Where to buy stylish workout gear? - YouLookFab Forum

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Where to buy stylish workout gear?

Roxanna

Veteran

Hi Fabbers,
I started a new workout regimen as part of my New Year's Resolutions this year to get back in shape, which has been quite the change for me (I'm the girl who always got chosen last in gym class...)

One of the things that keeps me motivated is stylish gym clothes (I can only convince myself to get up at 5 am on weekends if I can spend the rest of the day in workout clothes!) I'm started to get bored of Lululemon - are there any interesting, fashion-forward brands that you guys could share? Of course quality and durability are key, and being Canadian is a bonus!

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from K2

Anonymous

Lole - Canadian!

I also like UnderArmour ......

Gap stuff is ok for tanks and bras, but the tights don't have enough stretch - they use an odd fabric.

North Face - has lots of great colours for spring and the workout tights are fantastic.

I'm a gear collector - you'd think I worked out 3 times a day with the amount of stuff I have Three drawers full - which is ridiculous, but I love the stuff.

Greenjeans

Veteran

Have you tried Lole? http://www.lolewomen.com

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

http://getmecharlie.com/blog/5.....lululemon/

http://getmecharlie.com/blog/7.....t-clothes/

Don't know if these links will help you out, but worth a shot!

Anonymous

I like these brands, all available at Nordstrom:
Alo
Onzie
Free People (really neat tie-up leggings)
Zella

Jane

Veteran

I really enjoy gear from Sweaty Betty - lovely colours that wash really well time and again

Anonymous

I usually buy most of my workout gear from http://www.gaiam.com .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Athleta has some cute things too, although they seem to be getting more and more into "athleisure" rather than pure workout gear. Under Armour is good. Zella (Nordstrom) has some nice pieces too.

I'm now curious about Lole and Sweaty Betty -- the SB catalogs started showing up at my house but I have never tried ordering anything.

LaPed

Veteran

Another big gear nerd here.

I like Prana a lot. Patagonia and Lole always have a few things I love/would love to have.

I keep trying to like Athleta but nothing every quite fits the way I want it to. Very cute stuff, though, and free returns!

Not a big fan of Under Armour or Lululemon, mostly for quality:cost ratio, also just not really my style, though some swear by them.

Uniqlo has some of the best budget options -- Airism line for hot weather and Heattech for cold weather.

Elle

Veteran

I like Zella (at Nordstroms) and Old Navy (surprisingly good quality and fun patterns for the price). My daughter (a huge fashionista and workout fan) is off Lululemon and now buys a lot from Forever 21 of all places..

Greenjeans

Veteran

Also, NAU is one of those companies I find really interesting. They specialize in crossover gear, functional clothes for cycling, camping and weather that can also work in an urban setting. Alas, I don't own any of their things. The palette is too dark for me (a lot of black and gray). Might work for you? http://www.nau.com

Isabel

Veteran

I also LOVE Zella from Nordstrom. Additionally, title nine and athlete are great too. And sometimes, JCPenney has some great, fun stuff too with good quality.

Anonymous

I am another fan of Lululemon. I did try Zella, but the fit was always off for me. I am tall so I wonder if Zella is more suited for a shorter woman?

Staysfit

Veteran

I have typically been a fan of Athleta. You have to pick and choose though. They have nice workout gear, but you have to hunt through their catalog to find it. I also like Zella workout tops for spring. They are lightweight, and long enough to cover my torso without riding up while doing yoga and pilates.

'Z 6' Ruched Tee

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Top Pick

2

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like Lulu Lemon, Athleta and Gap Fit. My clients do very well with Zella.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like Lulu Lemon, Athleta and Sweaty Betty. Sweaty Betty is definitely fashion forward and excellent quality but some of their pieces are outrageously expensive. Also you need to use the item the way they say -- e.g. if they tell you it's for running it might not be so awesome in a yoga class. Also I just tried out Yogasmoga for the first time. More of a quality neutrals look but I'm liking it.

donutty

I agree Lolë is great and I'd also suggest another good quality Canadian activewear brand, Mondetta Performance Gear (MPG). I'm very happy with the items in my closet from those brands. My favorite non-Canadian brands include Zella and Athleta.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sterling, I found the same thing! Zella is nice but all their pants and capris are too short for me. I bought one pair of running capris but they drive me nuts because they barely cover my kneecaps. My favorite running capris are still my Lululemons from 4-5 years ago. They've held up like iron.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

My daughter just bought some MPG pieces because she liked their catalog. She likes them for track practice.

Anonymous

Ha, that's interesting. I'm 5'5" and zella capris are good on me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am the wrong person to ask because this is an area where I confess to buying most of my stuff at Winners -- not a good strategy from a fashion standpoint.

However, I do like Lole a lot and I'm intrigued by that MPG company also. I intend to improve this capsule pretty soon as an inducement to spend more time in the gym!

BrieN

Veteran

Not exactly answering the question about "stylish" gear, but for anyone who is trying to squeeze workout wear into their overall clothing budget, Target's C9 Premium legging is really nice -- very thick material and is holding up very well.

Anonymous

Ah yes, Mondetta ! (MPG) - A Winnipeg company One of my oldest friends from buying days is the designer for that line - I am ashamed to have neglect to mention them. MPG is now sold at Hudson Bay, but is available on line too. They have great stuff.

nancylee

Veteran

I'm following this thread with interest since I'm in the market for the same. Like Janet, I've been an Athleta fan but they do seem to be getting into more leisure wear. Looks like I need to check out Zella!

abc

Veteran

I like Lucy (www.lucy.com), Athleta and z Zella (rack) and marika (rack).

Roxanna

Veteran

These are all fantastic suggestions - this is a thread I will come back to again and again! Thanks everyone!

I will definitely check out lole, athleta and Zella.

Donutty - MPG is a great one! I picked up a pair of their capris recently and they were well made and had great detail.

Suz - I actually find Winners had amazing gym stuff! It is a challenge to pick through sometimes. I found amazing Under Armour leggings for $40 (regular $120) and the above mentioned Mondetta capris for $25 (regular $100) They are not consistent, though, so I wanted a few other options.

Ummlila, Maneera - yogasmoga and Sweaty Betty are intriguing! May check them out!

Elle - funny enough, I was on a yoga retreat a few months ago and the girl beside Mr had great leggings - turns out she got them from old Navy too! I never even thought of looking there.

Roxanna

Veteran

Also - a couple of other Brands I like for those looking :

Titika - good quality, stylish stuff, though the fit is sometimes off for me

Michi - michiny.com
Really fashion forward, edgy, bondage inspired stuff. If I was a yoga teacher in new York and made oodles of money, I would wear this.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have not been on the forum much these days. I am working for 10 weeks.
I have seen Tonic gear for Yoga around for a few years. Some very cute things. I might buy some next week when I go to Hamilton to work.

Bonus. Tonic is Canadian and is made in Canada.

Lole and Lululemon are my favourites. I do a lot of Yoga.

RunningSue

I am a trainer and fitness instructor so athletic clothes are my work day wear. I love Sweaty Betty, expensive and high quality. Athleta has great fit with lots of unsinkable items (look for the tag) with UPF. Lulu for more stylish and to fro clothes. Zella does not fit me well either (I am 5'2"). Lucy is a go to since they have the best sales so you can get their stuff at a great price. Like Vimmia from Bloomingdales. ALO, Lorna Jane, Koral. I have not tried Fabletics, pricing is great.

RunningSue

Wanted to add Nike, their leggings are great for running, lifting and everything else.

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