The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

We Review: Adorable and Affordable Activewear at Forever 21


Review of Forever 21's affordable fitness apparel

Just when you thought Forever 21 couldn’t get any better, the budget-friendly black hole has expanded into the fitness side of fashion. While the items are no Lucy or Lululemon or Nike, they offer replicas in style and design from these big fitness brands that are much more affordable and will pass - as long as you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of quality. But seasoned Forever shoppers already know that high-quality can’t always be expected there.


Review of Forever 21's affordable fitness apparel

Strappy-Back Sports Bra in Black $15
Heathered Abstract Trim Sports Bra in Charcoal $15
So cute, but so not practical. At least for me. I found a similar problem that I experienced with my Fabletics bras as well—not nearly enough support. I would be uncomfortable wearing these even around the house, let alone in public to work out in. Major uni-boob happening with the black bra. Every girl’s nightmare, am I right? The straps, while intriguing in the design aspect, were too long and much too thin to offer any support. The grey bra offered a bit more separation and compression, and the color combo really caught my eye. But again, the straps felt as though they would tear with just one jerking movement. I hate to be such a hater—but a girl’s gotta have the right bra for a successful and focused workout!



Review of Forever 21's affordable fitness apparel

Fold-Over Yoga Capri Leggings in Charcoal/Black $10
These passed the see-through test as long as you have the appropriate size. I did feel somewhat exposed though with such thin cotton material. I wouldn’t recommend wearing these for intense workouts, unless you don’t mind flaunting a bit of sweat in awkward places. However, I see no reason why these wouldn’t pass for decent yoga or lounge pants. On a positive note that they are very flattering for shapely legs!

Texture-Paneled Performance Shorts in Black $13
Not to paint any weird visuals, but I could barely slip this over my booty. Once I did, there was a somewhat fluffy muffin top flowing over the waist a.k.a. nightmare number two. Even if I were to go one size up, the inseam is much too short for my comfort level. While it may be the perfect short to show off a nice rear end, bending over might put on a show that reveals more than you care to share.

While the prices are extremely tempting, I have to say most likely will not rely on Forever 21 for my workout clothes in the future; maybe I’ll try their tank tops or bottoms that aren’t cotton. But I will be trying them on in-store as opposed to ordering online. I would rather spend more for quality pieces that will last longer and not have me worrying about their function or holding up during exercise. I apologize for such a downer review—stay tuned for uppity fitness fashion test runs in the future!

Has anyone else tried out the Forever 21 activewear? Share your picks and opinions with us!

Disclosure: We received the items reviewed in this post courtesy of the brand. The decision to write this review and all opinions expressed are entirely our own.
Comments
Not to worry! Your review was honest with what works for you would probably work for others...you're working out not putting on a burlesque show! Great job!
#1 margot on 2015-04-21 13:03 (Reply)
You are hilarious - and so right! Thanks for the feedback, Margot :-)
#1.1 Kailan Kalina on 2015-04-24 07:02 (Reply)
I feel like we had very similar opinions on this line! I ordered a pair of leggings online and was unimpressed with the quality.. The material is not what I would normally workout in (and I didn't really see the difference between them and their normal leggings!). I might get a tank top or something like that, but I think I'll stick to Lululemon for bras & leggings!
xo, Laura
www.laurasbestlife.com
#2 Laura (Homepage) on 2015-04-21 13:35 (Reply)
Thanks for your feedback Laura! I'm definitely a Lululemon fan as well. Lucy also has some great leggings and cute tops!
#2.1 Kailan Kalina on 2015-04-24 07:01 (Reply)
I love seeing an honest review like this! I often disregard blog posts when I see that they were sponsored or items were "gifted". I tend to think the reviews aren't honest. I stumbled on your blog just a couple days ago and it's now my favorite one to follow!
#3 Amanda on 2015-04-22 09:26 (Reply)
Thank you so much for the positive feedback.
#3.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-04-23 07:36 (Reply)
Thank you Amanda! So glad you were able to find the review helpful. Our readers deserve the honesty! Enjoy the blog! :-)
#3.2 Kailan Kalina on 2015-04-24 06:58 (Reply)
Thanks for the honest review. I'll take a look at these the next time I'm near F21 but will probably stick with my tried and true Old Navy Activewear (and the occasional Athleta splurge). ON is making some really affordable, cute and colorful performance wear lately.
#4 Laurie (Homepage) on 2015-04-23 11:30 (Reply)
Thank you for this honest review! I've been looking at their pieces online and was having a really hard time believing that they would actually stand up in a workout. It's so hard to get an honest take on these things, I was very happy to find your post!
#5 Caitlin (Homepage) on 2016-03-18 07:44 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.