Best Cheap Workout Clothes 2022

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Looking good while getting fit doesn't have to break the bank!

If there's one thing most women can agree on, it's that finding the right workout attire for your body's needs can be a daunting task. Looking for high-waist leggings that won't fall down while doing squats? Good luck. Need the right sports bra for your larger bust? It's like finding a needle in a haystack on a windy day. And when you're trying to find cheap workout clothes that are also quality? It feels like a never-ending cycle of trial and error. Lucky for you though, wasting money on workout clothes that can't quite hold up to their online description is about to become a thing of the past, because we've got you covered.

And since most of us now want our workout clothes to take us well beyond gym, we searched for brands that also offer lots of affordable options that will keep you stylish while running errands, grocery shopping, lounging around, and even hitting up a nice brunch.

We asked some of our favorite stylish athleisure enthusiasts to let us in on their favorite wallet-friendly brands and added in some of the top-rated online choices and a bunch of my own personal favorites. Whether you're looking to update your selection of activewear or are on the hunt for the perfect gifts for her, this list of picks — including well-known brands like Under Armour and lesser-known Amazon gems — is one that you'll want to bookmark for later. Scroll on to find your new favorite brands.

Target is known to be a one-stop shop for everything you need and that also includes workout clothes. While you can get a range of items and brands — including ASICS and Reebok — Target's exclusive All in Motion line is definitely a winner.

"Target is for less expensive impulse buys for me. I usually plan for them only to last a season or two — and I'm absolutely OK with that because, at that point, I feel as if they paid for themselves. Though I invest in more expensive brands that I expect to last for years, Target's choices regularly surprise me with how they hold up against my workouts." — Taryn Scher, owner of TK PR

Sure, maybe it's obvious why you had to replace your $2 Old Navy flip-flops after the summer season. But what may surprise you is how long-lasting their wide variety of workout clothes are, and the large range of sizes offered. From Hidden Pocket PowerChill leggings to StretchTech running shorts, you can score their affordable activewear both online and in-store.

"When I shop for activewear, I have two categories: actual gym clothes and athleisure. Old Navy, hands down, has the best pricing for both. I especially love that the brand has sizing for most body types — petite to tall and XXS to 4XL." — Chauniqua Major-Louis, entrepreneur

Whether you're on the hunt for a 2-in-1 short, seamless sports bra, or a long sleeve crop top for windy evening runs, Gymshark has the quality items you've been searching for. And though there are plenty of full-price items that won't break the bank, the brand's website has an online discount section that showcases products that are 20, 30, 40, 60, and even 70 percent off to help you rack up the savings.

"Gymshark does a great job at making a variety of items so you'll never get bored when putting together your choices. And, they're breathable!" — Chayanne Abreu, marketing professional

A full-blown all-in-one shopping experience, Aerie is known to have everything from underwear and bras to dresses and pants. What you may not know the brand has, however, is quality (and cheap!) workout clothes, too. The best part? Each piece is super stylish.

Wrote one reviewer of the brand's nylon running shorts: "I usually work out/lounge in Nike running shorts, but mine were getting too small and a bit uncomfortable. I didn't think Aerie would have any workout shorts like this because I usually associate them with leggings, but BOY WAS I WRONG!! These shorts are the comfiest things I've ever put on my body and I practically live in them! They have a liner that feels just like the Aerie Play Leggings and the outside fabric is super light and never feels uncomfortable. I'm telling you, these shorts are a billion times better than Nike's! Once you go Aerie, you can never go back!"

With nearly 33,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it's clear that The Gym People brand is worth an add to cart. While the high-waist pocketed yoga pants seem to be the best sellers of the lot, workout tank tops, high-waist yoga shorts (which also have high ratings), long sleeve workout shirts, and fleece sweatshirts are also available.

Whether pants, shorts, capris, or tops, many of IUGA's items are highly-rated. Not only are they available in multiple colors and comfortable, but I love the fact that they are more affordable than many other brands out there.

It's no secret that Under Armour has long been a go-to brand for reliable workout clothes, but did you know they're actually affordable, too? With a wide range of items — from shirts to shoes — I always feel like I'm stepping out in style on my trips to the gym.

I first stumbled across the Running Girl brand a few months ago while looking for the best bras on Amazon and I'm so glad I did. With the perfect name for those who like to hit the pavement at full speed, Running Girl has some of the comfiest and most stylish workout gear around. And with more than 20,000 five-star reviews for their criss-cross back padded sports bra, you've got to know the brand means serious business.

Like to rock the monochromatic look? Noize has plenty of matching pieces to offer. While their activewear department isn't as robust as other brands on this list, once I put on my first pair of leggings, I knew they would get more wear than any of the others in my lineup. There are a variety of colors available, too — you know, in case you want to mix things up a bit.

Reebok may be well known for putting out some of the most comfortable shoes around, but their line of activewear for women is worth talking about as well. To be honest, it's actually one of my favorite brands because I know I can find exactly what I'm looking for without having to spend a full paycheck.

Whether you're in need of a high-impact sports bra or just one that's workout-ready, the brand has something for everyone looking to update their workout clothes.

Just because Amazon has an array of other brands that it sells through its online warehouse, doesn't mean it can't have its own line, too. Although the brand sells everything from baby clothes to outerwear, women who are on the hunt for good activewear shouldn't skip past the in-house brand when searching the site.

"The thing I love about Amazon's workout wear is that you don't have to pay a bunch of money for quality. While the popover hoodie is one of my favorites, anything I've gotten from them has held up against all conditions and they come in a variety of sizes — which to me is extremely important." — MarQuitta Caesar, program development consultant

Perhaps one of the lesser known brands for many, I placed Baleaf on this list because the feasibly priced items alone were enough to get me to click buy. And if that isn't enough for you, the fact that they're highly rated should be.

With more than 23,000 reviews on their fleece lined, high-waisted winter leggings alone, you'll wonder you weren't picking up this brand sooner.

Performance meets style with this medium- to high-impact workout attire. Though meant for heavy duty workouts, the brand offers items that are lightweight, have wicking capabilities, and fit each woman's shape perfectly.

"I try to workout five to six days a week, mixing it up between the Peloton and pilates. When I exercise, I like to wear budget friendly gear — I just cannot justify sweating in yoga pants that cost over $120! Athleta's pieces really hold up well through the sweat and wash and I grab two of everything when they have a good sale. I even throw them in the dryer and on the days I am working remotely, I can easily transition from my workout to my computer in an instant!" — Erin Cohen, public relations executive

Though you may not have heard of the OQQ brand, they have plenty of items available to help you get better acquainted. From seamless jumpsuits to 3-piece outfits under $40 and more, you'll have the cute look you've been dying for when headed to your next gym meetup.

"Great quality! Material is thick, stretchy and durable. Love the way the shorts fit — they are super comfy and not too long. Ladies, sometime we suffer with the front of our spandex/biker shorts riding up into crevices if you know what I mean...(wedgie in the front...CT) and these shorts DO NOT do that, which is so awesome. The sports bra is great too and so comfortable. I ordered the black and the color is great even after several washes," said one Amazon reviewer.

In addition to selling larger brands like Nike, Under Armour, and more, ASOS also has its own line of activewear and the price is much cheaper than its counterparts. Whether you're looking for a pair of sweatpants to keep you warm during your evening runs or just need a ribbed tank top for arm day on the weights, there's something for everyone looking to upgrade their workout clothes."I have a very 'high-low' fashion approach to my workout 'fits, often mixing up my sets with different brands. I’m a big ASOS activewear fan — they’re always cute and affordable, and have a lot of variety to choose from. Living in NYC and not having laundry in my apartment, it's better to have an excess of workout clothes to avoid the constant washing — plus you always get a good discount on ASOS. I’ve also been loving their bottoms lately; they're flattering and hug me in all the right places, while still being breathable and squat proof." — Jaylan Ochoa, publicist

✔️ Quality: Though you may think that all cheap workout clothes are guaranteed to wear down in an extremely short period of time, that's not always the case. Look for quality items that fit the types of workouts you're looking to do. Is it moisture wicking? Is it breathable? These are all things you'll want to consider when shopping.

✔️ Fit: You may love the way certain tops or shorts fit you if you're doing yoga, but consider whether or not they'll be able to be used for other workouts you plan to do, too. While workout clothes are not a "one-size makes everyone comfortable" type of fit, it's important to choose things that make you feel comfortable.

✔️ Special Features: If you're someone who likes to have their phone on them during every workout, ensuring that your clothing has a space to house it is important. Compression-like leggings could be important for running, while stretchier options would be great for yoga.

Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.

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