If you’re someone who looks for any excuse to leave a workout early (same), having the right kind of exercise clothes and comfortable sneakers is absolutely essential. After all, no one likes fussing with a rolled-up waistband that simply won’t stay put or fixing annoying straps while at the gym or on a hot girl walk. Our solution? Hitting up Amazon on Prime Big Deal Days (which, big sigh, ends tonight at midnight PST BTW) so you never waste your precious money or workout time on less-than-average activewear for a really great price.
Some people who tested these workout clothes went on literal marathons, which is practically the most impressive thing of all time. Others wore ’em to work from home (camera OFF, thankyouverymuch), which is also a fab use of these comfy clothes. From workouts with low intensity (think: barre and pilates) to ones that are much more high-intensity (jumping squats and burpees, hello!), these picks are ready to move with you regardless of your activity level, even if that’s from the couch to the kitchen. ;)
Our top picks for the best workout clothes for women in 2024:
Ahead, shop all the very best leggings and sweatpants, sneakers, sports bras, workout tops, and more.
1. This Everyday Tank
Grab this breathable tank in all 15 (seriously cute) colors. You’ll love how comfortable it is for everyday wear—and the fact that it goes with everything.
2. This Stanley Cup Dupe
OK, this technically doesn't count as workout clothes BUT, it's a v important workout accessory—and can def make your look. Want the cooling abilities of the Stanley cup without actually spending the money? Check out this dupe that works just as well (take it from me), and is even more discounted.
3. This Workout Set
Sucker for a matching set? You’ll love this sports bra and legging duo. TBH, you’re gonna be so obsessed with this pairing that you’ll want it in all the colors. (And there are a lot.)
4. These Celeb-Loved Leggings
Did you know Alo Yoga was on Amazon? Yeah, I didn’t either, but you bet I spent all of my $$$ on the same leggings that Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, Katie Holmes, and the Hadid sisters sport. ’Nuff said.
Glowing Review: “Love these. They fit perfectly and are very flattering,” writes one tester. “I do the cardio equipment and weights at the gym. Like a good support shoe, I like good support leggings and tops while working out. I will wear A LOT!!!”
5. This Trucker Hat
When I go to the gym, I love to throw a big ol’ hat on to cover up my messy hair and throw in my earplugs. Plus, this cutie has a smiley face, so when your workout is killing you, it’ll cheer you up (hopefully).
Glowing Review: “I absolutely love this hat!” reads one review. “It has great quality and is absolutely amazing. For only 20 dollars, it’s a no-brainer! Great product. 👍”
6. This Zip-Up Bra for Max Support
As someone with a larger chest, the thought of running (or, moving in general) without a maximum support sports bra makes me scared. I swear by this Victoria’s Secret ultra-breathable one that gets the job done. Plus, it’s available in sizes from 32B to 40DDD.
Glowing Review: “Max hold alright, they weren’t kidding,” reads one review. “Not a thing is going to shift in this thing when it’s on. I love that I don’t have to pull it over my head and roll it on.”
7. These Flutter Shorts
Available in so many different hues (bold or classic), these drawstring shorts are soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The elastic inner layer provides support, while the outer layer allows you to move freely and comfortably.
Glowing Review: “So silky soft, so comfortable,” notes one tester. “Very flattering. These aren’t high-waisted but they’re not low-waisted either—definitely more of a natural waist. I have thicker muscular thighs and the tighter layer don’t cut in at all.”
8. This Lil Tennis Skirt
Leave it to Venus Williams to create a line of activewear that’s as cute as it is functional. This mini tennis skirt would look iconic on anyone—on or off the court.
9. These Cute Running Shorts
If you’re a fan of running shorts that fit loosely around the legs but still keep you covered, consider this pair a win.
Glowing Review: “I ordered more the first day I wore them because they are cute and comfy! I got a ton of compliments and pointed a fellow yoga lover to them because the matching mesh briefs mean all the cheeks and bits stay decent. Even during a handstand! Totally worth the price!”
10. This Bright-Blue Sports Bra
Who says activewear can’t look a lil spicy? This sports bra from Savage X Fenty is perfect for showing some extra skin while you work out.
11. These Sporty Joggers
Perfect for outdoor runs during the fall and winter or lounging around the house watching Netflix, this pair of joggers is a no-brainer.
12. These Ribbed Bike Shorts
These ribbed bike shorts are a cute and trendy pick for low-impact days (or movie marathons). They're high-waisted for added comfort and have the coolest texture.
13. This Workout Dress
The workout dress has quickly become an activewear must-have. Wear while playing tennis, pickleball, or squash—or with a cute jacket while running errands.
14. This Longline Bra
If you love Lululemon’s best-selling Align Tank Top, then you’ll love this longline bra which touts the same slim fit and thick material.
Glowing Review: “I LOVE!! I recently bought the Align Tank Top from Lululemon for $58 and absolutely love it (size 12) and was sooo happy to find this because it is 100 percent comparable....It supports my girls during a workout and is also well-made. The material on my stomach has room and doesn’t squeeze my skin.”
15. These Quick-Drying Shorts
Before you scroll past these quick-drying, lightweight Under Armour shorts, let me inform you that they have 4.7 stars and over 21,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Not to mention, these beauts are available in several colors to match whatever your workout ~vibe~ is.
Glowing Review: “Hands down my new favorite pair of running shorts. They are so comfortable, lightweight, and fit just as expected!! I am 5'8" and 155 lbs and medium fit me perfectly and aren’t too short!”
16. This Workout Top With Built-In Bra
Is it a crop top or a sports bra? Trick question! It’s both! Wear this workout top—which has removable pads for light support—to the gym, then wear it out as a top with your friends. But, like, wash it in between, k?
Glowing Review: “The material is thick and supportive. Tbh, I’m surprised how good the material is for only $20. I’m totally going to be purchasing more. SIZE UP FOR SURE. Also, you can totally wear this daily—you would never know it’s gym material.”
17. These Slim-Fit Sweats
This pair of lightweight joggers made from a soft, stretchy, non-see-through fabric is perfect for a jog, but they’re also great for yoga, Pilates, or just running errands. With more than 72,000 (!!) positive reviews and over 150 (!!) colors, a lot of people who tested them ended up buying multiple pairs.
Glowing Review: “Imagine microfiber, how it’s light and has a smooth texture, and then imagine if microfiber and velvet had a baby. This is that baby! It’s light and smooth like microfiber but also has some of the warmth and texture (not *quite* fuzzy but holds warmth still). VERY comparable to suede.”
18. These Stretch Capris
If you get warm easily (same), you’re gonna want to snag a pair of these capri leggings stat. With a wide waistband and some added spandex for stretch plus a wide size range (1X to 5X!), you’ll probably end up living in these.
Glowing Review: “Fit perfectly, went for a 5-mile bike ride my first time wearing them, and they stayed perfectly in place and didn’t get too hot. They look super cute too!”
19. This Long-Sleeve Workout Top
Just because it’s long-sleeve doesn’t mean you’re gonna burn up wearing this crop top. Made with a lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, this top will help you stay cool and controlled during your workouts.
Glowing Review: “I wear a 36DD and was worried this was going to fit weird. I absolutely love this top! It’s perfect for the gym and makes my arms look smaller than they are with just as much comfort!”
20. These Wide-Waistband Shorts
Amazon reviewers love these running shorts for the ultra-wide waistband that helps them stay in place for the whole ride. So whether you’re hitting the treadmill or the sidewalk, these are a must.
Glowing Review: “I have had these for several months now and they are my favorite!!...I’m 5'4" 130ish and the small is perfect. They are comfy, the perfect length, flattering, and come in great colors. I got tired of washing these all the time so I just ordered every color and can’t wait to get them!!”
21. This Fully Supportive Sports Bra
Raise your hand if you currently wear two sports bra at once. Well, now you don’t have to because this wire-free sports bra with a high neckline, adjustable straps, and hook-and-eye closure provides all the support with none of the bounce or spillage.
Glowing Review: “This bra is the best sport bra I’ve ever had and the most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn. I’m a 36H. I spend my life looking for a good one. I found it. I wear it as often as I can, even when I’m not working out. It holds my shape perfectly. No bulging under the arms or on the back. No boob slip during exercise. And I can breath while my breasts are perfectly stable.”
22. These Top-Rated Yoga Pants
You might know these as a dupe for a much more expensive pair of yoga pants, but soon you’ll just know them as your favorite yoga pants. They feel like you’re wearing nothing but still keep you fully covered with opaque fabric—it’s easy to see how they’re a number one bestseller.
Glowing Review: “These leggings 100 percent live up to the hype! They are incredibly comfortable and fit perfectly, providing just the right amount of compression and stretch. (For reference, I am a size 4 in Lululemon leggings—5'4"/115 lbs—and the XS fit like a glove.) They appear to be very well constructed, based off the quality of fabric and stitching.
23. This Cute, Nostalgic Skort
Skorts are back, baby!! But I mean, for us ’90s kids, did they ever really go out of style? Personally, I love the idea of being able to get the skirt look without panicking about accidentally flashing people when a strong gust blows through. These are a fave bc (a) they’re pretty budget-friendly, (b) there are so many colors to choose from, and (c) the material is easy to move in.
Glowing Review: “I don’t want to always be in leggings or workout shorts and these are perfect. They’re a little shorter than I was hoping, but they are super comfortable, will be able to wear with slip ons, sneakers, or sandals, and have all the benefits of workout attire while looking like a little skirt when paired with a cute top. I bought four.”
24. These Timeless Headbands
Don’t knock a classic. These plain white cotton headbands by Wilson have been around forever and the design has remained pretty much unchanged for decades. There’s a reason for that, though, and it’s because these WORK. Because they’re made of cotton (no weird poly blends here, thx), they absorb a lot of sweat and the band rarely loses its shape. Did I mention they’re less than $5 rn?!
Glowing Review: “I love this headband because it is made of 100% cotton so is very absorbent, unlike microfiber or polyester blends. This reminds me of the headbands I was buying 30 years ago. I’m not ashamed to say it, but I do sweat a lot when I work out and this definitely keeps the sweat out of my eyes. Will definitely be buying the Wilson headband again.”
25. This Simple Layerable Tank
When you don’t wanna overthink your workout look, a plain tank and black leggings will more than do. This tank top is a bestseller not only for its affordability but also for its length—several reviewers report that it hits at the right spot along the body and the fabric is v comfortable. Wins all around!
Glowing Review: “The tank is lightweight, and the fabric is soft and comfortable. I ordered an XL and it fits perfectly. It is not tight or fitted, and it skims along my curves. I’m 5'10" and it is long enough to cover my back and stomach while working out. It did not ride up, and I’ll definitely be ordering a few more of these tanks.”
26. These Wave-Catching Board Shorts
Even if you never got to live out your Blue Crush fantasies and didn’t learn how to surf (hi, it’s me), you can still rock these bbs while chilling poolside with a margarita in hand. They’re the optimal length for providing more coverage than walking around in just your swimsuit, and they dry SO fast. Throw on a graphic tee, a puka shell necklace, and you’ve re-created a peak late ’90s, early ’00s look.
Glowing Review: “So, remember those old board shorts from the ’90s? FOUND THEM!!!!! When I am poolside or wandering with a suit, I’m normally comfier with shorts on than those dress cover-ups. They are just as great as they used to be, dry very quick. Recommend 100%.”
What clothes are best for working out?
It depends on the type of exercise and intensity! Obviously, huge caveat here: Whatever makes you feel adequately covered and comfortably supported is right for you. Sometimes you need to experiment—one pair of shorts that’s perfect for a quick jog is not the pick for a 5k, but you might not know that until you try. Also, beyond checking the reviews, the product description will often tell you the intensity level of exercise it’s designed for.
Low-impact exercise
Leggings and a fitted top can work beautifully here (as opposed to shorts, which might ride up or—even more fun—flash someone). I learned this the hard way during my first barre class, where the focus is flexibility and movement. This is the place to potentially show off a lil fashion without worrying about whether the clothes can keep up.
Medium-impact exercise
You can split the difference here: If you wanna go with a two-piece set, you can probably get away with it, but we’re starting to get into the territory of “activity can make clothes bunch and slide up.” Wear something that’s more breathable—nothing that’s made of all cotton, in other words—with some spandex or stretchy material built in. Choose shorts with an inner lining so you can skip the undies and still feel supported.
High-impact exercise
Break out the heavy-duty stuff here: The super-supportive, holds-everything-in-place sports bra. The shorts or leggings that don’t budge and wick sweat away. The top that absolutely will not ride up no many how many jumping jacks you do. If the product has descriptive words like “for heavy/intense exercise,” then you’re on the right track. Also, you’re probably gonna be shelling out more for the good stuff.
What should I wear or not wear to the gym?
Um, same caveat as above! There are no hard and fast rules here (beyond the rules set by the gym), but there are a few best practices that might make you feel comfortable while you break a sweat.
Don’t wear your fashion sneakers
Really invest in footwear: Trust me. The majority of my exercise-related injuries either happened because I was wearing old, worn-out footwear or because I wasn’t properly stretching before and after. The good news is, most brands will tell you which shoes they recommend for which intensity, and you can go to a running store to be fitted for your specific needs.
Don’t just wear your regular clothes
I mean—this one should be obvious, but the number of people I’ve seen exercising in jeans would surprise you. Obviously, you can wear regular clothes to the gym, but a standard bra won’t support you. Your clothes, especially your pants, won’t allow for much flexibility. You’re probably going to sweat at least a little, even if it’s low-intensity work and you don’t want to walk around the rest of the day feeling...damp.
Don’t go for low-impact outfits if you’re gonna level up
If you don’t know how intense your workout is gonna be (especially with a new gym), anticipate you might run, jump, or otherwise move around. Breaking out your most fashionable matching set is great, but you don’t wanna be tugging at it every 30 seconds. A cool, strappy sports bra is fine for yoga but not so much for something more movement-heavy.
Don’t forget the squat test
Stand in front of a mirror in your leggings with some strong overhead lighting. Bend allllll the way down in a deep squat. Can you see skin/your underwear through your leggings? This is really just to make sure the material is opaque enough to do heavy exercise without accidentally flashing anyone. And again, my lighter leggings are great for barre but *so bad* for high-intensity exercise.
Here’s how we chose all these cute selects.
Cosmo’s fashion team is constantly curating the internet to bring you the chicest, trendiest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.