Activewear for any budget

Who doesn’t love activewear? It motivates you to work out, it’s damn comfortable and there are so many brands, colours and designs, it can pretty much replace your entire weekend wardrobe if you so desire. Since we know having so many options can be overwhelming, we’ve made your job easy by picking out some of the best pieces out there for any budget.
SPLURGE: Stylerunner Body Science Hart Tights - Grey Viper
($120, www.stylerunner.com)
These tights have so much more pizzazz than regular black ones, but they’ll still go with any colour top on your ‘gym gear’ shelf.
SAVE: Betty Basics Betty Legging - Black
($29.95, www.surfstitch.com)
If you’re just after a pair of standard black tights, Betty Basics have you covered. They also come in a three-quarter version for $16.95.
SPLURGE: Nimble Active - Maggie Top Mono
($59, nimbleactivewear.com)
This singlet has a great pattern and it’s very flattering - so it won’t cling to your wobbly bits while you’re burning off your big weekend.
Save: ONE active by Michelle Bridges Twofer Crop Tank
($29, bigw.com.au)
Did you know Michelle Bridges had her own activewear range? It’s full of affordable goodies like this singlet, which comes in lilac, black and mint.
SPLURGE: We Are Handsome The Chameleon Active Crop Top
($88, www.wearehandsome.com)
This floral print crop is so pretty, you’ll be keen to work out just so people can see you in it. (Post-sweat sesh Instagram snap optional.)
Save: Champion Absolute Workout II Sports Bra
($30, www.onsport.com.au)
If you’re just after something to wear underneath your workout clothes, this black number will do the job.
SPLURGE: Running Bare All Weather Spray Jacket
($119, www.runningbare.com.au)
Nix ‘it’s raining’ excuses with the help of this jacket. The colours alone are enough to motivate you on a rainy day, plus you’ll be dry and warm underneath. Monochrome lovers, don’t worry: it also comes in black.
SAVE: Cotton On Body Run Anorak
($39.95, cottonon.com/AU)
This anorak is an absolute bargain. The pattern makes it look quite luxe, but it’s really just black and white, meaning it’s super versatile.
SPLURGE: Lorna Jane Lineback Long Sleeve Excel Top
($85.99, www.lornajane.com.au)
This top is ideal for the cooler months, especially if you don’t like wearing a jacket when working out. It’s a slim fit without being overly clingy and it even has holes in the sleeves to put your thumbs through so your hands don’t freeze!
SAVE: H&M Long-Sleeved Sports Top
($29.95, www.hm.com/au)
Love the idea of thumb holes? This H&M beauty also ticks that box. And if pink’s not your colour, it comes in grey and black, too.
SPLURGE: 2XU GHST S/S TOP
($90, www.2xu.com.au)
Made from 2XU’s lightest material, this top is designed to help you perform better and feel freer while exercising. Who knows, you might even run a PB - all you have to do is pick a colour!
SAVE: Target Active T-Shirt
($12, www.target.com.au)
At just $12, this top is not only comfortable, but a total steal. For a looser fit, go one size up.
SPLURGE: The Upside Run Short Polka Dot
($129, www.theupsidesport.com)
These are ideal for the girl who wants to stay away from the skin-tight designs, but still don something stylish.
SAVE: Bonds Active Running Shorts
($34.95, www.bonds.com.au)
These shorts are also loose-fitting and come in a block colour for those who prefer to keep it simple.
Do you like wearing activewear? Have you tried any of the brands mentioned above?
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104 Member Comments
you should try LEELO ACTIVE... in my opinion its better than Lululemon.
Honestly the comfiest tights I have ever owned. I have so many pairs I just rotate through now! even better, they're a start up label so supporting the little guys!
softest fabric, great customer service, high waisted and they don't slip down when your working out.
They always run sales too so they are usually around $60AUD per pair of leggings which is super affordable.
highly recommend.
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I always buy affordable active wear. Not sure why you wouldn't these days when the quality is very similar to the fancy stuff.
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Target have some great active wear at the moment and I've bought some Michelle Bridges leggings and shorts from Big W which have been great quality and long lasting items to wear. I don't spend a lot of money on active wear .
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Despite the price, Lululemon is my favourite.
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Kmart and target all the way. .
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This is so helpful, thanks!!
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A new item, regardless of price, will inspire me to run
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This is so useful thanks! To add to the list, you can get pretty decent discounts from https://getactivewear.com.au as well
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Online sale sites offer loads of gym wear at discounted prices too
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I do love active wear, some can be so dear though
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Both are equally good but at the end of the day what will last more the expensive one's is my opinion after a couple of washes they will be worth it.
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It's almost impossible to find any decent and affordable plus size activewear that ship to Aus. If you wanna get on that next BH I will be very appreciative.
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Cotton On and H & M are cheap activewear brands, no excuses. Personally I like to splurge (hello Lululemon). Then again I've attended many free yoga classes with them to make up for it many times over :)
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Love Running Bare - such a great active wear brand!
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These suggestions are a bit dated - 2 years ago! I don't thing these would still be available in the shops! However, probably some good brand suggestions to try.
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I kinda splurged a bit too much on activewear just before going on my trip. Did total wardrobe overhaul, and got Lululemon everything. Love the singlets with silver in them as they feel like naked and are superb for 30-40 degrees c (as it was those weeks when I needed them!)
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As long as the sports clothes are comfortable, wash well and do not make me look like a whale I like them. They do not have to be from big brands at all.
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I love my branded workout gear like Nike and Adidas but I've really come to love CottonOn Body's gym wear!
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Some of it is rather dear
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I love my active wear but when i dont want to splurge big w has always helped me out!
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I love my active wear and I tend to favour lululemon for it's fun style and performance. I loved this article, it gave me some alternative brands to check out. I do wonder what kind of performance some of the cheaper version provide
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I don't know what they are like performance-wise, but the cheaper products here certainly look as good as the splurges!
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I find cotton on the best for active wear for both quality and price. I do buy stuff from kmart but it doesn't last as long with constant washing. I save my money on good sneakers as I find price does effect quality.
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I like how even cheaper activewear is so comfy and you can also pick up some stylish pieces.
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I dont really like splurging on active wear. I wash them in hot water in the washing machine after every single use and they get worn out very easily. I cant afford to spend much time on garment care.
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