Sweat in Style with These 10 Fit Apparel Brands

By , Alicia Capetillo, Staff Writer
With everyone from Carrie Underwood to Beyoncé entering the workout wear space and the term "athleisure" now firmly implanted in the lexicon, it's now more acceptable than ever to rock your fitness wear to the gym, the grocery and nearly everywhere in between. The influx of fitness apparel hitting the market also means there are more options than ever before, which is great news for anyone who doesn't fit into a cookie-cutter ideal of what a runner, yogi or athlete looks like.

Whether you're in the 5'2" and under club, have a personality as large as an Olympic-size pool or live for a great deal, there's a brand out there that has your back. Discover your fitness soulmate and hit your next workout with a renewed sense of confidence. Just be prepared to answer the, "Oh my gosh, where did you get that?" questions as you make your way from the parking lot to the treadmill.

1. If you know the best things come in small packages: Lululemon

Short girls, rejoice. No longer will you have to wear cropped leggings low on your waist so they cover your ankles or roll your way-too-long pants up into a bunch because lululemon offers complimentary hemming, right in the store. Store associates will pin your pants (and even long tops) to your preferred length, then you just swing by a few days later to pick them up, all custom fit to your height. Presto change-o.

2. Deal divas, rejoice: Old Navy

With athleisure trends on the rise, it's easy to spend a pretty penny putting together the perfect workout wardrobe. Not so at Old Navy. Owned by the same parent company as Athleta, Old Navy carries everything from leggings and tanks to sneakers and pullovers for a fraction of the price. Their activewear carries the same desirable features—sweat-wicking, comfortable—you've come to love, without the huge price tag. The most expensive item you'll find in their current collection is a jacket clocking in at a digestible $70, with most other pieces hovering around the $15 to $20 range. At prices like that, you officially have permission to load the cart up.

3. If you live life out loud: HUMAN 

You're in your eighth rep of a ten rep set. You're sweating. This is tough. Maybe you'll just stop at eight. But, no you're rocking that sleeveless dress to your cousin's wedding next week and you need to get the gun show ready. You glance down and catch a glimpse of your shirt. "Everything hurts and I think I'm dying, but I think I can do one more rep." Oh, yes! Yes, you can! Pop culture-inspired motivation is the name of the game at HUMAN. Find your favorite Disney pun, "Legally Blond" quote or a silly T-rex trying to chaturanga and giggle your way through your whole workout.

















Photo courtesy of HUMAN

4. For the yogi whose feet won't namaSTAY: The Path Balance Legging from Cory Vines

There are few things worse than being pulled out of your perfect warrior-three pose by a slippery mat or sweaty feet. Give your form a chance with these unique leggings from Cory Vines. The stirrup-style gives you the grip of a sock, without thick fabric getting in the way of your practice and connection to your mat.

5. When life gives you curves, flaunt them: Katie K Activewear  

This year, Ashley Graham rocked her killer bod on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and even Barbie finally embraced her curvy self. Body positivity is certainly having a moment and, luckily, is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. According to the website, Katie K founder launched her plus-size brand "on her firm beliefs that all women size two to twenty-four should have a beautiful, high-end option for clothing for exercise or a casual day out." Couldn't agree more. With bold patterns and sizes from small to 3X, the affordable collection is sure to empower you through your next workout.

6. It's not Target, it's Tar-JAY: C9 by Champion

In a word, today's modern woman is busy. Like, so busy. There's the carpool and work and that happy hour with the really killer margaritas and laundry and of course Jacob forgot his baseball cleats again and dinner and you'd really like to finally finish at least a chapter of "The Girl on the Train" before you crash hard on your soft pillow tonight. If convenience is the name of the game, your friendly neighborhood Target has you covered. After grabbing the bread, skip over to the clothing section to check out the athletic apparel available through their C9 by Champion collection. Any item you need to add to your wardrobe, including maternity and plus-sizes, C9 probably has it. If the cute patterns and flattering cuts don't do it for you, the prices will surely have you slamming on the shopping cart brakes. Plus, with activewear lines for men, boys and girls, you can outfit the entire family on your next grocery trip. Efficiency win.

7. You make me feel like a natural woman: tasc Performance 

MOSOtech from tasc Performance is an all-natural fabric made from organic cotton, bamboo viscose and lycra. In addition to wicking away moisture like a boss, the fabric is also anti-odor, meaning you're less likely to get side glances of concern when you have errands to run right after your 5:30 p.m. spin class. If traditional fabrics leave your skin feeling irritated or if you're just all about doing it right for Mother Earth, give the NOLA Crop a go.


Photo courtesy of tasc Performance

8. For fit mamas-to-be: Beyond Yoga

New research shows that a mother's level of activity while pregnant could influence how much their children exercise and move later in life. Give your future baby girl or boy a jumpstart on an active life with Beyond Yoga's collection of maternity gear. The wide, stretchy waistband can be worn over or under your baby bump and the patterns are so cute, you'll want to wear them months after your bundle of joy comes into the world.

9. For the downward-facing dog: The yogzi from Noya Yoga

Yoga is all about peace and feeling your body working as one beautiful machine, but it's difficult to get centered when you're constantly readjusting your shirt as it slips past your belly button in your inverted poses. The yogzi, a yoga onesie, wants to eliminate that annoyance. Stay with me—the three-in-one design sews your loose-fitting and flattering tank to your leggings, allowing you to master any pose without fabric impeding your movement.


Photo courtesy of Noya Yoga

10. For the print princess: Sweaty Betty

All hail Sweaty Betty, Queen of Prints! Multicolored geometric patterns and floral designs rule in this rhyme-loving universe and we're all about it. Shoppers say that not only does the fabric keep them feeling dry through the sweatiest workouts, they also regularly receive compliments and turn heads thanks to the bold patterns. Plus, if you flip flop on feeling fabulous, the company also sells reversible options for days when a solid black will do. They might cost you, but isn't the confidence you get when you walk into Barre class rocking a style everyone will envy priceless?

Do you have a favorite fitness apparel brand? What do you love about them?

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