Yes it’s true, working out is way more fun when you have cute workout clothes. Call it motivation or an excuse to buy more clothes, but I always want to workout when I’m rockin’ a cute new outfit. Plus, there are just some items that make it more comfortable and enjoyable to workout.

This is especially true for leggings. For example, I have found that I am most comfortable in thinner dry-wicking leggings. If they are too thick I get hot and uncomfortable. Of course not all thinner leggings are made the same. Some are so thin that you can quite literally see right through them every time you bend over to grab a set of dumbbells. I also prefer high waisted so that I don’t have to constantly keep pulling them up and everything stays in place (if you know what I mean). Being 5’4″ I also like leggings that aren’t too long so they don’t bunch up at my ankles. When I can find leggings that are 7/8 length, I know I’ve hit the jackpot!

Over the years I’ve found a couple brands of workout clothes that fit all my criteria, as well as being affordable.

1. Zella

I recently discovered Zella and it has quickly become my favorite brand of workout clothes. You can find Zella at Nordstrom and other major department stores and it is comparable to Lululemon, but for a fraction of the price. In fact, I like Zella even more than Lululemon. Nordstrom is having their Anniversary sale right now which means there are dozens of Zella items on sale now! As mentioned in my What I Bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post (which you can read here), I bought these crop leggings for less than $35 and this open back tank for less than $25. I wore this outfit to do the incline in Colorado Springs this last weekend and loved how cool and dry I stayed. The Zella high waisted live in leggings are my absolute favorite leggings of all time. If you are looking for an all around basic pair of black leggings then look no further!

2. Joylab

I never thought that I would love a brand from Target as much as I love Joylab. Sure, not all of their stuff is for me, but I have found gems from this line on numerous occasions and for a price you can’t beat. My favorite is the matching scalloped set which I wore in my Weekly Workout Routine post (which you can read here). I also recently bought this matching purple set that I wore for a bike ride to Chatfield Reservoir (featured below).

3. Nike

It may seem obvious that Nike is one of my favorite brands for workout clothing, but it is for good reason. They deliver time and time again. Whether it be for gym clothes, a tennis skirt, or a golf polo, Nike has top of line options for any activity. I especially love Nike’s line of Dri-Fit and Nike pro items. The Nike Pro leggings have been one of my all time favorites for many years and last forever too. In fact, I am pretty sure I still own a pair of the Nike-Pro shorts from middle school! Nike may be a little more expensive, but the quality and designs are well worth it.