A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
From sports bras to leggings to hoodies, we found the best women's activewear for every style and budget. Add these pieces to your exercise wardrobe today!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Whether you’re a Pilates and yoga devotee, avid runner or prefer spinning, securing the best women’s activewear is essential for any workout. With the athleisure trend on the rise, these fitness finds aren’t just for exercising. The work-from-home lifestyle is still in full force for many, and it has become more commonplace for individuals to sport activewear on a regular basis—both inside the gym and out.
With so many options on the market, it’s hard pairing down what products to choose and figuring out what pieces are worth purchasing. Luckily, we’re here to help. We took the guesswork out of getting dressed for the gym and found the best women’s activewear for every activity, need and style. You’ll find both budget and splurge-worthy options and everything from sports bras to joggers to leggings and more.
Vuori has everything you could need to run a race, go for a power walk or hit the gym to strength train—in style. From the most comfortable performance joggers (that don’t fade in the wash!) to an array of sports bras with different support levels, to tanks, leggings and hoodies in countless colors, there’s something for everyone and every activity. Shop for matching sets or pick out individual pieces to incorporate into your current workout wardrobe. The cuts are flattering for all body types and the fabrics feel incredible against your skin.
Pros
Cons
Halara offers sports bras, shorts, flare leggings, tanks with cutouts and just about anything else you need to look hot while getting sweaty. You can mix and match pieces to create an activewear fit for any occasion. While the brand could fall under the “fast fashion” title, we can guarantee these pieces will hold up workout after workout, so you won’t need to constantly be buying more. Another reliable and affordable pick? These editor-tested Dragon Fit leggings.
Pros
Cons
You know those mornings when you wake up and the thought of putting on a tight pair of leggings almost keeps you from working out entirely? Well that will never be an issue with these high-rise leggings, which feature a wide waistband that doesn’t fall down! They’re constructed with Lululemon’s trademarked Nulu fabric that feels soft and smooth, like butter against the skin. Warning: You may never want to take them off!
Pros
Cons
Finding the best type of bra for your frame is a right of passage for every woman. Securing a well-fitting sports bra is equally as important. Slip this adjustable Scheels sports bra on and wear the straps any one of three ways: straight, crisscross or halter. The straps themselves are adjustable, too! This sports bra is made out of a sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric and comes with removable pads if you want an added boost in the bust.
Pros
Cons
You only have to think about one piece of clothing when you decide to hit the pavement or tennis court in this running onesie (or runsie). This nylon, poly and elastane romper features a tight-fitting top connected to airy retro-style workout shorts on the bottom. Place any personal items in the zippered back pocket. It’s an ideal option for travel, too, since you won’t have to pack multiple activewear pieces.
Pros
Cons
These lightweight running shorts come with a built-in liner. Both layers of fabric pull moisture away from your body to keep you light and dry on your feet. The drawstring allows you to adjust the elastic waistband to your comfort, and there’s a small inner pocket where you can keep your keys or other small personal items.
Pros
Cons
Slip on this seamless tank that has a built-in shelf bra for support. Wear the nylon and spandex-blend top under a long-sleeve shirt or hoodie to get to your workout, and once things heat up, shed the top layer and let the tank wick away sweat. You’ll love how quickly the fabric dries. Pair it with these squat-proof 90 Degree leggings for the ultimate workout fit.
Pros
Cons
Perfect to wear over moisture-wicking shorts or leggings, these tapered joggers are made out of Beyond Yoga’s signature uber-comfy Spacedye fabric that wicks moisture away from the body. The slim-fit silhouette looks attractive on all body types, and the four-way stretch lets you move without restriction. With built-in UV protection, this versatile women’s activewear piece is equally perfect for outdoor runs (paired with our favorite ThirdLove sports bra!) or lazy days lounging on the couch.
Pros
Cons
You’ll want this flowy tennis skirt in every color it comes in: white, black, blue, mint and glowing green. The elastic waistband sits perfectly on your waist and looks flawless with a matching sports bra, crop top or a tucked-in shirt for running errands. The skirt features built-in shorts that have a pocket for a tennis ball, golf ball or your personal items.
Pros
Cons
Need an extra layer when the temps dip? Look no further than this soft fleece top layer. It features flattering seams inspired by trendy corsets. The quarter-zip can be kept up or opened to show off whatever sports bra or tank you’re wearing underneath. The cropped fit pairs perfectly with high-rise leggings or laid back sweatpants, too!
Pros
Cons
Wear an exercise dress to run, play tennis, take a dance class or for pickleball! This versatile piece suits any activity (and body type!) and features built-in shorts with two pockets. Adjust the straps for a personalized fit, and let the quick-drying fabric go to work while you get your sweat on. It comes in eight solid colors and two funky prints, so there’s a look to please everyone.
Pros
Cons
Perfect for cold weather workouts or layering under the best winter coat, this lightweight vest has 600-fill down to keep your upper body warm. Throw it on before a run or a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. Even if it’s raining, Under Armour’s storm technology repels water so you won’t get soaked and weighed down. Stash your essentials in the zippered side pockets on either side.
Pros
Cons
There’s nothing like a comfy activewear hoodie to top off any workout fit you put together. This full-zip all-season cotton hoodie features a fleecy inner lining that feels warm and toasty against your skin. It also features an adjustable drawstring hood, kangaroo pockets and ribbed cuffs and hem. Available in nine colors, it’s a classic silhouette that pairs with everything (like these fleece-lined leggings) and a style you’ll keep and wear forever.
Pros
Cons
Comfort is key. The last thing you want is for your activewear to be moving, shifting or falling down as you workout. “Nobody wants to have to continuously pull up their leggings, or worry about a nip slip or whether or not their butt crack is showing,” says Meghan Hayden, a certified personal trainer based in New York City. “Choose pieces that stay put, hold everything in and allow you to workout at the intensity you want.”
Materials also matter. You wouldn’t want to wear extremely thin or mesh leggings during a winter run, nor would you want to wear bottoms without any breathability or give for a hot yoga class. A lot of women’s activewear can even be primarily made out of plastic, reveals Hayden. “Whenever possible, try to look for clothing made with natural fibers or recycled materials,” she suggests. “I challenge you to invest in quality clothing made with more durable fabrics, so the activewear lasts longer and you minimize textile waste,” Hayden advises
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
“When purchasing new activewear, it is important to keep your activity—plus where and when you will be wearing it—in mind,” says Hollis Tuttle, a certified personal trainer based in New York City. Does it need to be sport-specific, multi-functional, able to withstand a tough environment or protect you from extreme weather conditions? “From there, you want to find the best fit that allows you to move without hesitation, restriction or chafing,” says Tuttle.
The best bet when it comes to cleaning activewear is to follow the instructions on the tags, as each item might require different care. “I tend to always wash my fitness clothing on cold and hang them all to dry,” says Amanda Butler, an Aaptiv coach and group fitness instructor at Equinox. One universal tip: When washing athleisure or activewear, avoid using fabric softeners because it removes the moisture-wicking properties.
As the women’s activewear field continues to grow, the trends continue to grow and change as well. “Trends I’m seeing most are cut-outs, asymmetrical tops, mesh details, color-blocking and onesies,” says Traci Franklin, a NYC-based Lululemon Studio Stylist. “Tube socks are everything right now—tall crew socks especially. People are wearing them all the way up or styling them scrunched down,” she explains. Tennis and golf continue to have a moment, too, she adds, so you’ll find more pieces geared toward those activities.
Sources:
