Tried and tested: I put Target's activewear to the test at my favourite Pilates class

It did not disappoint

When it comes to choosing the perfect fit for Sunday Pilates, there are a few things I consider non-negotiable – comfort, quality, and affordability. Here’s why Target’s new collection ticks all the boxes. 

Whether you’re a Pilates nut who considers your local studio to be a second home base, or you prefer a casual weekly stretch and tone, it’s no secret what you wear affects how you move. 

Now, like most people, I tend to stick to my tried-and-tested activewear brands – the well-known names and logos that dominate every room of downward dogs and plank-holds. But, contrary to the saying, the best things in life are not free. 

And when you like to sweat as often as I do – and don’t have the time to do laundry five times a week – stocking your activewear supply with the necessary number of crops and tights can quickly add up. 

Luckily, Target has released a new line of activewear staples that won’t break the bank. Here’s what I found when I took their new sets for a test run on the mat. 

Without skimping on quality or comfort, Target has managed to design a chic range of crops, tights, shorts and tops that effortlessly showcase this year’s activewear trends. 

Created to be the go-to wardrobe collection for yoga and Pilates lovers, every piece in the range is made from buttery soft fabric blends to compliment all kinds of low-impact movement. The collection is available in the season’s most popular (and flattering) colour waves, with cool-toned neutrals taking centre stage. 

Lining up the collection, its clear comfort, functionality and style have been front of mind, but after wearing the sets to a few classes this week, I’m more impressed by the quality and craftsmanship put into every stitch. At first glance, it’s honestly hard to distinguish the designs and fits from the industry’s leading brands. 

“Our new Target Active Studio Soft range includes must-have everyday essentials, promoting movement and comfort with quality, style and at prices Aussies will love,” says Carrie Kirkman, General Manager of Merchandise, Target Australia. 

Image: Supplied

“Staying active with style and comfort doesn’t need to cost a lot, and we’ve proven that with our new Target Active Studio Soft range.”

But we all know the real scope of a workout outfit’s potential lies way beyond whether or not it’s comfortable to wear in a downward dog pose. Yes, as Skit Box’s 2015 viral video mocking activewear wearers so eloquently put it, the marker of a great new fit is being able to do ‘absolutely everything’ in it – workouts and all. 

So, diligently wanting to see how Target’s newest range performed, I donned the gorgeous espresso set on my five-hour flight to Perth this week. The verdict? I can confidently award these threads bonus points for everyday comfort, given I dozed off in Qantas’ less-than-spacious economy seat. 

“We’re all about first impressions, and our new Target Active Studio Soft range is set to impress with elevated modern designs that will take you from the yoga or Pilates studio to brunch with friends,’ Kirkman adds. 

Here are my favourite picks from Target’s newest collection.

Active Studio Soft Flare Pants, $30 from target.com.au

Active Studio Soft Flare Pants

Having just spent upwards of $150 on a flared pair of leggings (this year’s most trendy look amongst Pilates lovers and brunch-goers), you can imagine my bittersweet reaction to finding these bad boys. Comfort-wise and fit-wise, these Flare Pants give the biggest names in activewear a run for their money, and as of my first wear a few days ago, will become a staple in my workout rotation. 

Active Ruched Plunge Crop Top, $20 from target.com.au

Active Ruched Plunge Crop Top

Finding the perfect crop top or sports bra is a never-ending mission most women are familiar with. More often than not, it seems the more a bra caters towards providing comfort and support, the less stylish and aesthetic it is on the body. The active Ruched Plunge Crop is the perfect blend of shapely comfort and style, moulding around the bust without the need for any irritating underwires. Of course, the ruched bra is more geared towards low-impact workouts, so keep that in mind before enlisting its support on a 10km run.  

Active Studio Soft Bike Short, $20 from target.com.au

Active Studio Soft Bike Short

Every Pilates girl needs a good rotation of shorts and bike pants heading into another Aussie summer, because despite being branded as a ‘low-impact’ form of exercise, we all know it doesn’t take long before pulses in a booty band can leave you dripping in sweat. 

Active Studio Soft Low Impact Crop Top, $20 from target.com.au

Active Studio Soft Low Impact Crop Top

This buttery-soft crop is the perfect staple bra every woman needs to own. Simple, yet oh-so-chic, the thin straps and Y-back make this the ideal bra to wear on its own, or layered under a tank or T-shirt. While the Espresso colour is my absolute favourite, I have a feeling I’ll be stocking up on the other colours all summer long.

Originally published as Tried and tested: I put Target's activewear to the test at my favourite Pilates class