pants: an exercise in futility

It’s 2011 and time to walk the walk. Literally.

But I have a dickens of a time (do people still use that phrase?) finding workout pants that really fit. I’m partial to a nice, modern bootcut…but many of those tend to cling unflatteringly to my thighs. When I choose a looser fit, I get the old gap-at-the-waist problem. Years ago, though, I hit the jackpot with a pant made by Nike: They’re black with a Bazooka-pink stripe down the side of each leg; loose-fitting nylon fabric; and—favorite part—they have a front zip. They’re almost threadbare by now, and I’m afraid I’m known at the gym as the girl in the black pants with the pink stripes. Sadly, I’ve never found another pair in the stores. Even tried eBay.  Nada. Zip. (Nor, front zip.)

Lots of people recommend Lululemon to me. I’ll admit they are beautifully made and the selection is staggering…but I just can’t bring myself to purchase $98 workout pants. At that price, I’m thinking they should come with a personal trainer.

Lululemon pants: at $98, not my top pick.

So I was happy when the Gap (www.gap.com) launched their BodyFit line, full of well-cut workout wear–including decent-fitting black pants, called gflex–that are half the price of the luxury Lululemon’s. I was even happier when I found a pair of Champion C9’s “Women’s Fitted Stretch Pants” at Target (www.target.com) that do the job equally well—for just $24.99. I bought two pair.

Gap pants that don't gap at the waist; $49.50.

 
 
 
 
 

Certainly not a lemon--Target's $24.99 pant.

 

Now, if only I could get those pants to the gym more often….Any suggestions?

 

5 Comments
  • Susan King

    The Champion fold-over waist style from Target, which I’m wearing even as we “speak”, are a favorite of mine. I’ll look forward to trying the style you suggest! My problem is usually length. These are relatively short, which works well for me.

    January 1, 2011 at 12:47 pm
  • Casey

    I love the Lands End workout pants – under $50 and they have a small zip pocket in the back for me to hold my car key!

    January 1, 2011 at 6:40 pm
  • Hillary,
    You read my mind! I’ve been having the workout wear dilemma for years. Just can’t bring myself to shell out for clothes that will be drenched in sweat. Thanks for these suggestions. I’m ordering them now.

    January 3, 2011 at 4:33 pm
  • Melinda

    Avia bootcut and I got at Ross. Love them and wearing them now. They are just solid black which is my favorite. I’ve also gotten several pair from Wal-mart (Danskin) that look it almost the same. The waistband are just different. I’ve never paid more than $15 for workout pants and I love all mine! (They are all solid black though–I might be boring;))

    January 5, 2011 at 11:35 am