Fitness Clothing/Accessory Junkies Unite!

Over the last few months I have been incorporating exercise into my day to day life, and at the beginning I found it very difficult because of wardrobe troubles (Troubles being clothing not staying put while I do an exercise, thin leggings ripping at the inseam, non-supportive tops, and so on). So I did some research, and bought myself some basics. Leggings, capri pants, and 3 tops. I used these for a few weeks and decided that I want to buy more. It's always nice to have options, right?

So that's what I've been doing. I've now got a few more pair of leggings, a few tanks tops, 2 long sleeve shirts for chilly outdoor walks, and I just purchased a thin hoodie yesterday, to layer as the weather gets chillier. So I definitely have enough clothing to last me a long while, but I still want to build the collection so that I have more variety of pant styles, tops, colors, and so on. I also want to try out some of the pricier brands, to see what the hype is, and I would like to gather more sweat wiking clothing.


When I say any of this to my friends they will scoff at me and tell me that I'm being frivolous for wanting to build a collection of clothing that I will use and then be done with. They think having 1 pair of leggings and 1 top is all that I need and anything beyond that is overkill. (This is also coming from people who do not exercise or workout at all.)

But I don't see it as frivolous for a few reasons.
1. I hope to continue exercising for as long as I am physically able. This is not a temporary change. It's something that I want to become a part of my every day life, for myself and for my health. Therefore, this clothing will last a long while. As I lose weight, I can sell any garments that are still in great condition, or give them away to a friend or relative.
2. Any money I spend on workout clothing is money I did have to spend. So it has not taken away from bills or necessary financial obligations.
3. I wear the clothing when I am not working out as well. I've found that the comfortable sweat wicking clothing is awesome for doing house work, or just lounging around, haha.
4. It's nice to have variety, and every girl likes to feel comfortable, or even cute in her workout clothes. Obviously it doesn't matter what I look like when I workout, but if I think the clothing is cute or flattering, then I feel like I look good, and that gives me confidence to be able to workout and not care what other people think. (If that makes sense, haha)



So all in all, I have the basics, and I have what I need, but I still want more when i have the spare funds and find something I really like. Is anyone else in the same boat?

I don't yet fit into Lululemon (At least I don't think I do), but I've fallen in love with the Canadian version, Kyodan. I now have 5 pair of their leggings, and 3 tank tops with built in shelf bras.

There are a few Lululemon items on my "weight loss wishlist" though! As well as Athleta pants.

Canadian version? Lululemon is a Canadian born company. Kyodan is not affiliated with lulu.

I did not know they were Canadian, so thank you for letting me know! When I tried researching Kyodan after discovering I owned a top by them from a thrift shop, I found many articles about how they were very similar to Lululemon and made in the same factory, so I was under the impression that they were affiliated. Thank you for correcting me! Even if they aren't, I love both brands. =]

I confess to an addiction to workout clothes. My greatest weakness is tennis attire, because it is all so damn cute. I do most of my shopping at discounters like Marshalls and TJMaxx, as I find it hard to justify paying Lululemon prices. But when things go on sale at Athleta, i love their stuff. Honestly, i think having cute things to wear motivates me to workout more.

I definitely shop at TJ Maxx (I have yet to go to Marshalls though!) and stalk clearance sections. Retailmenot.com is also awesome for coupons. =]

I know what you mean about the price. That's why I'm sticking with the clearance rack at TJ Maxx for now. Haha. Lately I've been looking into various women's athletic/yoga/exercise clothing brands though, just for fun and general research purposes. I can't actually afford any of it, but "window" shopping is fun anyhow, and it's fun to think about maybe one day getting to a steady weight and saving up for some of it, haha. But for now, all of the pinterest boards!

I also made one for general Fitness Fashion. I like to dress up and have fun with my outfits no matter the situation, so I figure it can serve as inspiration to help me plan cute workout outfits. Once I actually have more than a few gray basics that is! I have a few bright coloured tank tops but they are currently too small. xD

I'm also thinking that I can familiarize myself with some of the better quality brands so that I I have a better idea of what to look for when I'm at shops like TJ Maxx, or local "thrift" shops (Playtos Closet type shops).


I've heard of fabletics but had not heard of anyone trying it, so I never really checked it out. What have you ordered from there? Pictures are welcome! Looking at the site now (I love the 'log in with facebook' buttons!), they seem to have lots of cute pants. I have a few pair of leggings, but they are all too long and need to be hemmed, and I also can't wear them when I walk outside or if I go to the gym (I'm hoping to sign up for one with a friend, in a few weeks!!) because I have to wear a knee brace at the moment and they are all made from that smooth slippery material that makes my brace slide down. So I am actually in seriously need of pants. xD

If I ever end up placing an order, I will definitely let you know so that I can use your referral code! You technically are the first person to give me actual information and refer me to the site, so it's not spam at all! =]


Tonight I actually sat down and decided I was going to try to find pictures of the general clothing styles I've been hunting for, and I ended up discovering sites/brands such as Lucy, Sweaty Betty, Zobha, NUX, and Prana. All way out of my price range, but fabulous. xD

So I'm going to pin some of the items I love from their sites, and try to find pieces that look similar but cost less.

JoRocka: I have yet to have the time to be able to stay and try on pants (normally when I go, I just grab any Kyodan size larges and buy those because I know for a face that they will fit me) but I am really looking forward to it because I've seen so many incredible deals and amazing patterns! I need to stock up on pants. xD


(Also, sorry I type a novel with every response. xD)

Cute!!! I seriously love the backless top and both leggings. I like the sheer bits in the first pair and the second pair are just fun. Are they high rise at all? I defintily need to check out the site more!!

I'm curious:

What is your favourite high end active wear brand?

And what is your favourite, more affordable brand?

And why? =]