Not everyone loves working out, but everyone has a better workout when they’re in a positive mindset. Case in point: Take an extra few minutes to put together an outfit you’d be fine taking a selfie in (not that you should be doing that while working out!) and you’re sure to notice your workouts improve. But finding that workout outfit that makes you feel great doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on your look. In fact, even if you want designer workout clothes, you can score it at affordable prices if you’re willing to wait a few months.
Activewear has become such a huge industry that there’s rapid merchandise turnover, which is why there is always a ton of sale items (we’re talking 70 percent off or more in some cases) on designer sites like Carbon38 (the Net-a-Porter of activewear). You’ll also want to follow all your favorite brands on social media and sign up for their newsletters as brands like Alala and Athleta regularly have limited-time discounts announced via various channels. Signing up for a newsletter also usually comes with a 10 percent to 20 percent discount on your first order.
If there’s one thing you should always allow yourself to splurge on, however, it’s a great pair of sneakers. There are so many ways you can injure yourself, don’t let less-than-perfect sneakers be one of them. APL has been the sneaker brand for a few years now and the brand’s shoes are worth saving up for (or buying in every color if you have the means). While the signature style is meant for running, it works equally well for cross-training and just about any other type of workout. The brand is also responsible for the current monochromatic sneaker trend, the easiest style to transition out of the gym. Though there are, of course, alternatives.
Above, check out our picks for the best workout clothes for every budget.
[ Next: Splurge vs. Steal: Summer Sandals for Every Budget ]
Activewear Splurge vs. Steal
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Two Tone Splurge: Body Language Sportswear
Gianna Legging, $110 at Body Language Sportswear
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Two Tone Save: Gymshark
TwoTone Seamless Leggings, $52 at Gymshark
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Party in the Back Splurge: Carbon38
Seminyak Bra, $105 at Carbon38
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Party in the Back Save: Alala
Barre Bra, $55 at Alala
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Matching Set Splurge: Show Me Your MuMu
Maya Logo Bra ($68) and Rozaline Logo Skinny ($108) at Show Me Your MuMu
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Matching Set Save: ASOS
4505 Seamless Sports Bra With Leopard Panels ($22) and 4505 Seamless Yoga Legging With Leopard Panels ($24) at ASOS
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Monochrome Multitasking Sneakers Splurge: APL
TechLoom Phantom, $165 at APL
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Monochrome Multitasking Sneakers Save: New Balance
Fresh Foam Cruz V2 Sport, $79.99 at New Balance
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High Shine Splurge: Lululemon
Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Full-On Luxtreme, $118 at Lululemon
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High Shine Save: Athleta
Gleam Chaturanga to Town Tight, $79 at Athleta
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Cross Cut Splurge: Year of Ours
Cross Cut Out Waist Legging, $116 at Year of Ours
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Cross Cut Save: AcrossAtlas
Brenna Motion Standout Pant, $48 at AcrossAtlas
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Ruffle Splurge: Carbon38
Paper Bag Legging, $145 at Carbon38
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Ruffle Save: Beyond Yoga
Frill Seeker High Waisted Midi Legging, $99 at Beyond Yoga
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Vibrant Print Splurge: Goldsheep
Singe Scoop Yellow, $98 at Goldsheep
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Vibrant Print Save: Thenice
Sexy Slim Stretchy Leggings, $15.99 at Amazon
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Jumpsuit Splurge: Splendid
Solid Jersey Jumpsuit, $128 at Splendid
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Jumpsuit Save: Tobi
Chillax Jumpsuit, $19 at Tobi
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Star Print Spluge: Ultracor
Ultra Silk Knockout Leggings, $185 at Carbon38
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Star Print Save: 2(X)IST
Mesh Panel Ankle Legging, $52 at 2(X)IST
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Scrunchy Bra Splurge: Body Language Sportswear
Scrunchy Top, $66 at Body Language Sportswear
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Scrunchy Bra Save: MPG
Maneuver Medium Support Sports Bra, $22.40 at Amazon
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Fitted Tank Splurge: Crane & Lion
DwellStudio Keyhole Bra Tank, $65 at Crane & Lion
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Fitted Tank Save: Cotton On
Spliced Tight Tank, $14.97 at Cotton On
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Lace Up Sweats Splurge: Monrow
Supersoft Lace Up Sweats, $135 at Revolve
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Lace Up Sweats Save: Tobi
Better Days Lace Up Pants, $34 at Tobi
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Shorts Splurge: Janji
W's Uganda Middle Short, $58 at Janji
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Shorts Save: Forever 21
Active Dolphin Hem Shorts, $12.90 at Forever 21
