All the Best Cheap Workout Clothes We’ve Ever Written About

In a previous version of this story,Gina DiNapoli, a personal trainer and creator of the Jabs class series atProject by Equinox, said Colorfulkoala’s subtle patterns set the brand apart from other cheap leggings with wild prints. This high-waisted pair in particular is very reminiscent ofLululemon’s Align leggings— but for less than a third of the price — and comes in a gray-on-black camo print that’s representative of the brand’s aesthetic that DiNapoli says “people would actually wear without feeling like,Is this a little bit too much for thegym?”

Strategist writer and self-proclaimed gym rat Tembe Denton-Hurstsaysshe lives in her Old Navy leggings, which are the best she’s tried for the price point. “If they ever discontinue them or switch up the fabric, I’ll scream,” she says. Curve model Tatiana Lewis also says she likes theseleggings, calling them “eye-catching” and “super-affordable.” They’re available up to a size 4XL.

These $30 leggings are made of thick, “squatproof” fabric, so yourunderwearwon’t show through if you’re doing a lot ofjumpingaround or lifting, Denton-Hurstsays. They’re made of Old Navy’s PowerPress material, which the brandsaysismoisture-wicking, stretchy, and highly compressive for intense workouts.

If you prefer a thinner material, Denton-HurstrecommendsOld Navy’s PowerSoft leggings for fabric that’s warm but not hot, compressive but not restrictive. “I’m a big fan of the brand’s PowerSoft material, which feels incredibly luxe despite the affordable price tag,” shesays, adding that it’s moisture wicking and comfortably supportive. And because the bottoms arehigh-waisted, she doesn’t need to worry about them falling down. “I don’t have to constantly re-adjust during a workout and canwalk,jog, andliftwith ease,” she says.

Denton-Hurst’s go-to gym shirt is one that’s tuckable, well-constructed, and soft, and she says this men’s long sleeve from Goodfellow ticks all those boxes (rapper Mick Jenkinsis also a fanof the brand). She bought one in a XXL for an oversize fit, and she says the droopy shoulders and shapeless front are “perfect for scrunching the sleeves up to the elbows and tucking it into mybra,” which she says makes for “a very casual-but-I’ve-been-here-before look.”

For practicing Muay Thai or boxing, personal trainer Andrew Floreslikesthese shorts because they have a “great stretch to them, meaning you can perform exercises in all planes of motion without obstruction,” he says. The five-inch pair are designed forrunningandwalkingso they have a supportive liner and a small zippered back pocket for stashing yourcashorkeys. As for style, Flores says they also “go well with a long-sleeved tee for that post-workout run to the store.”

These are “cool because they look vaguely ’90s, which is the best era ofsweatwear, I think,”saysmodel and actor Miles Garber, who adds you can’t beat Gildan when it comes to inexpensive sweats. “They’re just elastic anklesweatsyou can get on Amazon for like 14 bucks,” he says, “and when they wear out, you can order more.” He shares three pairs with his girlfriend, model and actress Juliette Labelle. The no-frills pants have a drawstring closure and pockets on the sides, and they come in navy, blue, and gray.

Our roundup ofbest plus-size workout clothesfor women includes this pair of compressivebike shortsfrom Nike, which has a high waist that fitness influencer Chasi Jernigansays“is extra supportive for high-impact exercises like burpees and jumping jacks.” They’re available inregularandplussizes and a range of colors.

Spiked Spin instructor Stacy Maharajsaysthis Old Navy PowerSoft sports bra is fashionable, affordable, and “all-around great for high-intensity workouts and training,” recommending it toheavy sweatersfor its absorbency. Denton-Hurst says she can also attest to Maharaj’s praises, especially because the bra is made of the same lightly compressive material as the PowerSoft leggings seen above. “You get the Girlfriend Collective look for less,” she says.

While the price point is on the higher side, we’ve included Girlfriend’s much-loved Paloma bra on our list because of its durability and longevity (both reasons why we named it ourbest overall). The racerback is made from recycledwater bottlesand has a supportive band Denton-Hurstsaysis suitable for just about any activity. “It’s my most worn bra,” she says, “and holds up well during my daily gym workouts, which mostly comprises of walking and lifting.” Similarly, Y7 and Harlem Yoga Studio teacher Angela Dawnsaysit’s as good foryogaas it is for cardio workouts because there’s “no spillage at all,” thanks to the lower band and higher cut. And the security the long-line bra provides means you can be really active without your breasts getting in the way, says sustainable style expert Brandii Stuart, who’s had her Paloma for years. Overall, the bra’s “colors are great, fabric is good, it’s comfy, it’s supportive,” Denton-Hurstsays. “I’ve tried other options, and I come back to this bra every time.” Girlfriend offers sizes from XXS to 6XL.

These classic Nike crew socks are as quality as they are “quintessential,”sayscelebrity stylist Nichole Goodman, who likes that they’re “perfectly thick and have the right amount of ribbing so it won’t squeeze your ankles purple.” Denton-Hurstsaysthey’re not too chunky, comfy on the foot, slightly compressive, and hold up well over time. Plus, shesays, they work with adress shoejust as easily as an Air Force One. “I wear them every day because they offer cushioned support,”saysToniesha Renee, a senior influencer marketing and brand strategy manager at Coach. “They also just look cool.”

Nike’s socks are a similar price point to these Old Navy quarter crews, which Denton-Hurstsaysshe prefers for their thinner profile, “ridiculously soft” fabric, and shorter length. “They hit at the perfect spot on the ankle, and the lack of extra fabric looks rather sleek over a pair ofleggingsor bareskin,” she says.

And for cushioned quarter crews that are even more affordable than Old Navy’s, Who What Wear fashion editor Eliza Grace Hubertriedthese on a whim and has never looked back. “They’re the perfect sock height because I normally fold my crew socks in half, and these took away the need to do that,” she says. At $11 for ten, each pair costs less than alatteand are available in white or black.

Strategist UK contributor Anna Fieldingsaysthese rubber-soled plimsolls are commonly worn bymartial artists, but their supportive canvas upper and flat, cushioned sole also make them a solid weightlifting shoe. Plus, they hold up well in thewashing machine, Fielding says, adding that “they don’t fall to pieces, as Keds can, even if you treat them badly and kick them off without bothering to undo the laces.”

Converse All Stars have a cult following amongweightliftersthanks to their completely flat sole, says Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa. Product designer Amardeep Singh is one of those fans — he prefers this ’70 model for its thicker sole,saying“you’ve got to keep it flat if you’re lifting.” Sean Sewell, personal trainer and owner atEngearment and Mountain Fitness School, also likes these Converse because they’re the next best thing to going barefoot, which he says “allows for the most beneficial alignment of the body if you really want to train hard with heavierweights.” Although the high-tops ring in at $85, Rellosasaysthere’s “killer value” here beyond the gym. “It’s good for your wardrobe (and yourwallet) that one of the best weightlifting shoes is also an iconic, classicsneaker,” he says.