The Cut’s guide to self-improvement without spending a million dollars.
So you’re super inspired to invest smartly in your wellness. You have your smoothie recipes down, you know the best sites to stream yoga classes, and you discovered a creative way to boost your workout performance. But what about your clothes? The downside to all of this newfound healthy behavior is the sheer amount of exercise gear you need. Unless you’re committed to doing your laundry every few days, you’re going to have to get a few new things.
You could go the fancy route, but if you’re looking to get the most for your money, there are plenty of inexpensive options, too. From Old Navy to Target to Forever 21, you could easily assemble an exercise outfit that looks like it cost way more than it actually does. And to really sell it, just invest in a good pair of sneakers. Click ahead to see the best in cheap but still good-looking workout gear.
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Target is a great place to get inexpensive workout clothes, especially its C9 Champion line. This strappy bra looks exactly like the kind of fancy thi... Target is a great place to get inexpensive workout clothes, especially its C9 Champion line. This strappy bra looks exactly like the kind of fancy thing you'd see in a hot yoga class.
Slip the previous bra under this tank, and you have a chic combo for under $30.
Another great cheapo resource: Old Navy. The trick is to stick to the muted colors that look much more expensive. This tank has the same hipster-activ... Another great cheapo resource: Old Navy. The trick is to stick to the muted colors that look much more expensive. This tank has the same hipster-active aesthetic seen in pricier brands.
The Fabletics subscription program has its faults, but the clothes themselves are on par with all of the super-trendy workout pieces. If you're w... The Fabletics subscription program has its faults, but the clothes themselves are on par with all of the super-trendy workout pieces. If you're wary about committing to monthly outfits, just uncheck the box and pay a few bucks extra to buy items à la carte — they're still very affordable.
You can never have enough bras, and if you're looking for a fun, printed style, this one is a good bet.
The budget-friendly Canadian brand also carries active pieces. They lean mostly toward yoga, but this is a great tank for extra-sweaty gym sessions.
If the thought of shelling out a ton for a high-support sports bra turns you off, Old Navy has one for under $25.
Add high-waisted workout pants an the requisite green juice, and you have the perfect Instagram-ready outfit.
If you're label-conscious and absolutely have to wear something branded, this Nike tank is your best bet. It's inexpensive (for Nike), flashy, an... If you're label-conscious and absolutely have to wear something branded, this Nike tank is your best bet. It's inexpensive (for Nike), flashy, and great at wicking away sweat.
Because running outside is free, you'll need good layers to keep you warm.
$25 will get you in on that mesh-paneled fitness-legging trend.
In case you want something flashier for those free outdoor runs.
At $15 a bra, you can get enough to last until your next load of laundry.
Gap's workout collection is solid — these leggings make your butt look good even if you're not doing a thousand squats.
For days when it's extra cold outside, this is another lightweight layer to add on for warmth.
You can't layer up without a good long-sleeve tee, and this one is affordable enough to buy multiple.
Made with natural silver salts, the fabric is supposed to be antimicrobial, and therefore stink less. So you could technically wear this a few da... Made with natural silver salts, the fabric is supposed to be antimicrobial, and therefore stink less. So you could technically wear this a few days in a row, and no one will be the wiser.
This bra is also made with silver salts, so it's a two-for-one combo in laundry savings.
Supportive, sexy, and under $50.
Under $100, and the exact color combo nearly everyone wears at all of those pricey boutique-fitness classes.
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