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The Cutest Workout Clothes That Aren't Lululemon

8 under-the-radar activewear brands you need to know about, pronto
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Some people love to splurge on dresses or denim. But whenever I go on a shopping spree, I tend to blow my money on workout wear. Printed cropped leggings, cute tanks and strappy sports bras are my weakness.

Suffice to say, I've tried just about every high-end and budget brand there is. And what I've learned is, the best workout clothes have to do more than make you look good. They have to stand up to a nice, hard workout, too (Who wants to be adjusting their pants or worrying about visible sweat during intervals?).

Whether you're practicing your tree pose or perfecting your back squats, these are the workout brands that will have you looking good in and out of the gym.

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For the Fashionista Whose Workout Is as Fierce as She Is
The Brand: Splits 59

The sleek designs of Splits 59's activewear are incredibly modern and fashionable -- fitting, as one of the founders spent time working for Dolce & Gabbana (The other is an avid Ironman competitor). Made in the U.S.A., the designs are crafted from stretchy, breathable, quick-drying and lightweight fabrics that keep you cool while you sweat. We're currently coveting the Kym Noir Supplex Full Length Tight, $120, which are accented with sheer insets and metallic rose gold streaks.

The Brand: Sweaty Betty

Every item from the British workout clothing brand has to pass these three tests: Is it beautiful? Will it help you perform better? Will others covet it? The sporty boutique line has countless options, from sleek and minimalist to bold, edgy graphics for every workout, from swimming to tennis.

The item we're dying to add to our gym bag: the Visama Reversible Yoga Three-Quarter Leggings, $109. Though made for yoga, these pants feature a high-stretch fabric that is perfect for other, higher-intensity workouts. The paneled waistband helps keep everything in place while you're working on your six-pack, and the reversible design -- from purple to black -- means you get two pants for the price of one.

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For the Woman Who Hits Up Barneys After Barre
The Brand: Vie Active

Stand out from the swarms of women in Lululemon at your next barre class with Vie Active.

The high-performance Australian brand just launched in the U.S., and features compression fabrics in amazing prints (think: snow leopard and lava) that keep everything locked and loaded while you're pulsing. They also reportedly help speed muscle recovery time. But what really caught our eye was the Merino Wool Tank, $85. Yes, you read that correctly. Wool. Though it may sound stuffy and scratchy, merino wool is a dream to work out in. It is, hands down, the coolest fabric to sweat in, thanks to its incredible breathability and temperature regulation ability. The fibers help wick away moisture and keep you stink-free for longer.

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For Getting Your Om On, Hipster Style
The Brand: Phat Buddha

We love that these Jane Shimmer Capri Pants, $69, are unapologetically sparkly, but if you would prefer your workout apparel sans glitter, Phat Buddha also makes yoga shorts, tanks, pants and sports bras in an array of colors and prints (think American Apparel for the Bikram set). The founder, Alissa Benishai, also customizes many Phat Buddha pieces for well-known studios like Barry's Bootcamp and Tracey Anderson.

BY ALLIE FLINN | SEP 16, 2014 | SHARES
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