twenty-seven budget-friendly athleisure items suitable for gym workouts, air travel, running errands, or lounging on your sofa
In the world of activewear and loungewear, luxury brands often dominate the scene with their high-quality materials and stylish designs. However, for many shoppers, the price tags associated with these brands can be prohibitive. Fortunately, there are several affordable alternatives that offer comparable quality and style without the hefty price tag.
One such brand is Rochelle Porter Design, a Black woman-owned Etsy shop based in Georgia. Established in 2015, the shop specialises in boldly-printed activewear, including a pair of zebra print leggings that are available for $77. These leggings, which come with a matching bra, are designed with a comfortable four-way stretch and a raised, comfortable waistband.
Another brand that has been gaining popularity is Melt Fit, which offers a "Second Skin" set for $60 (originally $80). This breezy and lightweight set is designed to feel like it's not even there, making it a fun option to mix and match.
For those who prefer well-known brands, there are several affordable alternatives to Lululemon. BuzzFeed-related sources, such as Popsugar and Halara, recommend brands like Colorfulkoala, Ewedoos, and SUUKSESS. These brands offer high-waisted yoga pants, yoga pants with pockets, and seamless workout sets, all of which can be found on Amazon during Prime Day sales for around $15 to $35. Halara, in particular, offers buttery soft leggings and joggers that are praised for being lightweight, comfortable, and supportive for active lifestyles.
On Amazon, the Dreamlux leggings are another affordable alternative to Lululemon's Align. These leggings, which are available for $29, are made with an oh-so-buttery soft material and are squatproof, comfortable, and compressive.
For those who prioritise versatility, there are several options available. A cinched jumpsuit, available on Amazon for $35.99, is praised for its comfort and versatility as a travel and lounge piece. Similarly, a sleeveless tennis sundress, available for $27.99, features a full built-in compressive romper on the inside for support during movement, making it an excellent option for travel.
For those who prefer shorts, there are several affordable options available. A pair of high-waisted crossover flare leggings, available on Amazon for $29.99, are a comfortable and breathable pair of leggings that reviewers say are the ultimate in comfort and style. The Aerie Real Me Crossover Flowy Shorts, available on Aerie for $25, are another comfortable and versatile option for workouts. These shorts are particularly suitable for runners and those who are picky about their shorts, as they do not ride up.
For those who prioritise functionality, there are several options available. A pair of Nike Pro 365 bike shorts, available from Nike for $25.97 for sizes 1X-3X, and $22.97 (originally $32) for sizes 2XS-XL, are well-known for their comfortable compression and Dri-FIT tech fabric. The lightweight pair of UPF 50 hiking pants, available on Amazon for $27.83, are wrinkle-free, quick-dry, and feature many pockets, making them a must-have for busy travelers and outdoorsy individuals.
For those who prioritise style, there are several options available. A mini tie active dress, available from Abercrombie & Fitch for $80, is a mandatory purchase for anyone doing warm weather traveling this year due to its lightweight, breathable fabric and compression. The Happiness Runs crop top from FP Movement, available for $30 from Free People, is a versatile and comfortable top that is praised for its compression and soft fabric.
For those who prioritise comfort, there are several options available. The high-neck muscle tank, available on Amazon for $16.99, is a breezy and lightweight workout top with a cross-over pleat in the back and a slight petal hem at the bottom. The longline sports bra, available on Amazon for $22.99, is a comfortable, supportive, and versatile piece that reviewers love for outdoor workouts, gym use, and errand running.
For those who prioritise quality, there are several options available. The waistband of the Aerie Real Me Crossover Flowy Shorts is highly praised for its holy grail level of comfort. The high-waisted crossover flare leggings, available on Amazon for $29.99, are a comfortable and breathable pair of leggings that reviewers say are the ultimate in comfort and style. The high-neck muscle tank, available on Amazon for $16.99, is a breezy and lightweight workout top with a cross-over pleat in the back and a slight petal hem at the bottom.
For those who prioritise affordability, there are several options available. The bare feel slim-fitted workout top, available on Amazon for $14.99, is a soft and stretchy top designed with quick-dry fabric, perfect for layering. The Nike-inspired oversize fleece cargo joggers, available on Amazon for $36.99, are made with a cotton blend for a satisfyingly soft feel and have pockets. The Happiness Runs crop top from FP Movement, available for $30 from Free People, is a versatile and comfortable top that is praised for its compression and soft fabric.
Finally, for those who prioritise style and nostalgia, there are several options available. The iconic Adidas track jacket, available for $64 from Adidas, is a nostalgic classic that is lightweight, insulating, and sleek. The Buff Bunny-inspired biker shorts, available on Amazon for $24.99, are a fun and affordable alternative to the original Buff Bunny shorts, with reviewers praising their softness and comfort.
Overall, these alternatives offer a range of options for those seeking Lululemon-inspired style and functional quality without the high price tag. While they may occasionally trade off some premium fabric innovations or brand prestige associated with Lululemon, they offer performance and style comparable to Lululemon at a fraction of the cost.
- Rochelle Porter Design, a popular Etsy shop, provides affordable alternatives to luxury activewear brands, offering boldly-printed activewear starting at $77 for a pair of zebra print leggings with matching bra.
- Melt Fit's Second Skin set is another affordable option, priced at $60 (originally $80), offering a comfortable and breathable experience.
- For fans of Lululemon, brands like Colorfulkoala, Ewedoos, and SUUKSESS offer affordable alternatives on Amazon during Prime Day sales, with prices ranging from $15 to $35 for high-waisted yoga pants, yoga pants with pockets, and seamless workout sets.
