10 Best Workout Clothes For Women, Tested By Fitness Experts
As WH’s style shopping writer, I have drawers filled with activewear, so you can rest assured that I know a thing or two about the best workout clothes for women. And while I try a lot of compression leggings and moisture-wicking underwear that blow me away, I also try some not-so-great stuff that makes their way to the bottom of my dresser or giveaway pile.
Over the past four years, I’ve tested over 40 activewear brands—from gym staples to runner-friendly picks to stylish options that are more about the look than the workout. Meanwhile, our fashion contributors Kristen Saladino and Rose Lauture bring 20-plus years of experience testing fashion brands to the table. Together, we teamed up to curate a list of our all-time favorite workout clothes—ones that deliver on style, quality, and durability and are truly worth every dollar.
What to consider
Materials
The professionals on this list agree: The best workout clothes should be comfortable. But, because sweat does happen while you’re working out, they recommend materials that are moisture-wicking, like nylon or elastane.
- Elastane/Spandex: This is a lightweight, stretchy fabric that will give your clothing that elastic feel. This is especially useful for workouts that require a lot of movement and stretching, like yoga or Pilates.
- Nylon: A soft, stretchy, and durable fabric that’s moisture-wicking—perfect for when you want to stay dry and keep sweat stains at bay during your workout.
Price
I’m gonna be honest—some of the brands on this list can get a little pricey (hi, Lululemon and Vuori). But, the pros recommend them because they’re long-lasting, and they feel stretchy and soft rather than heavy and constricting. If you’re looking for something on the more affordable side, check out Amazon’s exclusive workout brands or Adanola, which has many stylish options for less than $100.
Durability
Speaking of long-lasting wear, you want to make sure your workout clothes won’t pill, stretch, or lose their color after a few wears and washes. All the brands on this list have passed that test. Registered dietician Maddie Pasquariello, RDN, has even owned the same pair of leggings from Splits59 for five years and says they’re still good as new.
Besides their ability to stay in-tact for years, you also want to make sure your workout clothes pass the wear test. Do they allow for movement? Are they see-through while squatting or bending over? Does the waistband slide down? You can get a good sense of whether or not your activewear passes the wear test by trying them on in person before you make a purchase.
How we chose
For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including myself and fashion contributors Rose Lauture and Kristen Saladino, have been testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated workout clothes. We used our first-hand experience and consulted other fitness and fashion professionals to narrow down our favorites and determine what to consider when shopping. We rated all the workout clothes on versatility, sizing, clothing options, moisture-wicking abilities, comfort, and the list goes on. The options that got the highest marks are the ones that made it onto this list.
Are you ready to shop our activewear faves? Look no further than this curated list of the best workout clothes for women to shop now.
Lululemon Rulu Ribbed Cropped Half Zip
Now 24% Off
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short
Lululemon Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoes
Lululemon’s technical apparel has kinda been the holy grail of activewear since the brand launched, and we’re huge fans. Motivational speaker Denise Vitola, a devoted Lulu fan, says the brand stands out for blending endurance, performance, and fashion. But what truly sets Lululemon apart is its obsessive attention to detail—from sweat-wicking fabrics that feel like a second skin to precision tailoring that moves with you. Our fashion editors agree: these pieces don’t just last, they become essentials you can’t live without.
One downside of Lululemon’s activewear is that it errs on the pricier side, but our editors definitely think it’s worth the investment, since Lululemon excels at durability. Founder of Yoga Kawa Echo Wang agrees. “Lululemon’s outfits hold up wash after wash and they feel amazing and so stretchy during yoga practice,” she says.
In terms of the pieces we love, the Lululemon Align Leggings can’t go without a shoutout. Our editors love them for their breathability, barely-there feel, and how easy they are to move in (hi, stretch!), and all of those features extend to its other activewear, like sweat-wicking tops, biker shorts, sports bras, and more.
Another loved product by Vitola and our team? The cult-classic Energy Bra, which is one of our all-time favorite sports bras, but it’s especially great for medium-impact activity like strength training or jogging. “It’s super comfortable on my shoulders and doesn’t give me a uni-boob under my shirts,” she says, adding that she likes that the cross straps take the pressure off your shoulders during wear.
Read More: Best Lululemon Leggings
Athleta Interval Tipped Bra
Athleta Interval High Rise Side Stripe Legging
Now 30% Off
I’ve been testing activewear for years, but it was only until recently that I gave Athleta a shot, and it has quickly become one of my all-time favorite activewear brands. And, that seems like a common theme—three experts we spoke to praise the way its clothes fit and fashion-forward styles. But, the common thread among our team and experts was that the fabrics wear very well and the materials are super high-quality.
Certified personal trainer Rachel Macpherson, CSCS, wears and tests workout clothes daily, and one thing she loves about Athleta is never having to worry about see-through fabric while stretching or squatting. Plus, the fabrics hold up well after multiple washes. The brand offers six proprietary fabrics, ranging from second-skin softness to cooling technology for intense workouts. The best part? They’re all super stretchy, so you don’t have to worry about rips or tears mid-workout.
Golf instructor Erica Larkin loves Athleta’s layering pieces and outerwear—like its pullovers and jackets—as they keep her dry and warm during every season. Plus, they’re easy to move and swing in. Taryn Toomey, founder and creative director of The Class, agrees. She loves moving in a way that lets her focus on how her body feels, not her clothes—and Athleta’s gear makes that easy.
Most Comfortable: Vuori
Vuori AllTheFeels Legging
Vuori Restore Half Zip Jacket Hoodie
Vuori is another personal favorite on this list, as its fabric is unbelievably soft without slacking on compression. After trying many pairs of leggings, I found that I felt the most confident at the gym when wearing Vuori’s Daily Legging, because it contours any lumps and bumps and makes your ‘bod look so smooth and snatched, but it doesn’t feel overly compressive or tight, which I appreciate.
Vuori not only hugs you in all the right places, but the textures are so soft against your skin (hi, polyester and elastane blend), explains personal trainer, Kim Strother, NASM, who also loves the brand’s Daily Collection. “Vuori is really made to move,” she says. “Not all activewear is actually comfortable to work out in, but this brand fits my very active lifestyle.”
Gini Grimsley, MS, director of fitness products at Vasa Fitness, is a big fan of Vuori’s famed Performance Joggers because they allow for a ton of movement without needing to readjust the waistband. As a weight lifter, she never has to adjust her clothing between sets, meaning she has more time to focus on the task at hand. Vuori’s proprietary fabric is so comfy that we’ve even worn its leggings for couch rotting, lounging, errands, and the list goes on.
I did notice that Vuori’s sizing is not as inclusive as other brands on this list, with most of its options only ranging from XXS to 2X (as a reference, Girlfriend Collective’s options go all the way to a 6X!).
Girlfriend Collective Skyline Tina Open Back Unitard
Girlfriend Collective is a great option for activewear, but what makes it stand out is its commitment to size inclusivity. All of its clothing options range from a size XXS to a 6X, so it caters to so many body types.
Wang loves Girlfriend clothing specifically for yoga, touting the Float line as the fabric is slightly thicker and more compressive for flexible moves like downward dog or child’s pose. While its clothes are slightly more expensive, she says she sees Girlfriend Collective as an investment in quality, comfort, and inclusive sizing. Style coach Liz Wendler is also a fan of the brand, calling out its Compressive Leggings and Paloma Racerback Bra. “This set is incredibly comfortable and sits at the right spot for comfort and movement,” she says.
I do find that its sizing runs a tad bit big, so if you want your workout attire to fit more on the snug side, opt for a size down that what you’d normally go for.
Freshest Styles: Nike
Nike Zenvy Rib Light-Support Padded Sports Bra
Nike Pro Sculpt High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings
Nike Free Metcon 6
Now 17% Off
When it comes to activewear, there’s a high chance you have at least one Nike piece in your closet—at least WH editors all do. In our opinion, the brand has the freshest styles, with its pieces ranging from practical gym ‘fits to streetwear staples. We especially like that Nike’s sizing is pretty solid, with pieces ranging from size XS to 3X. I’m a true medium (typically a size six in clothing), and all of Nike’s medium sizes fit me like a glove, so I can also attest to the brand’s size consistency.
Dani Coleman, director of training and head trainer at Pvolve (and Jennifer Aniston’s personal trainer!), says her all-time favorite activewear brand is Nike because of its athletic styles and practical function. In our opinion, it blends streetwear (hi, bold branding, oversized fits, and trend-driven designs) with performance to make functional pieces that are designed for movement, whether training, running, or lounging. “No matter what I have on-deck, its styles easily morph into any occasion from being in the studio or out and about.” We’ve even worn some of its clothing to spruce up a GNO.
Coleman specifically loves the Zenvy Legging (I’m also a huge fan of these), the Alate Sports Bra, and her all-time favorite training shoe, the Nike Free Metcon 5. A favorite of mine from the brand is the Nike Swoosh Medium Support Bra, which actually won our best overall spot in our best sports bras roundup. What specifically draws Coleman to Nike is its representation and diversity as a brand and in its products. “They also push the envelope on innovation and partner with some of the most talented athletes in the world,” she says.
Splits59 Ella High Waist Airweight 7/8
Registered dietician Maddie Pasquariello, RDN, has had a longtime obsession with Splits59 because its products hold up better than any others she owns. She says she’s owned one of the brand’s leggings for five years (!!), and they’ve retained their shape, stretch, and color the entire time.
Pasquariello also adds that she prefers matte fabrics over shiny ones, and Splits 59 has many options that are up her alley. Plus, we especially love the colors and patterns the clothes are available in, all options that are easy to mix and match.
While Pasquariello loves everything she’s tried from the brand, she calls out the Ella High Waist Airweight Legging as well as the matching Ella Airweight Bra—they’re made out of moisture-wicking and quick-drying nylon for super sweaty workouts. And don’t sleep on the stretchy tanks and tees—the Jackson Rib Cropped Turtleneck is so cute and it has thumb holes, which makes it perfect for chillier days, she notes.
Most Aaffordable: Amazon
CRZ YOGA Strappy Longline Sports Bra
CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Cross Waist Workout Leggings
Our editors love shopping on Amazon because they have tons of great activewear, but there’s one brand in particular we love for comfort, price, and durability, and that’s CRZ Yoga.
The brand offers all sorts of super cute pieces like flare leggings, cropped tees, and longline sports bras. Founder of iCORE Method Courtney Virden says this is her all-time fave activewear brand because it’s super stylish without breaking the bank. She also adds that the brand is constantly adding new items to its roster, so fresh and fun styles and colors to choose from.
Since CRZ Yoga’s prices are more budget-friendly, I was a little skeptical about the quality. But after trying the leggings, I was surprised—they’re almost as comfortable as our top pick, Lululemon. And at half the price, they’re an even easier buy.
Most Versitile: Adanola
Aadanola Ultimate Short Sleeve Zip Up Top
Adanola Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings
Like many of the other brands on this list, Adanola offers a variety of styles that work with different dress codes from the gym to the office. But, we also love that most of its pieces are below $100. And DW, the quality is surprisingly great for the price.
Adanola is a favorite in fitness instructor Aubre Winters-Casiano’s closet. Its apparel is simple yet makes you feel like the coolest and most confident gal in the room, she says, adding that she has been gravitating towards rich seasonal colors, timeless silhouettes, and apparel that is comfortable to move in. I’ve worn its clothes to the gym, but I also own pieces perfect for lounging around my apartment.
Winter-Casiano’s favorite pieces are the Ultimate Tank Bra, the Ultimate Leggings, and the Ultimate Long Sleeve Longline Top. “The Ultimate Sleeveless Unitard is also so flattering,” she adds. And as someone who is 21 weeks pregnant, that’s saying a lot. She also calls out that the brand shows its pieces on models of all different body types and shapes, which makes her feel really confident ordering online while pregnant.
Saladino says that its fabric feels thick and super high-quality. For the leggings specifically, the high-waisted band stays securely in place without any need for adjustments during yoga. “I most often reach for its flared leggings—they’re my go-to for barre class, especially when I’m wearing ankle weights.” And, on weekends, she reaches for them just to lounge because they’re just that comfortable. She even ended up buying two more pairs so she always has a clean option in her drawer.
FP Movement Retro Rider Layer
FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts
Both myself and Lauture are obsessed with the adorable styles from FP Movement. We can confidently say we’ve never felt more stylish—whether we’re working out, hiking, running, or just lounging. The pieces pair effortlessly with anything, but the subtle boho flair and vibrant, versatile colors make them stand out. Plus, its quality is amazing—its workout sets are extremely soft and maintain their quality after multiple washes, Lauture says.
I also love the versatility of FP Movement. In my mind, they’re less of a workout brand and more of a lifestyle brand because there are so many clothing options to choose from. In my wardrobe, I own the extremely soft and stretchy Never Better Full-Length Leggings, but I also have outerwear like the Mountain Top Half Zip Fleece and cozies like the For The Win Sleeveless Sweatshirt and the Let’s Bounce Pant.
If you want ultra high-performance gear, FP Movement might not be your best bet. But if you’re after everyday staples that can take you from the gym to the rest of your day while keeping you effortlessly cute, it’s a solid choice.
Alo Airlift Intrigue Bra
Now 31% Off
Alo Accolade Full Zip Hoodie
Alo HIgh-Waist Airlift Leggings
Alo is always ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion-forward activewear. And, that’s why it’s the most widely worn brand among our editors. The brand is a trendsetter in the fitness world, but it also has fashion-forward styles we feel super chic wearing on the street. We appreciate the brand because the quality of its clothing is consistently top-notch, its sizing is inclusive, and its pieces hold up through all kinds of activities.
Saladino loves that the brand makes a little bit of everything—biker shorts perfect for hot yoga or summer workouts like running, recovery sneakers perfect for post-workout or comfort or pain-free errand running, leggings that make your curves look smoothed, and the list goes on. And, we love that it introduces new, fun colors every month so its products never get old and there’s always an option for anyone.
The brand offers three signature fabrics: Airlift (82% polyester, 18% elastane), Airbrush (87% nylon, 13% elastane), and Alosoft (87% polyester, 13% elastane). Each one has a different feel—whether you want high compression, extra softness, or more stretch. This makes shopping at Alo a breeze, and once you find a fabric you love, you can stick with it and grab different styles in the same material.
Read More: Alo Yoga Review
Meet the experts
- Denise Vitola is a fitness instructor, wellness coach, and motivational speaker.
- Liz Wendler is a style coach.
- Echo Wang is the founder of Yoga Kawa.
- Rachel Macpherson, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.
- Erica Larkin is a golf instructor at Larkin Golf.
- Taryn Toomey is the founder and creative director of The Class.
- Kim Strother, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor.
- Gini Grimsley, MS, is the director of fitness products at Vasa Fitness.
- Aubre Winters-Casiano is the founder of Sweat Sessions Studio.
- Dani Coleman is the director of training and head trainer at Pvolve.
- Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN is a registered dietician.
- Kristen Hislop is a certified personal trainer and running coach.
- Courtney Virden is the founder of iCORE Method.
Shop Other Activewear We Love
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Lily Wohlner is the associate style & commerce editor at Women’s Health. A sneakerhead, shopping enthusiast, and beauty expert, she’s mastered the art of testing, reviewing, and recommending standout products across every style category. Lily started her career as a freelance makeup artist before diving into the editorial and copywriting world, creating content for brands like Oribe, NewBeauty, and Dermstore. When she’s not training for her next half marathon, you’ll find her in the Lower East Side whipping up high-protein recipes with her roommate or thrifting for the ultimate pair of low-rise jeans.
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