The Best Activewear for Travel Under $100

If there’s one thing I prioritize during my travels above all else, it’s comfort. I’m quite active in my day-to-day life, so I’ve gathered an impressive collection of athletic apparel over the years, and while it pays to have sweat-proof clothing for the gym, I’ve learned that these pieces are also incredibly well-suited for long-haul flights, car trips, and sightseeing days. Since I’m an avid traveler (and activewear enthusiast), I’ve decided to put my years of product testing to good use by revealing my most-loved travel clothing. 

My activewear collection runs the gamut from Lululemon to Amazon. Below, I’ve listed the 10 pieces I refuse to hit the road without — many of which I’ve been wearing for years. Everything falls under $100, and with exercise dresses, skorts, and rompers in the mix, you should have no trouble finding something that fits your unique style while ensuring your unending comfort. 

Lululemon Align High-rise Leggings 25-inch

The season simply does not matter — regardless of where I’m headed or when, there’s always a pair of Lululemon Align leggings tucked into my suitcase (if I’m not already wearing them while traveling). The buttery soft fabric feels like a second layer of skin, and it never digs in or causes irritation during long car rides, flights, or train journeys. These even feature a hidden pocket in the waistband to keep my credit card and ID accessible while I’m on the go. The high waistband is undeniably flattering, and they match with athletic wear and everyday pieces alike.

Aritzia Life New Cheeky Hi-Rise 7-inch Shorts

I could sing the praises of Aritzia’s stretchy, breathable, and skin-skimming fabrics endlessly. The brand’s seven-inch shorts are my all-time favorite thing to slip on while traveling in the summertime. The lengthier inseam is the best hack for side-stepping the dreaded reality of chafing in the summer heat, while the airy fabric has seldom revealed a rogue sweat stain — even when I’m at my worst. Since they hug the body, these shorts are ideal for layering underneath sweatpants during a longhaul flight. In short, they’re my holy grail for daily wear.

Athleta Transcend Built-in Bra Tank

Even on low-stress travel days, I often find myself getting overheated. That’s why I’m naturally drawn to sweat-wicking tank tops for long flights and sightseeing excursions. This longline top is designed with a sports bra built into it, so I don’t have to wear a dreaded underwire bra to feel supported. Despite the tighter fit of the shirt, it never rides up, even when I’m reaching above my head to fit my luggage into an overhead compartment. To top it all off, I love that it never reveals sweat, so I can appear cool, calm, and collected, even as an anxious traveler.

ReachMe Women’s Workout Romper

I’m a huge fan of the Free People Runsie for just about every activity under the sun. If you’re aiming to score the look at a lower price point, you can’t go wrong with this lookalike romper at Amazon for just $43. The top of the one-piece is fitted like a tank top, while a tasteful cutout at the mid-section adds a flirty flair to the otherwise basic piece. Meanwhile, flared shorts are loose and lightweight to help you comfortably  run errands, sit for many hours, or even engage in a playful tennis match. With built-in underwear, you can trust you’ll be covered all day long.

Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings

Gymshark leggings have been a mainstay in my closet for many years, and seeing as I’m just now in need of replacements, I can attest to the brand’s longevity and impressive quality. These high-waisted leggings offer the perfect amount of compression, resulting in a flattering fit, while the seamless design means I never have to deal with errant threads or thick seams digging into my skin. The breathable fabric is sweat-wicking, making these ideal for workouts and stressful travel days. I’ve already collected this style in four different colors, but I’m always eyeing a new pair.

Girlfriend Collective Racer Juliet Strappy Dress

In the summer, there are few things I hate more than feeling restricted by stifling, rigid materials. So, when I discovered this sweat-resistant exercise dress last summer, I was instantly enamored and it has since become one of the most-worn (and most packed) pieces in my closet. Hidden beneath the flattering fit of this mini is a romper that offers all the coverage that a dress does not. The compression lining is smoothing, and the dress features two built-in pockets that are deep enough to hold my phone, keys, and even a few cards. I’m partial to the vibrant citrus shade, but it’s also available in two more neutral options if that’s more your style.

Athleta Mesh Racer Run Mid Rise 4 Shorts

For most of my adult life, I’ve been drawn to tight-fitting, spandex-adjacent shorts for both traveling and working out — that is, until I met these flowy running shorts. They instantly changed my mind because the mid-rise fit doesn’t dig into my stomach, and the relaxed shape offers a full range of movement for keeping active during my vacation. Made with built-in underwear, I always know I’m fully covered in these, and after wearing them on a plethora of runs, hikes, and car rides, I can confirm that they’re a must-have. Some added bonuses? They’re not see-through, and they don’t ride up.

90 Degree by Reflex Power Flex Racerback Tank Top

Simple, fuss-free closet staples are at the cornerstone of any good travel outfit, and nothing fits this description quite like these racerback tank tops. The two-pack is available for just about $12 per top, and they’re made with the perfect blend of wrinkle- and sweat-resistant polyester and spandex. I’ve found that this tank matches almost every piece of athletic gear I own (even though I have it in highlighter green). It’s consequently come with me on nearly every trip I’ve taken over the last several years, from the U.K. to Aruba.

Vuori Halo Retro Skirt

The summer of the skort is upon us, and this basic piece has quickly become the most versatile item in my closet, whether I’m going shopping in Brooklyn or spending a week wandering around New Hampshire. The brushed, ultra-soft fabric is moisture-wicking, which means I have yet to sweat through the heather gray fabric, while the interior lining offers me the peace of mind that I’m fully covered, even when I’m at my most active. This skort pairs with everything in my wardrobe since it’s a neutral color, and when I wear it when I’m traveling, running errands, or even hanging around home, it has earned me endless compliments. Sizes are limited right now, but fortunately Vuori is stocked with other stylish and flattering options that have a wider range available. 

Aritzia Golden Life Divinity 5-inch Romper

One-and-done outfits are practically designed for travel days. As a newer addition to my closet, I’m looking forward to breaking this flattering romper out for a flight to Norway later this year. Combining the silhouettes of a simple camisole with spandex shorts, this romper is the ideal layering piece. I plan to wear it beneath an oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants, so I can properly prepare for any temperature I come across during my time in the sky. It’s also designed with the sweat-wicking fabric I’ve become so fond of, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s unbelievably soft, so I feel like I’m wearing pajamas each time I slip it on.

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