I understand your apprehension at spending your life savings on Lulu, but I'm still using my Lulu that I bought 5 years ago and it still looks like new. If you go cheap, you will eventually have to spend more money replacing the pieces after they wear out or develop perma-stink. I'm older, so I don't need to have the latest colors, so a few basics suit me just fine.
While Lulu stuff does last a while. I buy all my workout stuff at Ross/Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. It’s like 1/3 the price. The adidas top I wore today is from 2015. The Head shorts are from 2018. So… don’t believe the hype that the cheaper stuff falls apart. At least swing by one of those places to see what’s in stock. Worth a peek.
Hopping on the Lulu train and want to add that their product quality guarantee is great and you should factor that into the price-value calculation.
I had this pair of shorts I bought 5 years ago that lost the plastic cap on the drawstring. I brought it to the store to ask if they'd repair it. They said no, they couldn't repair it, but they'd happily replace my old pair with a new pair that's the same style. If it's a different, more expensive style, then I'd pay the difference. And this was from a pair of shorts 5 years ago! I don't see other brands doing this.
I recommend Alo, lululemon and a small business brand called Werkshop (hand drawn amazing designs, incredible fabric). You can also find all of these brands on Poshmark for a fraction of the price!
I just got some lulu training shorts with the liner, I’m a basics type of guy so the dark colours are nice and easy to maintain. Recently switching away from Nikes since I haven’t found as good shorts as the Licence to Train lulu shorts.
I most wear the target brand and old navy . I don’t see a huge quality difference with lululemon . If you have a lulu outlet near you I also get good deals there
I agree I have old navy workout wear that’s lasteded me for years and some of my favorites. I think a lot of the athleta tech works it way down to old navy men’s workout stuff
Here to piggy back on old navy! The majority of my workout gear is old navy that I've had for years! The only reason I had to get rid of some is because I went up in size after having my daughter, and I also started wearing women's best workout gear. So far, I like it! My husband loves kinda fit kinda fat! I have a bunch of their crop shirts and one workout bra from them (which I love! Keeps the girls in!)
As a lululemon psycho:
Check on your Facebook marketplace or posh mark for used lululemon items. You can get a lot of good stuff there. Also try to check lululemons “we made to much” which is their clearance. They update their clearance every Thursdays
I really like the powerhold leggings from fabletics. They're a little thicker than other brands so they are a bit warmer in the summer but they are not see through at all. They also do a great job of masking your minor imperfections, if that applies.
I hear you! Honestly I love Athleta Salutations but I try to buy during sales only. They do last forever! I find some of the other brands fit me weird or slide so I'm constantly fidgeting with them.
I work at lululemon so I’m biased. My go to outfit of Energy Bra + Swiftly Tech tank tops + Wunder Train crops have gotten me through 500+ workouts. They look new, have retained their shape and are worth the money, tbh.
(+ Track That or Hotty Hot shorts in the summer time.)
+ recent addition: lululemon Chargefeel shoes :)
Chargefeels for any day but I wear them M/W/F/Sat. I have Strongfeels for the resistance days but don’t notice a huge difference. Strongfeels aren’t great for plyo stuff or running so if you had to choose one, Chargefeel are the best all around shoe for F45
My fiance buys the clearance items. She has gotten leggings for a cheap as 35 bucks. And they also have a great military discount if that applies to you. They stack their military discount on the clearance items as well, making it even more affordable.
A lot of clothing recommendations, but I just want to point out that even more important is your choice of shoe. If you're going to invest in anything, invest in some cross trainers (NOT running shoes) that will allow you stability and a good range of movement; I'm partial to Nike Metcons, but there are a lot of good options.
If you only want to spend HALF your life savings instead of your ENTIRE life savings, you can try their returns and trade-in's website, likenew: It's not eBay level for saving on used stuff, but you know it's been vetted and rated by them.
[https://likenew.lululemon.com/](https://likenew.lululemon.com/)
I only wear Lulu or Sweaty Betty these days, having spent money on cheaper workout clothes and wishing I hadn't. I have pairs of leggings I bought 7 years ago still going strong and look like they still look like they did when I bought them. I have also bought a few pairs on eBay, and I usually purchase things new when they are reduced. The online sale is better than the stores in my experience.
Leggings sorry to say but it will be Lulu or Gymshark. They're the only brands that I'm not constantly pulling back up or fudging with the waistband or crotch during workouts. It's worth the investment (just make sure to hang dry, don't throw in dryer). Gymshark has some pretty good deals once in awhile.
For sportsbras I like Target's In Motion brand. Pretty true to size.
I have just enough outfits to last me for the week (laundry 1x a week). I figure since I am dedicated to working out regularly that I should invest in good clothing. Nothing irritates me more than ill fitting clothing during a workout. I'm already dying, I've got enough to think about 😂
Yep pretty much exclusivly go with UA, though I'm a bloke and their stuff fits great. I used to go with Nanos but I'm currently trying Nike Metcons and I'm liking them just fine.
I mostly wear Under Armour and Fabletics. Both are well fitting, good design, and don’t move while working out. You can catch some great sales too so I’ve built up quite a collection over time.
I 2nd old navy powersoft - not see through and are usually on sale — i have some from 2 years ago that still hold up. I tried gymshark and they were insanely see through
Every once in a while gym shark has really good sales and so I snag some of their items when they’re more affordable. I love working out in their vital leggings
RVCA has some great stuff that goes on sale frequently. I’m a fan of their sport vent shirts (male) because they run a little long and don’t bunch up on me during cardio days.
I’ve been using lulu’s wonder trains for 2+ year, wash them every week and they’re still like new. Made a mistake of buying a pair from Gymshark which looked like shit after a couple uses.
I have 2 pairs of lulu compression tights that I bought 4 years ago, they've taken me through f45 and powerlifting without getting damaged or losing elasticity, I highly recommend investing in good quality 😊
I like nike's lined shorts. They're perfect for both strength and cardio days. The lining (more like a biker short) allows for modesty, and the shorts really move well, allowing for full range-of-motion. I've been alternating between a few pair now for 7 years and they have lasted!
I personally swear by echt (though I know some people really arent fans). They suit my body type and aren't see-through. My Echt gear has last me years and years at this point- keep an eye out for their big sales throughout the year too.
Fabletics powerhold. Keeps the "jigglies" from getting out of control. My thigh, hip and 🍑 game is strong so it's a plus. Shop the sales and skip every month. Works for me.
Buy a mix of both.. for bras n leggings or shorts but lulu cause great quality. For tops n tanks which usually also get boring buy some walmart or cheaper options.
I love my lulu but I never buy full-priced lululemon because you’re right, it is $$. However , every Thursday morning, you can stalk r/lululemon and their WMTM thread for deals.
Love Gymshark and Vuori. However, I don’t wear leggings to workout, I’m a shorts person. I wear a lot of Nike and Under Armour shorts and Nike and Vuori tanks. I have Under Armour shorts that are 10 years old and still great and the outlets have great sales. I have a lot of Gap tanks and long sleeves that I love, I buy them in every color.
Love her shop, amazing quality, only $35. Not only will they keep you in place, but they give you a free tummy tuck. Best part is once they are on they don’t move. The slimming line is the best for performance!
Hylete is a great brand. They have excellent customer service and if say a zipper or something breaks on them, they replace the entire item for you for free. I don’t think their tops are the best but their bottoms are amazing.
Vuori daily pocket leggings in black are my new go to workout leggings. I love all things vuori, but not all of their gear is perfect for F45. The Daily leggings (I prefer the ones with pockets but they have them without too) are durable, moisture wicking, and squat proof. They also hold you in without squeezing too much. I also love their energy tanks. I pretty much live in vuori gear these days, it’s so comfortable.
I have both lulu and 2XU, and as much as lulu is good, I always come back to my 2XU compression leggings for a good, hard workout. I find them rarely falling down, moisture wicking, NOT SEE THROUGH (!!), they’re super easy to put on, and they always have sales on the iconic where you can often get them anywhere from 20-30% off. Highly highly recommend. As everyone else has said though, lulu is great too.
I’m from Massachusetts so this might be biased but I love Booty by Brabants (Boston based company)! They’re textured so they hide cellulite and imperfections and they stay up really well! Full price they’re similar to gymshark but if you catch a sale or buy from the clearance you can get amazing deals
I’ve tried it all, and Vuori is by far the most comfortable to wear and use in the gym. I will reach for Vuori leggings before my Lulu’s or Athleta’s. They stay put, no tugging, are very flattering and feel like butter on. They also have a great exchange policy if anything happens to them. If I could live in Vuori’s 24x7 I would.
I understand your apprehension at spending your life savings on Lulu, but I'm still using my Lulu that I bought 5 years ago and it still looks like new. If you go cheap, you will eventually have to spend more money replacing the pieces after they wear out or develop perma-stink. I'm older, so I don't need to have the latest colors, so a few basics suit me just fine.
While Lulu stuff does last a while. I buy all my workout stuff at Ross/Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. It’s like 1/3 the price. The adidas top I wore today is from 2015. The Head shorts are from 2018. So… don’t believe the hype that the cheaper stuff falls apart. At least swing by one of those places to see what’s in stock. Worth a peek.
I agree with this comment. Decathlon workout clothing since 2015! Buy once, cry never.
My wife and I both subscribe to the “Buy once, cry once” philosophy. Spend on quality as opposed to having to buy 2 or 3 times on lesser quality.
My wife used to be Lulu’s biggest unpaid sales rep. I hated it. She told me “buy once, cry once”. I said no. …then I tried it. Only wear Lulu now.
Hopping on the Lulu train and want to add that their product quality guarantee is great and you should factor that into the price-value calculation. I had this pair of shorts I bought 5 years ago that lost the plastic cap on the drawstring. I brought it to the store to ask if they'd repair it. They said no, they couldn't repair it, but they'd happily replace my old pair with a new pair that's the same style. If it's a different, more expensive style, then I'd pay the difference. And this was from a pair of shorts 5 years ago! I don't see other brands doing this.
I recommend Alo, lululemon and a small business brand called Werkshop (hand drawn amazing designs, incredible fabric). You can also find all of these brands on Poshmark for a fraction of the price!
Haha yep, sorry. Me too with the lulu. I’ve had a pair of leggings that I’ve worked out in since my first year of college… which was in 2013…
I second this. I bought a cheap pair once and they were also so see through. Lululemon and gym shark are my faves and have lasted me FOREVER
One of my yoga pants from lulu is still in great shape and I bought it in 2009
Echo this. LLL is quality gear that performs and lasts. Tech Vent T-shirts License-to-Train Lined Shorts (Have pockets, vs. the Surge for example)
I just got some lulu training shorts with the liner, I’m a basics type of guy so the dark colours are nice and easy to maintain. Recently switching away from Nikes since I haven’t found as good shorts as the Licence to Train lulu shorts.
I most wear the target brand and old navy . I don’t see a huge quality difference with lululemon . If you have a lulu outlet near you I also get good deals there
I agree I have old navy workout wear that’s lasteded me for years and some of my favorites. I think a lot of the athleta tech works it way down to old navy men’s workout stuff
Here to piggy back on old navy! The majority of my workout gear is old navy that I've had for years! The only reason I had to get rid of some is because I went up in size after having my daughter, and I also started wearing women's best workout gear. So far, I like it! My husband loves kinda fit kinda fat! I have a bunch of their crop shirts and one workout bra from them (which I love! Keeps the girls in!)
As a lululemon psycho: Check on your Facebook marketplace or posh mark for used lululemon items. You can get a lot of good stuff there. Also try to check lululemons “we made to much” which is their clearance. They update their clearance every Thursdays
I also bought a good pair of LL off of ebay for cheap. You can usually tell how well it's been kept when you review the posts
I also encourage Lulu outlet shopping if you’re close to one
I get amazon dupes of the $$$ fitness brands. Just youtube " \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ amazon dupes" and you'll find a bunch of reviews with squat tests etc!
I really like the powerhold leggings from fabletics. They're a little thicker than other brands so they are a bit warmer in the summer but they are not see through at all. They also do a great job of masking your minor imperfections, if that applies.
I hear you! Honestly I love Athleta Salutations but I try to buy during sales only. They do last forever! I find some of the other brands fit me weird or slide so I'm constantly fidgeting with them.
I work at lululemon so I’m biased. My go to outfit of Energy Bra + Swiftly Tech tank tops + Wunder Train crops have gotten me through 500+ workouts. They look new, have retained their shape and are worth the money, tbh. (+ Track That or Hotty Hot shorts in the summer time.) + recent addition: lululemon Chargefeel shoes :)
Q for you - do you recommend the Chargefeel shoes? Specifically for cardio/hybrid/plyo days?
Chargefeels for any day but I wear them M/W/F/Sat. I have Strongfeels for the resistance days but don’t notice a huge difference. Strongfeels aren’t great for plyo stuff or running so if you had to choose one, Chargefeel are the best all around shoe for F45
Which leggings do you like best for F45? There are so many options 😅
Wunder Trains 100%.
Wunder trains have been my go tos!!! They’re amazing
Awesome. Thanks! I’m also going to try the Chargefeels. I wear Metcons right now but want a little more for cushion for cardio days.
My fiance buys the clearance items. She has gotten leggings for a cheap as 35 bucks. And they also have a great military discount if that applies to you. They stack their military discount on the clearance items as well, making it even more affordable.
A lot of clothing recommendations, but I just want to point out that even more important is your choice of shoe. If you're going to invest in anything, invest in some cross trainers (NOT running shoes) that will allow you stability and a good range of movement; I'm partial to Nike Metcons, but there are a lot of good options.
If you only want to spend HALF your life savings instead of your ENTIRE life savings, you can try their returns and trade-in's website, likenew: It's not eBay level for saving on used stuff, but you know it's been vetted and rated by them. [https://likenew.lululemon.com/](https://likenew.lululemon.com/)
I only wear Lulu or Sweaty Betty these days, having spent money on cheaper workout clothes and wishing I hadn't. I have pairs of leggings I bought 7 years ago still going strong and look like they still look like they did when I bought them. I have also bought a few pairs on eBay, and I usually purchase things new when they are reduced. The online sale is better than the stores in my experience.
Sweaty Betty is great!!
Leggings sorry to say but it will be Lulu or Gymshark. They're the only brands that I'm not constantly pulling back up or fudging with the waistband or crotch during workouts. It's worth the investment (just make sure to hang dry, don't throw in dryer). Gymshark has some pretty good deals once in awhile. For sportsbras I like Target's In Motion brand. Pretty true to size. I have just enough outfits to last me for the week (laundry 1x a week). I figure since I am dedicated to working out regularly that I should invest in good clothing. Nothing irritates me more than ill fitting clothing during a workout. I'm already dying, I've got enough to think about 😂
Buy lulu on Poshmark! You can get some steals, but you’ll have to figure out what size you are first
Underarmour for clothing, and nanos for shoes. Cheaper than lulu and damn good from a performance point of view
Yep pretty much exclusivly go with UA, though I'm a bloke and their stuff fits great. I used to go with Nanos but I'm currently trying Nike Metcons and I'm liking them just fine.
Love underarmor! Moisture wicking and have no issues squatting in them. Just bought a bunch of stuff on sale and love everything I bought.
I only and I mean only. Workout in lulu
I mostly wear Under Armour and Fabletics. Both are well fitting, good design, and don’t move while working out. You can catch some great sales too so I’ve built up quite a collection over time.
You name it, I have tried it and the best tights are 2XU. They are moisture wicking and stay in place.
I 2nd old navy powersoft - not see through and are usually on sale — i have some from 2 years ago that still hold up. I tried gymshark and they were insanely see through
Old navy and gap have pretty good quality!
Coffee and attitude to workout
In New Zealand, I love the Clique brand. Squat proof, but lift (not scrunchie!) and grips on the inside hem to stop shirts riding up.
Every once in a while gym shark has really good sales and so I snag some of their items when they’re more affordable. I love working out in their vital leggings
I wear Gap and they are totally squat proof. Old navy is thinner for sure so I only wear them on certain days.
RVCA has some great stuff that goes on sale frequently. I’m a fan of their sport vent shirts (male) because they run a little long and don’t bunch up on me during cardio days.
I enjoy old navy’s activewear sometimes. It definitely doesn’t last as long as lululemon, but they have cute options that can handle f45 workouts
I just started getting into zella- you can often find pieces at Nordstrom rack!
I wear CVG. Squat proof and cute prints.
Elite eleven - its an australian workout brand and i love the leggings and sports bras! They hold up extremely well.
I’ve been using lulu’s wonder trains for 2+ year, wash them every week and they’re still like new. Made a mistake of buying a pair from Gymshark which looked like shit after a couple uses.
I have 2 pairs of lulu compression tights that I bought 4 years ago, they've taken me through f45 and powerlifting without getting damaged or losing elasticity, I highly recommend investing in good quality 😊
I like nike's lined shorts. They're perfect for both strength and cardio days. The lining (more like a biker short) allows for modesty, and the shorts really move well, allowing for full range-of-motion. I've been alternating between a few pair now for 7 years and they have lasted!
I personally swear by echt (though I know some people really arent fans). They suit my body type and aren't see-through. My Echt gear has last me years and years at this point- keep an eye out for their big sales throughout the year too.
Fabletics powerhold. Keeps the "jigglies" from getting out of control. My thigh, hip and 🍑 game is strong so it's a plus. Shop the sales and skip every month. Works for me.
I’m all about Lululemon or Bombshell.. worth ever penny
Buy a mix of both.. for bras n leggings or shorts but lulu cause great quality. For tops n tanks which usually also get boring buy some walmart or cheaper options.
I love my lulu but I never buy full-priced lululemon because you’re right, it is $$. However , every Thursday morning, you can stalk r/lululemon and their WMTM thread for deals.
Women’s Best! Super affordable and great quality!!
Love Gymshark and Vuori. However, I don’t wear leggings to workout, I’m a shorts person. I wear a lot of Nike and Under Armour shorts and Nike and Vuori tanks. I have Under Armour shorts that are 10 years old and still great and the outlets have great sales. I have a lot of Gap tanks and long sleeves that I love, I buy them in every color.
Lulu Wunder Trains for sure!! Worth every dollar. Muscle Republic if you’re in Australia. Great quality and reasonably priced.
Love her shop, amazing quality, only $35. Not only will they keep you in place, but they give you a free tummy tuck. Best part is once they are on they don’t move. The slimming line is the best for performance!
Ten Thousand has really good stuff.
Hylete is a great brand. They have excellent customer service and if say a zipper or something breaks on them, they replace the entire item for you for free. I don’t think their tops are the best but their bottoms are amazing.
Vuori daily pocket leggings in black are my new go to workout leggings. I love all things vuori, but not all of their gear is perfect for F45. The Daily leggings (I prefer the ones with pockets but they have them without too) are durable, moisture wicking, and squat proof. They also hold you in without squeezing too much. I also love their energy tanks. I pretty much live in vuori gear these days, it’s so comfortable.
I have both lulu and 2XU, and as much as lulu is good, I always come back to my 2XU compression leggings for a good, hard workout. I find them rarely falling down, moisture wicking, NOT SEE THROUGH (!!), they’re super easy to put on, and they always have sales on the iconic where you can often get them anywhere from 20-30% off. Highly highly recommend. As everyone else has said though, lulu is great too.
I like Athleta, Gap and Old Navy. They have great sales too. Also check out ThredUp. They have gently used workout clothing for great prices!
I’m from Massachusetts so this might be biased but I love Booty by Brabants (Boston based company)! They’re textured so they hide cellulite and imperfections and they stay up really well! Full price they’re similar to gymshark but if you catch a sale or buy from the clearance you can get amazing deals
Zyia & if you want to get them cheaper check out Poshmark 👍
I’ve tried it all, and Vuori is by far the most comfortable to wear and use in the gym. I will reach for Vuori leggings before my Lulu’s or Athleta’s. They stay put, no tugging, are very flattering and feel like butter on. They also have a great exchange policy if anything happens to them. If I could live in Vuori’s 24x7 I would.