It is just amazeballs how much people are willing to spend on active wear.  I understand, it really is super motivating to jump start a new fitness routine by stocking up on some cute pieces, but going broke for that beach body is a big, fat NO.  Save your cash for the basics you shouldn’t be thrifting — socks, sports bras, and well-fitted shoes (we’ll talk about this in a minute) — and read my guide on thrifting active wear.

Kicking Off Your Shopping 

Summer is the absolute best time of year to hit the thrift store shelves for athletic wear.  Even though you may be sweating it out at the gym all year long, most thrift stores will only have space to stock seasonal gear.  This means yoga pants, athletic shorts, and tank tops are best sought after during the summer months.

Most thrift stores make it easy for you by having an active wear section, however, smaller stores will intermix men’s and women’s wear onto one rack.  Be aware that this may mean even teens or kids sizes may also be mixed in; another reason to always try on your purchases before you buy.

Tanks and T’s

By far the absolute best active wear items to shop for in a thrift store are tops.  Yes, Etsy and Amazon have some SUPER cute and funny work out tanks — save those for your holiday wish list!  To stock up your work out gear just hit the racks!  Here’s what you should look for:

• anything that says “dri weave,” “dri fit,” or “moisture wicking.”  Have you ever had chafing on your thighs?  Guess what?  It WILL happen to your poor upper arms if you decide to run long distance in a cotton tee.  JUST. DON’T.
• if you’re a runner or walker, bright or light colors.  I get it.  I love love love my black on black work out attire, however, lighter colors not only keep you cooler outside but they also are safer for evening work outs.
• longer lengths.  Cotton tanks and tee’s are ok to work up a sweat in but make sure they’re longer than what you’d normally wear to minimize ride up.

Here’s what you should definitely NOT look for — stay away from someone else’s race wear.  Yes, the shirts given out for races are amazing dri weave athletic gear perfect for your training.  HOWEVER, you don’t want to be a race poser.  You don’t want to be running along the trails or lifting at the gym when someone asks you your time for the Indianapolis Monumental.  Honey, just no.

Pants and Shorts Shopping

It’s story time.  On my first round of Tough Mudder, we were tackling a mountain of tractor tires when we hear, “Excuse me? I wasn’t looking but I thought you should really know, the seam of your pants is ripping.”  “Oh, oh no, it’s just going to get worse, too,” said the unfortunate girl behind us.  Don’t let this happen to you.  Always inspect important seams before you buy (and before you wear each time).  This means flip the pants inside out and lightly stretch the seams from mid thighs up through the seat and around the waist.  Check the knees for any worn spots.  Many times you’ll get lucky and find that stash of Reebok Performance capris that someone purchased with only the best, but unrealized, intentions before shoving them into a donation bag.

Thrifting Athletic Shoes is Bad-End Story

Sometimes you can find real gems in thrift shoe shopping, like the perfect pair of pumps for a holiday party. Athletic shoes will never be one of them.  Athletic shoes take a big pounding, whether you run in them or just hit the elliptical a few times a week.  The wear pattern on the bottom tread matches your individual gait and the insoles compress likewise.  It would always pain me to donate brand-new looking athletic shoes, but I knew how much I had worn them and how beaten down they really were.  The short story is this, if you’re seeking shoes to kick off your next fitness challenge, it’s best to buy new.