The best women's workout clothes you can buy
The best workout clothes overall
Much of today’s workout gear seems so focused on taking you seamlessly from barre to the bar that it forgets its primary function — being functional during your workout. But that is certainly not the case with Sweaty Betty.
As this brand’s name suggests, you’ll be able to perspire in these workout clothes without getting uncomfortable, and more importantly, you’ll feel supported throughout your time at the gym.
Sweaty Betty’s Zero Gravity leggings are made of ultra-lightweight Italian fabric, which is both sweat-wicking and quick drying for even your most intense sessions. Plus, the leggings are muscle-compressing to help you get even more out of your workout. They’re great for just about any type of exercise, whether you prefer to spend your time spinning or doing a HIIT class.
And while all those squats will certainly help shape your bum, so too will these leggings. A super satisfied customer gave a five-star review, commending the “very flattering” print and the pocket that is perfect for holding your smartphone during your run.
When paired with the High-Intensity Run Bra, you’ll feel prepared to spend your whole day actively. The high support sports bra features sweat-wicking fabric, and more importantly, extremely comfortable soft padded straps that won’t bite into sensitive skin. While some “sports” bras seem suitable only for rather anaerobic activities, the High Intensity Run Bra was designed for running and HIIT workouts. Popsugar also calls this bra one of the best for women with larger busts.
Both pieces are sleek and stylish but don’t sacrifice their usefulness for the sake of aesthetics. Sweaty Betty also makes our favorite running tights for the gym and many other great leggings and sport bras.
Pros: Quick drying material, snug fit, great for any type of workout
Cons: Some customers found that the High Intensity Run Bra does not provide enough side coverage
Buy the Zero Gravity Leggings for $135 Buy the High Intensity Run Bra for $65 Shop all Sweaty Betty workout gearThe best workout clothes that fit in at the office
If you don’t want to carry around three outfits for before, during, and after the gym, ADAY may be the solution for you. The Smoke It Up Bra and Crop And Roll Leggings can be worn in just about any scenario.
ADAY is all about simplicity and seeks to create fabrics and clothing that are multipurpose, long-lasting, and sustainable. The Crop And Roll are the best if you’re looking for something to take to your workout. Made of material that is quick drying, sweating wicking, sun cream and oil resistant, these leggings also feature an elastic waistband with an adjuster that can make the fit tighter or looser.
Thanks to the slightly cropped length, you won’t feel encumbered as you run, duck, and jump. But once you’re done at the gym, simply pair these leggings with a nice pair of pumps, and they’ll be ready for the office. With details like the gunmetal snaps, these leggings are just as much a statement piece as they are sweat-appropriate.
The Today Show called ADAY leggings “trendy” but “incredibly functional,” while Refinery 29 said simply, “straight up, they look really good.”
The Smoke It Up Bra is made of an Italian fabric that wicks moisture, and also features mesh panels for extra breathability. If you always find yourself dabbing at your cleavage, this may be the choice for you. I’m particularly taken by the A-shaped cutout in the back — not only does it help alleviate heat buildup, but it’s also an attractive design detail.
Really, this is one sports bra you wouldn’t mind to have peeking through your shirt. As Huffington Post noted, this bra’s “fashionable back details ... make it perfect for layering under regular clothes.”
Pros: Comfortable, versatile, with many neutral color options for a wide range of occasions
Cons: The Smoke It Up Bra only offers medium support
Buy the Crop and Roll Leggings for $135 Buy the Smoke It Up Bra for $55 Shop all ADAY clothesThe best workout gear for the ethical yogi
Live the Process produces simple, beautiful clothes that just might kickstart your entire wellness journey. Founded by a certified yoga instructor, Live the Process isn’t so much a clothing store as it is a wellness brand.
Despite its relatively new status on the scene (it launched just a few years ago in 2014), it’s already a mainstay in a number of retailers across the country (and the web), including Barney’s and Net-a-Porter.
All of Live the Process’ pieces are ethically produced in the United States, and the company promises to employ careful practices throughout the supply chain to reduce its environmental impact, including using recycled (and recyclable) packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. So not only will you look and feel good in your workout clothes, but you’ll feel good about yourself, too.
Live the Process’ Bra is a classic and classy answer to the traditional sports bra, providing full coverage across both your chest and your back.
The leggings are certainly great to wear to the gym, but you’ll also want to wear them all day long. Indeed, founder Robyn Berkley told the Observer, all of Live the Process’ clothes are meant to “make you feel beautiful and motivated,” not distract you with unnecessary bells and whistles.
Customers have sung the praises of the wellness brand as well, particularly calling out the “very good quality” of the bra and leggings’ material, which has four-way stretch, is breathable, moisture wicking, and water and wind repellent.
Pros: Simple, clean lines with straightforward design and serious comfort
Cons: These are pricey articles of clothing, even if you are looking to go from the gym to the office
Buy Live the Process leggings on Net-a-Porter for $110 Buy Live the Process sports bras on Net-a-Porter for $120 Shop Live the Process on Net-a-PorterThe best workout gear for adventures outdoors
Headquartered in Encinitas, just a quick jog away from the beach, it’s no surprise that Vuori derives its inspiration from the Californian lifestyle of sun and surf. And with clothing that is truly made for the outdoors, you’ll have no problem going from your morning yoga session on the beach to an afternoon surf appointment, and everything in between.
Founded by former Dolce & Gabanna model Joe Kudia, it’s no wonder that Vuori certainly has its design cues down pat. Take, for example, the Altitude Sports Bra, which looks more like a chic top than something you’d wear on a run. Luckily, you can do both with this comfortable piece, which comes in a flattering eggplant or heather grey shade.
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking, the Altitude Sports Bra features a classic crew cut, with a back that looks just as stylish as the front. My favorite thing about the bra is that it extends quite a bit below the bust, which makes it perfect for a shirtless run or yoga practice.
You can pair the bra with the Performance Jogger, made of a light-weight moss jersey fabric that is breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying, and four-way stretching for the ultimate in flexibility. There’s a tiny pocket in the inside of the waistband that you can use to secure your phone, credit card, or keys during a workout, although to be perfectly honest, you’ll probably do a lot more than just exercise in these joggers.
As one happy customer noted on the Vuori website, “I bought these pants tonight and all I can think of is calling in sick to work tomorrow so I can stay home read a book, lounge around, all while wearing these pants. The fabric is amazing!”
The easy styling of Vuori is part of what sets the brand apart. While its clothes are meant to sweat in, they’re also meant to easily transition into the rest of your life as well. As Kudia told Apparel News, “In coastal California, people are going to yoga in the morning, surfing in the afternoon and then meeting friends. [Vuori] is aspirational coastal California performance clothing.”
Yelp reviewers are a big fan of the physical store in California, with one user noting, “I love the women's shorts and new sports bras...And the JOGGERS! Don't even get me started on the joggers. The women's line is getting better every day!”
Pros: Soft, moisture-wicking material, easy transition from the gym to everyday life, simple and minimal design
Cons: Some reviewers note that the joggers may not be flattering due to the elastic waistband
Shop the Vuori line Buy the Altitude Sports Bra for $42 Buy the Performance Jogger for $84The best comfortable workout gear
You may think of Bandier as a purveyor of other brands’ products, but with We Over Me, the online retailer breaks that pattern. As the company’s first foray into creating proprietary products, We Over Me is a seasonless line that is as versatile as it is comfortable. And boy, is it comfortable.
The moss-finish fabric feels nothing like the athletic wear that you’re accustomed to, and instead feels like clothing that you’ll want to wear day in and day out. And while We Over Me clothing is meant for low-impact activities like yoga and pilates, it's also perfectly appropriate for sweaty sessions.
The in-house line draws from Bandier’s experience as a purveyor of plenty of third-party products. “There have been times when the team recognizes an opportunity or a trend, but the product isn’t available to support it,” said BANDIER founder, Jennifer Bandier. “While we carry over 40 brands, it has become clear that certain fabrics, silhouettes and styles are still missing from the market.” And now, We Over Me is here to fill that gap.
I’m a big fan of the WIP Crop Top, a high-neck crop that looks like it could go just as well atop a fashionable boho skirt as it could atop a pair of workout leggings. It features built-in support that’s appropriate for yoga or barre (though you probably don’t want to go on a sprint in this alone). You can get the Crop Top Tee for the same price ($68), though if you’re planning on wearing that to the gym, you’ll definitely need to plan on a sports bra underneath.
As for bottoms, check out the Synergy Leggings, with a high-rise waistline and a ⅞ length. Thanks to asymmetrical color blocking, you’ll look long and lean, and feel that way too as the moss-finish fabric cinches in all the relevant bits.
If you’d rather something that a little less form-fitting, you might consider the Zen Jogger. With a drawstring waistband and front pockets, it’s as comfortable as it is functional. The tailored crop is meant to hit just above your ankle, but if you’re a smaller gal like me, you’ll likely find that these joggers run a bit longer (not that that’s a problem).
Fast Company calls the line “comfy as hell,” and also points out that the line is much more inclusive in terms of sizing when compared to other activewear offerings. Whether you’re an XS or XXL, We Over Me has you covered.
Pros: Super soft fabric, perfect for yoga, easy to wear in just about any situation or season
Cons: If you’re looking for clothes for a HIIT session, this may not be for you
Shop the We Over Me collection from Bandier starting at $68The best workout gear from a traditional sportswear company
Nike offers a wide selection of workout gear, including our favorite running tights overall. Top athletes in just about any sport use Nike gear during practice and at the game. Although we can't all be Serena Williams, we can at least dress like her when we workout.
When it comes to tights, we like Nike's Epic Lux line best because they're designed to feel good, provide support, and offer complete coverage.
The biggest difference between the Epic Lux tights and other Nike tights lies in the fabric. The Epic Lux running tights contain more spandex, allowing for a more comfortable and supportive fit. Along with a higher quality mix of synthetic fabrics, these tights contain moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology to help you stay cool and dry even during those super sweaty workouts.
We're also fond of Nike's many different sports bras, which are known for moisture wicking and great support. No matter what piece of workout gear you need, Nike probably has it.
Pros: Made for professional athletes, long history of sportswear, moisture wicking tech, cool designs
Cons: Expensive
Buy the Nike Epic Lux running tights for $90 Buy Nike Sports Bras for $30 to $80 Shop all Nike workout gearThe best affordable workout gear
Not everyone wants to spend hundreds on workout gear, so if you're on a budget or you just don't fancy spending that much on gym clothes, check out Old Navy's activewear collection.
Surprisingly, Old Navy makes our favorite affordable running tights, and the rest of its sportswear is just as good and just as affordable. You can get a decent sports bra for $12 to $30, depending on the level of support you need.
Old Navy also has numerous shirts, leggings, jackets, and more to complete your gym look. Although the gear may not be as long-lasting or high-end as our other picks, it'll serve you well in the gym.
Pros: Affordable, many styles, comfortable, good for workouts
Cons: Not as long-lasting as pricier brands' gear
Buy the High-Rise Stripe Melange Leggings from Old Navy starting at $20 Buy Old Navy Sports Bras from $12 to $30 Shop all Old Navy workout gear
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