The Best Women's Workout Gear (According To Me)
Sometimes y’all suggest content to me and I could’ve sworn I had recently written about it then go to check my blog and see the last time I wrote about something was the year before. That’s exactly what happened here. It’s been over a year since I rounded up my favorite women’s workout gear and so much has changed (not really at all. I mean, kind of but we don’t need to get into it here)! It’s taken a lot of trial, error, and money to find the workout clothes I love and swear by, and because we’ve been banned to our homes the past two months, workout gear is literally all I’ve been wearing so I have a lot to say about it.
BRAS
I have big knockers. That’s the truth. Finding high support sports bras for big breasts that aren’t a) heinous and b) $200 can feel next to impossible. What sucks is that I fell head over heels in love with a particular sports bra by Outdoor Voices last year, and for whatever reason, they stopped making it?! My tits cried for days. However, their TechSweat Crop and Athena Crop are close seconds, so I’ve settled for that. I’ve yet to try their true high support, zip-front bra but methinks I’ll be adding it to cart right…now…
TOPS
If this post starts to feel like a sponsored piece for Girlfriend, I can understand why you’d think that. I wish it was with all of my heart. Alas, it’s just me being utterly obsessed with every piece of apparel they produce. Since we’ve been quarantined, I’ve found I don’t have much use for workout shirts. I’m a sports bra-only kinda girl nowadays (only because I’m not in public. Don’t get it twisted). However, when I do wear a t-shirt, it’s either a really old one from a past life or the perfect crop tee by Girlfriend. I have it in white and a pink tie-dye that was limited edition, but it also comes in black, rust, and sage. Here’s the thing about Girlfriend – they sell out fast but they ALWAYS restock and they ALWAYS alert you when they restock. It’s the perfect crop tee, as advertised. I just love it so much. I’ve yet to try their perfect crop tank, but it’s in my cart and also, if you’re in the market for a solid windbreaker look no further than Girlfriend. I got this one a few months ago, and it’s really the perfect, lightweight something to throw on to run an errand, wear on a walk or jog if it’s chilly, or wear to and from the gym. It’s just a great piece of jacket to have around the house!
SHORTS + SKORTS
You know ya girl loves her some shorts! My favorites are lululemon Wunder Train high-rise — I have them in black and grey and they truly are the best form-fitting short that keeps things in place and flatters your curves. I also love Outdoor Voices’ Warmup Shorts, and their Doing Things shorts (which, I feel, are meant more for errands and kicking it than actually working out in). I reach for my Nike Pros when I’m feeling extra confident and sassy, and especially for my backyard workouts, and I throw on my Outdoor Voices skort way less than I should because it’s fucking amazing. Speaking of, Girlfriend just released their own version and methinks I’ll have to buy one and compare the two!
LEGGINGS
I mean, y’all know the deal here. GIRLFRIEND LEGGINGS ARE LITERALLY THE BEST LEGGINGS EVER MADE. EVER. I have 4 colors and am working constantly on expanding my collection. They are high-rise, flattering as hell, and straightforward. Also, you can order them in full length, 7/8 length (that’s what I get!), or a capri. Also, they’re just the best. They run a tad big, so I’d size down if I were you! Runners up include these guys from Old Navy, and my leopard leggings which aren’t the most functional in terms of material but still so damn cute.
SNEAKERS
Sneakers are fun and addicting to buy, but the truth of the matter is you really only need two kinds: a training shoe and a running/walking shoe. All other sneakers are to feed your sick addiction (it’s fine. Same here). For training (i.e. weight lifting and resistance training), I’m OBSESSED with my APLs. I first saw my own trainer wearing them and, because I strive to be like her, I got a pair for myself at the beginning of my journey with her. They are so comfortable and so damn supportive. Plus, they look fly as hell. Go a half size up in APL! For walking or running (or jogging 1 mile exactly, like me), I only wear my Brooks. Sure, they’re not the coolest looking shoe but fuck me if they aren’t superior for cardio. I used to deal with horrid shin splints, and buying a pair of Brooks did away with those real quick. Lastly, my vanity sneaker of choice is this Reebok. I sometimes wear them to train at home because I’m not lifting nearly as heavy in my living room as I was at LA Fatness, but usually I just wear them as a kick-around shoe because they’re also fly as hell.
EXTRAS
Extra! Extra! Read all about these women’s workout wear extras I cannot live without. First, the Exercise Dress from Outdoor Voices. We’ve all seen my journey with this dress, and I’m just so happy it fits how I want it to now. It has built-in shorts which seals the fucking deal. I want one in every color. There’s no need to wear a bra with this dress unless you’re doing serious cardio or plyometrics. In that case, you’ll want some tit support. Runs true to size!
These Target joggers are so incredible, I have two. No, really. I got them and immediately knew I was going to wear them out and would need an emergency pair. Love love love them.
lululemon headbands are the only ones I wear. They fit the best, are the highest-quality, and stay the fuck in place. But also, can we talk about how poorly they style them on their models?!?!!?
If you don’t have a cropped hoodie sweatshirt, do you even pretend to workout, bro? I love this one by Champion. You just feel like a hard ass as soon as you throw it on. I can’t explain it — it’s just a feeling.
Lou and Grey, STFU and take literally all my money. Their unisex shorts sweatset is to die for, and my favorite thing I’ve acquired during quarantine thus far. It doesn’t look like my maroon color is still available, but that’s no mind. Size down! Runs big.
Lastly, tall. Black. Nike. Socks. Get some, wear them with the lululemon shorts, and feel like a goddamn rockstar. I give you permission to rock this look and not GAF what anyone thinks.
As you can see, I keep things really simple around here. I don’t believe in spending $100 on any workout gear unless it’s a sneaker. Truly, if you have a pair of Girlfriend leggings, APLs, and a sports bra, you are good to go no matter how you’re getting your sweat on. If I stumble across any other new favorites, I’ll be sure to let y’all know!
xox,
MORE FROM EMMA
