12 Affordable Athleisure Brands that Look Great As You Lose Weight

Losing weight is hard work, but if you've witnessed any success in your own weight loss efforts, you know that the work is worth it. As you begin to lose weight, you'll find that your whole attitude about yourself is rosier, sunnier and more positive. But, as you reach to turn off the 5 a.m. alarm, are you still reaching for your old workout clothes? The unflattering ones that hang off your body, slouch in all the wrong places and look like they belong to someone else? If so, it's time for a change. 

Buying new clothes is a great, easy way to celebrate your weight loss success. "If you're only 'allowed' to buy clothes when you're thin, what is that saying about your self-worth when you have some extra weight on your body?" Hand says.
 
Unfortunately, constantly buying workout clothes for your evolving figure can be time consuming and isn't always budget friendly. Luckily, there are some brands out there that offer workout clothes that change as you change. As member STRONGDJ suggests, looking for clothes that are a reasonable price, fit comfortably and will stand up to lots of turns in the washing machine.
 
To get started, consider purchasing two new workout outfits you love and wear and wash them as needed until they hang loosely from you, then purchase two more for your current size. Continue this process until you have reached your goal weight.
 
Bras
 
Whether you have ample cleavage or are a bit smaller busted, there is one feature necessary for every size—properly supporting the girls is a must. As you lose weight, your breast size changes and you need a bra that changes with you. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, adjustable bras are an absolute must have.
 

Photo courtesy of Shefit

The Ultimate Sports Bra from Shefit works great for when you drop weight all over. For the larger-breasted woman who might need less and less support as the weight loss continues, Shefit is completely adjustable, to provide whatever level of support is needed. This revolutionary bra also features a no-roll bust band, custom strap adjustments in all directions, wicks sweat away and can be washed just like any other piece of clothing. Plus, the front-zip style also changes from an X-back to an H-Back shoulder strap arrangement.
 
For those looking for a more high-impact, adjustable bra, the wireless Fiona Bra from Moving Comfort not only comes in a large assortment of sizes, but it also provides maximum support, compression for reduced bounce and is less revealing with a fit for higher coverage. The bra features front-adjustable straps and adjustable hook-and-loop closures in the back, so you can get the perfect fit. This bra works great for running or walking, the gym or just about any type of workout.
 
Black Bottoms
 
No matter your shape or size, a pair or two of black workout leggings or pants is a key workout wardrobe accessory. Whether you choose long or capri, high- or low-waisted, flared or slim-fit, a good pair of leggings will carry you through any workout, no matter if you prefer yoga or CrossFit. Of opting for basic colors, the iconic Coco Chanel perhaps said it best when she remarked, "Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony." And who couldn't use some harmony in their lives now and then? Plus, when you go for black, you can wear the pants with almost any color or print top, so you'll never get bored with your outfit.
 

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.com

With its wide, smooth-fitting elastic drawstring waist and four-way stretch that moves as you move, Zella's Move It 2 Capris flatter almost any figure. Alter the leg style by adjusting the pant's hem length with internal drawstrings that create either a straight or ruched look. The easy care of these pants (throw them in the wash on cold and tumble dry low) guarantees you'll use them again and again.
 
High-Rise Compression Cropped Pants from Old Navy sit high on the waist, feature a cropped, narrow leg and are more snug through the hip and thigh than other pants. The elastic, rib-knit waistband allows you to shimmy through any Zumba class and the quick-drying compression fabric and flatlock seams keep you cool, dry and chafe-free as you sweat it out on the treadmill. They are machine washable so there's no need to make a trip the cleaners. One five-star reviewer said, "I bought them a few weeks ago and they fit great. True to size and so comfy. Also got them for a great price."
 
Skorts
 
If you used to wear bike shorts under your skirts, the skort is the answer to your prayers. Whether you're playing tennis, digging a hole in your garden or going out for groceries, the versatile skort offers both comfort and style.

Photo courtesy of Landsend.com

The Women's Active Pleated Skort from Lands' End offers two styles in one, is super comfy and cool, and is available in sizes six to 18. More flattering than shorts, but with more coverage than you get from your average skirt, the supportive, dual-duty garment wicks away moisture, minimizes chafing and provides protection from the sun. A pocket on the inside of the smooth and supportive waistband is great for toting a key and some cash, which you might want to save because you'll want to buy two different sizes of this skort after putting it to the test.
 
The Women's Tek Gear Workout Skort at Kohl's comes in four different colors in sizes extra small to extra large. The skirt is made of a wicking material that will move with you on your walks around the track or on other low-impact exercise days. The built-in shorts ensure full coverage and the tag-free design and soft jersey material will ensure this skorts' place as a favorite in long-term workout wear.
 
Shorts
 
The workout wear staple since the dawn of time (okay, mostly since the 60s), shorts come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. Ideal for warm summer days and hot Kettlebell classes alike, shorts are having their day in the sun again.  
 
A longtime staple for curvy girls everywhere, Lane Bryant is stepping up their game with sweet workout apparel in sizes 14 to 28. These Cooling Shorts contain a cool-to-the-touch fabric that not only wicks moisture away from the skin and protects it from UV rays, but also circulates air around your legs as you heat up.
 

Photo courtesy of Walmart.com

For less than $10, these Danskin Now Women's Plus-Size Active Mesh Shorts from Walmart are too good to pass up, especially if you only plan on wearing them for a couple of months. Get a few sizes all at once in the three available colors, wear to your first training assessment and all your weight-lifting sweat sessions thereafter, then pass them along to a friend when you've outgrown them--for the better.
 
Tank Tops
 
If you think you need to be in possession of two tickets to a gun show to wear a tank, think again. Tank tops are as mainstream as venti soy lattes, and it doesn't look like they're going away any time soon. They're cute, cool, versatile and make a great base layer, so don't be afraid to stock up.
 

Photo courtesy of lookhuman.com

Weight loss deserves a little levity now and then, don't you think? HUMAN makes funny tanks (and t-shirts)—like this "I Don't Sweat, I Sparkle" option—in a range of sizes up to 2X. You'll be looking for reasons to go to the gym to show off your sense of humor and style once you own one of their hilarious and unique tops. All HUMAN tops have a boxy, roomier fit and are made of super-soft, 100 percent cotton.
 
For a more simple, longer style, choose from eight different colors of this Xersion™Mesh-Back Tank Top from JCPenney. The quick-dry tank features mesh for extra ventilation. Chafing won't be an issue with flattened seams, and the polyester and spandex fabric blend goes from your walk to the washer in a flash.
 
Tops

Long or short sleeves, fitted or flared, there are so many top options out there. When looking for a top that will last and keep you comfortable when you turn up the heat, always opt for sweat-wicking fabrics made out of synthetic blends like polyester or consider layering when the weather turns chilly.
 
Show off some of your hard work in this GapFit Breathe ballet long sleeve tee with a just-subtle-enough cutout in the back to make you feel confident in sharing a just the right amount of skin. Constructed from a breathable, high-performing jersey material, it also has thumbholes to keep your hands warm on chilly winter runs. Available in four colors and five sizes, this relaxed, long, easy-fit tee will last through a winter and then some. One five-star reviewer wrote, "Breathe is my favorite Gap line, and this shirt did not disappoint! Loose fit, but exactly how I like these shirts. Would order again and love more colors!"
 

Photo courtesy of Zappos.com

For your everyday, grab-and-go, short-sleeved tee, consider the Under Armour™ UA Tech S/S - Twist at Zappos. Feel free to move about the group fitness room in this full cut, roomy, breathable shirt made with your comfort in mind. You won't regret your purchase once you work up a sweat and realize that—bonus—its anti-odor technology repelled any potential smells and inhibited bacterial growth in case you, say, forget about it in your gym bag for a couple of days.
 
What workout clothing did you consider "must-haves" when losing weight? 

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