Tucson isn't known for being too fancy. We sure love ourselves a pair of leggings, a baggy t-shirt, and some sandals to complete our look. Blame our laissez-faire attitude towards fashion on the heat, the desert, or just the fact that we're just more laid back here. Looking cute while keeping it casual is a way of life in these parts, and there are some great spots in town to pick up some new or gently used pieces. So read on if you're like me and would take a pair of comfy joggers over a suit any day of the week.
La Encantada Mall
Hit up the beautiful outdoor shopping center, La Encantada, for multiple stores carrying comfortable athletic wear. Athleta carries everything from leggings and sports bras, to joggers and light-weight tees. They also have sweat-wicking fabrics and travel-friendly apparel. I love the fit and style of Athleta clothing. Their leggings with pockets are so comfy and make for a great pair of run-around town pants.
Also located at La Encantada is the OG of athleisure wear, LuluLemon. Pop in and pick up some classic black leggings and find out what all those wealthy soccer moms are raving about. Lulu Lemon carries men's clothing too. Find joggers, t-shirts, running shorts, and more within the arch of the Lulu Lemon doors. They're pretty pricey, but many long-time wearers swear by them.
Second-Hand Shopping
If spending $100 on new leggings isn't quite your style, Tucson offers a broad variety of second-hand clothing shopping. I have had the pleasure of finding a pair of Lulu Lemon leggings for $10 at a local consignment shop. You can save so much and still look cute by buying gently used. Head to Uptown Cheapskate or Buffalo Exchange to get access to gently used athleisure wear at really great prices. You can usually find leggings, joggers, light-weight tops, and more, at these types of stores.
Head to Phoenix
Maybe Tucson doesn't quite have what you're looking for. Take a day and head up to Phoenix to find some more great shops. I love popping into the Scottsdale Quarter to shop at my favorite store, Albion Fit. They carry both athleisure and swim in adorable prints, fits, and colors. I am in love with the fit of Albion's swim. They make clothing for real bodies. In the summer I practically live in their swimsuits. You'll never find a comfier pair of joggers either. Their Jetsetters, the jogger style, is one of their top styles. You really need to check them out if you love comfy athletic wear.
Kierland Commons, the shopping area right across the street from Scottsdale Quarter, has a few athleisure stores too. Lorna Jane is one of the great options. This athleisure wear company from Australia has rave reviews for their Lotus Leggings. They also carry easy-to-wear pants, skirts, and tops for jetting around town in comfort.
Budget-Friendly
The best part of the athleisure trend is that it doesn't have to cost a lot to be comfortable. Head over to your local Target to check out their line of comfortable, light-weight joggers, adorable print leggings, and super comfortable shorts. I recently went on a trip and picked up a few pairs of running shorts at Target and I practically wore them the whole time. They were so comfortable!
Other affordable options include H&M, Forever 21, Wal-Mart, and Cotton On. I love American Eagle Outfitters sister brand Aerie for super cozy tops and sweaters. We have all of these shops available to us right here in town. You can even pop over to the outlet mall in Marana to get great deals on Adidas, Underarmor, and Nike.
So get comfortable and chic by shopping in town for some great athleisure wear.