My favorite athleisure brands for lounging and working out
You'll find me in athleisure a good five days out of the week. So over the years, I've tried my fair share of athleisure brands to find the best fit and feel. Whether working from home or running to a workout class, here are some pieces I continue to reach for.
Top products in this article:
Airbrush high-waist flutter legging, $118
When shopping for athleisure, I look for comfort and a flattering fit. I don't reach for super compressive pieces often, as I'm usually wearing my athleisure all day long and not just to a high-intensity workout class. I'm also 5'10", so a brand gets major bonus points from me for offering pants in different lengths or pants that simply run longer than usual.
Below, find my favorite women's athleisure brands. The brands, including Alo, Lululemon, Aerie and more, range from uber-affordable to splurge-worthy. I also break down some of my favorite pieces from each.
Alo
Alo is my go-to for fashion-forward athleisure. The brand releases trendy pieces, but I still find myself reaching for them almost daily. Their standard length is ideal for me, but they also have many 7/8 length styles that are perfect for petite gals.
Airbrush high-waist flutter legging
These flare leggings with a split front frankly make your butt look great. They have a super high-waisted fit that pairs well with cropped tops. Find them in a 7/8 length as well. Choose from seven colors.
Airbrush high-waist flutter legging, $118
Lululemon
Lululemon remains worth the hype. The Align line is my personal favorite. Its uber-soft fabric is often imitated but never duplicated. Lululemon's classic pants length fits me perfectly, but they also offer lots of 25-inch styles for shorter legs.
Align tank top
In a world full of tank tops with built-in bras that make you look flat as a board, the Lululemond Align tank would never. It lifts and contours for the most flattering fit. I skip it on days where comfort is my only concern, as it has a bit more of a compressed fit, but I always feel confident when I put one of these on. Find this essential tank in a ton of colors.
Align high-rise pant
I have worn the same pair of these leggings approximately once a week for the past five years, and they are still going strong. If that isn't a legging world record, I don't know what is. In terms of comfort and a flattering fit, the Lululemon Aligns still can't be beat. Anytime I see them on a friend or a stranger on the street, I marvel at how they just seem to flatter everyone and every body type. They may be the smartest $98 you ever spend.
L*Space
L*Space's activewear sets are never boring and are always flattering. The pieces I own simply feel high-end, and I love the attention to detail the brand brings. L*Space activewear tends to be a compliment-magnet, as not everyone and their mom owns these pieces already, unlike many bigger brands at the same price point.
Soren top and Turner legging
I've received a record amount of compliments on this brown set with a cinched top and drawstring-style legging from L*Space. The top doesn't have bra cups, which I was apprehensive about at first, but it actually offers a supportive and flattering fit. It has a low back that shows off all your hard work at the gym. The leggings are long enough for me, and they're made of a high-end looking ribbed fabric. The drawcord detail is fun, too.
Aerie
Aerie is one of the most affordable places to find leggings that come in different lengths. They've been my budget go-to since high school, and still impress me to this day.
Offline by Aerie Real Me high-waisted ruched flare legging
These are some of my most-worn leggings at the moment. They're incredibly comfortable -- they never ride up or pinch. And with a ruched front that dips, they make your waist look tiny. Find these flare leggings in short, standard and long lengths. (I go for the long.) Right now, they're available in six colors and on sale for only $36. There's likely no better time to buy.
Offline by Aerie Real Me high-waisted ruched flare legging, $36 (reduced from $60)
IVL Collective
If you're ready for a fashion moment, splurge on IVL Collective. This brand's sets simply feel special with their sweet details, from ruffles to faux corset bones. Plus, the quality (and length) is there.
Scallop power bra and active legging
While the IVL Collective set I own and love is no longer available, I'm eyeing so many of their new arrivals. This hot pink scalloped set is giving Barbie in the best way. The bra offers high impact support and the 7/8 length leggings have scallops on both the waistband and hem. Add to cart!
Cozy Earth
When it comes to joggers, Cozy Earth passes my length test. Plus, the brand name couldn't be more appropriate -- the fabric Cozy Earth uses is as soft and comfortable as it gets. Don't just take my word for it: Cozy Earth's bamboo joggers are one of Oprah's Favorite Things.
Ultra-soft bamboo pullover crew and bamboo joggers
Wearing this set together is a bit too matchy-matchy for me, so I wear the pullover crew to sleep in and the high-waisted joggers with a cropped top out and about. The joggers come in standard and tall lengths. These pieces are excellent to travel in, as they don't look sloppy but are as comfortable as can be.
Ultra-soft bamboo pullover crew, $66 (reduced from $120)
Bamboo joggers, $124 (reduced from $155)
Colorfulkoala
If you want a taste for Lulumeon without the Lululemon price tag, check out Amazon bestselling brand Colorfulkoala. It's a CBS Essentials bestseller too, with its Lululemon lookalike styles. Colorfulkoala is one of the most affordable brands that offers yoga pants in longer lengths.
Summer tank top and buttery soft high-waisted yoga pants
No, the Colorfulkoala pieces are not identical to Lululemon, as their price tag would imply. But for the cost, they're notably flattering and offer a similar look. These tanks are super comfortable and run a bit longer than many cropped styles, if you're into that. They do need to be paired with a sports bra (there isn't one built in), but you can't beat their price. Find them in 20 colors.
Buttery soft high-waisted yoga pants
These yoga pants are a dupe for the Lululemon Aligns and as a result, are actually long enough for me, which is uncommon among more affordable brands. For a shorter fit, check out the 7/8 length. No, these don't offer the same mindblowing fit and quality as the Lululemon Aligns, but they make their best attempt at it, which is pretty good to me.
Buttery soft high-waisted yoga pants, $23
