- With the right clothes, you'll actually want to get to the gym and show off your style before meeting friends for a much-deserved drink afterward.
- Sweaty Betty makes our favorite workout gear for women that's as functional as it is fashion-forward.
Faking it until you make it becomes a lot easier when you look the part. So when it comes to feigning enjoyment at the gym, you're going to need some gear to get yourself in character. Luckily, there are plenty of options these days to help you look as though you're ready for the toughest kickboxing session, because who better to motivate you than the person staring back at you in the mirror?
One of our favorite aspects of today's workout gear for women is that it's no longer relegated to the spinning studio or the weight room. Rather, some of our favorite options will take you from barre class to the neighborhood bar, and have the technology to ensure that you don't have to worry about sweat stains or smells when you make that transition. With moisture-wicking fabric, cleverly-placed mesh panels, and thoughtful cut-outs, much of today's athletic clothing is truly meant for athletic pursuits. It's a far cry from our days of grabbing the oldest shirt in our closet, cutting off the sleeves, and calling it a top.
When it comes to figuring out what workout gear will best suit your needs, listen to your body. After all, it'll be your primary tool during your workouts, so if you're uncomfortable in any way, everything else is moot. You'll also want to consider the type of workout you're most likely to engage in. If you prefer running to yoga, you'll be in need of different support.
You'll also want to keep durability in mind. You're not only putting your workout gear through the ringer at the gym, but you're also going to be putting it through the laundry quite a few times. So even if you're able to save a few dollars on the initial purpose by buying something that's a bit flimsier, you'll have to exercise your credit card again when you find your gear starting to rip after a few cycles.
Finally, of course, price comes into consideration. Given that most workout gear doubles as everyday attire these days, you can (to some extent) think of these pieces as serving two purposes for the price of one. That said, there are some options that are more costly than others, so your budget may be a determining factor.
Here are the best workout clothes for women in 2019:
- Best workout clothes overall: Sweaty Betty
- Best workout clothes from a fitness company: Nike
- Best affordable workout clothes: Old Navy
- Best beachy workout clothes: Vuori
- Best comfortable workout clothes: Bandier
- Best workout clothes that you can wear all day: ADAY
- Best high-end workout clothes: Live the Process
Updated on 1/2/2020 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices and formatting. Added related guides.
The best workout clothes overall
Sweaty Betty makes workout gear that can withstand a tough time at the gym and take you out into society without breaking a sweat.
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 sports 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
The best affordable workout gear
Old Navy has excellent, affordable workout gear that performs just as well as pricier brands' sportswear.
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.
You can get a decent sports bra for $12 to $30, depending on the level of support you need, and we've found their running tights to be great, budget-friendly options as well.
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
The best workout gear from a traditional sportswear company
Nike is probably the first brand you think of when it comes to sportswear because its gear is just that good.
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 work out.
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
The best workout gear for adventures outdoors
If you're looking to work out outside, you can't go wrong with Vuori.
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 Madeleine Sports Bra, which looks more like a sleek crop 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 Madeleine 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.
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."
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
The best comfortable workout gear
If you're tired of the same polyester-y, spandex-y feel of most workout clothes, We Over Me from Bandier is the brand for you.
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).
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
The best workout gear for the ethical yogi
Live the Process' workout gear is not only comfortable, but it's eco-friendly, too.
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 Ssense 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.
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 impressive 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
The best workout clothes that fit in at the office
Workout clothes from ADAY look just as appropriate for the office as they do for your morning yoga session.
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 brand is all about simplicity and seeks to create fabrics and clothing that are multipurpose, long-lasting, and sustainable.
The Crop And Roll Leggings are the best if you're looking for something to take to your workout. Made of material that is quick-drying, sweat-wicking, 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."
Pros: Comfortable, versatile, with many neutral color options for a wide range of occasions
Cons: Pricey
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- Best overall: DSTLD Leather Moto Jacket
- Best plus-size leather jacket: Eloquii Moto Jacket
- Best petite leather jacket: Madewell Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket
- Best affordable leather jacket: Everlane The Modern Leather Jacket
- Best luxury leather jacket: The Arrivals Moya III Oversized Shearling Jacket
- Best vegan leather jacket: BlankNYC Life Changer Moto Jacket
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We've tried more skinny jeans than we can count. After testing the best new skinny jeans, Warp + Weft got our vote for best overall with its vast size offerings, various inseam lengths, sub-$100 prices, and different skinny jean styles. Here are the best women's skinny jeans you can buy:
- Best skinny jeans overall: Warp + Weft
- Best skinny jeans with minimal stretch: Everlane
- Best skinny jeans for curvier bodies: Liverpool Jeans
- Best skinny jeans with a high-rise: Mott + Bow
- Best skinny jeans for plus sizes: Universal Standard
The best tote bags you can buy
Finding a tote bag that is not only stylish but also big enough to carry all your belongings can be tough. Our top pick is the Everlane Day Market Tote because this sleek, 100% Italian leather bag is affordable, roomy, and well crafted. Here are the best tote bags you can buy:
- Best tote bag overall: Everlane Day Market Tote
- Best tote bag that you can monogram: Cuyana Oversized Carryall Tote
- Best tote bag that can charge your phone: Banana Republic Portofino Knotted Charging Tote
- Best tote bag for organization: Dagne Dover Legend Tote
- Best expandable tote bag: Michael Kors Kelsey Nylon Travel Tote