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Please help me focus - building a workout capsule

abc

Veteran

Hi fabbers!

I recently made a commitment to myself to get physically active again.

I currently have two decent workout outfits. The rest are piecemeal from old navy and tjmaxx.

What I own is from Lucy and I loved the pants, I'd consider more.

I will be in the USA again in two weeks. I need help focusing my efforts.

To be clear - I would rather pay more to get mix/match-ability and I'd definitely pay more to avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many choices or running from store to store. Online ordering is an option but if I could I'd like to do this via bricks and mortar.

In addition to Zumba, I will also do some cardio machines and some weight lifting. I prefer yoga type pants to the looser street style Zumba pant.

Ideally I would like help on where to focus for pants, shirts with SLEEVES (around elbow length would be fantastic) and matching jackets. Didn't mean to yell about the sleeves but some of you know the frustration.

Anyway, here's my thoughts. Any input would be great.

Old Navy: not sure of quality, fabrics? Selection?
Tjmaxx and Marshall's: out, I want coordinating pieces
Lands end: saw an ad in a mag and their new line looks nice and they have longer sleeve shirts, amen. Con is having to order online and not sure on their sizing if I'd be a M or L.
Athleta: store in Austin but I have no experience
Lucy: I'd have to order online
Lululemon: won't fit as I am a 12/14
Academy sports: got a bit overwhelmed last time, seemed kinda hit or miss and selection wasn't super

I'd like to avoid getting worn out from running around spending my spare hours of free time on this business trip hunting down workout wear.

Oh and I forgot to ask: where can I get wired sports bras? Any recs for average size?

Thanks a million!!!

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Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from Dee

Thistle

Veteran

Have you tried Nordstrom's Zella line? I love them. Terrific fabrics, great construction, and fun colors.

I have two pair of pants from them and a jacket. Trying to convince myself to invest more of my clothing budget there. They are not cheap, but not Lulumon expensive either (and don't insult their customers like Lulumon).

I also have Old Navy and GAP workout wear, and it doesn't hold a candle to the Zella.

abc

Veteran

Thistle, thanks for reminding me. I forgot about Zella. Do they tend to carry it in store or do I need to preorder online? Off to check Nordstrom website now. Thanks!

Thistle

Veteran

I buy my sports bras through herroom.com. But I am a specialty size.

If you do decide to go Old Navy, these are the workout tops I got: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=333351372

They wear like iron, but they are synthetic. I don't sweat. I just don't, even when I lived in Louisiana. Odd and weird, but because of it, I really have no issue with synthetic fabrics holding onto the smell of sweat and odor. Others have complained of this.

The ON yoga pants I will replace after a year or so of moderate use. Reasonable for what I paid for them.

Thistle

Veteran

I am not sure as the closest Nordies is 3+ hours away. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that!

rabbit

Veteran

Good for you for getting active! And workout clothes you feel good and feel like you look good in, help with motivation, I know. I need to jump back on the bus myself.

My clothes are Marshalls/TJ Maxx so no help there. (I just stick with black, white and gray in shoes and separates and call it good).

For long sleeve shirts the only thing I would watch is what fit to get. Body con or skimming can get really hot when you are in the high aerobic zone on me. Looser cuts let air underneath, but tend to slide up when you are touching your toes or doing downward dogs if they don't have a band at the bottom. Also I find body con or closer fits around the middle helpful as a continual reminder to keep focusing on my abs and posture, especially when there are mirrors in the classroom. (I know some people hate the mirrors, but they help me with posture adjustment).

I wear different things to kickboxing/step/jazzercise/zumba type classes with mostly all women, then out in the general gym population using the machines if it's mixed gender. (One trial at a 24 hour fitness and a random dude commenting that my butt looked good was enough for me, I never went back).

abc

Veteran

Thistle, thanks for the other replies. I saw some potential stuff in the Zella line. I might have to resort to lands end for the elbow length sleeve tshirts though. Will check your other links now.

Rabbit - lol on the butt comment. I hadn't really thought of "audience" in Zumba vs on the main floor of the gym but you're right. And I hear you on the posture and tshirt fit to remind us!

Thx again!

Helena

Veteran

I just did a workout capsule; I'm just doing a few days a week at the gym, nothing crazy, and I got all my tops and hoodies at Target; pants at Old Navy. Sounds like you might go for a bit more high-end than that, but these are some decent options on the less-pricey end

abc

Veteran

TG, I just want the fabrics to feel nice to the touch and wash well without fading, stretching out, etc. for me it's important that I can get mix and match as well. I don't have the time to do the tjmaxx thing like I used to. Thx!

MsMary

Veteran

For underwire workout bras, try Moving Comfort. I love the Maia style. If you google around you can often find it marked down in various sizes and colors at places like Amazon and even eBay.

I recently discovered Athleta workout gear and I love it. It's pricey but they have good sales and I also found several pair of my favorite workout "knickers" on eBay. They make my rear end look great -- I'm never going back to cheap workout pants!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

You could also try a sports superstore like Dicks Sporting Goods or Sports Authority. Many brands under one roof.

fern

Veteran

TitleNine, especially if you'll be near a store to try stuff on. They are all about the matching colors / patterns and I own long-sleeved shirts from them. Pricey (Zella or Athleta-level), and they resell brands I can sometimes find for less elsewhere, but they might work really well for your immediate needs.
And the T9 catalog I got today featured wired sports bras.

AraArena12

Really enjoyed suggestion! learned..

chadya

Veteran

I splurge on what it hard to fit for me pant for the colder months and bras.
the rest is bought @ TJ/Marshalls where a top can be got for under $20. Although I just like tanks not Tbacks.

So pick what is hard for you to find and put your money there.
Gap has good stuff too and sales occur often

Catnip

Veteran

Like others, I love the Zella line from Nordstrom. The quality is high but the prices aren't too bad. Two pairs of workout leggings have worn really well.

JayS

Veteran

I really like Athleta. It is pricey, but very well made. I have jackets and pants and love both. I generally go for lesser priced tops and tees.
Btw, you mention Austin. The Athleta store is in The Domain, a shopping paradise. If you have the time, it's a wonderful place to wander around. I think the Dick's Sporting Goods store is there, also. Good luck!

adorkable

Veteran

I often just turn my stretched-out cotton tops into workout wear, so no help there, but ...

Sports bras! I am an evangelist for the Panache sports bra:

http://www.barenecessities.com.....m?pf_id=Pa

28-40, B-H (British, which is about a US K)

This bra got me into jogging - and as a 28G (US 28I) that is no small feat!

They do sell it at many stores, but for the tough sizes online is the way to go.

JAileen

Veteran

I've bought workout clothes from Target and at Sports Authority.

abc

Veteran

MK, I am leaning toward Athleta. Any pants that make my booty look better get my vote!

Mo, that's an idea. I tend to get overwhelmed in huge stores like that, though, so it might be Plan B.

fern, funny, the store I was thinking of was T9 but I mistook it for Athleta. I think both might offer what I'm looking for.

araArena12, anytime!

Chadya, I have some tops from Gap body and they are good but I prefer a longer sleeve (most short sleeves seem almost cap like, what i'd like is longer than a short sleeve but WAY shorter than a long sleeve. Somewhere in the middle, hitting above elbow would be perfect). Aaah the HEWI search starts, haha.

Catnip, Zella is falling high on the list, thanks.

JayS, as I just mentioned above to fern, I was thinking of a store I saw on Lamar near 6th St, I thought it was Athleta but come to find out (thanks to your post) Athleta is in the Domain, so the store i was thinking of must be T9. Anyway, I come to Austin about once a month and usually stay around the Domain, so that area is familiar. I might try Athleta and keep Dick's as a fallback option if I don't find what I need. Thanks for the input!

adorkable, I will keep this bra in mind. Underwire sports bras are new to me but after DH said I could use some more support (I was wearing one of the pull on kind) I took a look in the mirror and had to agree with him! LOL funny how others see what we don't. THx for the recommendation.

JAileen, thanks!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I'm not much help but the performance workout pants from Landsend are awesome and I have two pairs I wear every week. They are so flattering and easy to run around after toddlers in, that I'm currently spoiled from wearing other pants.

froggiebecky

Veteran

Hi!

I was actually going to suggest Academy, or perhaps a dicks or sports authority. I recently bought a shirt from them that I'm pretty happy with (sorry, can't find it online). That being said, I'd rather spend less money and cycle through more quickly (with bras as the exception)--I find that sports gear doesn't last overly long with me.

I've also gotten to where I prefer running shorts for most of my gym time. Something like this: http://www.academy.com/shop/pd.....mpo-short/ , though mine are new balance. Then again, I'd rather not have something that's skin-tight against my derriere. They've got a little liner built in, but I suppose you could cut that out and wear bike shorts underneath if you really wanted to. (I have substantial thighs, and they chafe, and I STILL prefer these to yoga pants)

The only pricey brand I've ever tried is Lorna Jane, and I was incredibly underwhelmed. Their yoga pants slid right down my backside, which I have to say is definitely a first for me!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Athleta is my favorite for workout wear. I will occasionally wear Lululemon, but have been turned off by their anti-customer approach. I also occasionally wear Sweaty Betty (they are stylish, but overly expensive and ship from UK with very few stores in the US.) Both Athleta and Sweaty Betty have items for dance purposes specifically.

For Athleta I would recommend doing your homework online first. Keep in mind that their sizing from garment to garment can be very inconsistent. Additionally, the website will give you the technical details on the purpose of the product, what it is made of and so forth, and when I've been in their stores, you don't get all of that. For example, there are some pants and leggings that work very well for running, but they might scoot down too much for yoga or pilates. Then you could actually try the products on once you get there. My spring "capsule" from them for TRX and pilates classes is a few pieces in azure (a blue/purple) and light blue. The other thing I like about Athleta is that their pants come in different lengths! Their styles also work well on a range of bodies. My neighbor is about 25 years older than I am, taller and heavier and we are both into the clothes, though we pick different items.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I have had great luck with Lucy - hard wearing and worth the $. Haven't tried Athleta but they look very similar. Zella at Nordstrom looks really nice and has great reviews, haven't tried it myself. What about Under Armour? Not sure what stores would be the best for that. Or Uniqlo, if they have a store where you'll be.

I would avoid TJ Maxx etc. in your case because it can be hit or miss - you might save $ but you'll probably spend too much time searching.

In Lands End, if I am not sure about a size, I go down rather than up - they tend to run big in almost all cases, but they are really good about providing measurements - from the website you can chat with a customer service rep if you can't find exactly what you're looking for.

Makrame

Veteran

I second MaryK on Moving Comfort underwire bra, particularly Maya bra that she linked to.

I like Marika Balance collection for workout clothing, and usually buy it at TJMax/Marshalls (I especially like their close-fitting capri pants, they are about $16), but sounds like those types of stores would not work for you. They also make nice long tanks (with built-in bra and removable pads). For long-sleeved tops, I like Brooks Essential t-shirts, similar to this http://www.amazon.com/Brooks-W.....#038;ie=UT

whirlwindgirl

Very happy with my Athleta purchases overall. You might take a look at the Bettona pants in particular. Also very happy with Title 9, but the Athleta catalog selection is bigger--not sure about in-store.

Dee

Veteran

I'll add my vote for Athleta as well. All of their stuff is really well made, comes In a variety of fits/lengths, and mixes and matches well. I've been happy with everything I've bought there. I always found their sizing similar to GAP, on me.