From sweat-wicking tees to hooded vests, this affordable athletic apparel will keep your child comfortable during PE classes and sports practices this fall
By: Hollis Templeton
($43, rei.com)
This breathable basic takes your child from the classroom to the soccer field on a chilly day. Polyester wicks away moisture and side panels with a touch of spandex make moving around easy. The fabric also has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50, so your little one will be safe from the sun.
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($70, sportsauthority.com)
The RealFlex is a lightweight training shoe that’s made to help kids’ feet move naturally. A rubber sole features a layer of tough yet flexible nodes to keep feet stable on uneven surfaces. (Related: 10 Healthy Kids' Snacks You'll Love, Too)
Free Poster: Go Running
($22, ivivva.com)
If you’re a Lululemon devotee, you’ll love the company’s line of dance and activewear for girls. The Keep UR Cool Racer’s body-skimming fit will help your child focus on her moves, not her clothes. Plus, the tank is made from cotton-like Luon, and it's pre-shrunk so there’s no surprises after the top’s first wash. If you’re a fan of the black and pink print, pair the tank with Ivivva’s matching Take Me to the Gym Bag ($68), the perfect carryall for practice or a sleepover.
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($13, oldnavy.com)
This polyester-spandex shirt works for days when gym class is scheduled to take place outside. Long sleeves keep your child warm and sweat-wicking fabric cools skin down once she gets moving.
Help Your Kids Commit to Being Fit
($9, target.com)
At less than $10 a pop, you can stock up on this gym day staple. The moisture-wicking tees have built-in UV protection and come in a variety of colors, like navy, lime, red, and orange.
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($22, sportsauthority.com)
These polyester shorts are great for a game of basketball or any fast-paced gym class activity. An elastic waistband adds comfort and allows for a customized fit.
($13, target.com)
Water-repellent fabric, mesh sides, and an inner brief give these inexpensive shorts something extra. Plus, they’re available in so many patterns and color combinations that she’ll have a different pair to wear at every practice.
($65, brooksrunning.com)
The eye-catching PureFlow is a super light and bendable running shoe that has plenty of comfortable cushioning and a reinforced toe for extra durability.
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($56, ivivva.com)
These cropped yoga pants look just like mom’s. A relaxed leg opening and split hem increase range of motion, while a wide, smooth waistband prevents digging and skin irritation.
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($17, oldnavy.com)
These versatile polyester pants with pockets and an elastic waistband will be worn all season. They’ll work in a gym class game of capture the flag, or they can be pulled on over shorts for lacrosse practice when the air is crisp.
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($40, thenorthface.com)
When temperatures start to dip, pill-resistant Polartec 100-weight fleece provides lightweight warmth without bulk. And good news for girls who are rough on their clothes: the Glacier vest comes with a lifetime warranty.
Workout Gear You Can Wear All Day
($20, ua.com)
This sweat-wicking tee is anything but basic. The lightweight fabric is built with UPF 30+ sun protection and anti-odor technology that prevents the growth of microbes. The polyester-elastane blend provides plenty of stretch and chafe-free seams make the shirt fit comfortably next to skin.
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($10, oldnavy.com)
This polyester-spandex tag-free sports bra won’t bother girls while they’re in the middle of a game. GoDRY jersey fabric is soft and helps keep moisture off of skin, while a mesh panel keeps backs cool.
($40, columbia.com)
This midweight mock neck long sleeve layering tee works double-duty. Omni-Wick inserts under arms and on the sides keep kids dry and comfortable, and Omni-Heat thermal lining provides lightweight warmth.
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($90 and up, nike.com)
The Nike Sport iD bag is a bit of a splurge, but it’s as fun as it is functional. Begin with a bag that has vented wet and dry compartments (perfect for stashing clothes after practice) along with a separate compartment for shoes. Then customize the tote with school colors, an embroidered logo (sports icons or school mascots), and a monogram.
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($19, rei.com)
A quick-drying blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex is perfect for sweating in cool temperatures. When winter rolls around, the hat is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The girl’s beanie also has a hole in the back to hold a ponytail.
($12 for a 3-pack, ua.com)
These antimicrobial, no-show socks wick away sweat to keep little feet cool and dry. Strategic cushioning provides shock protection and arch support helps reduce foot fatigue during activity.
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($15-17, sparklysoul.com)
This glitzy accessory features a band that’s elastic all around, so it won’t break hair, cause headaches, or slip out of place when your daughter’s going for a goal. The bands come in two sizes and 12 colors and were designed by a marathoner and a triathlete who were sick of having hair in their faces during exercise.
Read Fitbie’s review of the hair accessory here!
($13, camelback.com)
Toting an adult-size water bottle can weigh a kid down. This smaller CamelBak canteen holds 12 ounces and is spill-proof and BPA-free. The easy-to-clean water vessel is also dishwasher safe.
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