Gym attire has come a long way from its humble T-shirt-meets-spandex-bottoms origins—and the best workout clothes for women today have to meet a variety of standards before they can claim a prime spot in your rotation. Your must be versatile and high-quality enough to handle wherever your wear it—while still making you feel like your best self. From exercising to lounging to finishing a ‘fit, the best women’s workout clothes keep pace with your life.
“I believe activewear has a purpose for each workout,” says , a NASM-certified personal trainer and creator of the app. “But I also believe in athleisure. I want to be able to pair my workout top with a cute jean jacket, or wear my black shiny leggings out to dinner.
” , an ACE-certified personal trainer agrees on versatility being the biggest consideration of all. “I look for workout clothes I can live in outside of the gym,” she says. “Realistically, I’m running around doing errands or meeting up with friends directly before or after workouts, so my clothes have to move seamlessly with my lifestyle.
” Your go-to and should be substantial enough to support high-impact exercises like running or HIIT circuits and comfy enough for lower-impact activities like yoga, pilates, hiking, or walking. Among the dozens of trainers spoke to, the majority recommended looking for workout clothing made from quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics; synthetic polyester and nylon are ideal sweat-wicking materials because they evaporate and leave you feeling drier and cooler for workouts. Plus, styles with smart design features like hidden pockets and drawcords; and supportive compression.
“The beauty nowadays with a multitude of activewear brands is how you can mix and match the high-end with the more affordable,” , a personal trainer and macro coach at tells . You’ll find a staggering amount of fitness-oriented options and trendy styles—bodysuits, matching workout sets, exercise dresses, to name a few—from mega-retailers like Amazon and even sought-after designer brands. To help you wade through this world of choice, we surveyed editors, testers, fitness trainers, and influencers to bring you the the best workout clothes for women in 2024.
Below, you’ll find their favorite brands and standout activewear pieces from sportswear icons like Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, and New Balance; buzzier brands like Girlfriend Collective, Outdoor Voices, and Alo Yoga; and smaller brands you’ve maybe never heard of but should check out like Janji. Gap’s sister brand is a mainstay for workout gear that goes as hard as you do. Beyond the essentials, it carries a ton of beloved everyday styles—think sleek jackets, comfy travel pants, and, of course, that you can wear on and off the court.
“Athleta is great for basics, but also offers a wide variety of styles that work for a ton of activities beyond the gym and running,” says , a UESCA-certified running coach and ISSA-certified personal trainer. Athleta Mesh Racer Run Shorts Athleta Athleta Ace Tennis Skort Athleta Amazon shoppers can’t get enough of Colorfulkoala’s workout gear—and neither can the leggings are “so cute,” “so soft,” and “almost an exact dupe for Lululemon’s buttery-soft Align leggings. ” The brand doesn’t just make leggings; you can also find comfy and smoothing workout tanks, sports bras, and .
“They’re well-priced, just a click away on Amazon, and have a great selection for pretty much any activity,” says , a certified personal trainer from South Orange, NJ. Colorfulkoala Contour Square-Neck Tank Top Amazon Colorfulkoala High-Waist Yoga Pants Amazon Lululemon doesn’t play around with its workout gear, but you probably already knew that. “I believe the hype surrounding the brand is completely warranted,” says Miller.
“Not only do they offer free tailoring on site—a godsend for short people like me—but of the 50-plus pieces I’ve owned over the last decade, only a handful have ripped or began to pill. ” are its claim to fame, which wear like second skin and are great for wearing to workout studios, supermarket checkout lines, and cute local brunch spots. “I love the Align pant’s high waist, the soft fabric, and versatility,” , a yoga instructor and head of yoga programming at , tells .
“They keep me supported, contained, and protected—like I could do a spontaneous handstand, get wet, dry off quickly, then throw on shoes and go out looking stylish. ” Another fitness fave are the Fast and Free leggings. “The fabric feels like a second skin, and it really lets you move without restriction,” , an ACE-certified personal trainer based in Pennsylvania tells .
“I really love the two side pockets, which are deep enough to store my keys and a couple gels, and could even fit my phone. Going for a full look? Check out its vast collection of sports bras, which range from low to medium support to high-impact—and come in styles like high-neck, longline, and racerback. (Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled on its to score seasonal hues at a fraction of the original price.
) Lululemon Align Tank Top Lululemon Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25″ Lululemon Alo has a loyal roster of celeb fans (Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Kaia Gerber) and for good reason: The brand designs workout clothes that fit like a dream, whether you’re doing a vinyasa flow in your living room or taking your furry baby for a stroll around the block. Scholl says that almost every client she trains owns something from Alo, and Kaufman-Van Ommeren calls their clothes “cool, comfortable, and extremely durable. ” The brand has coined a number of technical performance materials like Airlift and Alosoft since its early debut, which are the brand’s signature breathable fabrics.
You can find simple silhouettes as well as more on-trend styles in its lineup—think pleated tennis skirts, asymmetric sports bras, sleek long-sleeve bodysuits, and its . “I’m a big Alo fan,” says Miller. “The Airlift tights are some of the best I’ve trained in.
The thick elastic waistband never rides down during hinge-type movements from deadlifting to spinning. ” Alo Peak Bra Alo Alo High Waist Airlift Capri Alo Using recycled plastic water bottles and fishing nets, Girlfriend Collective designs affordable, size-inclusive athleisure. The and tennis skirts are available in an Instagram-friendly palette of colors like lilac, sage, and auburn and styles.
As a fitness and lifestyle editor, contributor says she’s tested a of workout clothes and has been wildly impressed by every piece of this brand’s activewear. “Not only are they beautiful and versatile, but they’re also high-quality and feel incredibly comfortable during any type of fitness activity,” she says. Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra Girlfriend Collective Girlfriend Collective Float Ultralight Leggings Girlfriend Collective aside, Nike makes the gear of choice for pro athletes and, well, just about everyone else.
The sportswear brand has a near-infinite range of leggings, hoodies, , and workout tanks for straight and plus sizes. Nike keeps things fresh with coveted designer collaborations that blend high-performance fabrics with fashion-forward silhouettes. Multiple trainers we spoke to praised Nike.
“This is my go to-brand for sports bras. I love that you can shop by support level on the site and they offer plus size options,” says Scholl. “They carry staple pieces year after year so you know you can always replenish your supply when needed.
” Lampa turns to Nike for HIIT, tennis, and pickleball activewear. “They have some of the best tennis skirts and skorts that are comfortable and the shorts do not ride up,” she says. Kaufman-Van Ommeren appreciates the brand’s Nike by You feature, which lets you customize your pieces’ colors and styles.
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Nike Nike Dri-Fit Advantage Tennis Dress Nike Adidas and its iconic stripes need no introduction. The activewear giant led the charge in sustainable fabric innovation for years now, with the mission of ending plastic waste. It has an ongoing partnership with to use recycled plastic debris and certified fabrics , and half of its collections are made of recycled polyester.
Adidas also has a long-standing collaboration with Stella McCartney, a pioneer in sustainable womenswear design. Thomason says she’s worn this brand while running, playing tennis, and generally working out—and can attest to the forward-thinking design that goes into each item of clothing. Adidas x Stella Mccartney Training Crop Top Adidas Adidas Adicolor Classics Firebird Trac Jacket Adidas Outdoor Voices kicked the whole athleisure movement into high gear when it debuted its pastel color-block in 2014, and the brand remains a go-to for exercise clothing that’s downright fun to wear.
Cute crop tops? A mainstay. Skorts? Those too. How about a dress to dance in? As if you’d want to wear anything else.
Many of our editors own the brand’s iconic , and Thomason says it’s her absolute favorite to sport on and off the court. Outdoor Voices Venus Crop Top Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress Outdoor Voices Nordstrom carries a mix of legacy workout brands—from Sweaty Betty to Nike—that you’re probably familiar with, but don’t sleep on its in-house label Zella. The brand sells everything from to to , with shoppers unanimously obsessed with its high-waist .
The bestseller has more than 7,200 rave reviews on Nordstrom’s site (not to mention ) and comes in full-length, , and versions. Zella Live In High-Waist Leggings Nordstrom Zella Anya Ottoman Knit Pullover Nordstrom Beyond Yoga has some of the best fabrics in the game, with Spacedye arguably being the star of the show. This one-of-a-kind fabric is stretchy yet supportive and deliciously cool to the touch.
You can find it on everything from cropped tanks to low-impact bras and (which tons of stylish women swear by during pregnancies, FYI). “Beyond Yoga Spacedye workout sets are my ultimate favorite,” , a fitness instructor and founder of dance studio in NYC tells . “The fabric is ultra soft and moves with me but still moisture-wicks.
It checks so many boxes and my sets are holding up after years of wash and wear. ” Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank Beyond Yoga Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Shorts Beyond Yoga Free People’s sportswear-focused sister line has a vast selection of onesies, sports bras, and bike shorts that look as good as they feel. FP’s clothes are ideal for courts, the gym, and hiking, says Kaufman-Van Ommeren.
“Its Parachute pants and onesies are so comfortable, cool, and cute to wear, especially in hot summers,” she says. Thomason adds that she could in their sets. ) The brand also recently added a swim category, so add it to the list of , stat.
Free People Back It Up Onesie Free People Free People Set Me Free Pants Free People Vuori has had a loyal following for years now, but only recently did the brand really take off in popularity, thanks to TikTok virality. The trainers we spoke to give the brand top marks for the comfort of its pieces, and say they’re excellent for lower-impact activities. “The fabrics they use are so soft.
After a long run, they’re my favorite joggers to pull on,” Scholl says. commerce editor says she loves her matching sports bra and legging set for yoga. “I don’t know what Vuori puts in that material, but it’s so luxurious and smooth to wear—almost snake skin-like,” she says.
“Their leggings are always in loungewear rotation. ” Vuori Daily Leggings Vuori Nordstrom REI Vuori Daily Sports Bra Nordstrom Vuori Calling all runners: If you haven’t checked out this brand, literally run—don’t walk—to give its clothes a try. The New England–based company makes impressively high-quality shorts, singlets, sports bras—pretty much anything you need to feel your best while logging miles.
While it’s focus is on running, Thomasons say she’s equally impressed with its more transitional lifestyle pieces, such as its active and cozy . Tracksmith might be made runners, but it certainly has something for everyone. Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve Tracksmith Tracksmith Nor’Easter Jacket Tracksmith While we’re on the topic of standout running brands, we’d be remiss not to mention Janji.
This company makes outdoor-ready gear—phenomenal compression shorts, comfy sports bras, high-performance jackets—while keeping the Earth top-of-mind by producing long-lasting activewear using eco-friendly materials, following ethical manufacturing standards, and donating 2% of its sales to nonprofit partners working on viable clean water solutions. Janji is a favorite of both Thomason and Griggs. “I’ve worn the on countless long runs (and even for multiple races), and I swear by their quality, durability, and performance,” Thomason says.
Griggs says she gets many compliments on the brand’s fun patterns and colors, too. Janji Zephyrunner Wind Shell Janji Janji Pace 7″ Shorts REI P. E.
Nation is a female-founded Australian streetwear brand that creates fashion-forward, comfortable activewear. “Although their price points are high, their sporty chic designs are worth the spend,” says Marissa West, CPT and nutrition specialist, founder of . “They double as the perfect athleisure wear outfits to rock from the studio to the street.
Their clothing is unique in fabric and hugs the body in the right places. ” P. E.
Nation Pipeline Full Zip Jacket Nordstrom P. E. Nation Recalibrate Racerback Minidress Nordstrom Carbon38 made liquid leggings part of the activewear zeitgeist with its Takara Shine sets.
Beyond these iconic styles, the brand carries a wide variety of high-quality performance wear and athleisure, all with a focus on style and functionality. “I love the Carbon 38 signature sets,” says West. “They are flattering on every body type and come in fun prints.
” The brand also collaborates with other designers and curates a selection of premium activewear on their retail site. Carbon38 Action Bra 2. 0 in Takara Shine Carbon38 Carbon38 Leggings Carbon38 footwear is having a real moment (especially its ), but its workout clothes are 100% worth some fanfare.
The legacy brand’s roots are in sportswear, not just street- or activewear, so its apparel is made to withstand tougher straits. Want some really durable, classic staples for your wardrobe while you train for a half or take on a CrossFit class? Turn to NB, which produces sturdy fashions that don’t skimp on classic, streamlined style (just ask celebs like Hailey Bieber and Zoe Kravitz). “The brand makes some of my favorite shorts for running,” says Scholl of the fuel bottoms, which are light and airy for warmer-weather days.
New Balance Q Speed Fuel Short Amazon New Balance Shape Shield 7/8 High Rise Pocket Tight New Balance You no doubt known Peloton for its exercise bike, but what about its fitness apparel? The company has its own collection of exercise basics and essential layers which are suitable for beyond the bike. “I love the Peloton Cadent leggings for strength training because they’re super smooth and move with you without feeling overly compressive or restricting—they definitely pass the squat test,” Sgobba says. “Another plus for me: As someone just over 5’0”, they’re one of the only leggings I’ve tried that fit nicely in length without bunching up at the ankle.
” Right now, Peloton has an indoor cycling-centered (including an ). We’re bookmarking these pretty . Peloton Cadent High Rise Pocket Legging Peloton Peloton Dreamblend Double Twist Back Tank Peloton Patagonia is known for two things: its sought-after outdoor wear and its (both in the materials it uses and its social responsibility programs).
According to Patagonia, 98% of its clothing for fall 2023 was made with recycled materials. If you’re someone who spends weekends hitting the trails or climbing, you likely already own or wish listed one of Patagonia’s cult-favorite made of recycled polyester or its comfy water-repellent . “As an ultra and trail running athlete and coach, I recommend this brand to all my clients,” Scholl says.
“Patagonia might cost a little more, but its pieces will last forever. They have good options for colder places and more ‘extreme’ sports as well. ” She particularly recommends the lightweight, long-sleeve Capilene shirt, which she says is the perfect base layer sun-protective top come summer.
Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Daily Shirt Patagonia Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover Patagonia Of course The North Face made the list. The long-standing sportswear brand is beloved for its hero pieces. If you’re looking for a rain jacket, insulating top layer, or cold-weather leggings, TNF is a reliable one-stop shop.
Scholl says the brand is worthy for its longevity, especially for anyone who prefers their workouts outside—in all climates. “I suggest The North Face to my trail runners, she says and highlights this super lightweight, breathable, and totally waterproof jacket. It can be stuffed into a pocket when not in use and has an adjustable hood and body so water won’t creep in on rainy-day runs.
The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket The North Face The North Face Tekware Grid ¼-Zip Jacket The North Face.
From: glamour
URL: https://www.glamour.com/story/best-workout-clothes-for-women