If I’m not in work clothes, you can pretty much guarantee that I will be in some sort of workout outfit. I am extremely picky and opinionated when it comes to my gear. I demand a lot out of it. There are sometimes that I am at the studio for a few hours between teaching and taking class. Therefore, I need quick drying and breathable pieces. Also, they need to stand up to lots of washing and use. These are my tried and true favorites for barre/yoga classes. These top 6 workout essentials are must haves for your closet.
The Top Six Workout Essentials You Need In Your Closet
A Good Pair of Black Leggings
I can’t even tell you my initial sticker shock when it came to lululemon leggings. However, I have had my pair of black leggings for over 3 years and they have held up. They have kept their compression, haven’t faded and have maintained their shape. I wear them all the time and they still feel like butter every time I pull them on.
One Fun Brightly Colored Piece
Something about bright cheery colors right? I have still been wearing these Pink Lotus leggings on major repeat. The softest pants I’ve ever owned, plus the stirrups ensure for a perfect fit. The MeetatthebarrexPL coupon with Pink Lotus is still good till October 25th for 20% off! Get on it! Here are a few other favorites from the line. These Zella brightly colored leggings are on major sale.
A Supportive Bra
Keep them lifted, supported and make sure it is breathable. I have been drawn recently to pretty detailed backs with medium coverage. The Lululemon free to be bra is my fav. They come in so many different colors now, so it’s fun to see a pop of color against your tanks. Reference for sizing, I’m a size 6 in them. I have been majorly lusting over every single piece in the Heroine sport line. This one is under $15 check it here.
Your Go to Built in Bra Tank
I pack the night before. If I don’t have to remember a bra and just pack one top; bonus points. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten to class and have forgotten a bra. Guess who has to teach with her sweet beige bra straps hanging out?? Not a good look. I also have to remember to take my bras out of my bag. I counted three today. One wrapped around my stethoscope. Lovely. My current can’t seem to stop wearing on repeat is the wild tank from Lululemon. The straps don’t dig, are soft and gives good support.
An Easy Coverup
You know for when you need to stop by the grocery store after class and get blasted with air conditioning or have to brave the cold outside. I always keep one of these in the car. This one is my current fav, check out the back detail of it. This grey Zella wrap has been on major repeat.
Your Water Bottle
Jenn, this water bottle has been my total go to. I think I am going to take this relationship to the next level and upgrade to the 25oz. I know it won’t fit in the cup holders but it will lead to less trips to the water cooler. I also am going to cave one day and get a Swell bottle in Rose Gold. It will help cure my total jonesing for the new iPhone in rose gold. Possibly. That’s what I’ll keep telling myself.
Your One Sassy Piece
That one piece that makes you feel confident/sexy/good. Really, it’s anything that when you have no motivation to workout….you put that piece on and you immediately want to go workout. For me, it’s this brand of pants. I mean, there is no way you won’t want to work out after slipping them on. Plus, I tell myself, if I don’t get my booty going…….these pants won’t be looking the same if you don’t get to class. Two of my favorite sassy brands are Solow and Michi.
At the end of the day make yourself a promise to stay accountable for those workouts. Lay out your clothes the night before. Schedule that class. Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Go to the gym immediately after work. Whatever you have to do to maintain those healthy life choices. Set a goal for yourself if you do X amounts of workouts, reward that sustained effort with some new gear that makes you feel like a million bucks in it. What are your favorite workout pieces? What current workout essentials can you not live without? Share your current favs with me!
If you liked this post make sure you check out my fitness tab or my latest running workout playlist. Hope you have a fab day!
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Yes to a good sports bra! That is tied with good workout shoes as most important IMO!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Love that cover up! And I need that rose gold Swell bottle in my life! I have that black tank and I get SO many compliments when I wear it to the gym, so cute! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Through the post I was like check, check check doing good until I got to the built in bra tank – need to find one with a ton of support! And yes to that rose gold swell bottle – it’s gorgeous! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I still need a good sassy top–I just hate how expensive some of these tops are. It’s hard to stomach spending $50-$80 on a top I’m gonna sweat in. I’m still on the lookout for a good deal on those!
I’m glad you’re still liking the water bottle–I see it in lots of your snaps haha. I wondered about the 25 oz too so let me know how it goes. And yes, the rose gold is beautiful! I would just be mad when I dropped it on the concrete and had it roll under a car that I’d scratched up that pretty thing…not that that’s ever happened before…. ;)
A good sports bra makes all the difference! I love the one I got from Pink Lotus!
I have everything on the list, lady. We workout queens know where it’s at, right? I counted two bras in my bag the other day, ooooops!
I have the damndest time trying to find a sports bra that fits me (size: super big/ma’am we don’t go past “D). And when I do find one that fits it’s a work out just trying to get that sucker on! I wish I could wear the cute ones like you posted but no such luck! :(
Trish – tales from trish
lulu’s leggings are well worth the money! Great pics…
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net
YES to investing in some good workout wear! Sure, there’s sticker shock, but with the wear you’ll get out of it and the much MUCH better fit, it’s actually cheaper than Target crap. I have a pair of Lulu capris I got in 2011 that STILL look great, have their shape (and they’ve been worn through two pregnancies now – you can’t tell!) and are still pitch black – no fading or pilling. I think they were $100, but if you average that out over 4+ years of wear once a week, it’s like 7 cents per wear. Dollar cost averaging people! If you workout a lot, don’t buy cheap stuff!
Ditto to a good sports bra. Finding some that fit me is an entirely different beast, unfortunately. I’ve yet to find a cute one. :P
I pretty much think about how I need/want new workout clothes every morning when I’m grabbing my gym outfit!! I have had my lululemon leggings for 5 years and they are pretty awesome. I also have a shorter pair. Those tanks are super cute though and so is well everything else… Good thing my birthday is next week, just another thing to add to the list! Thank you for sharing!! :-)
I’m trying my hardest not to buy a lot of new workout gear until I am officially certified in Pilates and can get discounts, buuuuuuuuuuuut April is too far away…
Also, wunder unders are my JAM. I can never go back to cheap pants again.
Great picks, Amanda! I workout most days so having quality pieces that I look great in is really important to me. I love those pants with the stirrups! I need to get some of of those.
I really need to get a 2 in 1 tank/sports bra – love those tops! And yessss to fun colorful leggings <3
Green Fashionista
I absolutely love that Zella wrap! So cute!!!! I need to find some new holy grail sports bras. The ones I have currently are really getting worn out and I bought them at TJ Maxx quite some time ago. I have washed them so much the brand name is gone! What is a girl to do?!?! Thanks for reminding me to order one of those water bottles. Keeps drinks cool? Yes, please! I remember you talking about them before!
Yes! A good bra can make all the difference! I recently got the Lululemon Tata Tamer and it’s been wonderful
Cute picks! Haha I love that you find bras in your bags all the time. That’s how I feel about socks since I started taking at Pure Barre. It probably is time I go ahead and buy that water bottle, you and Jenn have convinced me!
i love that coverup! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I love packing my gym bag and pre-making my smoothie every night, and heading to Pure Barre before work! Two of my essentials came straight from your suggestions, my Mira bottle and Athleta tights! I don’t have any Lulu stuff yet, but I think I am asking Santa for a good pair of their pants!
I have been dying to get a lululemon pair of leggings, but I’m cheap lol. Loving that last black tank at the bottom. xo
yes!! I love all of this. I think cute workout clothes definitely motivates you to work out!
lol i totally have forgotten a bra many times. i don’t have any bright colourful pieces, or sassy pieces. i’m so boring with my workout gear, but you are so right about a good pair of black leggings. i paid $100 for my lorna jane ones over 6 years ago and they are still good as new, it blows my mind.
Love that cover up! I have yet to find a built-in with enough support for me. I usually have to wear a sports bra with it. But investing in your workout gear is a total must. Especially if you wash and wear it often. The quality shines through in the end. And cute clothes are always motivating.
I think the most important thing is a good, supportive bra! No one wants to see those things bounce around!
I want a swell water bottle too but I hate how expensive they are. I have thought about snagging one during one of shopbops sales though!
“Your one sassy piece” haha love it. Mine would definitely be my “Save water, Drink champagne” tank ;) LOVE black leggings. The Champion brand is fantastic and a steal!
I love the idea of the Built in Bra Tank and it’s stylish too!
I loveee the cut out mesh type legging, they look super sexy and can be worn aside from working out. A built-in work out bra tank is essential because who the heck wants to wear more layers when you’re going to be sweating up a storm?!
Such a great list!I own the Wunder Unders, Wild Tank, and the Zella top and swear by them all! Such amazing pieces and I have had them for so long and they really hold up! You get your money’s worth! I also just got my Mira bottle finally and LOVE it!
Husband and I should buy stock in Lulu because we basically spend our retirement there. The only workout clothes I own. I am head to toe Lulu every day minus sports bra which are from Target. Haven’t been able to pull the trigger on those quite yet. Still dying for a Swell bottle, asked my hubs for one for my birthday ;) great post lady!! love seeing all your adorable workout outfits!
i love that last top you posted! it’s so cute. and i agree with lulu leggings. i’ve had all my items from them for many years and they don’t fail me. it’s worth the price! but problem is they keep getting cute stuff i have to look away so i don’t buy more ha
xoxo cheshire kat
I love all your pants picks! You should totally treat yourself to the rose gold S’well! I still haven’t pulled the trigger on the Mira yet but am waiting for my birthday, but I am totally going for the 25 oz per your recommendation (and through your link!) As a breastfeeding mama I go through ridiculous amounts of water daily! I have a question for you, do you copy and paste the bottom section of your post (follow me on Bloglovin…follow me on Pinterest…) manually every time or is it a widget? I am just starting out with WordPress and am trying to constantly learn from bloggers I admire! Thank you as always!
Annie- All Things Big and Small
I always love the pretty backed bras, but have a difficult time finding one that fits. I am well endowed in the chest and require a lot of support…Otherwise I feel like I am practically knocking myself out! Unfortunately many of the larger sized bras don’t look as pretty. If you know of any cute backed bras that are actually supportive, I’d appreciate a rec! I’d love to look as cute in class as my smaller chested sisters!