Finding quality gym wear without spending a fortune can be a challenge. Yet, research has consistently shown that performance in the gym can be influenced by the comfort, fit, and functionality of training clothes.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research noted that compression garments can enhance proprioception and muscle performance, especially during strength training (MacRae, Cotter, and Laing, 2011).
[wpcode id=”229888″]However, this doesn’t mean that expensive brands are the only source for effective workout gear. Here are five alternative places to get cheaper training clothes for the gym without compromising on quality.
1. Discount Retail Chains
Why They Work
Discount retail stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross Dress for Less offer brand-name athletic wear at a fraction of the price. These outlets purchase overstock and out-of-season items from premium brands and pass on the savings to consumers. According to a consumer price analysis by the National Retail Federation (NRF), discount stores can offer savings of up to 60% compared to traditional retail outlets.
What to Look For
Focus on function rather than fashion. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics, ergonomic seams, and reinforced stitching. These qualities ensure the durability and breathability needed for intense workouts. Scientific research supports the importance of moisture-wicking materials in regulating body temperature and minimizing skin irritation during exercise (Gavin et al., 2001).
Tips for Best Finds
Go mid-week when new stock typically arrives. Sizes vary depending on shipments, so flexibility will maximize your chances of scoring a deal. Try on items if possible, since some pieces might be irregular or mislabeled.
2. Online Marketplaces and Flash Sale Sites
Why They Work
Websites like Poshmark, Mercari, and ThredUp allow consumers to buy gently used or new-with-tags athletic wear from individual sellers. Additionally, flash sale sites like Zulily and HauteLook offer limited-time discounts on brand-name workout gear.
Science Behind the Savings
A study by Deloitte found that online resale platforms are growing nearly 25 times faster than the broader retail market. Consumer behavior trends indicate increased trust in peer-to-peer commerce, especially among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers.
What to Look For
Filter searches by brand, condition, and size. Prioritize listings with multiple photos and detailed descriptions. Focus on essentials like leggings, tanks, and sports bras made from technical fabrics that retain shape and functionality over time.
Tips for Best Finds
Set alerts for your favorite brands and sizes. Use buyer protection policies to ensure you’re covered in case of misrepresentation.
3. Supermarket Apparel Lines
Why They Work
Major grocery chains such as Walmart (through brands like Athletic Works), Lidl, and Aldi offer surprisingly robust lines of athletic wear. These private-label collections are typically developed with cost-efficiency in mind, leveraging economies of scale and direct-to-consumer supply chains.
Cost vs. Performance
Research from the University of Leeds indicates that many private-label fabrics perform comparably to high-end counterparts in terms of elasticity, moisture management, and abrasion resistance (Williams et al., 2014). While they may lack the aesthetic polish of premium brands, they deliver solid functional value.
What to Look For
Focus on staple pieces: compression leggings, racerback tops, and base layers. Inspect stitching, stretch, and fit before purchase.
Tips for Best Finds
Shop during seasonal stock rotations, typically in early spring and late summer. Look for multipack deals or limited-edition collections, which often offer the best value.
4. Outlet Stores and Manufacturer Clearance Sales
Why They Work
Brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Reebok operate factory outlets and online clearance sections that provide heavily discounted prices on past-season items and overstock.
Retail Psychology and Economics
Retail studies have shown that outlet pricing strategies use tiered markdowns to clear inventory while maintaining brand loyalty. According to Harvard Business Review, outlet stores serve as a profitable secondary channel to move inventory while giving price-sensitive customers access to branded goods (Simchi-Levi, 2013).
What to Look For
Look for outlet-exclusive items made specifically for the outlet store, which may differ slightly in construction. Prioritize basics and classic styles less influenced by seasonal trends.
Tips for Best Finds
Sign up for newsletters to get early access to clearance events. Shop during major sales weekends like Labor Day or Black Friday for additional discounts.
5. Social Media Marketplaces and Local Community Boards
Why They Work
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and neighborhood-focused apps frequently feature gym clothes for sale or trade. Many individuals sell new or lightly worn workout gear that no longer fits or was gifted in error.
Community Exchange and Circular Economy
The circular economy promotes reusing and recycling goods to reduce environmental impact. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, extending the life of clothing by an extra nine months reduces carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%.
What to Look For
Prioritize listings from local sellers to minimize shipping costs. Request close-up photos and details on material and size.
Tips for Best Finds
Be polite but quick in responding to listings. Bundle items for better pricing and consider community swap events for broader access.
Bibliography
Gavin, T.P., Babington, J.P., Harms, C.A., Ardelt, M.E., Tanner, C.J. and Houmard, J.A., 2001. “Clothing fabric and exercise hyperthermia.” International Journal of Sports Medicine, 22(4), pp.275-280.
MacRae, B.A., Cotter, J.D. and Laing, R.M., 2011. “Compression garments and exercise: garment considerations, physiology and performance.” Sports Medicine, 41(10), pp.815-843.
Simchi-Levi, D., 2013. “You don’t have to be a fast fashion retailer.” Harvard Business Review, 91(10), pp.61-66.
Williams, J., Smith, J., and Taylor, A., 2014. “Comparative analysis of private label and branded sportswear textiles.” University of Leeds Textile Performance Report.
Deloitte, 2020. “The rise of resale: Understanding the secondhand market.” Deloitte Consumer Industry Report.
National Retail Federation (NRF), 2019. “Consumer Price Perception in Off-Price Retail.” NRF Research Division.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017. “A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future.”
Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| Discount Retail Chains | Offer savings up to 60% on brand-name gear; prioritize functionality over fashion |
| Online Marketplaces | Fast-growing resale market; filter for condition and quality materials |
| Supermarket Apparel Lines | Low-cost private labels with decent performance; shop seasonal stock |
| Outlet Stores | Direct access to brand deals; shop outlet-specific items during sales periods |
| Social Media Marketplaces | Tap into local reselling for eco-friendly, budget gear; communicate quickly and clearly |
image sources
- bar facing burpee: Bastien Plu / Unsplash
