PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Look, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but we’re never going back to wearing real pants. To quote Taylor Swift, “like ever.” 

Since the start of the pandemic, when most began working remotely — and still might — people have been eschewing tailored, uncomfortable bottoms in favor of athleisure gear that can take you from the gym to running errands to the (home) office.  

Brands have responded with luxury sportswear that costs just as much as those designer jeans you never wear any more but are way more cozy. Lucky for us, there are a ton of affordable, and still high-quality, items on Amazon. Here are the leggings, athletic dresses and tops we love for our (ongoing) athleisure era. 

(We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.) 

A Leg Up
I have these buttery soft CRZ Yoga leggings in several colors and they feel every bit as nice as my Lululemons, but at a quarter of the price. The sweat-wicking material also gently compresses, giving you a flattering fit while still being cool and comfy. The pants also come with a seamless waist and side pockets, which are excellent for storing a cell phone when you’re on the run.
Price: $28.Buy Here

Short and Sweet
Also in my closet, these Blooming Jelly running shorts with an elastic waistband and zipper pocket are soft, stretchy and made with a quick-drying, breathable fabric. I love that the shorts come with a built-in underwear liner for an extra layer of coverage, making sure there are no cheeky mishaps while you’re working out. Fair warning, I do recommend sizing up in these shorts.
Price: $24.99. Buy Here

Go with the Flow
For the active tween or teen in your life, these flowy butterfly shorts are a wardrobe staple for my 8- and 10-year-old daughters, who are both avid tumblers. The fluttery bottoms, which come in a ton of colors, resemble a skirt, but there are built-in spandex shorts underneath and a comfortable elastic waist with a drawstring. People ask my girls where they got these skorts every time they wear them.
Price:$24.98. Buy Here

Ready to Court
For an elevated look that’s still effortless and comfortable, consider an A-line tennis dress. An Amazon bestseller, this flattering athletic dress is made with moisture-wicking material and has built-in shorts as well as a bra with removable padding. Adjustable straps help give the dress a more customized fit.
Price: $37.99. Buy Here

Jog On
Part sweatpant, part legging, all comfort, joggers straddle the line between lounge wear and workout gear. These highly reviewed, lightweight joggers from The Gym People have a flattering, tapered leg and a wide waistband that lays flat against the skin.
Price: $29.99. Buy Here

Work It Out
Another Lululemon dupe, this half-zip, cropped pullover sweatshirt with a relaxed fit gets high praise for its warm fleece lining and heavy material. It also comes with a deep kangaroo pocket and thumbholes to help keep the sleeves in place.
Price: $29.99. Buy Here