I’m going to take the liberty and say that anyone in marathon training (or just addicted to running) lives in their workout clothes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fashion obsessed, but with the majority of my money going to races and my time spent working or at the gym, it’s natural that I spend most of my time in spandex and dri-fit clothing. One of my all-time favorite pieces? My Lululemon Wunder Under Crops that I splurged on when I got a promotion last year. Since then, I’ve found myself wandering into Lululemon, dreaming of the day that I will find a killer sale rack. In reality, it’s tanks and tempos the majority of the time…that is until I found Target’s best kept secret.
We all know that Target has workout clothes. I’ve tried some on in the past and sure they fit, but I found my self pulling up the capris, overly hot and the stiching rubbing my sides raw. But given that Target is my secret lover, I gave him a second chance earlier this month with two new bras and two new shorts.
First, let’s talk about the bras. I’ve actually worn these bras for a while now and they work really well for me. They are the C9 by Champion Women’s Seamless Sports Bra – on sale for $14.99 (I scored mine for $9.99 each…long story). These bras are perfect for us small-chested folk. Just the right amount of snugness, without cutting into your side. Plus, they are seamless, wick the sweat pretty well and come in some really bright and obnoxious colors – I love it! The down side is that the colors fade and that snappy neon orange you’ll be so excited about will soon turn into a subdued pumpkin that is a little stretched out. But for only $14.99, I’m cool with looking a little less than peppy.
TWO CENT RATING: Definitely a 4.5 out of 5 stars. If only they didn’t fade and stretch…
Next, the SHORTS and what I’m most excited about. Why did I buy two pairs in one trip? I have no idea…it’s Target…it has a way of doing that to you. Let’s start with my new favorite lounge, lift, yoga, too hot to put on anything else shorts.
The C9 by Champion Women’s Seamless Roll-Over Waist Yoga Shorts (wow, what a mouthful) are like light-weight, stretchy butter. Not too tight to cause unnecessary “rollage” and lightweight enough to feel like your soul isn’t being sucked out by the spandex. The top gray part rolls over so you can make them as high or as low as you want. The only down side? I wouldn’t wear these running. They have a tendency to ride a bit and I found myself pulling the legs down so I wasn’t a total hooch.
TWO CENT RATING: 4 out of 5 stars. These are a gals perfect cross-training spandex shorts. But don’t run in them as you will surely be showing more than what is necessary.
Now for the big one…as mentioned above, there is nothing like slipping into a pair of Lululemons and I haven’t found anything that rivaled it’s snug yet comfortable fit…until now. These C9 by Champion® Women’s Premium Reversible Shorts are the closest thing I’ve found to Lululemon and at half the price ($25). The fabric is thick, yet breathable, and holds the jiggle in all the right places. Not only does it have the same hidden pocket in the thick top band of the shorts as Lululemons, but they are also reversible (changes to an all black short). If you were thinking about buying a pair of Lulus but couldn’t bit the bullet, go buy a pair of these STAT, but just make sure it’s the Champion Premium line.
TWO CENT RATING: 5 out of 5 stars. The same fit and feel of Lululemon at half the price? I’m in!
So there you have it folks, my two cents on some of my latest gear from Target. Tell me, do you have Target workout clothes? What ones? Love or hate?
Happy Running!
P.S. Please note that I was not sent these products to review. I just love ‘em so much I wanted to share them all with you!
I heart Target workout bra’s and tops but have never ventured into their shorts. Thanks for the heads up, I am making a trip STAT!
I just bought 2 built-in bra champion tops last week and I LOVE them. Less than 20 bucks each and super comfortable. I’ll have to look at the shorts when I go back!
I too just discovered Target’s secret stash of running/active clothing. Yeah!
I love the strappy sports bras. They are as soft as those but for some reason I just love being strappy. Not good for me for running though, I’m a little too bouncy. But I’m going to try those shorts!
I’m actually a huge fan of those Champion sports bras, but I have a couple that I’ve purchased at Sports Authority for around $25 each (regular price is $36, yikes!) because they’re made to give a higher level of support. Are the Target ones high support, or does it say on the tag that they are for activities like running? Just curious, because if so, I will need to stock up!
I wish I could wear those sports bras! But these babies need more support! Bummer.
Hope wedding planning is going well!
Blogging probably has a low priority for you right now, but I tagged you with a Q&A award, haha – for more details you can go to my blog…
I love Target sports bras….cheap, and they work!
I love Target C9! I’ve been wearing their sport bras since I was in high school (5+ years). I’ve never tried their shorts though – I may have to take a trip very soon! Thanks for the review!
those shorts…WANT.
As much as I love Lulu, I get a lot of stuff at Target too! I feel like they just updated their Champion line of stuff and I got some running tops for only $14 each, and they are awesome!
You nailed why the lululemon crops are so amazing. I have a pair of the C9 premium and it is the closest I’ve come to replicating that lulu feel. I think it has to do with four way stretch.
I spend too much time thinking about workout clothes.
I totally just got those spandex shorts from target on the sale rack for 12 dollars and am in LOVE! and i also just splurged and got the run inspire crops today! eeeeee
I love Target for so many reasons, but I haven’t even looked at their workout stuff! I will definitely check them out next time I’m there!!
One of my favorite pairs of shorts is from Target! I got them a few years ago and haven’t seen anything like them since… until your post! I’m heading there asap to get some!
I’ve purchased some of the Target sports bras. They’re SO comfortable, I love them. I wish the band had a bit more support though. I’ve been a bit leery about Target pants though, because I bought some full length running tights that didn’t fit well, and sagged. 🙁 Those fold over yoga shorts look great too. Also, I just wanted to say that your legs look amazing!
yesssss! the target shorts are almost IDENTICAL to the Lulu groove shorts. i’ve pretty much made the complete switch to spandex shorts because chafing was becoming a problem with my Nike tempo shorts + summer humidity. Target, FTW!
Unfortunately, my girls need more support so I am pretty much only able to wear a few types of bras when running (and soooooo jealous of those prices!!) but I love the shorts – especially for yoga and lounging around.
I cannot wear the target bras – they just dont work with the girls. I had an emergency one time and had to run into target to get a bra and I bought a different type and that one seems to work well. I need to get to target and get a pair of those shorts! So cute! Its so hard to leave target without spending a TON of money!
i LIVE in target workout clothes. i’ve been wearing the bras for a while and also the tank bras. i only recently discovered the premium reversible shorts and have been wearing them like all summer, haha. i’ll check out the yoga shorts on my next visit.
I had to check out your review on these….see, I have been eyeballing Target’s sportsbras – but in the tween girls department, since they are even cheaper and …well…I just don’t need extra room. 🙂
Good to hear about the C9 shorts! I have a pair of full tights from 2 seasons ago. I still wear them in winter. They have a nice long length, but that year’s model was not as flexible in the knees as my adidas supernova tights.
Nice review!