything BALEAF! Quality activewear without killing my wallet. These are my wear around the house, run errands, meet friends for coffee, go-to leggings. Attractive, they fit well, don't show underwear lines, and they are warm!" — Amazon reviewer
From cozy intimates to stylish outerwear, Aerie is known to have every piece of clothing you could need in a comfortable variety. What you may not know the brand has, however, is high-quality (and cheap!) workout clothes. The best part? Each piece is super stylish.
"I usually work out/lounge in Nike running shorts, but mine were getting too small and a bit uncomfortable. I didn't think Aerie would have any workout shorts like this because I usually associate them with leggings, but BOY WAS I WRONG!! These shorts are the comfiest things I've ever put on my body, and I practically live in them! They have a liner that feels just like the Aerie Play Leggings, and the outside fabric is super light and never feels uncomfortable. I'm telling you, these shorts are a billion times better than Nike's! Once you go Aerie, you can never go back!" — Reviewer of the brand's nylon running shorts
Whether you're on the hunt for athletic pants, shorts, capris, or dresses, IUGA has a highly rated option to meet your needs. These versatile and chafe-safe bike shorts have garnered more than 14,000 five-star reviews. Not only are they available in multiple colors and oh-so comfortable, but they also sell for an affordable price — much cheaper than many of their competitors.
"Whether you are looking for active wear or something to lounge around in, you cannot go wrong with IUGA. I have multiple pairs in different colors and love both their bike shorts and yoga pants! Perfect fit, buttery smooth feel, sturdy seams, "squat" proof material (not see-through), and does not roll down during workouts. They have the perfect amount of compression and give to hold you in all the right places and make you look great. I also love the dual sided pockets, which are awesome and fit my iPhone perfectly." — Amazon reviewer
Whether you're on the hunt for a lightweight ruched sports bra or an on-trend cropped hoodie, Gymshark has quality items to browse through. Though there are plenty of full-price items to shop under $50, the brand's website has an online discount section that showcases products that are 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and even 70% off to help you save on classic and new styles.
"Gymshark does a great job at making a variety of items, so you'll never get bored when putting together your choices. And, they're breathable!" Chayanne Abreu tells Woman's Day.
Performance meets style at Athleta where items are lightweight, seamless, body skimming, and comfortably fit a wide range of bodies with ease.
"I try to workout five to six days a week, mixing it up between the Peloton and pilates. When I exercise, I like to wear budget friendly gear. I just cannot justify sweating in yoga pants that cost over $120! Athleta's pieces really hold up well through the sweat and wash. I grab two of everything when they have a good sale. I even throw them in the dryer, and on the days I am working remotely, I can easily transition from my workout to my computer in an instant," content creator Erin Cohen tells Woman's Day.
We first discovered the Running Girl brand while looking for the best bras on Amazon — and we're so glad we did! With the perfect name for those who like to hit the pavement at full speed, Running Girl has some of the comfiest and most stylish workout gear around. With more than 26,000 five-star reviews for their criss-cross back padded sports bra, you've got to know the brand delivers.
"What can I say? This running girl is a Running Girl fan. These are the bomb. Quality fabric, sturdy, pretty, stylish, and holds the boobies in quite well. No flopping or jerking around when running. I have about five, and I want more." — Amazon reviewer
If you haven't heard of the OQQ brand, they have plenty of items to help you get better acquainted. From seamless jumpsuits to three-piece sets and more, they have a plethora of mix-and-match items to throw on for the perfect gym look.
"The set is so gorgeous! The color and fabric are amazing and are so flattering on me! I love buying my gymwear from OQQ. It has never failed me!" —Amazon reviewer
Adidas is one of the most iconic, well-established brands in the workout clothing space, with a devout following dating back decades. It is affordable too, especially with frequent sales and deeply discounted prices at major retailers like Macy’s. Their three-stripe tracksuit is what the brand is best known for, but they also have a great variety of sports bras, socks, and even skorts!
"Nice material, side slit makes it more cute, not too short, and holds everything in!" — Macy's reviewer
This tried and true brand is great for basics, jeans, and of course, flip-flops in every color imaginable. But what may surprise you is how vast their range of workout clothes are. Old Navy offers options in a host of sizes for every body type and shape. From the high-waisted PowerChill leggings to the PowerSoft full-zip jacket, you can score their affordable activewear both online and in-store.
"When I shop for activewear, I have two categories: actual gym clothes and athleisure. Old Navy, hands down, has the best pricing for both. I especially love that the brand has sizing for most body types — petite to tall and XXS to 4XL," publicist and lifestyle writer Chauniqua Major-Louis tells Woman's Day.
Let us put you onto the activewear brand JoyLab from everyone's favorite one-stop shop, Target. They have stylish, well-made picks that rival big name athleisure brands — for a fraction of the price.
"Target is for less expensive, impulse buys for me. I usually plan for them only to last a season or two — and I'm absolutely OK with that because at that point, I feel as if they paid for themselves. Though, I invest in more expensive brands that I expect to last for years, Target's choices regularly surprise me with how they hold up against my workouts," TK PR founder Taryn Scher tells Woman's Day.
It's no secret that Under Armour has long been a go-to brand for reliable workout clothes, but did you know the brand is affordable, too? With a wide range of items — from quick-drying shirts (like this fan-favorite, available in 33 color options) to half and full-size shoes — these well-made picks will help you feel stylish, motivated, and supported while sweating it out.
"I have purchased at least 10 Under Armor t-shirts in the past few years. Initially for yoga, but now, they are a big part of my life (since [the] pandemic). They wash and dry perfectly. No shrinkage or wrinkles ever. They can be worn to the market or the playground, and I've even slept in them! I recommend these Under Armor tee's and give UA an A+." — Amazon reviewer
In addition to selling big-name brands such as Nike, Puma, and Columbia, ASOS also has its own line of activewear — and the price is much cheaper than its counterparts. Whether you're looking for a pair of sweatpants to keep you warm during evening runs or a tank top for arm training days, there's something to fit everyone's workout schedule.
"I have a very 'high-low' fashion approach to my workout 'fits, often mixing up my sets with different brands. I’m a big ASOS activewear fan — they’re always cute and affordable and have a lot of variety to choose from. Living in NYC and not having laundry in my apartment, it’s better to have an excess of workout clothes to avoid the constant washing — plus, you always get a good discount on ASOS. I’ve also been loving their bottoms lately; they're flattering, and hug me in all the right places while still being breathable and squat proof," marketing professional Jaylan Ochoa tells Woman's Day.
Amazon sells nearly every brand under the sun through its massive e-commerce platform, but it also has its own line of excellent activewear picks at affordable price points, too.
"The thing I love about Amazon's workout wear is that you don't have to pay a bunch of money for quality. While the popover hoodie is one of my favorites, anything I've gotten from them has held up against all conditions, and they come in a variety of sizes — which, to me, is extremely important," MarQuitta Caesar tells Woman's Day.
When you think of affordable workout clothes, think of Jockey, the popular intimates and loungewear brand. Most of the brand’s workout items ring in under $50, such as these popular and highly rated bootcut pants in sizes up to 3X.
"Always like my Jockeys! Wonderfully made and delightfully comfortable." — Amazon reviewer
✔️ Quality: Cheap workout clothes can go the distance if you know what to look for. You want to seek out quality items that fit the type of workouts you're into. If you do a lot of cardio, opt for something moisture-wicking. If you prefer to exercise outside, look for something breathable for summer and lined for winter. These are the types of things you'll want to consider when shopping.
✔️ Fit: You may love the way certain tops or shorts fit for one activity, but consider whether or not they'll work for other workouts, too. For instance, a tennis skort may not be the best fit for yoga, which requires a lot of stretching and mobility. While workout clothes are not a "one-size fits all" for activities, it's important to choose things that make you feel comfortable.
✔️ Special Features: If you're someone who likes to have their phone on them during a workout, it's important to choose clothing with pockets to securely hold it. Additionally, compression leggings may aid you in running while stretchier leggings would be better for yoga.
Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.
Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.
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