I Exercise Every Day, and These Are My 15 Favorite Workout Clothes to Wear From $12

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved being active. I tried nearly every sport under the sun when I was growing up, but tennis has stayed as my tried-and-true favorite since first grade. After graduating from college, I added in a mix of running and walking because I found both work wonders for my mental health, and over the past few years I’ve discovered pickleball, too. Needless to say, I have some serious thoughts about comfy activewear, so I’m sharing the 15 pieces I rely on from some of my favorite retailers like Old Navy, Target, Aerie, Vuori, Spanx, and more. 

Favorite Comfy Athleisure Finds

• High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings, from $12 (was $40); oldnavy.com
• All In Motion Seamless Medium Support Cami Sports Bra, $16; target.com
• Water-Resistant Narrow-Channel Puffer Jacket, $48 (was $60); oldnavy.com
• Offline by Aerie Tiebreaker Pleated Skort, $33 (was $65); aerie.com
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers, $120 (was $140); zappos.com
• AirEssentials Half-Zip, $118; spanx.com
• Clean Elevation Legging, $98, vuori.com
• Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab Ankle Socks, $18; amazon.com
• Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $38; lululemon.com
• CloudMotion Base Layer Top, $14 (was $20); oldnavy.com

Whether I’m running, walking, or playing racquet sports, I’m always happiest when I’m active and pursuing my favorite sports while wearing clothes, shoes, and accessories that keep me comfortable. My top must-have is this pair of Old Navy leggings that have side pockets and a waistband that doesn’t budge, no matter how much I move. I’m also obsessed with this Target sports bra that I truly forget I’m wearing, as well as this pair of supportive Brooks Adrenaline sneakers that I’ve repurchased for years. Of course, I have plenty of other favorites like these Feetures socks that are supportive and moisture-wicking, this Lululemon belt bag that’s perfectly sized for gym visits, and this Spanx half-zip that you can wear to work out, run errands, and relax at home. 

High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings

I’ve lost count of how many leggings I’ve tried, but the Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings are my holy grail. Whether I’m running, walking, or playing tennis, these don’t move, which has sometimes felt like too much to ask of leggings. They have two side pockets, which come in handy to store my phone and my car key if I’m exercising outside of my neighborhood, and the smooth, sweat-wicking fabric keeps me cool and dry throughout the duration of my workout. I’ve found these leggings run true to size, so keep that in mind when you pick up a pair. You can get these in up to 18 colors in sizes XS to 4X, starting at just $12. 

All In Motion Seamless Medium Support Cami Sports Bra

I’m picky about sports bras because there are few things worse than spending time in a bra that you can’t wait to take off, but the All In Motion Seamless Cami Sports Bra passed my test years ago. The bra is made from a blend of nylon, recycled polyester, and spandex that continues to move with me no matter the length of my workout or how many times I’ve worn and washed it. It has removable cups, adjustable straps, and a wider band that all offer plenty of comfort and support. I love this bra for working out, but I’ve found it’s so comfortable that I even throw it on when I’m relaxing at home and would rather not wear a bra with underwire. Shop this in seven styles from sizes XS to 4X—just keep in mind that you’ll definitely want to order more than one.  

Water-Resistant Narrow-Channel Puffer Jacket

I live outside of Philadelphia, and one of the best purchases I’ve ever made was a lightweight puffer jacket that I can wear for running and walking outside well into the winter. I own a more expensive style, but I would totally purchase this water-resistant find from Old Navy while it’s on sale for $48 because it’s nearly identical to mine for a fraction of the price. The coat is made from 100 percent nylon with a 100 percent polyester lining to keep you warm, and it has a mock-neck, a full zipper in the front, and two side pockets. Plus, it’s packable! I love the dusty red shade, but you can also pick up the puffer jacket in black or dark ivy in sizes XS to 4X. 

Offline by Aerie Tiebreaker Pleated Skort

I get so many compliments from friends and people I’ve never met when I play tennis or pickleball in Aerie skorts. These skorts always include a fun detail, like the pleats on this Tiebreaker style. The built-in shorts are comfortable and stay put even as I hit shots and run around the court, and the overall fabric that the skort is made from lives up to its lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking promise. Because pockets are a must in tennis and pickleball skorts, they’re built into this style that you’ll want to wear off the court, too. 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers

It’s never a good idea to run or walk in sneakers that don’t fit properly, and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers are the ones I swear by. I have high arches, and I love the arch and ankle support that these provide to keep me comfortable. They’re also lightweight and easy to run in, and I find that they have a slightly wider toe box than other sneakers I’ve tried. I love that nearly every style is offered in plenty of colors to match your overall style (mine leans toward bright and colorful), and I appreciate that these run true to size. Whether you’re new to daily walks or you’re a seasoned runner who clocks many miles each week, you can’t go wrong with Brooks Adrenaline sneakers.  

I have so many favorite things that my workout and athleisure favorites now take up a drawer in my dresser and multiple baskets in my closet, so it’s not a surprise that there are additional finds below. Shop these ultra-soft Vuori leggings that are worth the splurge, this Old Navy half-zip that I reach for as an added layer for outdoor runs and walks throughout fall and winter, these Prince tennis and pickleball sneakers that have gotten me more compliments than anything else I own, and more. 

AirEssentials Half-Zip

Clean Elevation Legging

Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab Ankle Socks

Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

CloudMotion Base Layer Top

Halo Performance Crop 2.0

All In Motion Airy Sleek Crewneck Sweatshirt

PowerSoft Half-Zip

All In Motion Seamless Short-Sleeve Shirt

Prince Advantage Lite 3 Tennis Sneakers