Apparel and Gear Workout Clothes The 17 Best Places to Buy Workout Clothes for Women, Tested and Reviewed Whether you’re a casual runner signing up for a 5K or an aspiring pickleball player, these activewear stores will be your go-tos. By Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT Instagram As the Senior Fitness Editor at Shape, Kristen oversees the Fitness category and covers workout trends, exercise tips, recovery, and more. Previously, Kristen was the Chief Content Officer at aSweatLife.com, where she led content and editorial strategy. She has experience in copywriting and digital marketing, and she's an award-winning freelancer who works with B2C clients in health and wellness. Shape's editorial guidelines Updated on April 28, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews Our Testing Process What to Know About Shopping for Workout Clothes FAQ Why Trust Shape We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shape / David Hattan Gone are the days when you’d throw on old shorts and a baggy cotton t-shirt for your daily workout. Today, the best workout clothes for women come in a dizzying array of styles and colors that are constantly changing with the trends, and they feature thoughtfully engineered designs (think: quick-drying fabric and plenty of pockets) to make your workout clothes both comfortable and functional. There’s no shortage of places to peruse when you’re shopping for the best women’s workout clothing, but the best activewear brand for a dedicated cyclist may be totally different than what a yogi wants in her fit-wear. As long-time editors and fitness enthusiasts, we’re here to break down the best places to shop for workout clothes for women, no matter your budget, favorite activity, or style. Over the course of the last year, our NYC lab has been testing dozens of leggings, sports bras, shoes, running hats, and so much more, so we know firsthand what the best places to shop for women's workout gear are. We looked at all of our long-term activewear tests as a whole to analyze the best workout clothes for running, strength training, yoga, maternity wear, and more. And to make shopping even easier for you, we've highlighted some tried-and-true products that we've personally tested and loved. This article is full of experience-based shopping inspiration that will motivate you to sign up for your next fitness class. Best Overall Nike Nike View On Nike.com Why We Like It: There’s technical, athlete-first apparel for every sport imaginable.It’s Worth Noting: Its designs are more sporty and casual than luxe athleisure. Nike may be best known for its wide range of shoe styles that can be worn on the street just as easily as in the gym, but the workout apparel covers every sport you could possibly want to play — from running to yoga to pickleball. Its innovation-focused clothes put the athlete first with technical, engineered features that improve comfort and performance, all in the name of making everyone feel like an athlete. The brand’s Nike By You feature lets shoppers design their own custom shoes for an extra stamp of creativity. In recent years, Nike has released yoga and maternity lines to cater to a broader range of fitness lovers. Nike workout clothes stay true to the brand’s sporty, athletic heritage, so if you want a more luxe, high-fashion look, you’re better off shopping at Alo Yoga or Lululemon. Nike does have a plus-size section on its website, with sizes ranging from 0X to 4X. Shape Tested Nike Metcon 8 Training Shoes 4.9 Nike View On Nordstrom View On Nike.com View On Champssports.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Cushioning 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 We love that these strength-training shoes have a wide, stable base — so we were able to lift heavier, longer. The Shape 2023 Sneaker Awards Best Budget Champion Champion View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Champion.com Why We Like It: The budget-friendly basics outperform their price tags.It’s Worth Noting: The designs and color palettes tend to be pretty basic and traditional. TBH, we were a little surprised when a Champion sports bra won us over in a recent test. However, we were blown away by the quality of the sports bra we tested, which clued us in that we should be wearing more Champion workout clothes in our day-to-day lives. The price tags are unbeatable, considering workout clothes for women are usually sort of expensive; in fact, lots of Champion workout tops come in at $30 or less, and Champion leggings (which can run upward of $90 at Lululemon) are often $50 or less. If you’re a fitness fashionista, Champion may not be for you. Its designs are largely neutral and traditional, with lots of grays and blacks. You won’t find tons of on-trend or colorful options here. We also found the plus-size styles to be a little lacking, and they’re only available in sizes 1X to 3X. Shape Tested Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Champion.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Quality 5/5 We found this sports bra to be comfortable and supportive. We were (very pleasantly) surprised that despite being only $40, it held up well after several washes. The 10 Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts of 2023, Tested & Approved Best Splurge Lululemon 4.8 View On Lululemon Why We Like It: Lululemon workout clothes are typically very high quality and last forever.It’s Worth Noting: The prices are among the highest we’ve seen. While it might be pricey, Lululemon has you covered for all of your fitness wear (sports bras and bike shorts, check!) and athleisure needs (cute joggers and sweatshirts, yep!). Leggings may start at $88 and climb to a lofty $198, but you're paying for quality, sleek silhouettes, and technical features. Whether you're a runner, yogi, or boxer — or reserve your workout clothes for plane rides and errands — the brand has everything you need to get your sweat on or to travel in style. Size-wise, Lululemon workout clothes for women tend to run a tad small, so size up if you’re unsure. Its sizes range from 0 to 20. Shape Tested Lululemon Align High Rise with Pockets 25” Lululemon View On Lululemon Not only are the pockets clutch, but the Align style of Lululemon leggings is famously stretchy and still supportive. We found ourselves reaching for these leggings day after day. The 15 Best Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested & Reviewed Best for Outdoor Workouts Under Armour Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It: HeatGear and ColdGear help you comfortably work out outdoors, no matter the weather.It’s Worth Noting: They’ve recently expanded into performance running shoes, with the UA Flow Velociti Elite. No longer just about undershirts, Under Armour mixes style with the function of HeatGear and ColdGear, for those who want to take their workout clothes from gym to out in nature. The HeatGear fabric (like on this tank top) is soft, lightweight knit that wicks sweat and dries quickly, while ColdGear is made from 100% recycled Polartec fleece that provides warmth without weighing you down (we’re obsessed with these leggings). The extended sizing ranges from 1X to 3X, but with more colors and varieties available than we saw on Champion’s website. These Under Armour Leggings Have a No-Slip Waistband to Prevent Them from Sliding Down While Under Armour has been in the shoe game for quite awhile (and innovating with its SlipSpeed shoes), they just launched a performance running shoe that we’ve tested on the track ourselves. The Flow Velociti Elite running shoe has a light mesh upper and a full-length, carbon fiber plate for a fast, explosive feel. Heads up: The sizing is unisex. Shape Tested Under Armour Women's Meridian Crop Leggings Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Dick's The stretchy, buttery fabric hugs our bodies without squeezing, and we especially loved them for low-impact workouts outside. And yes, there are pockets. Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Activewear Apparel Best for Athleisure Adidas Adidas View On Adidas.com Why We Like It: Adidas frequently collabs with iconic designers (see: Beyoncé, Stella McCartney) for sporty takes on fashion trends.It’s Worth Noting: Collabs can sell out quickly in popular sizes, so if you see something you like, snag it. It may be performance-based, but gear from Adidas looks good, too. The budget-friendly retailer partners with designers such as Stella McCartney, Prada, Pharrell, and even Beyoncé for clothes that cater to fashion-conscious athletes. (If you’re an aspiring triathlete who wants the world’s only actually-cute tri suit, have we got something for you.) Its running gear is also top-notch, especially the Own the Run Long Sleeve Tee and the Medium-Support Pocket Sports Bra, and you can’t go wrong with the signature Adilette Slides (if you played high school soccer in the 2000s, you definitely still have a pair of these). Props to Adidas for making a plus-size collection (sizes 1X to 4X) in gorgeous colorways that don’t feel totally separate from the “standard” sizing. We’re particularly obsessed with these evergreen leggings. Shape Tested Adidas Ultraboost Light Women's Running Shoe 4.9 Adidas View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Academy.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 4.9/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Featherlight and cloudlike in its cushioning, the Adidas Ultraboost Light is a little sturdier in the toe, which gave us a feeling of liftoff with every step. In fact, one of our editors recently wore it to run the Boston Marathon. The Shape 2023 Sneaker Awards Best Designs Sweaty Betty Sweaty Betty View On Sweatybetty.com Why We Like It: Wild designs and creative color play make you stand out in a sea of neutrals.It’s Worth Noting: Sizing is limited, topping out at XXL. This London-based, celeb-loved brand's focus is fit, fabric, and fashion, so you look and feel great while you sweat. Sweaty Betty pieces can be pricey (no t-shirt needs to be $78)), but you're paying for features you won't see anywhere else, such as asymmetric mesh panels and bold patterns. Not to mention the clothes' quality — try one piece and you'll realize it's worth every penny. I Finally Found a Solution to Thigh Chafing On Long Summer Runs Note that the sizing isn’t as inclusive as other brands on this list. Most pieces run from XXS to XXL without specialty extended sizing. Shape Tested Sweaty Betty On Your Marks 4" Running Shorts Sweaty Betty View On Zappos View On Sweatybetty.com We love that these two-in-one running shorts didn’t ride up during any of our test runs, and the thick waistband hides a zippered pocket for our keys and cards. Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Activewear Apparel Best for Yoga Alo Yoga Alo Yoga View On Amazon View On Aloyoga.com Why We Like It: The signature Airlift fabric sculpts and hugs your body, with a four-way stretch to move with you.It’s Worth Noting: The size range is the most limited of all the workout clothes we tested. Mindful, movement-inspired yoga pieces are Alo's specialty. All of the workout clothes for women from Alo Yoga move with your body, making them ideal on or off the mat. Alo Yoga leggings are especially perfect for yoga, thanks to four-way stretch, breathable performance fabric, and a smoothing front panel that lets you go commando if that’s your vibe. We also love that every piece is available in a variety of “Core” colors and limited-edition trendy shades, which make it easy to mix and match. The brand’s designs are also more fashion-forward than others, perfect for true studio-to-street style. With leggings starting at $98, Alo Yoga workout clothes can be as expensive as Lululemon or Sweaty Betty, two of the priciest options we tested. Most disappointingly, the sizing ranges are incredibly limited. At time of publish, only six types of leggings and tank tops were available in a size XL (the largest Alo Yoga offers). Shape Tested Alo Yoga Airbrush Real Bra Tank Alo Yoga View On Aloyoga.com View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Neiman Marcus This celeb-approved long-line tank is made with moisture-wicking fabric and a thick, comfy band that didn’t crush our ribs, even after hours of wear. I Own More Than 40 Sports Bras, But This Celeb-Approved Pick Tops the List Best for Strength Training Reebok Reebok View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Reebok.com Why We Like It: Reebok’s Lux sports bras and leggings are form-fitting and supportive, so they don’t distract you during major lifts.It’s Worth Noting: Other training gear isn’t quite as comfortable. Gym devotees, the best workout clothes for leg day, upper body day, and whatever else you’re training for come from Reebok. The brand’s Lux line is especially well-suited to the gym, with form-fitting designs that won’t hinder your workout and angled seams that follow your body’s natural curves for fewer distractions. Outfit yourself head-to-toe by lacing up the latest Nano Training Sneaker, aka the “official shoe of fitness.” It features a stable platform for lifting and enough lightweight cushioning to make it appropriate for short sprints — not a feature you normally find in gym shoes. Shape Tested Reebok Nano X3 Training Shoes Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Dsw.com The wide, flat base let us plant our feet confidently while lifting heavy, and we noticed that the 7 mm drop is comfortable enough for short runs (which makes the Nanos a little different from the Metcons). The Shape 2023 Sneaker Awards Best Footwear New Balance New Balance View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Newbalance.com Why We Like It: From dad shoes to cloud-like cushioning, New Balance nails footwear.It’s Worth Noting: Sizing can vary on some of the most popular sneaks. Whether you’re looking for a trendy casual sneaker or the best-cushioned running shoe around, you’ll find it at New Balance. The Fresh Foam cushioning softens impact, making running easier on your joints, and some shoes even feature a GORE-TEX waterproof fabric for extra protection from the elements. Of course, New Balance is also famous for its classic, casual sneakers (like these) that stand the test of time in style and durability. (P.S. If you remember the first time these kicks were popular, it’s time to start saving for retirement.) Heads up: Certain running shoes (like the Fresh Foam X 1080v12) run notably large, enough so that the brand calls it out on the product page. Adjust your order accordingly. Shape Tested New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 5 New Balance View On Amazon View On Zappos Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Cushioning/Knee Protection 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 We compared this lightweight shoe to running on clouds, with a stretchy knit upper that let our toes move freely. The 9 Best Running Shoes for Bad Knees, Tested & Reviewed Best for Running Asics ASICS View On Zappos View On Asics.com Why We Like It: Asics’ super-supportive sneaks are approved by runners, nurses, and other people who are on their feet constantly.It’s Worth Noting: The designs are chunky, so if you’re a minimalist, Asics may not be your vibe. Toe the start line at a 5K, half marathon, or endurance race, and you’re sure to see runners decked out in Asics gear. Whether it’s the brand’s Gel-Kayano 29 (which is editor-approved for runners with knee pain) or the Gel-Nimbus 25 with pull-tabs on the back for easy wear, Asics knows runners. Asics shoes may be the star of the show, but don’t overlook the clothing, either. The leggings are often seamless to prevent any irritation over long runs, and running jackets are technical enough to keep your dry and speedy. The clothing may not be as trendy as other luxury workout clothes for women, but trust, they’ll get the job done. Shape Tested ASICS Mad Dash Cap 4.3 ASICS View On Amazon View On Target View On Asics.com Our Ratings Fit 4.3/5 Adjustability 4.3/5 Moisture Wicking 4.4/5 Design 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 The lightest-feeling running hat we tested, we also loved that this cap had thoughtfully placed mesh panels to prevent overheating. The 10 Best Running Hats, Tested By Shape Best for Recreation Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices View On Outdoorvoices.com Why We Like It: The bright, playful colors are designed for all kinds of movement, not just hardcore HIIT.It’s Worth Noting: The brand is best known for its variety of exercise dresses. All the cool kids are wearing Outdoor Voices — and for good reason. The brand offers playful pieces such as pastel color-blocked leggings and leopard print workout dresses. The brand has also made a public commitment to rely on ethical production practices and sustainably-sourced fabrics. Sizing ranges from XXS to XXXL, and pieces can be worn for everything from hot girl walks to pickleball to hiking. Want to try the viral exercise dress that put Outdoor Voices on the map? The original has adjustable straps, built-in shorts, and sticky grips on the hems of the shorts. But since it first launched, the brand has expanded its dress offerings to include options without shorts, styles in sturdier fabrics, models with built-in bras, and even a golf dress in a shade as vibrant as a freshly watered putting green. Shape Tested Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress Outdoor Voices View On Nordstrom View On Outdoorvoices.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue With just a touch of compression for a body-skimming fit, this dress is made of quick-drying fabric that prevented us from overheating. Heads up: It’s not very supportive, so we’d recommend wearing a bra underneath. I Practically Live in This Viral Workout Dress That's Perfect for Everything From Long Runs to Long Weekends Best for All Ages Athleta Athleta View On Gap.com Why We Like It: The classic, modest cuts are a little less revealing than other brands and come in a wide array of sizes.It’s Worth Noting: Athleta also has an Athleta Girl line for the mini-mes in your life. Owned by Gap, Athleta is definitely a bit more wallet-friendly when it comes to activewear, and yet stands up to bigger name brands such as Adidas and Lululemon thanks to its durable fabrics, technical features, and fashion-forward designs. The brand should be your go-to for running and training apparel, yoga and hiking wear, casual travel style, and even sporty swimwear. We also love the brand’s size range. Not only does Athleta features sizes from XXS to 3X, but they also offer options for petites and talls with varying inseam lengths (which Lululemon does too, FTR). From young girls (via the Athleta Girl line) to older women, Athleta has plenty of options to fit every coverage preference, color scheme, and workout. Shape Tested Athleta Advance Bra B-G 4.4 Athleta View On Gap.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 3/5 Quality 4.5/5 The sculpted foam cups kept everything in place, even when we tested high-impact movements, and we appreciate that there are sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye band closures for adjustability. The 10 Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts of 2023, Tested & Approved Best Matching Sets Gymshark Gymshark View On Gymshark.com Why We Like It: The Insta-friendly matching sets are a chic way to look put together, even for a 5 a.m. workout.It’s Worth Noting: The seamless designs and tight fits are a nuisance for visible panty lines. UK-based Gymshark has become the It brand of social media, with everyone from TikTok stars to Instagram fit-fluencers rocking its infamous second-skin crop tops and booty-lifting leggings. Not to mention, it's become a favorite of celebrities, including Alessandra Ambrosio, Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Garner, Hailey Bieber, and Sarah Hyland. We’ve deemed Gymshark the best workout clothes if matching sets are your thing, with dozens of options in a variety of styles and colors (including a unique long-sleeve crop top that fits like a dream). Just know that if you constantly worry about panty lines, you might not be comfortable in Gymshark leggings. They’re incredibly form-fitting, and the lack of seams makes *any* underwear pretty obvious. Sizes range from XS to XXL, which isn’t as inclusive as brands like Nike or Girlfriend Collective. Shape Tested Gymshark Flex High-Waisted Leggings 4.2 Gymshark View On Gymshark.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4.3/5 Performance 3.8/5 Value 3.9/5 These high-waisted, sweat-wicking leggings feature shaded contouring that is meant to highlight our — ahem — assets. We dug it. I've Been Living In These Celeb-Loved Leggings for a Year Best for On-Trend Activewear FP Movement FP Movement View On Freepeople.com Why We Like It: From crazy cut-outs to a runsie — not a typo — every FP Movement piece is fun and eye-catching.It’s Worth Noting: The workout clothes aren’t as technical or supportive as other activewear brands. Look, sometimes finding the best workout clothes for women means seeking out the pieces that will make you actually excited to go to the gym in the early morning hours. No brand does that better than FP Movement. You’ll find citrus-inspired pops of color, cheeky cutouts, and unique silhouettes, and every item will turn heads (especially, yes, the running onesie). Plus, the workout clothes are comfortable as hell, especially the $30 Happiness Runs crop tank which has become our go-to bralette. While the clothes are absolutely fun to wear, they’re not as technical as other brands (read: they don’t wick sweat as well, and they’re not as supportive). We wouldn’t recommend these for, say, trying to set a marathon PR, but for a casual jog with your pup? Totally. Shape Tested FP Movement Happiness Runs Crop Tank FP Movement View On Dick's View On Freepeople.com View On Publiclands.com We discovered that this oh-so-cozy crop top fits more like a light bralette and comes in literally dozens of colors — you can even buy matching leggings. This Comfy Ribbed Workout Set Gives Me More Confidence Than Any Other Activewear In My Closet Best Size-Inclusive Girlfriend Collective Courtesy of Girlfriend Collective View On Girlfriend.com Why We Like It: Sizes range from XXS to 6XL in every size — truly inclusive.It’s Worth Noting: Sizing runs weirdly small on some items. First launched in 2017, Seattle-based brand Girlfriend Collective has gained a well-earned cult following, including love from celebrities such as Kerry Washington. It's become so popular that products are known to completely sell out on the regular. And why wouldn't they? The eco-conscious activewear brand uses fabric made with recycled water bottles in designing super chic, incredibly comfy essentials, including sports bras, leggings, sweats, and joggers. Plus — our favorite part — they’re truly size-inclusive going from XXS to 6XL in nearly every style and color. While we respect a compressive fit (we love compression leggings, after all), we’ve found through trial and error that some Girlfriend items (such as the Paloma racerback sports bra and the high-rise bike shorts) tend to run small. We’d recommend ordering up. Shape Tested Girlfriend Collective Cleo Halter Bra Girlfriend Collective View On Girlfriend.com We found that this lightweight bra is best suited to low-impact workouts, and the longline band stayed in place with each asana we flowed into. Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Activewear Apparel Best Maternity Beyond Yoga Beyond Yoga View On Amazon View On Beyondyoga.com Why We Like It: The maternity collection is more than an afterthought, with nearly 100 products to shop.It’s Worth Noting: Much of their maternity collection is designed to fit through and beyond pregnancy. Made in California, Beyond Yoga was designed so that every single body would feel comfortable in their own skin. From tanks to leggings and jumpsuits to dresses, the brand not only has a diverse line of athleisure wear, but it's also very inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4XL. Pro tip: The signature, buttery-soft Spacedye fabric is a customer favorite. The maternity line is totally thoughtful, from the “grow in comfort” designs that stretch with your body to the soft, non-squeezing fabric. They even have a dedicated Beyond Birth collection, with nursing tanks, tees, and camis to get you through the fourth trimester. Shape Tested Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging 4.6 Beyond Yoga View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4/5 Durability 4/5 Hold 5/5 One editor described them as “a cross between your favorite flannel and your favorite super-stretchy leggings.” Say less. The 10 Leggings Shape Editors Are Currently Living In Most Versatile ADAY Aday View On Thisisaday.com Why We Like It: Not only will you find activewear, but you’ll also find chic workwear, too.It’s Worth Noting: The gear isn’t very technical and leans more toward “athleisure” than “workout clothes.” If you're looking for athleisure that's more fashion-forward and work-appropriate than your typical gym garb, look to woman-founded brand Aday. The brand's lineup, which includes everything from leggings to sweaters to casual suiting, is made to be technical, seasonless, and sustainable with tailored silhouettes and high-quality fabrics. You could actually create an entire capsule wardrobe from the brand, if you prefer a minimalist look. While the leggings department is well-stocked with high-waisted, move-with-you leggings, most everything else is fashion-first, rather than fitness-first. Save your Aday workout clothes for days when you need to look pulled together but can’t quite muster the strength for hard pants. Our Testing Process Since its inception, our NYC lab has been executing detailed, long-term testing for major activewear categories (sports bras, leggings, running hats, and running jackets, just to name a few). Each individual test lasts around one month and requires testers to use the product a prescribed number of times throughout the testing period (usually at least once a week for at least 30 minutes, depending on the product category). Testers offer detailed analysis on every aspect of the gear, from comfort and durability to features and overall value. To help you differentiate between the best places to buy workout gear for women, we also ask real-world testers to comment on how promptly their product arrives, if everything is in brand-new condition, and if they notice any product defects before using. That way, you can shop confidently knowing that we already vetted the quality control of these workout brands. For this piece specifically, we also highlighted the highest-testing products in each category so you can get a quick, at-a-glance look at the pros and cons of a specific activewear piece from the brand. This offers readers a starting point in their activewear journey (and if you want to dive deeper into specific activewear tests we've done, we've included those links as well). What to Know About Shopping for Workout Clothes Material Most workout clothes will be made from quick-drying, sweat-wicking material, so you don't get cold and damp while you're breaking a major sweat. Certain materials, such as cotton, absorb moisture and can cause chafing on your skin over time. Look for spandex, nylon, polyester, or a combination of the three in your workout clothes to ensure you avoid sweat-drenched clothes. Cost Workout clothes for women can span a vast array of price points, from budget-friendly brands like Champion to premium-priced activewear such as Lululemon or Alo Yoga. When shopping for women's workout clothes, consider whether the cost-per-wear will be acceptable for your workout goals (for example, if you're only going to run once a week, do you need the most expensive running leggings?). You should also consider durability and how the workout clothes will hold up in the wash. Some workout clothes may be expensive investments, but if they last over time and you don't have to replace them every few months, they may be worth the higher cost. Purpose While some workout clothes for women (think: slim-fitting tank tops and mid-rise leggings) are pretty versatile and can work for any type of workout, others have a more singular purpose. Consider whether your favorite way to workout requires specific gear and clothing. For example, you may want to wear close-fitting tops and bottoms while strength training so you're not distracted by extra material. On the other hand, you may appreciate drapey, loose fabric during a yoga class where you're literally going with the flow. Ask a trusted trainer or instructor for advice if you're not sure about the best workout gear to wear. Frequently Asked Questions How do you wash workout clothes? Wash workout clothes in a washing machine in cold water, and without fabric softener (it can damage stretchy fabrics and trap funky smells, FYI). Put sports bras and any other delicate items in a mesh laundry bag. We recommend air-drying most of your workout clothes to keep them in tip-top shape, but if you must use a dryer, use the lowest possible setting. Why Trust Shape Kristen Geil is a senior commerce editor who specializes in fitness clothing, gear, and equipment. She's a NASM-certified personal trainer and has run four marathons, and she's tried every type of workout there is. She recently led Shape's Sneaker Awards and Best in Fitness Awards, both of which involved testing and reviewing hundreds of fitness products to find the best, most highly rated options for Shape's audience. She works closely with the New York City testing lab to recommend products for testing, approve testing methodologies, and oversee testing results and analyses, which gives her extra insight into the best places to buy workout clothes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit