Designer Activewear – to buy or not to buy?

Whether you’re working out, grocery shopping, or going out on a date, yoga pants have made their way onto the “acceptable clothing to wear anywhere” list. I remember my first pair of yoga pants like it was yesterday. They were boot cut, Victoria Secret Pink, and I basically wore them until they faded to a dark shade of gray. Over the years, most women have started to sport their favorite pairs of yoga pants, and it’s not just to the gym! So, if you have jumped on the athleisure bandwagon, too, these are my top three brands you need to try!

lululemon: When life gives you lemons, you’ll want them to be lulu. lululemon has unapologetically made their way to the top of the style charts and into everyone’s hearts with their hard-to-forget styles and timeless options. I love that they are always coming out with new product, but also have their classics available for those of us who want every color in the Align Leggings and Cool Racerback Tank. lulu takes pride in providing the right fabric for any activity. From luon to luxtreme to nulu, you’ll find that perfect running crop with sweat resistance technology or a pilates legging with the stretch and movement built in. I probably own more lulu pants than real pants, and I still continue to count on them for the best quality, fabrics, and styles. I promise they’ll become your yoga pant bestie, never dishonest and always dependable.

Shop my Lululemon favorites below!

Beyond Yoga: Beyond Yoga fabrics may or may not make you forget you’re wearing pants. I’m convinced they have a secret recipe to create a fabric you can’t stop touching. They not only slide on like butter, but also have the ability to take on the role of “errand pant” to “pajamas”, if you let them. Their stretch, density, and fit make Beyond Yoga pants my second favorite brand to date. I’ve found that with every pant I own, the simplistic designs paired with creative, but versatile, patterns end up getting an A+ every time.  They have an elastic-free waistband, which prevents that uncomfortable digging and slipping feeling during activity. They also provide several different fit characteristics based on your yoga pant intentions, including: minimal stretch, fitted with generous stretch, loose fit, and relaxed tailored. Keep in mind that you may need a different size in one pant versus another based on the fit style you choose. Look out for their high-waisted leggings and space-dye color patterns – definitely my favorites right now!

Shop my Beyond Yoga favorites below!

Alo: their products hold my one of my top spots because they honestly make you feel like you have the hottest pants in the room. We all want a yoga pant that has the ability to go on a run, stop into a Pilates class, take you on your endless errands, and then land you at the local bar for happy hour with a friend, all while making you look like a million bucks. That’s a tall order for a pant, but overall, Alo takes the cake on this one. Their pants have a great stretch, fit true to size, and provide great lengths for tall people, too (I’m 5’9’’, so it’s always a must for me)! Each piece is crafted to be antimicrobial, sweat-wicking, and has 4-way stretch technology. From the gorgeous designs and fabric patterns, to their incredible versatility, they are my #1 pick for a well made, versatile legging, no matter your style or agenda. Definitely try their Moto and Goddess leggings, both are a must have for style and functionality!

Shop my Alo favorites below!

Free People Movement: I’ve actually recently become a huge FPMovement fan. I am not super impressed by their bottoms, but am so obsessed with all their tops! I’d say that they are my most worn for sure. They have the cutest styles, especially if you want something cropped, and can attest to the incredible quality as well! The fabrics they use are always so soft and comfortable. I’ve linked some of my favorite tops below!

You may be thinking, “Why are all of these brands so expensive, Emily?” I know, I know, I used to have sticker shock with athleisure before I became a fitness instructor and lived in them every day. But, I have learned that sometimes you do get more for your money when you are willing to invest in the right product. I’m all about putting money into pieces that have longevity and versatility. Yes, there are plenty of brands that are comfortable, cute, and cheap, but they will wear out quickly, pick up a sweaty smell over time, and discolor easily, causing you to buy more pants for more and more money.  If you are looking to splurge, with these brands, style and longevity are guaranteed, and you’ll feel like your money was well spent.

XO

Emily