Best for Exercise Dresses
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Best for Exercise Dresses
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Outdoor Voices is built on the belief that fitness doesn’t have to be about being the first or the fastest—just show up and have fun. The brand is also committed to a sustainability initiative, prioritizing high-quality, long-lasting materials to keep all of our favorite pieces “in our gym bags and out of landfills.” Nothing represents the hazy line between workout gear and easy, everyday style better than this original Exercise Dress. Don’t worry; of course it has built-in shorts. Get a dress that can do both.
Prices: $
Best for: Warm weather, outdoor activities, tennis, casual dress
Customer review: “I have this dress in three colors and rotate them all in my wardrobe. The dress makes me feel super confident and I wear it in many different settings (golfing, hanging out casually with friends on a Saturday, running errands, etc.).”
Style pictured available in XS to XL
Best Yoga Athleisure Brand
Lululemon Ready to Rulu High-Rise Jogger
Best Yoga Athleisure Brand
Lululemon Ready to Rulu High-Rise Jogger
A cult favorite, Lululemon tends to get the most attention for its colorful yoga leggings, but you can also take life off the mat with the vast option of additional athleisure offerings. Shop by activity (golf, tennis, running, etc.), or choose from a range of low-key accessories and casual wear, like these sleek, high-rise joggers.
Prices: $$
Best for: Yoga, workouts, loungewear, sleepwear
Customer review: “These joggers are super comfy and warm. Highly recommend.”
Style pictured available in 0 to 20
Best Trendy Athleisure Brand
Alo Yoga Aces Tennis Skirt
Best Trendy Athleisure Brand
Alo Yoga Aces Tennis Skirt
Now 18% Off
You probably know Alo Yoga as the influencer-favorite brand—the one with the very best matching sets seen all over TikTok and the Instagram of Kendall Jenner. But Alo Yoga also wins my vote for best in show when it comes to do-it-all transitional pieces, like trousers, skirts, and outerwear. This stark white tennis skirt, while fitting the viral tenniscore trend, could easily be worn both on and off the court.
Prices: $$
Best for: Casual dress, workouts, yoga, outerwear
Customer review: “Really beautiful and material is soft and comfy.”
Style pictured available in 00 (XXS) to 14 (L)
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Best for Graphic Prints
Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Sweatpant
Best for Graphic Prints
Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Sweatpant
Aviator Nation has a dedicated following among celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Zac Efron. While these sweatpants are ideal for lounging, they’re versatile enough to wear for various occasions. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the gym, or simply hanging out with friends, Aviator Nation sweatpants are a fashionable and functional choice.
Prices: $$$
Best for: Casual dress, loungewear
Customer review: “Softest sweats I own. Colors are sewn on beautiful stitching. I adore them. Worth every penny.”
Style pictured available in XS to XL
Best Elevated Athleisure Brand
Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Bodyshort
Best Elevated Athleisure Brand
Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Bodyshort
Specializing in polished basics for a wide range of body types, Universal Standard also carries a range of elevated activewear pieces. “The best part about [them] is that they can be worn alone for a minimalist look or mixed and matched with other styles to add layering complexity or accommodate colder weather,” Martin says. He notes that the Next to Naked collection is an all-time bestseller for the label, made with luxuriously soft, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial fabric that effortlessly shapes and complements.
Prices: $-$$
Best for: Mix & match, casual dress, loungewear, workouts
Customer review: “I love this bodysuit!! It’s so comfortable and fits so well! Great by itself to workout or out a button down over or to wear out! So versatile!”
Style pictured available in 00 (4XS) to 40 (4XL)
Best Athleisure Brand for Basics
Skims Soft Lounge Tank
Best Athleisure Brand for Basics
Skims Soft Lounge Tank
SKIMS is known for using soft, high-quality fabrics that prioritize comfort. The materials used in its lounge- and activewear are meant to feel luxurious against the skin. The designs often accentuate the body’s natural curves, making you feel even more confident.
Prices: $
Best for: Workouts, high-impact activities, loungewear
Customer review: “These tank tops are my absolute favorite, I now have three of them. They fit well and do work without a bra.”
Style pictured available in XXS to 4XL
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Newest Athleisure Brand
Splits 59 Fox Techflex Jacket
Newest Athleisure Brand
Splits 59 Fox Techflex Jacket
Splits59 knows good activewear isn’t just another pair of yoga pants—it’s a confidence boost, an attitude adjustment, or your morning motivation. The brand offers a wide range of styles, from classic and understated to bold and edgy. This variety ensures that you can find not only the best activewear for workouts, but also for loungewear, too.
Prices: $$
Best for: Casual dress, athletic wear, workouts
Customer review: “Awesome jacket!”
Style pictured available in XS to L
Best Adaptive Athleisure Brand
IZ Adaptive Game Changer Seamless Back Yoga Pant
Best Adaptive Athleisure Brand
IZ Adaptive Game Changer Seamless Back Yoga Pant
IZ Adaptive is making sure that everybody has access to modern wardrobe basics, especially those who might struggle with conventional clothing. Founder Izzy Camilleri spent years custom making uniquely crafted clothing for a wheelchair user living with paralysis. She listened to real voices about the challenges traditional wardrobe items often present, and shortly thereafter, IZ Adaptive was born. Made with materials and closures that are created specifically for people with disabilities, the designs offer a secure fit for physical therapy or just everyday life.
Prices: $$-$$$
Best for: Everyday and casual dress, sleepwear, loungewear, physical therapy
Customer review: “IZ makes the best pant/jeans we have found for our paraplegic daughter.”
Style pictured available in sizes 2 to 24
Two words: matching sets. You already know and love Free People for its adventurous, boho-chic aesthetic, but Free People’s FP Movement line has plenty of cool-girl options inclusive of skorts, sweatshorts, activewear, bras, and more. FP Movement also offers a wide range of wellness products, so you can treat yourself to a Sunday Riley night oil or glowy mask while you kick back in this two-piece sweat set.
Prices: $$
Best for: Outdoor activities, beachwear, loungewear, casual dress
Customer review: “Top has a hood but does not have a zipper or other closures so almost like a sporty/ casual cardigan. Bottoms are extremely flattering and comfortable.”
Style pictured available in XS to XL
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Best Size Inclusive Athleisure Brand
Alder Apparel Go Far Fleece
Best Size Inclusive Athleisure Brand
Alder Apparel Go Far Fleece
Crafted with ethics and Earth in mind, this female-founded brand focuses on offering snug and colorful apparel that is made for those who like to be outdoors (including swimwear!). The brand is all about inclusivity, diversity, and investing in the planet. Plus, the Alder website offers a refreshing level of transparency so you can actually learn about the factories where each piece is manufactured, as well as access complete sizing and measurement guides—with some products ranging up to size 6XL. This is athleisurewear that you’ll feel good in no matter the activity.
Prices: $$
Best for: Outerwear, swimwear, outdoor activity, loungewear, casual dress
Customer review: “I just received my Go Far fleece in size xl/2x in the blue combo. It’s super soft and beautifully made. The improved stretchy cuffs are excellent. I love the choice to use the lighter color tone as an accent.”
Style pictured available in XS to 5xL
Best Everyday Athleisure Brand
Four Three Seven The Quarter Zip
Best Everyday Athleisure Brand
Four Three Seven The Quarter Zip
Cropped hoodies are easy to layer with other pieces. Whether you throw it over a tank top or wear it under a jacket, the shortened length adds a layering element to your outfit that can elevate the overall look. 437 might be a newcomer to the athleisure scene, but it already counts Bella Hadid as a huge fan.
Prices: $$
Best for: Loungewear, casual dress, sport and athletic wear
Customer review: “I love the design & color”
Style pictured available in XS to XXL
Best Gender-Neutral Athleisure Brand
Calvin Klein Standards Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
Best Gender-Neutral Athleisure Brand
Calvin Klein Standards Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
Now 70% Off
This is a brand that needs no introduction, because the countless amount of high-profile, fresh-faced campaigns and advertisements have done most of the work. If you’re a part of the, “not wearing pants unless I absolutely have to” club, then Calvin Klein has plenty of athleisure and loungewear choices for you. Not only that, but CK also carries a range of gender-neutral options that you can match with your S.O. (or gift him to “borrow” at a later date).
Prices: $$
Best for: Everyday and casual dress, loungewear, sleepwear
Customer review: “I like the color and I love the fleece joggers”
Style pictured available in XXS to XXL
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Best Eco-Friendly Athleisure Brand
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Best Eco-Friendly Athleisure Brand
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Now 38% Off
Sustainability, transparency, and inclusivity—that’s the goal of Girlfriend Collective, and they succeed every time. With multiple inseam length options and sizing available in XXS to 6XL, their sporty styles of joggers, bras, sweatshirts, and leggings give an ethical voice to the athleisure wear lifestyle. But don’t take my word for it, you can comb through the thousands of raving reviews on their site and see for yourself.
Prices: $
Best for: Workouts, casual dress, outerwear
Customer review: “The feel is amazing. Compressive but not restrictive. The quality feels great and they do not roll down your waist.”
Style pictured available in XXS to 6XL
Best Health Adaptive Athleisure Brand
Reboundwear Short Sleeve Adaptive Top
Best Health Adaptive Athleisure Brand
Reboundwear Short Sleeve Adaptive Top
Functional adaptive wear has come a long way, and Reboundwear is leading the charge with innovative options that don’t skimp out on style. Reboundwear clothing is organized by varying needs related to disabilities or specific circumstances, like prosthetics, cancer and chemotherapy, incontinence, dialysis, and post-surgery recovery, just to name a few. Shirts like this adaptive top take into consideration space for heart monitors, ports, and infusions with five zippers for easy access points with the wearer or caregiver in mind.
Prices: $
Best for: Everyday and casual dress, physical therapy, loungewear
Customer review: “This Reboundwear Women’s Short Sleeve Lindsey Top is the best garment to wear after rotator cuff surgery. I discovered it on Amazon, read the reviews and am very happy with it.”
Style pictured available in S to 3XL
Most Versatile Athleisure Brand
Frankies Bikinis Clara Cutout Bodysuit
Most Versatile Athleisure Brand
Frankies Bikinis Clara Cutout Bodysuit
A workout romper combines practicality, comfort, and style, making it a compelling choice for those who want a hassle-free and fashionable option for their fitness routine. Although known for their bikinis, Frankies Bikinis dove head first into the athleisure market. The styles are elevated, trendy, and fun. The price points are on par with brands like Alo, Set Active, and Spiritual Gangster.
Prices: $$
Best for: Workouts, loungewear, casual dress
Customer review: “Love it, contours your body!!”
Style pictured available in XS to XL
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Best Bang For Your Buck
GlowMode FeatherFit High-Rise Side Pocket Leggings
Best Bang For Your Buck
GlowMode FeatherFit High-Rise Side Pocket Leggings
Many activewear brands focus on creating leggings that are not only functional but also stylish. GlowMode is one of them. These leggings are not only great for a tough workout but equally as cute for a dressed-up athleisure look. (Plus, GlowMode makes our favorite yoga pants!)
Price: $
Best for: Workouts, loungewear
Customer review: “Obsessed with all the GlowMode stuff. These fit great, aren’t see-through, and are buttery.”
Style pictured available in XS to XL
What does athleisure mean?
The term “athleisure” was originally coined in 1979 to describe garments and shoes designed for those who want to appear athletic. Fast-forward to current times and Merriam-Webster defines the term as “casual clothing—like yoga pants, sweatpants, and hoodies—that are designed to be worn both for exercising and for doing (almost) everything else.” Plenty of today’s athleisure styles are cross-functional, but keep in mind some offerings still aren’t actually made with performance benefits.
The trend arguably took flight in the 2010s as brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas churned out sleek activewear pieces that shoppers began sporting both in and out of the gym. Now, athleisure remains hotter than ever, with a growing number of brands entering the market to meet consumer demands.
How do I style athleisure?
On warmer days, Martin suggests pairing a short bodysuit with a sweater or button-down, sneakers, and folded socks, adding that the top layers “can be tied around the neck or waist if it gets too hot.” During colder months, he advises a go-to look of leggings, a puffer jacket, and a statement beanie for a sleek yet playful winter outfit.
And with “tons of premium athleisure options available these days, it’s easy to achieve a polished look that’s work-appropriate,” Martin says. The key to nailing business-casual is creating visual interest with your outfit, he explains. For example, consider styling a sophisticated pair of leggings with a tunic and tailored coat. “The looser fit and length of the tunic will create a beautiful silhouette, and the tailored coat will act as an important layering piece,” he shares.
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Meet the Experts
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.