Enjoying what we're wearing is a lovely part of being human. Feeling good in our clothes can support us in feeling good about ourselves. It's worth our while to invest in clothing that looks, fits, and feels great.
Local places in ABQ to find cool clothes
For both movement and outdoor/hiking clothes, go to REI. REI has a fantastic return policy for its members. If you buy something and discover later (up to one year) that it doesn’t fit or feel right, you may return it, even if you’ve worn it. Find REI online (both retail and outlet). They ship your order directly to the store so there are no shipping charges. REI is a cooperative, and members receive a dividend from their year's purchases.
Lululemon at Uptown. They are right next to Anthropologie in the Uptown center that is across from Trader Joe's. I’d rather wear Lululemon pants than any other for dancing; they fit that well and look that good. The Nulux fabric is divine: soft, lightweight, stays put. Their high-waisted pants are incredibly comfortable. They’re not inexpensive; this is long-lasting, performance clothing. Lululemon offers no-charge hemming on their pants, which also come in long lengths.
Sport Systems on Montgomery is great for running clothes as well as leisure-to-work clothes that are comfortable, stylish, and eco-friendly. They are a NM business rather than a national chain, another great reason to shop there. They often run 30% off sales, though beware: they offer credit only on sales returns.
Strive is a woman-owned, local business at Paseo Crossings at Wyoming & Paseo, a few blocks from Trader Joe’s. Strive has brands such as Prana, Isis, Horny Toad, and Lole as well as a good selection of Tom's Shoes. Their return policy is credit only.
I also find good workout basics at TJ Maxx. I look for brand names that I know perform well, such as Under Armour and Mondetta. The prices are great, and there’s a good variety of jackets, tops, and leggings.
Savers at Carlisle and Menaul. This thrift store is now the biggest Savers in the US. There is another one on the West side near Corrales road and 528. Savers is good for just about everything. I've found fitness apparel, wool and cashmere, sparkle and glitz galore, jeans, work basics (Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic). Remember to shop your size plus one or two sizes above your usual size. As Americans have grown, sizes have shifted. What used to be a 10 is now a 6. Also, the juniors and misses sizes are mixed on the same racks, and juniors can be one or two sizes smaller (thinner thighs, lower rises). Women’s sizes are even numbers, and juniors are odd. If you usually wear an 8 in pants or skirts, you may be a 9 or 11 in juniors. Clothes made 10 years ago may fit you in size 10 or even 12. However, something made in the last year may fit you in a size 6. Enjoy the process of browsing, and know that the size tag is only a very general indication of whether something will fit.
Buffalo Exchange, another place for used clothing, features current styles. Their clothes are oriented more for young adults in their 20s or 30s but they have plenty of fun designer clothes and shoes. They’re in Nob Hill.
Online sources for cool dress up
www.autumnteneyl.com - both casual for work and fancy for work out - These are very soft, comfortable clothes that dance well and are machine-washable. This is an environmentally-friendly and worker-friendly business based in Colorado.
www.queenofheartsclothing.com has lovely braided tops and flowy pants. Jamie Klein in Santa Fe has been retailing these fun, feminine clothes. You can contact her to see when is her next trunk show or if she can order something for you.
This list was revised December 2019.