Brutally honest activewear reviews

been doing my research on this for years

I have wasted a lot of money on horrible workout clothes. Sports bras where everything pops out of when you bend over, shorts that you can’t go 5 seconds without adjusting, leggings that leave nothing to the imagination, tops that didn’t survive one wash. I’ve bought it, used it, and regretted it.

As someone who has been running and lifting for years, and more recently CrossFit-ing, I will admit I feel extremely well-versed on the topic of activewear. I push the ‘high-support’ or ‘sweat-wicking’ claims to their limits. I’ve wasted $1,000+ in this department over the years, so you could say I’ve done my research.

obsessed with my gym! obsessed with my gym community!!

I’ve learned for me there is no need to get creative or experimental in this department. Activewear is a category of my closet where a capsule situation really works. I don’t want to decide what to wear, I want to throw on what I know feels good and get going. Eliminating as many obstacles as possible keeps me consistent.

What I personally would never buy again:

Everyone has different experiences with brands and clothing pieces, especially with activewear since it is SO personal to your body type and movement style. I’m sharing my opinions! If I’ve sworn off something that you swear by, I still believe you and I’m happy for you!

Anything from Free People Movement. Their pieces look so cute at the time, yes, but by the time I’ve worn it a couple times a week for a few months I am so over it. The tie dye pattern I thought I’d love forever gets old, the intricate straps that I thought would look unique just make putting on the sports bra a puzzle, and the washing machine ruins my beloved tiny tank tops.

I took a journey through my order history to see the dozens of pieces I have bought, all of which are no longer with me! Sad!

just a few FPMovement ghosts of my activewear closet past

Anything from Gym Shark. This post isn’t meant to turn into a brand-hating fest, but seriously, you won’t be seeing Gym Shark’s website in my search history, I’m not even curious. I don’t like the way their clothes fit me. Their leggings and biker shorts draw the eyes to areas I don’t want eyes on, and the sports bras I’ve tried are an accident waiting to happen. Also, if a brand does a semi annual 70% off sale, that never strikes me as a sign of quality.

Lululemon Leggings. Aligns never did it for me because of the pilling and the lack of compression. The old Wunder Unders wouldn’t stay up. The Fast and Free were ok, but the top of the waist band would cut into my stomach.

This past January, I was tricked by the Wunder Under’s *new design*. I tried them on in store, and bought them convincing myself things would be different this time. Nope! I still have to hike them up all workout long!

some lulu ghosts. going through my order history here was a trip down memory lane

Alo Yoga Sports Bras & Leggings. Another thing I swore I’d never come back to, but last Black Friday when it was all 40% off I thought why not, maybe things would be different this go around! Of course, they weren’t! Tight fitting sports bras made out of slippery material and leggings that gave me brand new insecurities are what I got.

Anything I see via Instagram Ad. I used to be tempted by the indie activewear brands that would come across my feed. I love to support a small business, but in the activewear category, I have to stick with what I know works from now on. I’ve tried so many of these brands and spent so much money. None of them remain in my closet. If you find something you love, let me know, I just won’t be being the guinea pig.

Amazon activewear. I’ve never gone there and I’m never going to. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I’ve just never made an Amazon purchase that I looked back on fondly.

Those are the pieces I feel most strongly about, but when I tell you I’ve tried it all, I mean it. Vuori sports bras pinched my back. Beyond Yoga leggings were 4 inches too long. Nordstrom’s Zella is a hella no for me. I really don’t see myself purchasing much besides what is tried and true in the list below. I hope this isn’t an annoying take- just being honest!

The pieces that have stayed in my rotation for years:

These are pieces make me feel good and I continue to reach for them no matter the workout or time of the month.

Sports Bras:

For my typical cardio-centric, high-impact workout I either reach for my Lululemon Energy bra or my Nike Swoosh Medium Support bra. They are simple, have fun colorways, keep everything secure, and come up high enough where I’m not nervous about an *unwanted exposure*.

If I’m just going to be stretching, doing a Pilates class at home, or lifting really light weights, I reach for my Lululemon Flow Y bra. I feel cute in it, but it does not offer the same support or coverage as the above options.

Tops:

For running outside or in the middle of winter when the gym is freezing, I still consistently reach for my Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve. This was my first purchase from Lululemon 7 years ago (!!!)

I often end up working out in my sports bra because 1) less laundry, and 2) I sweat gallons. But if I’m going to throw on a t-shirt I either pull from my collection of free tees from events and races and such, or I grab my Alosoft Finesse Short Sleeve. It is a simple tee that has held up well thus far and feels cute.

Shorts:

I prefer shorts over leggings. The Alo Gold Medal shorts (I hope they come back this spring!) are my absolute favorite, followed by the Lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Short 3”. My requirements are a high waist, loser leg opening, and a liner. The only biker shorts I like for exercise are the Alo 4” Vapor High-Waist Fierce Shorts. They are compressive and stay in place.

Leggings:

I wear leggings in the winter or sometimes for running to prevent chaffing. The Vuori Uplift Leggings are my favorite pair that you can buy today, but if I could only keep one pair I’m picking my old Athleta Elation Leggings. So bummed they don’t make them like they used to anymore.

And that’s my two cents on the matter! Staying active is as much a passion for me as fashion is, but I tend to keep the two separate.

Xx, elle