Shop seamless, sweat-wicking activewear from these unexpected retailers
Updated
When it comes to activewear, it’s easy to rely on the major players like lululemon, LSKD, or Nike.
But if you look further afield, there are actually a few unexpected activewear lines that are good quality and affordable, particularly from high-street brands.
We’ve hunted down a few top picks from the likes of H&M, Uniqlo, Target, and more to level up your next workout.
You don't need anything fancy for your workouts. Supplied
NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.
H&M Move
H&M Move is an affordable, trendy activewear line from the high-street fashion brand. With a mix of functional gym wear, yoga essentials, matching sets, outerwear, and even equipment, all your fitness needs are met.
Within the men’s and women’s lines, there are four specific fabrics. There’s DryMove which is moisture-wicking gear for high-intensity workouts, ShapeMove for high-support activities, SoftMove for low-impact needs like yoga, and StormMove, which is wind and waterproof for cold-weather sports.
H&M Zip Up Activewear Jacket With SoftMove
Affordable retailer activewear H&M
H&M Activewear Tee With SoftMove
Affordable retailer activewear H&M
H&M Flared Yoga Leggings With SoftMove
Affordable retailer activewear H&M
H&M Activewear Top With SoftMove
Affordable retailer activewear H&M
H&M Regular Fit Activewear Tank With DryMove
Affordable retailer activewear H&M
Cotton On Body
Cotton On activewear is an extension of the brand’s main line of simple basics. The women’s range offers budget-friendly athleisure wear for low-to-medium intensity workouts like yoga, pilates, or walks.
The range consists of tanks, pants, crops, outerwear, and more... oh, and thanks to its sweat-wicking properties and its trendy, flattering design, it can be worn seamlessly from workouts to coffee, brunch, and beyond.
Cotton On Fleece Lined Active Full Length Tight
Affordable retailer activewear Cotton On
Cotton On Ultra Soft Fitted Tshirt
Affordable retailer activewear Cotton On
Cotton On 365 Keyhole Crop
Affordable retailer activewear Cotton On
CRZ Yoga
Available on Amazon, this activewear line is popular for its buttery-soft, squat-proof fabric that feels very similar to Lululemon’s, but for a fraction of the price.
Items are all below $90, making them a highly affordable staple for low-intensity workouts. And with seamless waistbands, hidden pockets, and “no front seam”, they don’t skimp on comfort, either.
CRZ Yoga Butterlift Women’s Scoop Neck Longline Sports Bra
Affordable retailer activewear Amazon
CRZ Yoga Women’s Butterluxe Biker Shorts 2.5″ / 4″ / 6″ / 8″
Affordable retailer activewear Amazon
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Legging 25″
Affordable retailer activewear Amazon
Uniqlo
Branded as Sports Utility Wear, Uniqlo’s activewear blends performance and everyday usability. Much like its normal range, the men’s, women’s, and unisex items are well-priced and minimalist in design, ensuring their versatility.
Made from lightweight, breathable Ultra-Stretch, and AIRism technology, the tops, bottoms, outerwear, and accessories can carry you through a workout and beyond.
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Active Flare Leggings
Affordable retailer activewear Uniqlo
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Active Biker Shorts
Affordable retailer activewear Uniqlo
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Active T-Shirt (Sleeveless)
Affordable retailer activewear Uniqlo
Uniqlo Sweat Oversized Pullover Hoodie
Affordable retailer activewear Uniqlo
Target
Our favourite one-stop shop for affordable clothing, bedding, homewares, gaming, and toys also packs a wide range of activewear. From active tees and quarter zips to training shorts and crops, Target offers all the men’s and women’s gear you could need at budget prices.
Much of the range is made from soft, breathable, and sweat-wicking material, so you don’t have to compromise on function for affordability.
Target Australian Cotton Blend Cocoon 1/4 Zip Fleece Jumper
Affordable retailer activewear Target
Target Active Double Layer Running Shorts
Affordable retailer activewear Target
Target Active Long Sleeve Running T-Shirt
Affordable retailer activewear Target
Fila Bryant Tech Trackpants
Affordable retailer activewear Target
READ MORE: Keep warm in winter workouts with these lightweight thermals
What does moisture-wicking mean?
Moisture-wicking means that a fabric can pull away excess moisture from your skin when you’re sweating, preventing it from sticking to your skin and weighing you down. It prevents discomfort and helps regulate your body temperature.
Is moisture-wicking good for working out?
Moisture-wicking fabric is a recommended choice for activewear as it keeps your body comfortable during your workout. Cotton, on the other hand, will retain moisture, become heavy and clingy, and might cause the skin to become irritated.
What’s the difference between dry fit and moisture-wicking?
There’s no functional difference between dry fit and moisture-wicking. Both are technical, performance fabrics designed to keep your skin dry during workouts. While moisture-wicking is the tech, “dry fit” is a proprietary trademark.