By Sarah Yang
last updated
While activewear has gotten way more stylish and cuter in recent years, it's also gotten more expensive, too. Listen, I love my $100 leggings and $75 sports bras—especially when they're high-quality pieces that last through many workouts—but I also can't really afford to have a closet full of designer activewear. I'm totally fine with a mix of high and low pieces, just like I am with my regular wardrobe.
The good news is that there are a lot of cheap activewear options if you're on a budget. These pieces are pretty much just as good as the pricier options and they'll support you during even your toughest workouts. Case in point: I've been wearing the same leggings from Old Navy for over 5 years and they're still as good as new—plus, they've withstood yoga classes, indoor cycling sessions, HIIT bootcamps, and more.
Take a look at some of our favorites that are $50 and under.
Leggings and Shorts
Nike
Sportswear Essential 7/8 Leggings
Everyone needs a pair of basic, essential leggings. These ones from Nikes are it. They're made of moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry during sweat sessions.
Core 10
All Day Comfort High Waist Full-Length Yoga Legging
Amazon brand Core 10's leggings feature a wide waistband and a hidden key pocket.
Zella
Aero Shorts
Zella's shorts are great for running—they have a brief liner, wide ribbed waist, and a hidden back-zip pocket.
Colorfulkoala
High Waisted Yoga Pants 7/8 Length Leggings
Made with buttery-soft fabric, these are the type of leggings you probably wouldn't mind wearing all day long.
Old Navy
High-Waisted PowerPress 7/8-Length Leggings
Like I said earlier, Old Navy's leggings are my favorite affordable go-to workout bottoms.I always feel supported and comfortable when I work out in them. These have the highest level of compression and four-way stretch.
Adidas
Sportswear Mesh Tights
The mesh design on Adidas's tights are not only a stylish detail, but they also provide some breathability.
Baleaf
High Waist Biker Shorts
These biker shorts feature a high-rise, wide waistband so you don't have to worry about them rolling down during your workouts. Plus, the phone-sized pockets on the side are so convenient.
Under Armour
HeatGear Armour No-Slip Pocket Ankle Leggings
There is so much to love about these leggings. It has a no-slip waistband and flatlock seams so you can move with ease and not have to worry about re-adjusting your pants or the fabric rubbing against your skin.
Ewedoos
Yoga Pants with Pockets
With over 26,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, these yoga leggings come highly recommended. The fabric features four-way stretch and moisture-wicking benefits.
Nike
One Dri-FIT Crop Tights
If you prefer a cropped length, try this pair from Nike. They're made with Dri-FIT technology, which means they'll keep you cool and dry.
Sports Bras
Girlfriend Collective
Black Juliet Strappy Bra — Girlfriend Collective
It really feels like you're wearing nothing (in a good way) with this bra because the fabric is so lightweight and soft. You can wear it during your low- to medium-impact workouts.
H&M
Sports Bra Medium Support
This lined racerback sports bra is great for medium-impact exercises. The wide shoulder straps ensure that you won't feel any discomfort.
Athleta
Solace Bra
Designed for studio classes (yoga, barre, Pilates, etc.), this sports bra is made with Athleta's Powervita fabric which is so luxe and soft to the touch. It features a strappy back design as well.
Zella
Seamless Strappy Sports Bra
Thisscoop-neck bra has removable soft cups and a strappy back. It's great for low-impact workouts.
Sweaty Betty
Stamina Sports Bra
The best thing about this bra is that it's completely seamless so you don't have to worry about chafing at all.
Old Navy
Light Support PowerSoft Longline Sports Bra
Longline bras are great because they provide extra coverage with a sleek fit. This onefeatures a lightly compressive and breathable fabric, an anti-chafing elastic banded hem, and four-way stretch.
Tops
Madewell
MWL Form Racerback Crop Top
You can wear this crop top to yoga classes and other low-impact classes. It has just the right amount of compression, too.
Core 10
Ultra-Lightweight Semi-Sheer Ribbed Knit Knot Front Cropped Long Sleeve Yoga Shirt
If you need a layer to wear before or after class, try this cropped long-sleeved top. It's also lightweight and breathable so you can keep it on during your workouts if you're feeling chilly.
Brooks
Distance Running Tank
This is the perfect tank to wear on runs—it features a sweat-wicking and breathable fabric so you can keep going and going.
Amazon Essentials
Studio Relaxed-Fit Racerback Tank
You don't have to worry about extra fabric getting in the way here—it's slightly tailored, but still has a relaxed, comfortable fit.
Baleaf
Long Sleeve Running Shirt
You'll feel comfortable wearing this long-sleeved tee on a long run—it's made of fabric that is quick-drying to keep you cool and dry. It also features reflective tapes andlogo for visibility.
Jackets and Sweatshirts
Under Armour
Tech Twist Half-Zip Long Sleeve Pullover
Under Armour's pullover is made with technical fabric that is quick-drying and ultra soft.
Zella
Carey Crew High/Low Sweatshirt
I have a feeling you're going to wear this crewneck sweatshirt just about every day, not only when you're heading tothe gym or studio.
Crz Yoga
Brushed Full Zip Hoodie Jacket
The jacket's brushed fabric has all the good stuff—it's super soft, breathable, stretchy, and durable. The piece also comes with two front pockets, a back zip pocket, and two inner pockets.
H&M
Padded Hooded Outdoor Jacket
If you need something that's a bit warmer, you probably won't find a better deal than this padded outdoor jacket from H&M. It has a double-layered hood, stand up collar, padded front and back sections (for warmth), and front zippered pockets.
Old Navy
Loose Cropped Sweater-Knit Hoodie
Made of breathable, soft jersey knit fabric, this is another one of those pieces you'll probably wear outside of your gym activities.
Core 10
Water-Resistant Performance Windbreaker Jacket
This water-resistant jacket is not only good for workouts, but it might also come in handy for travel.The lightweight design has an adjustable hood and a mesh lining for extra warmth.
Accessories
Athleta
Vital Headband in Powervita
Keep your hair out of your face with this super soft and stretchy headband.
Zella
Slim Running Belt Bag
This slim bag can hold the essentials but won't get in the way during your runs.
H&M
3-Pack Sports Socks
Don't forget to pickup some socks while you're shopping. These ankle socks are fast-drying and functional.
Alo
Off-Duty Cap
This classic cap is just perfect for everyday wear.
Next, These Are My Absolute Favorite Sports Bras for Every Workout, Hands Down
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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Activewear
Sarah Yang
Managing Editor
Hi, everyone. I’m Sarah! I was born and raised in Los Angeles, spent 12 years going to school and working in New York City (got my BA in journalism from NYU), and made the move back to L.A. to work at THE/THIRTY. I’ve had 10 years of experience covering lifestyle and wellness, with editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Veranda, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). Most of my days are spent writing and editing stories about eating healthy, the latest wellness and self-care trends, the newest (and coolest) workouts, and the best fitness gear that will actually make you want to exercise. I love all the topics we cover at THE/THIRTY, but I especially love writing about mental health—I think that’s one of the most important topics right now and something I am passionate about (and also continuously working on myself!). As for self-care, I stick to these five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, a good book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating my apartment. When I’m not working, I love trying new restaurants with friends, listening to history and true crime podcasts, and enjoying an occasional Netflix binge.
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