Best Places To Buy Women's Athletic Wear In Chicago

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

If you like to move the bod, listen up. Whether you push yourself to run or bike an extra mile, swim an extra lap, try other yoga positions or take a new exercise class, you should have athletic apparel that fits you and your sport. How it looks is the bonus that adds confidence and flair. These places understand the importance of proper fit and fabric, some also have an added benefit of style.

Schwartz's Intimate Apparel & Sunset Bay
161 Skokie Valley Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 251-1118
www.schwartzintimate.com

With almost a century of experience, you know that Schwartz's knows how to fit women's sporting needs. The sales force are particularly good on bra fittings, including women with medical challenges. They also carry a wide range of swim wear in their Sunset Bay section.

Fleet Feet Sports
1620 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 587-3338
www.fleetfeetchicago.com

Marathon runners already know about Chicago's Fleet Feet Sports from the races the stores co-sponsor to a commitment for proper training and shoes. Store staff urge customers to choose a shoe by function and foot shape, not color. Staff also know that an important running or workout aspect for women, is proper sports-bra fit. Fleet Feet has so grown in popularity in the Chicago region that with the recent opening of its Lakeview store it has five locations and an Oak Park store is set to open Spring 2015. Click here for area store locations.

Moksha Yoga Center Lakeview
3334 N.Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60675
(773) 975-9642
www.mokshayoga.com

Moksha Yoga Center operates three locations, Lakeview, Riverwest and Bucktown. Yes, they are known for their excellent classes, but all three locations have boutiques with a good selection of yoga apparel; from Purusha People and Karma to Teeki and alternative apparel. The boutique lines follow the Moksha mantra of eco-friendly, fair-trade and sustainable.

(Photo Credit: www.livelyrunning.com)

Lively Running
109 N. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 358-0605
www.livelyrunning.com

Stop by to say hello to Anne or Kate, the two gals who founded Lively Running, and you will see the store carries way more than shoes. However, if looking for a pair that will fit your feet, they know how to analyze your gait and what ever else is necessary for best shoe fit. Just as good is the atmosphere. It's warm, bright and comfortable. They carry apparel for yoga, pilates, running and other athletic workouts. If in the mood for a group workout, join them Thursdays at 7 p.m. when they go for a run.

The Runners Edge
5243 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 649-0853
www.therunnersedge.com

The Runners Edge is a Chicago-only chain with stores in the city's Andersonville neighborhood and the northern suburbs of Wilmette and Libertyville. It holds runs from the Libertyville and Andersonville stores and posts lists of other races. What customers also appreciate is the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The stores carry mostly running apparel but also some swim wear.

Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.