I'm also a fan of Lululemon -- I have a jacket from them that I bought over three years ago in San Francisco, I've worn it to death and washed it many times, and it still looks totally new. I'm also very happy with the yoga pants, running capris and sports bra I bought there.

Lucy is also very good -- I have a couple of tops from there, a pair of running shorts, and a pair of casual pants (not workout) that are winners. I'm finding that even though LL and Lucy are pricier, their stuff holds up really well.

On the other end of the spectrum, I've also found plenty of good things in Target (Champion yoga pants have lasted me years, unfortunately they're getting faded) and TJMaxx and Marshalls -- I keep an eye out for gear from Under Armour, Nike, and Puma.

I also recently bought a running tank from Title Nine and I love it. It's white, which is tricky -- it's lightweight but not see-through, and it does a great job of giving just enough coverage with a sports bra while still keeping me as cool as possible on a 90% humidity, 80 F run!

Oh, as for the items holding up well, I machine wash everything on the gentle cycle (even my bras, in mesh bags), and hang to dry. No problems at all.

I can't bring myself to spend big bucks for workout clothes. I recently got a lot of nice things on sale at JC Penney, of all places. I've also liked my Champion stuff from Target.

And I launder my things exactly as Janet does -- my machine has a "hand wash" cycle and I use Woolite and hang to dry.

I am also a fan of Lululemon. They are pricey, but if you wash your workout clothes on delicate and air dry, their stuff lasts for years, not months. Many of their tops are made with antibacterial fibers, so there isn't a problem with odor. It has been a good investment for me--even though I initially choke at the register.

Compared to Lucy, I find Lulu, Nike Dri-fit and Champion brands more functional for cardio workouts. Lucy material does not wick moisture away very well, so I only like it for knocking around or light activity. They do have cute stuff though and I always see coupons.

If you are an instructor, both Lucy and Lulu may give you a discount (they do for the instructors at my gym)

You can find really cute Danskin stuff at Walmart. I also find nice, affordable stuff at JCPenney, Old Navy and Target.

I've gotten cute stuff from Kohls, Old Navy and that American Eagle line...i can't remember if it has a different name at the moment...but i think that was my favorite stuff.

I think it depends on the performance you are expecting out of it. My champion skorts are great for working on the golf bar cart, but for running 10 miles in FL humidity, nothing beats my Lululemon run skort. Same with tops - I chafed from a seam under the arm wearing an Adidas wicking tee on my half marathon. But it's great for a ride on my stationary bike or other quickie workout.

Another fan of Lululemon here..They are worth the extra $ because they don't fade or bag out & they last if cared for correctly. The pants don't ride down when doing yoga & their looser yoga tops cinch at the waist for inversions. The hoodies have thumb holes & some have kinda mitten cuffs. The running gear has what you need for running. I think it's good to have gear that makes working out easier.

Anna and Elle - Just wanted to point out that this thread is 2 years old. Not that we can't still have this discussion!