How to Save on Activewear at Nordstrom in January 2026

Beyond providing a high-level overview of Nordstrom's activewear offerings, our goal is to equip you with the specific strategies and insider knowledge needed to maximize your savings. This guide will delve into the types of activewear deals you can expect to find, how Nordstrom stacks up against its competitors, and a comprehensive breakdown of every possible way to save money on your favorite athletic brands. We'll explore everything from their iconic sales events to the nuances of their loyalty program, ensuring you have all the tools you need. While you won't often find traditional Nordstrom activewear promo codes, there are countless other avenues for discounts that can lead to even greater savings.

Whether you're looking to score a deal on a high-performance running jacket or simply want to refresh your collection of yoga pants without breaking the bank, this article will serve as your ultimate resource. At DealNews, our expert team works tirelessly to vet every offer, so you can shop with the confidence that you're getting the best possible price.

What Kinds of Activewear Deals Can I Find on Nordstrom?

While Nordstrom is known for its premium selection, it offers a surprising variety of ways to save on activewear. The key is knowing when and where to look. Deals aren't limited to a single type of promotion; instead, they come in the form of major seasonal sales, clearance events, loyalty rewards, and special brand-specific offers. This multi-faceted approach means that with a bit of planning, savvy shoppers can almost always find a way to get a discount on high-quality gear.

You can expect to find a wide array of activewear on sale at any given time, but the deepest discounts are often available during their major savings events. Here are some of the most common categories where you can find a great deal:

• Leggings and Tights: Look for markdowns on everything from Zella’s bestselling Live In leggings to premium styles from brands like Alo and Vuori, often with discounts on seasonal colors.
• Sports Bras, Tops, and Tanks: End-of-season sales are a fantastic time to stock up on sports bras for all impact levels, as well as tanks and long-sleeve tops from brands like Sweaty Betty and Free People Movement.
• Joggers, Pants, and Sweatpants: You'll frequently find deals on comfortable and stylish joggers perfect for the gym or lounging, with popular brands like Nike, Zella, and Vuori often featured.
• Shorts: As the weather warms up, look for sales on active and running shorts from top performance brands.
• Dresses, Skirts, and Skorts: Perfect for tennis, golf, or a sporty everyday look, you can find deals on athletic dresses and skirts, especially during spring and summer clearance events.
• Coats, Jackets, and Hoodies: Expect significant savings on outerwear like jackets, vests, and cozy sweatshirts during the Half-Yearly sales as the seasons change.
• Athletic and Running Shoes: While apparel is a major draw, don't overlook deals on athletic sneakers and running shoes from top brands like Nike, HOKA, and On.
• Kids' Activewear: The same great brands often have kids' lines, and you can find discounts on pint-sized leggings, hoodies, and sneakers during major sales events.
• Socks and Accessories: Stock up on essentials like performance socks, hats, and other athletic accessories, which are frequently included in sitewide sales.
• Athletic Gear and Equipment: Beyond clothing, you can sometimes find deals on wellness and workout gear, including items like yoga mats, water bottles, and other fitness accessories.

The most dedicated deal seekers know that patience and timing are everything. While you can find new items added to the sale section weekly, the most significant events offer the steepest discounts. The annual Anniversary Sale in the summer is legendary for its deals on new fall arrivals, but don't overlook other key moments. The Nordstrom Black Friday sale, for example, is another fantastic opportunity to find deep discounts of up to 50% or more on activewear, making it a perfect time to shop for holiday gifts or to treat yourself to a new workout set.

How Does Nordstrom Stack Up with Competitors?

When it comes to shopping for activewear, Nordstrom stands out for its curated selection of high-end and cult-favorite brands, but it's far from the only player in the game. Retailers like Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch, Boscov's, and Old Navy also offer compelling activewear lines and savings opportunities that appeal to different types of shoppers. Understanding their unique strengths can help you decide where to find the best value for your specific needs.

For shoppers seeking affordable, reliable basics, it’s hard to beat the Old Navy activewear discounts that are available almost constantly. Their PowerSoft and PowerChill fabrics have gained a loyal following, and with frequent sales and their "Super Cash" program, it's rare to ever pay full price. While they lack the premium third-party brands found at Nordstrom, their in-house line offers impressive quality for its low price point.

Abercrombie and Fitch has successfully pivoted with its YPB (Your Personal Best) activewear line, which competes directly with brands like Alo and Lululemon but at a more accessible, mid-range price point. The brand focuses on on-trend silhouettes and fabrics. You can often find great value by stacking Abercrombie and Fitch activewear promo codes with their AandF Club rewards during one of their many site-wide sales events.

Similarly, Gap has a well-established activewear line, GapFit, known for its durable and comfortable fabrics that are perfect for everyday wear. The brand's value proposition is amplified by the sheer frequency of Gap activewear coupons. With weekly sales events and their popular "Gap Cash" rewards, savvy shoppers can regularly score leggings, tops, and jackets for 40% off or more, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers.

Boscov's caters to a shopper looking for value and familiar national brands without the high-end price tag. While their selection may not be as extensive or trend-focused as Nordstrom's, you can find reliable activewear from brands like Champion and Gaiam. The real advantage comes from combining already low prices with the frequent Boscov's activewear deals found in their weekly ads, offering a straightforward way to save on workout essentials.

What Do Discounts Look Like?

At Nordstrom, discounts on activewear come in several forms, and understanding them is key to maximizing your savings. The most significant and visible discounts are tied to their major sales events. During the Anniversary and Half-Yearly Sales, you will see direct price reductions on individual items, often ranging from 30% to 50% off. These markdowns are applied automatically, requiring no code or special action from the shopper. These are the moments when you can snag premium activewear from brands like Vuori or Sweaty Betty at their lowest prices of the season.

Beyond the major sales, the primary way to achieve ongoing savings is through The Nordy Club loyalty program . As you shop, you accumulate points that are converted into Nordstrom Notes. A Nordstrom Note is essentially store credit that can be applied to any future purchase, including activewear. For example, if you have a $20 Note, you can use it to take $20 off a new pair of Nike running shorts, effectively creating your own discount. While Nordstrom rarely, if ever, offers traditional sitewide promo codes, some "gift with purchase" offers, particularly in the beauty department, may require a code at checkout.

How to Save the Most on Nordstrom Activewear This Month

Getting the best price on activewear at Nordstrom isn't about luck; it's about strategy. By combining the benefits of their loyalty program, timing your purchases around key sales, and taking advantage of their customer-friendly policies, you can build a high-quality athletic wardrobe for significantly less than retail. We've combed through all the details to bring you the most comprehensive guide to saving on activewear at Nordstrom.

Join The Nordy Club for Free

This is the essential first step for anyone looking to save. The Nordy Club is Nordstrom's free loyalty program that lets you earn 1 point for every dollar you spend. Once you accumulate 1,000 points, you'll receive a $10 Nordstrom Note to spend on anything, including a new Zella sports bra or a pair of joggers. It costs nothing to join, and you’ll immediately start earning rewards on your activewear purchases.

Get a Nordstrom Credit Card for Faster Rewards

If you're a frequent Nordstrom shopper, the branded credit card is the fastest way to earn rewards. Cardmembers earn points at an accelerated rate (at least 2 points per dollar) and are automatically granted "Insider" status. This means you'll earn Nordstrom Notes twice as fast, which can be used to discount future activewear purchases.

Shop the Anniversary Sale

This is the single best time of year to buy activewear at Nordstrom. Every July and August, Nordstrom discounts brand-new, fall-season merchandise before the season even begins. This is your chance to get new styles and colors from top brands like Alo, Vuori, and Zella at a significant discount before they go back to full price. Mark your calendar for this event.

Don't Miss the Half-Yearly and Seasonal Sales

Nordstrom holds two major Half-Yearly Sales each year—one in the spring and one in the fall/winter. These are massive clearance events where you can find deep discounts of up to 50% or more on end-of-season activewear colors and styles. These sales are the perfect time to grab that seasonal legging color you wanted at a fraction of the price.

Use Your Personal Double Points Days

Once you reach "Influencer" status in The Nordy Club (by spending $500 a year or being a cardmember), you unlock Personal Double Points Days. You can strategically choose a day to activate this perk and earn double the points on a large activewear purchase, helping you earn that next Nordstrom Note much faster.

Always Check the Nordstrom Sale Section

You don't have to wait for a major event to find a deal. Nordstrom's online sale section is updated constantly with new markdowns on activewear. It's a great place to find hidden gems and discounts on specific items from brands like Nike, Beyond Yoga, and more. You can filter by brand, size, and discount level to find exactly what you're looking for.

Shop at Nordstrom Rack for Deep Discounts

For the steepest discounts, Nordstrom Rack is your go-to. It's Nordstrom's off-price retail division, where you can find activewear from the same brands carried in the main stores—like Zella, Free People, and Nike—at up to 70% off. The inventory is a mix of items that were previously at Nordstrom and merchandise purchased directly for the Rack.

Several times a year, Nordstrom Rack holds "Clear the Rack" sales, where they offer an additional 25% off red-tagged clearance items. This is when the savings become truly massive. It’s an incredible opportunity to score high-quality activewear for a fraction of its original price.

Utilize the Price Matching Policy

Nordstrom offers a price matching policy for items sold by select competitors. If you find an identical activewear item (same brand, color, and size) for a lower price at a qualifying retailer, Nordstrom will often match it. This ensures you're getting the best possible price without having to shop elsewhere.

Take Advantage of Free Shipping and Free Returns

Nordstrom offers free standard shipping and free returns on all orders. This is a huge advantage for activewear, as it allows you to order multiple sizes of leggings or sports bras to try on at home without any risk. You can keep what fits and send back the rest for free, ensuring you get the perfect piece without any extra cost.

Use the Wishlist Feature to Track Prices

The "Wishlist" feature on Nordstrom's website is a powerful tool for savers. Add the activewear items you're interested in to your wishlist, and you can easily monitor them for price drops. When a sale happens, you'll be able to see at a glance if your favorite Vuori joggers or Alo yoga set have been marked down.

Shop Off-Season for Better Deals

A classic but effective strategy is to shop for activewear out of season. Look for deals on fleece-lined leggings in the spring or running shorts at the end of summer. As Nordstrom clears out inventory to make room for new arrivals, you can often find excellent clearance prices on last season's gear.

Key Things to Know About Nordstrom Activewear Discounts

Navigating the world of activewear deals at Nordstrom can be straightforward, but it helps to have answers to a few common questions. From timing your purchases to understanding the loyalty program, knowing the ins and outs of their policies will ensure you have a seamless and cost-effective shopping experience.

When is the Best Time to Find Activewear Deals?

The absolute best time to find deals is during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, held every summer (July/August). This is when new fall activewear is marked down. The next best times are the Half-Yearly Sales in spring and late fall, along with the Black Friday sale period, which are ideal for clearance deals on seasonal items.

Is the Nordy Club Rewards Program Worth It?

Absolutely. The Nordy Club is free to join, so there is no downside. You earn points on every purchase, which convert to Nordstrom Notes (store credit). For anyone who shops at Nordstrom even occasionally, it's a simple and effective way to get money back to spend on future activewear purchases.

How Long Do Sale Prices Last?

For major events like the Anniversary Sale, the discounts last for a limited time, typically a few weeks, before prices go back up. For regular markdowns in the sale section, the price is valid as long as the item is in stock, but popular activewear pieces can sell out quickly once they're discounted.

Can I Use Multiple Discounts on an Order?

You can typically use multiple Nordstrom Notes on a single order, and you can also apply a Nordstrom Note to a sale item. However, Nordstrom does not offer traditional promo codes that can be stacked. The discount structure is centered on direct markdowns and loyalty rewards rather than stacking coupons.

What if a Sale Item I Want is Sold Out?

Don't lose hope immediately. During big sales, items can come back in stock as people make returns. It's always worth checking the product page again, as inventory levels fluctuate. For very popular activewear, however, once it's gone, it's often gone for good, which is why acting fast is so important.

What Are the Restrictions on Discounts?

The main restriction is that Nordstrom Notes have expiration dates, so you must use them within the specified timeframe. Additionally, price matching has its own set of conditions; the item must be identical and in stock at a qualifying competitor. Price adjustments on items you've already purchased are typically offered for a limited period, often within 14 days of purchase if the item goes on sale.

How Does the Return Policy Work for Sale Items?

Nordstrom's famously generous return policy applies to sale and clearance items as well. You can return discounted activewear just as you would a full-priced item, making it risk-free to purchase pieces during a sale to try on at home.

Is It Better to Shop for Activewear Deals Online or In-Store?

Shopping online will always offer a much larger selection of brands, styles, sizes, and colors than any individual store. All of the activewear available during a sale is available online, so for the best chance of finding what you want in your size, shopping on the website is the recommended strategy.

What Else Should You Consider This Year?

As you plan your activewear purchases, it's helpful to stay informed about Nordstrom's policies and resources. The retail landscape is always evolving, and knowing where to find the most current information can save you time and money. While this guide covers the key strategies for saving, familiarizing yourself with the official terms and conditions can provide additional clarity on specific programs, such as the full details of price matching or the expiration terms for Nordstrom Notes. For any questions that arise, the support center is an excellent first stop.

Should you need direct assistance with an order, have a question about a product, or need help with a return, Nordstrom's Customer Service team is known for being exceptionally helpful. You can find contact information, FAQs, and detailed policy information on their Customer Service page. For the complete details governing their rewards program and sales events, it's always a good idea to review the Terms and Conditions. Staying up-to-date with these resources ensures you'll always have the information you need for a smooth shopping experience.

How We Find and Publish Deals

Our dedicated team of shopping experts spends hours every day scouring the internet for the best offers on everything from high-performance leggings to everyday athleisure. We meticulously verify each deal, ensuring the price is the lowest available and the product is from a reputable brand. Only the top deals that pass our rigorous standards are published, saving you the time and effort of searching for them yourself.

Why Trust DealNews?

DealNews has been helping readers save money on their favorite products for over two decades, and when it comes to getting the best value on premium activewear from retailers like Nordstrom, this year is no different. We deliver hundreds of verified deals to savvy shoppers every single day, covering a massive range of products. All those years of experience are dedicated to making absolutely sure that every deal we publish is the best price you're likely to find. Our primary commitment is to you, the reader, and our editorial integrity ensures that we only recommend deals that we would use ourselves.

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