Exercise clothing recommendations please :-)

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Hello everyone - I'm trying to get back into running after having a baby but have been demotivated by ankle injury. Shopping always makes me feel better so I'd like to buy some new kit, but I'm not sure where from, or which brand is best. My old stuff is a bit of a hodge-podge collected over the years.

I love the look of Sweaty Betty clothes but OUCH - it's pricey!

My dream gear would:

Consist of running tights (long or capri-length) and vest tops
Wash well over and over again
The tights/leggings wouldn't be thin and see-through in the bum
Not cost a fortune
Look fab

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

H&M do really good quality items, love their high waisted leggings.

I have Sainsbury and Tesco (Davina range) running tights that are as great (worn and washed hundreds of times) as Nike and 2xu branded ones. I have some lovely Under Armour ones too.

I like Decathlon stuff for fit and price:

www.decathlon.co.uk/C-308412-kalenji/N-327375-gender~women

Have tried various running leggings and have found the Nike Drifit ones to be excellent. Not too warm or cold, stay up, feel really nice and soft.

Would also recommend Asics trainers. I got mines on a sale site and saved quite a bit.

Also find a sports watch really good for keeping me motivated.

Wiggle dhb running tights are great. But boring. Lucy locket loves for fun leggings!

Ahhh brilliant - thanks so much, everyone, I'll have a happy couple of hours this afternoon looking at these options!

Another vote for Decathlon for price and wear & tear.
Tikiboo do fun leggings that are squat proof but i know they are low on stock at the moment as the factory has been closed due to Covid for a number of weeks.

I like under armour.

Don't forget to actually run though! This could be procrastishopping.

Why not make a list of the bits you'd like and set them as targets.

So run 3 times a week for two weeks...new sports bra.

Manage a 5k...order the leggings

This worked for me after previous failed attempts to get back to running. Shopping for gear won't make you a runner, going for a run will. I suspect you have enough to wear to get started.

Just go run and stop pissing about

Sweaty Betty do amazing sales. Often. I buy most of my stuff from them because it lasts forever and fees amazing. Hold out for the next sale.

I would spend the money first on proper running shoes and a sports bra.

The rest of the kit can be from pretty much anywhere.

I have a lot of leggings from BAM [https://bambooclothing.co.uk/category/womens-bamboo-clothing/bottoms/leggings/ BAM]] also Primark, Decathlon. ALdi/Lidl Recently purchased from this company Their stuff is okay too (I had a good discount code) Sundried

Parkrun do a range called Contra. It's not as cheap as some others but they are good quality.

But the most important is your shoes and your bra

Another vote for Decathlon!

For colourful leggings lucy locket loves or luesque leggings!

I've been looking at Lucy Locket Loves on ebay and they look right up my street but what does "size 1" mean? I've checked the website and am none the wiser.

My most favourite running leggings are 3/4 length from M&S though I don't own any SB!!

I love aybl fitness clothing, their leggings are nice and thick and keep themselves held up which I struggle with! They are nice and high-waisted as well so look flattering.

Agree with chickadeee - I've built up quite the collection over several sales - all lasted brilliantly. But try lots, because not every pair meets the squat test!

@nevergooogle Procrastishopping - love it! Although sadly I can't run at the minute as I've sprained my peroneal ligament for the third time in 18 months; it's really demoralising as each time I think "I'm BAAAAACK!" it happens again. So the gear is really to make me try AGAIN. I don't know what's happened to me - I used to run half-marathons and I did a full marathon as well - but now it's like my ankle is made of spun sugar. I always diligently follow physio advice too

@goatley totally agree re. sports bra - I've found an elasticated band called a boobuddy and it's absolutely brilliant.

I have new (better) shoes en route too

Oooo some brands I've never heard of - Lucy Locket Loves etc.

Thanks everyone

I always end up back with Asics (because I'm not paying £90 for Sweaty Betty tights either) Other more fashionable brands have things that look nice but the Asics are always the most comfortable, stay up, have proper pockets and stay looking new longest.

Lidl running socks are best.

Glad I found this thread. Was just wondering the same. I’m on Week 5 of C25K and really want some running tights that stay up! I have a bit of a tummy so find the ones I have always roll down, very annoying!

I’m going to treat myself when I finish the program

@ShowOfHands

I've been looking at Lucy Locket Loves on ebay and they look right up my street but what does "size 1" mean? I've checked the website and am none the wiser.

Size 1 is usually on the casual leggings rather than the sports one, and covers size 8-12/14.

LAP Activewear for cool leggings that definitely won't go see through

Just had a look at LAP Activewear - the leggings look fab! I like the hoodies too

Thought I'd update this thread in case anyone was following recommendations.

My leggings from LAP Activewear arrived and I'm disappointed with them - the black patterned pair is most definitely not squat-proof; the material goes much lighter where it's even slightly stretched even though the sizing is correct. The grey leopard print pair is a bit better, probably because they're a lighter pattern so it's not as obvious. Secondly, they're sold as capri length but actually they're knee-length and not flattering at all.

I've emailed their customer services team as I'm hoping to exchange both pairs for full-length tights as they might be better. I'll update if my experience with them is favourable!