If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that fitness clothes are suitable for much more than working up a sweat. One article of clothing that deserves an extra-special shoutout is the famed workout dress. Equal parts form and function, the easy, breezy one-piece allows you to live your best Sporty Spice fantasy while also being practical enough to actually exercise in.
While workout dresses are nothing new, brands like Outdoor Voices and Girlfriend Collective have done a lot to make the garment a must-have for those of us who don’t play tennis. The best workout dresses combine performance-focused design with on-trend silhouettes and cuts. (After all, no pants and soft, stretchy fabric? What’s not to love?) Ahead, scope out the best barely there styles to live in at the gym and beyond.
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The reviews are in: This may just be the cutest activewear dress ever. The V-neck, crisscross back, and seam detailing are flattering on every bod, and the flouncy skirt moves with every step you take.
What They’re Saying: “I love this so much! I wish they had other colors! It fits amazing, it’s very comfy and amazing material.”
Shop FP Movement
FP Movement Drop Shot Skortsie, $, available at Free People
Looking like you’re going to the gym doesn’t mean you necessarily have to get your sweat on… maybe you just wanna be uber-cozy on your grocery run. Either way, this dress (with pockets) keeps it breezy for on the go or on the couch.
What They’re Saying: “This dress is adorable and amazingly comfortable. Love the soft, sweatshirt-type fabric, the styling and, yes, the pockets! I wore it the same day as I bought it. I added leggings later as the temperature outside cooled. I probably would get another color if it became available.”
Shop Anthropologie
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Flared Mini Tennis Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
A modern classic reimagined in various prints and colors, OV’s sleek, body-skimming exercise dress has won over a legion of fans, thanks to its light-as-air feel and built-in shorts.
What They’re Saying: “This dress is THE BEST! I ordered it not knowing if I’d ever wear it, but I literally can’t stop wearing it. The straps are comfortable, the built-in spandex and sports bra aren’t too tight, and the material is super soft. I want this dress in every color!”
Shop Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Made from a supersoft stretch fabric that doesn’t wrinkle, this exercise dress is a hit among the pack-and-go set. It is also offered in petite, standard, and tall sizes, with petite folks particularly rejoicing for its perfect-length fit.
What They’re Saying: “Super comfy and the petite is the perfect length! I also love the fabric — the spandex-y shorts don’t squeeze, rub on me weird, or run up. This is my new go-to dress when I’m on the run.”
Shop Abercombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
This eco-option is made with 90% recycled plastic bottles and 10% spandex — and features some of the most stylish colorways we’ve seen in a minute. (No wonder it’s selling out quick!)
What They’re Saying: “This has become my go-to summer dress. It’s perfect for date nights or running around town. I love to pair it with a denim jacket and sneakers. It is so comfortable and the Float material is great at absorbing sweat on hot days.”
Girlfriend Collective Naomi Workout Dress, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Lululemon’s fit-and-flare number has hidden bike shorts — with pockets! — to hold small essentials while you keep busy (in the immortal words of Fergie) workin’ on your fitness.
What They’re Saying: “Dual usage for running and as a cute casual dress. You can see the shorts below the skirt, but I don’t mind that, leaves less for others to imagine. The phone pocket is handy[,] and the flouncy skirt covers any bulge from the phone. Material is nice and cool and kept me more comfortable on a four-mile run in hot summer weather. Never thought I’d buy a running dress but I really like it!”
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Court Crush Dress, $, available at Lululemon
Featuring a wide scoop neck and a built-in bodysuit, this sweat-wicking dress is perfect for brunch, spin class, and your weekly Trader Joe’s run.
What They’re Saying: “This is the perfect all-around dress for leisure, hiking, tennis, and more! It’s very comfy and light while being very flattering. I bought it in three colors, and even a couple of friends bought this dress after seeing mine!”
Shop Nike
Nike Nike Bliss Luxe Training Dress Plus Size, $, available at Nike
This easy-breezy dress has four-way stretch and epic sweat-wicking properties. Plus, it comes in the chicest colorways and is made from recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles.
What They’re Saying: “Love this dress! The fabric is buttery soft, slightly athletic material that’s comfy and versatile. The shorts have a pocket on the left side, and the straps are stretchy enough to easily get the dress on & off. The Brick color is super flattering and neutral enough to go with anything. Love it!”
Shop Madewell
MWL Plus Flex Fitness Dress, $, available at Madewell
Beyond Yoga is known for its deliciously soft fabric choices, making this dress one of the most comfortable options for chic lounging.
What They’re Saying: “Absolutely in love with this! I plan to wear it all summer. Built-in bra, compression shorts, super soft fabric – so comfy and cute. What’s not to love, it’s like a romper and yoga pants had a baby. The only thing it’s missing is pockets.”
Shop Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Move It Dress, $, available at Beyond Yoga
A sweetheart neckline dress with cutouts and extra stretch in a baby-blue hue? In other words, you won’t want to take it off.
What They’re Saying: “I bought this dress specifically to wear at Disney. I wanted something comfortable and lightweight to walk around the parks all day and this delivered! I am 5’2 and weigh 160 and this fits so well even with my mommy pouch. Built-in bra and pocket are a plus. Absolutely love it and well worth the price. I was going to order a Halara dress but this is much better and comes with Old Navy quality, you can’t beat that!! Ordering another 😊 100% recommend!!”
Shop Old Navy
Old Navy PowerSoft Fit & Flare Shelf-Bra Support Cutout-Waist, $, available at Old Navy
A subtle sweetheart neckline and buttery-soft fabric make this Alo pick a solid 10/10 in our book.
What They’re Saying: “This dress is so flattering! The material is so soft and stretchy, and it snatches your waist. The built-in shorts are so convenient and the overall cut of the dress is so flattering and beautiful.”
Shop Alo
Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress, $, available at Alo Yoga
With accent piping and a fit-and-flare style throughout, Reformation’s chic workout dress will win you best dressed at the gym, hands down.
Reformation Milana Ecomove Dress, $, available at Reformation
Featuring OV’s DriRelease Pique fabric, this quick-drying dress will keep you easy, breezy, and cool while keeping fit.
What They’re Saying: “This dress is so simple to throw on for a day running errands when the weather is warm. The fabric is lightweight and it’s very comfortable. The collar and buttons give it a nice touch to set it apart from a basic t-shirt dress and the fabric is breathable incase you get warm. I threw it on for errands and received several compliments but I imagine it would also be great for active activities like golfing or walking. The length was also great. I was never worried if it was too short.”
Shop Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices Birdie Polo Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Hit the links in style with this golf-inspired dress, featuring a sporty neckline and HEAT.RDY technology to keep you cool on the green.
What They’re Saying: “I’m 5’7” and it fits perfectly on length not short at all. Breathable material that allows me to teach and play in without having to worry if it’s loose. Also looks really smart.”
Shop Adidas
Adidas Sport Heat.Rdy Sleeveless Dress, $, available at Adidas
While some workout dresses are better suited for everyday casual wear, this style from Sweaty Betty actually holds up during intense cardio sessions, like HIIT and running, as one reviewer raved.
What They’re Saying: “I was initially apprehensive about wearing a dress to workout but WOW I was wrong! This dress is not only flattering and comfortable, it’s versatile. After a restorative yoga class (and forgotten change of clothes), I threw on lipstick and turned this into a sporty cocktail dress.”
Shop Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty Power Workout Dress, $, available at Sweaty Betty
An A-line dress with extra stretch in a crisp white hue? In other words, you won’t want to take it off.
What They’re Saying: “This doesn’t have the built-in shorts like other brands’ version of this dress, but I almost like that better for bathroom purposes. Probably will be purchasing a second one because I could wear this every day.”
Old Navy Sleeveless PowerSoft Performance Racer-Back Mini Swing, $, available at Old Navy
Featuring OV’s most sweat-wicking fabric yet, this ultra-supportive dress makes sports bras totally optional — here for it.
What They’re Saying: “I had some challenges finding the right fit (the bra band runs really small), but worth trying bc this dress is amazing. Super flattering, cooling material, moves with you and doesn’t wrinkle, looks hot, what’s not to love? I actually appreciate that it doesn’t have built-in shorts bc I just added my own underneath and it’s so much easier to pee.”
Shop Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices Powerhouse Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Hit the links in style with this golf-inspired dress, featuring a sporty half-zip and accent stripes.
What They’re Saying: “I really like this dress. It’s very slim fitting, but pairs well with tights and brogues to style it as a more collegiate look. Amazing range from the 50th year anniversary of the Originals collection.”
Shop Adidas
Adidas Originals Class of 72 Polo Dress, $, available at Adidas
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