Nordstrom Rack carries/discounts the nicer brands including Nike, Zella, Marika, etc. Also, Nieman's Last Call has some nice options.

Check out Lucy as well, although some of their fashions are hit or miss.

Nike outlet has surprisingly good sales on women's workout clothes.

Old Navy and Gap are pretty good quality. I also highly recommend the Zella brand at Nordstrom. For that, wait until their sale b/c they always have basics marked down.

Anonymous wrote:C9 and Old Navy are best for working out (and I've tried them all). Athlete Lulu etc are cute to wear around but I don't love them for exercise.

You'll feel way better in workout gear than pj bottoms!

+1 for Target. Definitely my favorite sports bras. Old Navy good too, but their leggings tend to run small.

I get all of my workout clothing from Athleta. I teach, and they offer a 30% discount to all instructors. Their return policy can't be beat and the clothing transitions well if you wear it all day like I do. Their casual line is my absolute favorite for traveling or hiking, too.

I don't pay for sports bras there- I've been getting them all at a local Nike outlet store and I love their form and function- previously I was buying them all at target, they have held up well but Nike has more variety.

I agree that purchasing even a few pairs of good quality clothing helps you both look and feel better about yourself- you're working hard and deserve it!

Good luck

I buy champion brand stuff from target. It doesn't cost a fortune, and is acceptable looking.

C9 and Old Navy are best for working out (and I've tried them all). Athlete Lulu etc are cute to wear around but I don't love them for exercise.

You'll feel way better in workout gear than pj bottoms!

It is worth it to get functional, comfortable, and appropriate workout clothes.

That said, I don't like Old Navy, Lululemon, Athleta.

I prefer Onzie leggings (long in the winter, cropped in the spring/summer). They are well-made, comfortable, dry fast and really let me move.

As for tops, I don't have a brand favorite. I like cotton/spandex blend form-fitting camisole-type tops with a good sports bra underneath.

I never wear baggy clothing to workout. I don't care how I look. It's about function. Baggy clothing (like sweats, t-shirts, et cetera) gets in the way, makes it harder to move, gets sopping wet with sweat and feels uncomfortable, and just feels cumbersome.

I buy my workout leggings/shirts/bras from Kohls and amazon. They have lasted for years. They are less expensive that lulu kind and last me years. You can check these places out.

Have you been to Target? I have been buying a lot of the C9 tanks for running. (they work well for yoga, too.) You could also go to Dick's sporting goods - they tend to have a great selection for women, and there are often coupons in the Sunday Post. I buy a LOT of Nike sports bras and running shorts there, but they have a lot of other brands as well. The one at Bailey's Crossroads does not have a great shoe dept but they do have a good selection of apparel.

Anonymous wrote:Old Navy is perfect if you want affordable and cute outfits. Just get yourself some leggings and tops and you will be ready.

+2 on Old Navy.

For yoga, I like their capri-length leggings (because I'm a shortie), and tank tops. I find that the pants run true-to-size, if a bit snug, and the tops run big.

I get sports bras and shorts for running at Target. So far, they've held up very well, and they wick my sweat just fine.

I think you should order some real workout clothes. They will probably help you feel better and more confident working out. The nice brands are, in my opinion, worth the investment because they last a long time and really hold up. They wick sweat really well as well if that is a concern for you (it is for me). Athleta is nice, I also like Lululemon although I haven't looked at their selection in a while. There are quite a few brands out there and people tend to find the one they like and stick to it. You could try looking at eBay as a start and get a few pieces before spending full prices for the new items. I believe there are probably a good number of threads here about particular brands if you don't like Athleta or Lulu.

Agree with Old Navy.

Old Navy is perfect if you want affordable and cute outfits. Just get yourself some leggings and tops and you will be ready.

i've been trying to go to yoga and the gym this past year. never really did before. been wearing old t-shirts and pj bottoms essentially. feel like i should get a few real exercise clothes to wear. what would folks recommend...specifically, not just gym shorts. not quite sure what kind, etc. looked around at TJ max and everything looked ridiculous. not very nice quality, awful colors. should i really order stuff from athleta or one of those places?