Fashion

10 Cheap Alternatives To Cool Lululemon Pieces

Finding cool workout clothes that are affordable can be tough, especially when the options coming from somewhat-expensive places like Lululemon just look so great. Many a legging-lover, myself included, have tried to find affordable Lululemon look-a-likes. When you score the kind of gym clothes you actually want to be seen out in public wearing, it's a win all around.

For me, it’s simple: Though pricey workout clothes are usually just as stylish as they are expensive, it's tough for me to justify paying more for workout clothes than I do my regular clothes. Even if I had a million dollars in my bank account (donations are welcome), finding affordable workout clothing brands seems to make the most sense right now.

My craving for mesh-paneled leggings and cute sports bras lingers on, so I’ve done some digging to find the best affordable workout gear. If you’re persistent, anything is possible to find. Looking for high-waist leggings in a ton of patterns that also happen to be only $20? Found it! Or maybe you’ve been eyeing a pricier brand's crossed back sports bra, but want it for half the price — it exists!

Thanks to the dollars you’ll save on these styles, you can hop from gym to juice bar in workout clothes you’re proud to wear, without wondering if you can even afford that green juice. Below are 10 awesome Lululemon styles I love (and the more affordable alternatives).

1. Leggings With All The Mesh Paneling

Fishnet Mesh Side Active Wear Leggings (S-L), $21-25, Amazon; Inspire Tight II (Mesh) (Sizes 2-12), $98, Lululemon

Mesh paneling arrived on the workout scene with a purpose: to make yoga leggings more breathable. What they ended up doing was making workouts feel a little more badass. The lightweight pair on the left follows the big workout trend, while costing you less than half of what a brand name pair would.

2. Not-So-Boring Yoga Tops

Laclef Women's Super Soft Knit Cowl Back Yoga Tank Top (S-XL), $17-18, Amazon; Trapeze Twist Tank (Sizes 2-12), $58, Lululemon

For a long time, workout tanks were pretty boring. At most, you'd find a cute racerback. Now, with cut outs and splits, workout tanks that look cute are everywhere. This split back tank at left is just as stylish as its more-than-$50 look-a-likes.

3. Secure Compression Shorts

Baleaf Women's 7" Compression Bike Fitness Running Shorts Back Pocket (XS-XL), $15-$16, Amazon; Groove Short II Regular (Size 4), $34, Lululemon

I love shorts for summer runs, but they aren't as secure as my fitted leggings — these compression shorts solve that. This pair at left, with a similar wide elastic waistband and moisture-wicking fabric, is under $20. And it's leopard print!

4. Cross-Back Sports Bras

TXZTrade Padded Workout Wireless Yoga Sports Bra (S-XL), $18-$23, Amazon; Free To Be Bra (Wild) (Sizes 2-12), $48, Lululemon

If there's one thing I throw my money at, it's a good sports bra. It's a relief to know that a stylish cross-back sports bra doesn't always have to be almost $50. For half that price, this one at left is just as great. It's lined with Dry-Wik fabric, has secure hook-and-eye closures, and molded soft cups for comfort and support.

5. Pretty Patterned Leggings

90 Degree by Reflex - Performance Activewear - Printed Yoga Leggings (XS-XL), $20, Amazon; Wunder Under Pant (Sizes 2-12), $98, Lululemon

I am all about the leggings-as-pants movement, so I don't mind shelling out the extra bucks for a good pair. That said, I'll buy this $20 pair of high-waist secure leggings at left (with a back pocket for hair ties and my phone!) any day. At that price, I could have a pair for every day of the week.

6. Breathable V-Neck Tees

Campeak Workout Short Sleeve Sport T-Shirt (S-L), $13-$17, Amazon; Love Tee III (Sizes 2-8), $58, Lululemon

Mesh is not confined to leggings alone. A quick-dry mesh tee like the one at left is an amazing look-a-like for more expensive V-neck T-shirts, but it costs less than $20. My personal favorite detail (after the price, of course) is the high-low hemline for extra booty coverage.

7. Twisty Post Workout Cover Ups

SHAPE Women's Twist Popover Reversible Hoodie (XS-XL), $10-$19, Amazon; Yoga Haven Kimono (Size 10), $128, Lululemon

Whenever I found affordable workout hoodies, they always looked like I stole them from someone's little brother. These twisted reversible versions are much more my style. With cooling, moisture-wicking fabric (and an under-$20 price tag), the top at left is one you'll want to throw on to go from the gym to the juice bar.

8. Supportive Sports Tanks

Women's Plus-Size Dri-More Racerback Built In Bra (1X-3X), $15-$28, Amazon; Twist and Toil Tank (Sizes 2-12), $68, Lululemon

You could spend money on a sports bra and a tank top, or you could get a tank top with one already built in! The mesh racerback top on the left has a shelf bra designed to support fuller chests, as well as special Dri-More fabric to avoid underboob sweat spots.

9. Printed Cropped Capri Leggings

RBX Active Printed Capri Length Yoga Leggings (S-XL), $20-$28, Amazon; Wunder Under Crop (Hi-Rise) (Sizes 2-10), $88, Lululemon

Like I said, I could live in leggings, but every now and then you have to switch it up and go with a cropped capri version. This pair on the left comes in a ton of perfect prints, just like the fancier brands, for half the cost.

10. Breezy Patterned Shorts

Champion Women's Sport Short 5 (XS-XL), $10-$27, Amazon; Run Times Short (Sizes 2-12), $54, Lululemon

Runners swear by a good pair of breathable running shorts, but if the price tags break the bank, you may only be able to afford a few. This pair at left has a cool pattern and inner pocket, as well as an inner panty and draw cord.

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Images: Lululemon (10); Amazon (10)