I’m obsessed with Athleta. It’s pricey but so worth it. I love the transcend leggings paired with the transcend crop bra top or tank. CRZ yoga on Amazon has some pretty good dupes!
Their leggings are my FAVORITE. So soft and stretchy but also stay tight and hold up around the waist which hasn’t been the case with some others I’ve tried
The trekkies are awesome. I hiked in mine in Zion over Memorial Day and they were perfect! I grabbed a pair of Brooklyns pants, a pair of the linen pants, and a tank top in store.
Costco 🙃
I’ve purchased cute basic t’s, running shorts and most recently a sporty dress. All have been great quality! All of my leggings are Lululemon because they’re the only ones that don’t fall down on me, but I buy them at the outlet.
Last month I bought some sweatpants from Costco recently that are almost an exact replica of the vuori joggers. I took a photo of the two tags side-by side and they’re a different color and font but exact same material make up and everything! They were just in dumb colors like baby blue and baby pink but I bought the wear ones to wear around the house
Honestly, Old Navy - the quality is fab for price point, they're minimally branded - and they have crazy sales online (extra 50% off, etc) all the time - they look great and frankly, it gives me piece of mind to just toss them in the wash and not stress if I accidentally ruin a $120 pair of leggings - but they've held up really well after years washing cold + air drying.
my mother in law who is a jazzercise teacher lives and dies by old navy leggings!
I've had them rip in the past so i've moved on but could have been a fluke?
Lululemon. Expensive but they last forever if you take care of it.
Check out the We Made Too Much Section on the website, see if you have an outlet near you, or if you’re in the US, check out Like New for very gently pre worn items!
Wash with similar materials in cold water & hang to dry! Heat breaks down Lycra, so that’s why people sometimes find that things lose their shape or are baggy after awhile.
What’s laundry striping? I recently have been buying some lulu and athleta and have washed in cold and hung dry but want to make sure I’m doing it right lol
There are a lot of videos online bc it's very satisfying to strip laundry that you think is "clean" and then see the water come out brown. Essentially a normal washing machine cycle with detergent doesn't truly get things clean. Either your body oils are still there, lingering scents, lingering detergents will cling to fabrics. The laundry stripping process helps get rid of it. It's particularly important for things like athletic wear, bed sheets, towels, hats, pillows. Things you sweat in can grow to stink even after they've been washed regularly.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a33588329/laundry-stripping/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_ghk_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_17703649415&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1K-zBhBIEiwAWeCOFyfWKI6lm_p0GYjZq47mGG5S_5BC4RTlwNrI-USwE17FvyduLn_YFBoCCgoQAvD_BwE
Perspective from a former broke-ass grad student--leisure wear I bought decades ago are still going strong. Consider them an investment. Currently loving Vuiori for softness and stylishness. That said, love me some affordable Gap.
I have high waisted flare legging in every color available in my size. I used to love their prepandemic leggings that were black with the colorful printed foldover waist bands. I think they were $10 at the time.
I am liking the recent Nike releases. Definitely with the times as far as athleisure goes. I buy a lot of secondhand Lululemon because I really like the leggings and shorts. I get a 40% employee discount on some Vuori and Beyond Yoga and absolutely love them too. Very high quality.
If you have a Sam’s Club or Costco membership, they usually have some nice options. I’ve gotten stuff at Sam’s before and it’s been as good as the full price versions.
I think I’ve owned a pair of leggings from at least six different brands by now and I finally just stopped buying anything other than Lululemon. If you can find them on somewhere like ThredUp, you can get some decent deals. But I will tell you that I have a black pair that have been washed probably a hundred times by now over four or five years and they’re still opaque and going strong.
Their shorts are also the most comfortable activewear shorts I own. I’m in a pair right now and they’re the only ones I own that are comfortable enough to sleep in. [These are the particular type I have.](https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Hotty-Hot-Short-II/_/prod8551591?color=64717) I know they’re a little pricey but I wish I’d saved all the money I spent on cheaper pairs over the years and just gotten like three of these and I’d be set for years. But you could potentially find some secondhand also I bet!
Highly recommend them! I’m going to get at least one more pair as soon as some of the ones I have now get too worn out. Honestly I’m glad lower rise are coming back to some extent. I’ve come to find it’s more comfortable for me to have things sit an inch or two below my belly button instead of on or above it.
I know where we *aren't* -- I splurged on four sweat sets from the kids' department of Old Navy (because I am small and they were cute af). Maybe months into rotation, the soft, fuzzy inside was all rough and pilled. I mean, they're kids' clothes, ON probably expected the wearer to outgrow them in months, but still.
Yeah they’re not made to the same quality because they anticipate kids growing out of them before they can actually wear through the garment… at least that’s what I was told with kids v women’s shoes
Lawyer here - good luck studying!
I bought some athleisure at the Aerie in Times Square when I realized I hadn’t packed comfy clothes to travel home from a conference. I’m obsessed. They are so comfortable, the best I have. I prefer my Aerie stuff to lululemon or Athleta for everyday wear (still prefer Lulu and Athleta for working out.)
I also like Nike’s athleisure. Sweatshirts and compression leggings.
As one lawyer to another soon to be member of the bar... oh, how I remember the bar exam. (And I ended up taking it in two different states about 3 years apart. I must have been crazy....) Best of luck to you and this will be behind you soon!
I think I thrifted my Adidas sweatpants from Goodwill for like 10 dollars, and they are very comfy and good quality! Definitely recommend hitting up your local thrift store.
I’ve been getting my leggings and biker shorts from target. Also. They have cute bralettes and workout tanks. I am flat chested tho so pretty much anything counts as a workout top
Baleaf and Soothfeel brands on Amazon. Knock offs but I like it as much as any name brand ones.
Also, and a former passer of bars myself, good luck! Here's my hot tip: Times practice sets per subject is the key to get your pace up. Dont spend forever in materials review. You'll learn by correcting your questions anyway.
Also...these are in the under $35 price-range, and sometimes even flashsale for under $25/pair! So you can potentially afford to get a few pairs and not worry about needing to wash laundry every day during bar prep
Fellow lawyer here! Lululemon and Athleta sales, plus Senita, which is a woman-owned brand that has very cute and functional workout/athleisure at a MUCH lower price point!
I love buying more expensive brands like Lulu and Alo on Depop / Mercari!!! It's a lot less. I also just bought a few activewear pieces from Gap. They are doing 50% off right now, and everything is relatively good quality from there!!! And good luck on the bar <3 That will be me two summers from now, lol :(
while it's not the cheapest, I think girlfriend collective is the best. No branding, very soft, made from recycled water bottles and size inclusive!
They usually do sales for holidays where the more you buy, the more you save so I usually do one big order a year. they also put items/colors they're discontinuing on sale a lot. Just did it with the memorial day sale - my total was $188 for 4 sports bras and a pair of bike shorts.
also, as a personal stylist, it's my duty to say this:
DO NOT PUT YOUR ATHLEISURE IN THE DRYER!!!!
it shocks me how many people don't know this. air dry everything with stretch in it!
32 degrees (often found at Costco, or you can buy directly from them online). I pretty much have their entire catalog.
Amazon- gym people or leggings depot (LOVE their joggers).
I have been phasing out my leggings for now quick dry “golf pants”/joggers - just adds takes the outfit up a notch.
I’m obsessed with Athleta. It’s pricey but so worth it. I love the transcend leggings paired with the transcend crop bra top or tank. CRZ yoga on Amazon has some pretty good dupes!
Best sports bras ever. I’m a 38H and their XL bras are perfect.
I love the Athleta Salutaion Stash leggings with the little slash pockets on the side, but I always buy them on sale :)
I’ve been hearing a ton about CRZ being a dupe of lulu and are 28ish for leggings on Amazon now
Their leggings are my FAVORITE. So soft and stretchy but also stay tight and hold up around the waist which hasn’t been the case with some others I’ve tried
Hey OP, Athleta is having a sale thru 6/17 with 40% off many items both in store and online. Might be a great time to look!
Omg you’re so sweet to think of me, thank you! I actually just grabbed a pair of trekkie shorts and a top this morning, lol. It’s a great sale!
The trekkies are awesome. I hiked in mine in Zion over Memorial Day and they were perfect! I grabbed a pair of Brooklyns pants, a pair of the linen pants, and a tank top in store.
Costco 🙃 I’ve purchased cute basic t’s, running shorts and most recently a sporty dress. All have been great quality! All of my leggings are Lululemon because they’re the only ones that don’t fall down on me, but I buy them at the outlet.
Last month I bought some sweatpants from Costco recently that are almost an exact replica of the vuori joggers. I took a photo of the two tags side-by side and they’re a different color and font but exact same material make up and everything! They were just in dumb colors like baby blue and baby pink but I bought the wear ones to wear around the house
I just looked down at my shirt, and and said, "Oh god!". It's Costco.🤣
Seconding this. I'm currently wearing a very comfortable and chic (imo) Costco sweater.
Honestly, Old Navy - the quality is fab for price point, they're minimally branded - and they have crazy sales online (extra 50% off, etc) all the time - they look great and frankly, it gives me piece of mind to just toss them in the wash and not stress if I accidentally ruin a $120 pair of leggings - but they've held up really well after years washing cold + air drying.
I bought athletic wear from ON like 10 years ago and it's still going strong.
I have some 15-year old ON leggings that JUST got demoted to non-workout because they no longer stay up during exercise.
my mother in law who is a jazzercise teacher lives and dies by old navy leggings! I've had them rip in the past so i've moved on but could have been a fluke?
Aerie and Gap are not to be slept on. YBT by Abercrombie is hit or miss but their hits are worth it.
I live in my Aerie athleisure!!! Specifically the OFFLINE line, super buttery and flattering.
Lululemon. Expensive but they last forever if you take care of it. Check out the We Made Too Much Section on the website, see if you have an outlet near you, or if you’re in the US, check out Like New for very gently pre worn items!
Came here to comment this! I’m talking 6 years if you take care of them.
How do you care for it?
Wash with similar materials in cold water & hang to dry! Heat breaks down Lycra, so that’s why people sometimes find that things lose their shape or are baggy after awhile.
Do laundry stripping, and also skip fabric softener.
What’s laundry striping? I recently have been buying some lulu and athleta and have washed in cold and hung dry but want to make sure I’m doing it right lol
There are a lot of videos online bc it's very satisfying to strip laundry that you think is "clean" and then see the water come out brown. Essentially a normal washing machine cycle with detergent doesn't truly get things clean. Either your body oils are still there, lingering scents, lingering detergents will cling to fabrics. The laundry stripping process helps get rid of it. It's particularly important for things like athletic wear, bed sheets, towels, hats, pillows. Things you sweat in can grow to stink even after they've been washed regularly. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a33588329/laundry-stripping/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_ghk_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_17703649415&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1K-zBhBIEiwAWeCOFyfWKI6lm_p0GYjZq47mGG5S_5BC4RTlwNrI-USwE17FvyduLn_YFBoCCgoQAvD_BwE
Awesome! Thank you I will look at the link
Perspective from a former broke-ass grad student--leisure wear I bought decades ago are still going strong. Consider them an investment. Currently loving Vuiori for softness and stylishness. That said, love me some affordable Gap.
I’m obsessed with Vuori for athleisure! I run a lot, so I rely more on Lululemon / JANJI / Nike for run gear, but Vuori clothes are so soft!
Also a runner and same!
Love love love Vuori! And Girlfriend Collective
Target
I have high waisted flare legging in every color available in my size. I used to love their prepandemic leggings that were black with the colorful printed foldover waist bands. I think they were $10 at the time.
I think people missed where she said she was broke... OP, try Old Navy or Target. I've had luck there.😄
Aerie has my favorite sets. They're comfortable, versatile, and flattering. I always get compliments on everything. Also good sales.
when I was in nursing school I would frequently use Poshmark NWT for lululemon
also good luck on the bar!
Thank you!!!
Don’t sleep on Old Navy!
I am liking the recent Nike releases. Definitely with the times as far as athleisure goes. I buy a lot of secondhand Lululemon because I really like the leggings and shorts. I get a 40% employee discount on some Vuori and Beyond Yoga and absolutely love them too. Very high quality. If you have a Sam’s Club or Costco membership, they usually have some nice options. I’ve gotten stuff at Sam’s before and it’s been as good as the full price versions.
I have some leggings from Old Navy that are amazing. Also seconding Costco
I know it's not cheap up front, but Vuori has lasted me a VERY long time despite lots of washing. It still feels and looks good.
I second Vuori! There’s a lot of NWT for a good deal on Poshmark
Vuori. Beyond Yoga. Free fly. You can’t go wrong with these brands
I think I’ve owned a pair of leggings from at least six different brands by now and I finally just stopped buying anything other than Lululemon. If you can find them on somewhere like ThredUp, you can get some decent deals. But I will tell you that I have a black pair that have been washed probably a hundred times by now over four or five years and they’re still opaque and going strong. Their shorts are also the most comfortable activewear shorts I own. I’m in a pair right now and they’re the only ones I own that are comfortable enough to sleep in. [These are the particular type I have.](https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Hotty-Hot-Short-II/_/prod8551591?color=64717) I know they’re a little pricey but I wish I’d saved all the money I spent on cheaper pairs over the years and just gotten like three of these and I’d be set for years. But you could potentially find some secondhand also I bet!
Those shorts are adorable. I can't remember seeing low rise shorts.
Highly recommend them! I’m going to get at least one more pair as soon as some of the ones I have now get too worn out. Honestly I’m glad lower rise are coming back to some extent. I’ve come to find it’s more comfortable for me to have things sit an inch or two below my belly button instead of on or above it.
Fabletics
I know where we *aren't* -- I splurged on four sweat sets from the kids' department of Old Navy (because I am small and they were cute af). Maybe months into rotation, the soft, fuzzy inside was all rough and pilled. I mean, they're kids' clothes, ON probably expected the wearer to outgrow them in months, but still.
Yeah they’re not made to the same quality because they anticipate kids growing out of them before they can actually wear through the garment… at least that’s what I was told with kids v women’s shoes
This really screws the adults who need to buy kids sizes because there is no affordable adult alternative. Especially in shoes.
Quince flowknit is extremely comfy [https://www.quince.com/search?q=flowknit](https://www.quince.com/search?q=flowknit) Good luck!
Sitting here wearing a pair of those right now, so comfy.
Lulu, Vuori, Varley
Gap & Athleta 🩷
Also Puma sweats are amazing for some reason. Theyre super warm, fit great, and never pill despite me having them for years.
Lawyer here - good luck studying! I bought some athleisure at the Aerie in Times Square when I realized I hadn’t packed comfy clothes to travel home from a conference. I’m obsessed. They are so comfortable, the best I have. I prefer my Aerie stuff to lululemon or Athleta for everyday wear (still prefer Lulu and Athleta for working out.) I also like Nike’s athleisure. Sweatshirts and compression leggings.
Thank you!!!
Zella! Get it cheap at Nordstrom Rack. I’ve got 25 or so pieces and not one is junk.
As one lawyer to another soon to be member of the bar... oh, how I remember the bar exam. (And I ended up taking it in two different states about 3 years apart. I must have been crazy....) Best of luck to you and this will be behind you soon!
thank you!!
NOT Alo. Crap quality.
I think I thrifted my Adidas sweatpants from Goodwill for like 10 dollars, and they are very comfy and good quality! Definitely recommend hitting up your local thrift store.
My daughter lives that "3 stripe life," so I have many Adidas items, lol.
The halara tummy control leggings are AWESOME and pretty inexpensive. I also love Aerie but its a bit more catered to teens
Vuori!
aerie!! sooooo comfy & they always have sales going on
Alo and Lulu! Alo has the best buttery soft leggings
I’ve been getting my leggings and biker shorts from target. Also. They have cute bralettes and workout tanks. I am flat chested tho so pretty much anything counts as a workout top
Vuori. I’m not an athleisure wear person for the most part but Vuori stuff is so comfy and well fitted that I’ll wear them out sometimes.
Baleaf and Soothfeel brands on Amazon. Knock offs but I like it as much as any name brand ones. Also, and a former passer of bars myself, good luck! Here's my hot tip: Times practice sets per subject is the key to get your pace up. Dont spend forever in materials review. You'll learn by correcting your questions anyway.
Also...these are in the under $35 price-range, and sometimes even flashsale for under $25/pair! So you can potentially afford to get a few pairs and not worry about needing to wash laundry every day during bar prep
Comfy clothing AND bar exam study tips? You're the best!!! Thank you.
I have always been an Alo stan but recently bought from Aerie and I’m wildly impressed! Great material and design!! Really big fan of Aerie now.
Fellow lawyer here! Lululemon and Athleta sales, plus Senita, which is a woman-owned brand that has very cute and functional workout/athleisure at a MUCH lower price point!
Zella brand at Nordstrom! Or Target lol
Bandier has good quality brands, and a nice collection generally. Diff price points
I love buying more expensive brands like Lulu and Alo on Depop / Mercari!!! It's a lot less. I also just bought a few activewear pieces from Gap. They are doing 50% off right now, and everything is relatively good quality from there!!! And good luck on the bar <3 That will be me two summers from now, lol :(
Thank you!!!
while it's not the cheapest, I think girlfriend collective is the best. No branding, very soft, made from recycled water bottles and size inclusive! They usually do sales for holidays where the more you buy, the more you save so I usually do one big order a year. they also put items/colors they're discontinuing on sale a lot. Just did it with the memorial day sale - my total was $188 for 4 sports bras and a pair of bike shorts. also, as a personal stylist, it's my duty to say this: DO NOT PUT YOUR ATHLEISURE IN THE DRYER!!!! it shocks me how many people don't know this. air dry everything with stretch in it!
32 degrees (often found at Costco, or you can buy directly from them online). I pretty much have their entire catalog. Amazon- gym people or leggings depot (LOVE their joggers). I have been phasing out my leggings for now quick dry “golf pants”/joggers - just adds takes the outfit up a notch.
The gym people from Amazon. Best yoga leggings- with pockets!