Where to Shop for Cute Workout Gear in San Francisco

Photo: Target

Everyone knows that you can’t tackle a new fitness plan without new workout clothes—that would be barbaric. If you're looking for a little more motivation to drive you into a routine, it's time to stock up on Lycra and mesh. Your soon-to-be-ripped bod isn't going to dress itself, after all.

The major shakeup in the last year on the San Francisco fitness apparel scene is that Kore Collective in Cow Hollow closed, taking its excellent stock of Ultracor with it. (Don’t worry: Sweaty Betty, Lorna Jane, Titika, Vuori, and Lululemon all continue to hold down the Cow Hollow fort.) In happier news, Hill/City scored a year-long pop-up in Hayes Valley, Stonestown Galleria now has Leggings Park, (an entire store dedicated to cheap leggings), and Target’s Joy Lab designs are killing it in the budget-friendly workout gear department.

So where should you get started with activewear shopping?

The most obvious solution for anyone tip-toeing into the fitness apparel market is Lululemon. There are three store locations in San Francisco, and the ubiquitous brand clothes many a well-toned body around the city. (Plus, their pants, while expensive, last for years.) There is, however, life beyond the 'lemons. Want reversible leggings? Try Sweaty Betty. Need a cute sports bra that supports a D-cup? Try the Victoria's Sport line at Victoria's Secret. Want to keep your money local? Try A Runner's Mind, Sports Basement, or Fleet Feet Sports.

Below, we’ve mapped the best spots in the city for gym clothes at a wide range of prices. Click on the map points for additional information about each location. The highest concentrations of shops are around Union Square and Cow Hollow; if you want to increase your odds of finding your perfect fitness fit, start in one of those neighborhoods.