Activewear Basics
The 11 Basic Activewear Staples Every Fit Woman Needs
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If you're just now jumping on the activewear train, we've got the perfect checklist for you. Gear up for any and all of your new fitness endeavors with staples every active woman needs (and wants!) in her wardrobe.
1 A High-Impact Sports Bra
For runs, HIIT, and any activity where you'll be bouncing a lot, you'll want to keep everything in place with a solid compression bra.
Adidas Micro-Camo Print Bra ($30)
Nike Pro Classic Padded, pictured ($40)
Lucy High Impact Bra ($69)
2 Training Shoes
You may have a pair of sneakers in your closet — but are they for training? Make sure you have the right gear for weightlifting, gym sessions, and cardio conditioning classes (and don't wear running shoes when you're not running!).
Reebok ZPrint Her MTM, pictured ($80)
3 Running Shorts
Loose, comfortable, lined running shorts are essential for warmer months. You can wear these to the gym, too.
Under Armour Perfect Pace Running Short ($30)
Nike Dry Modern Tempo Women's 3" Running Shorts, pictured ($45)
Tracksmith Waban Short ($70)
4 A Basic Tank Top
Stay cool and allow a greater range of motion for your arms with a sleeveless tank. Toss it on over your favorite sports bra with leggings or shorts, and you're good to go.
GapFit Breathe Heathered Tank, pictured ($25)
5 Basic Black Yoga Pants
Every active girl's got 'em. And they're definitely not just for yoga. Your staple black tights will go with everything and carry you from classes to gym time to a run.
Old Navy Go-Dry Mid-Rise Yoga Leggings ($20)
Beyond Yoga Women's Take Me Higher Leggings ($88)
Lululemon Align Pant, pictured ($98)
6 Your Favorite Gym Tee
If you don't have a casual tee to throw on when you're running out the door to the gym, now's your time to pick one up.
Old Navy Semi-Fitted Go-Dry Cool Running Tee ($14)
Adidas Women's Boyfriend Tee, pictured ($30)
7 Tab Socks
You may not realize the brilliance of tab socks until you're 12 minutes into a class or run and your socks keep slipping down on your heels and you're blistering and fumbling with your shoes every few minutes (essentially destroying your workout). Get yourself a few pairs of tabbed socks to avoid this fiasco.
Zella Z By Nylon Back Tab Sport Socks, Pack of 3 ($10)
New Balance Socks 3-Pack ($13)
Nike Elite Running Cushion No Show Tab 1-Pair Pack, pictured ($16)
8 Running Shoes
Running shoes are different for everyone, so make sure you get fitted for the best shoe for your foot and stride.
Adidas Energy Cloud ($65)
Brooks Addiction 12 Running Shoe ($120)
APL Techloom Phantom Running Shoe, pictured ($165)
9 Compression Shorts
If you're not into baggy shorts or you need something tighter for a Spin sesh, yoga class, or time on the weight floor or track, compression shorts are necessary.
Old Navy Go-Dry High-Rise Compression Shorts ($17)
10 A Light-Impact Bra
For activities like barre and yoga, a high-impact compression bra might not be super comfortable. These are also the classes that allow you to wear the prettier, strappier bras that you've been eyeing.
C9 Strappy Back Sports Bra ($20)
Alo Yoga Aria Bra ($58)
Le Mystere Women's Wireless Sports Bra ($62), pictured
11 "Fun" Tights
You'll have your basic black pants, but it's OK to have one pair of printed, pattern, or luster leggings in your activewear arsenal.
Freedom High Waist Leggings Purple ($28)
Koral Women's Lustrous High Waist Leggings ($88)
Alo Women's Moto Leggings, pictured ($110)
