'Lululemon dupe': I tried Target's new affordable activewear range

The collection costs between $20-$30 but you wouldn't know it after slipping on the buttery-soft pieces.

Aussies practically live in activewear. Whether it's a coastal walk, a brunch date, school pickup, or a pilates class, our national uniform is often a chic matching set. 

For me, I need my activewear to be super comfy and carry me through all sorts of activities, and considering I wear it almost every day, affordability is a top priority too.

Of course, quality is also a non-negotiable. We’ve all had those moments where we’ve bought cheap activewear, and it just doesn’t pass the squat test or, worse, shows off that dreaded panty line.

But if you can’t justify the splurge on high-end brands like Lululemon, there’s good news — Target has just launched its new activewear line, and it ticks all the boxes for mums and anyone on the go.

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Image: Target

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Target’s new Active Studio Soft activewear range

Target's new collection, Active Studio Soft, is designed for low-to medium-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates, but it’s versatile enough for everyday wear. 

The Active Studio Soft line, priced between $20 and $30, is available now in sizes 8 to 18, with size 6 hitting stores in November 2024. 

The range includes 7/8 and 3/4-length tights in various colours, alongside full and crop-length options in black, making it easy to find something you like. 

Made using a buttery-soft fabric, the pieces have four-way stretch capabilities, minimal seams and moisture-wicking technology to ensure you stay cool and dry during your workouts.

In terms of colours, you can expect on-trend neutrals like Oatmilk, Espresso, and Hickory, making it easy to mix and match pieces from the range. 

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Carrie Kirkman, General Manager of Merchandise at Target Australia, says, “With activewear hugely popular here in Australia and knowing how much our loyal Target customers value the quality, style, and prices Target is famous for, we expect Target Active Studio Soft will be the trending must-have of the season.”

She continued, “Target Active Studio Soft includes must-have everyday essential pieces designed to feel like a second skin. With the right amount of support and stretch for low to medium-impact workouts, but also comfortable enough for being out and about, it ticks all the boxes for all-day comfort and wear. It really is that versatile.”

To see if the range lives up to the hype, I put it to the test. Here's my honest review. 

Image: Supplied

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My review of Target’s Active Studio Soft

Active Studio Soft Bike Shorts, Oatmilk, $20 + Active Studio Soft Ribbed Tank Top with Shelf Bra, Oatmilk, $25

First up, we NEED to talk about this tank top. I’ve never found something like this before that manages to be flattering yet so supportive for women with bigger busts. The built-in shelf bra also provides a lift which was unexpected from this style of top, but much appreciated. 

As for the bike shorts, they’re some of the best activewear shorts I’ve ever worn. They genuinely feel like Lululemon’s Align shorts, and hugged my body like a second skin. The length and design meant they stayed put during my workouts, which was great during my spin classes, as I didn’t have to keep pulling them down my legs between each track.

Also, I was impressed that there were no visible panty lines for something in such a light colour. The material felt thick enough to be completely opaque but thin enough to still feel stretchy and breathable. Win, win!

To complete the look, I paired the set with the Casual Mini Crossbody Bag in Oyster, $15, to go for a walk. It easily held all the essentials, like my phone, keys, and lip balm, and also perfectly complimented the colours of the set. 

Image: Supplied

Active Studio Soft T-Shirt, Espresso, $20 + Active Studio Soft Flare Pants, Espresso, $30

Next, I tried the Espresso T-shirt and flares, and if you’ve listened to Sabrina Carpenter, you’ll know that colour is all the rage right now. The top’s lightweight fabric kept me dry during a heated yoga session (the ultimate test), and the panelled design was super flattering on the waist without clinging too much.

As for the flares, I never want to take them off. They hugged in all the right places and stayed in place throughout all my stretching and downward dogs. I also think they’d pair perfectly with many other items in my wardrobe, like flowy linen tops, oversized tees and hoodies.

Overall, I was genuinely impressed with Target’s new range. The quality rivals higher-end brands at a fraction of the price, and the pieces were stylish enough to wear both in and out of the gym.

I'll definitely be adding them to my wardrobe and reaching for them regularly this Spring.

If you’re looking to refresh your collection, the Target Active Studio Soft range is available in-store and online now. 

Originally published as 'Lululemon dupe': I tried Target's new affordable activewear range