You don’t need to go high-end in order to kit yourself out in workout gear. Luckily for our wallets, high street is high enough.
From basics like gym leggings and sports bras, to hi-tech fancy footwear and moisture-wicking outerwear, the British high street has plenty on offer for gym bunnies who don’t want to pay big bucks for things that will only get sweaty.
This round-up includes our favourite tried and tested sportswear brands to take the sting out of trailing around the high street looking for what you need. The only thing we haven’t managed to do is make those final ten minutes of spinning more bearable.
2 Pack High Impact Non-Padded Sports Bras (Cups A-F), Marks and Spencer, £18.50 (was £29.50)
You can count on M&S for all your cashmere needs and, as I have discovered, your sportswear needs too. These high impact bras can compete with the likes of Sweaty Betty and lululemon, and the rest of their sportswear range is both thoughtfully designed and versatile. From quick dry performance leggings for £16 to padded jackets for those winter runs for £45, there’s something for everyone.
You can count on New Look’s sportswear collection for up-to-date, on trend pieces at low prices. This vest is a staple for any gym-goer and the rest of the range includes basic leggings (from £8.99) and even a pair of trainers for a bargain £11.99.
Black Trefoil Long Sleeve T-Shirt By Adidas, Topshop, £20 (was £33)
As you would expect from Topshop, their sportswear range is part-fitness gear and part-fashion, which means it’s a bit of a lucky dip when it comes to style versus substance. This long sleeve t-shirt is one of my top pick, as it’s brilliant for exercising outdoors and the high neck keeps you warm.
This new activewear range from ASOS combines fashion-forward pieces with high performance. Designed to keep you cool and comfortable, as well as leading the athleisurewear fash pack, the fitness gear boasts oodles of personality. Just check out these staple leggings. Prices start at just £4.50 and there are frequent sales so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for bargains.
Pro Starry Night Legging (Curve), Very, £40 (was £45)
Very offers a well curated collection of fitness gear, from well-known sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas, to mid-weight, affordable designer pieces from brands like DKNY. Prices start from £7 and go up to £250, but there are lots of items that sit around the £40 quid mark – like these striking intergalactic leggings from their brilliant curve range.
I have to confess that when I’m on the hunt for sportswear, Primark isn’t the top of my list. But, I stand corrected because their offering is varied, comfortable and doesn’t look as cheap as it is. These gorgeous pink trainers might not suit marathon runners but they’re brilliant for anyone who likes a Zumba class, and though the leggings and tops (which start from just £3.50) won’t last forever, they’re a pretty good place to start.
If John Lewis sold branded t-shirts like YouTubers do then I would have them in every colour because I love John Lewis. Their range of fitness gear combines high performance pieces – like shock absorbing sports bras up to a G cup – to stylish additions to your gym bag that will keep you looking good as well as feeling good. They’re not the cheapest on the high street, averaging around £40 for a pair of leggings, but they’re definitely reliable.
Open-back Sweatshirt, H&M, £17.99
H&M’s fitness gear is flattering, comfortable and surprisingly durable. Plus, there’s a style to suit everyone; from those who want to stand out in bright patterns to straightforward monochrome pieces. They’re offering includes ‘Conscious’ pieces and styles to suit every form of exercise – I’m nabbing this open-back top for my yoga class.
I bet you haven’t ventured into a Matalan in a long, long time. I certainly hadn’t but I will be doing more, now that I know about their brilliant fitness range. Thay have tops, leggings, bras and swimwear that are all the colours of the rainbow and start from just £4 up to £16. Take a look at this tropical swimsuit and tell me it doesn’t make you want to dive into the nearest body of water?
GapFit Brushed Tech Jersey Knot-Hem Tank Top, Gap, £26.96 (was £29.95)
Gap has always been my go-to for good quality basics, and their sportswear fits perfectly into this category. It’s not the cheapest – leggings start at £24 and tops from £19 - but it looks like it costs a lot more than it does, and it will last you considerably longer than most people’s gym membership. Flattering, well-designed, in a wide range of sizes and made to ensure maximum breathability, you could kit yourself out at Gap and never need go anywhere else – the only thing they don’t do is trainers.
We all work hard to earn our money – so it shouldn’t feel like hard work to spend it well. At HuffPost Finds we’ll help you find the best stuff that deserves your cash, from the ultimate lipstick to a durable iron to replace the one that broke (RIP). All our choices are completely independent but we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.